USWNT takes on New Zealand, Postseason News for Soccer Clubs Involved, and More: Wednesday Freedom Kicks
Happy Hump Day, District Press readers! Have at it, found some stuff for you to peruse.
In case you missed this, Donald has a survey to collect your very own brain data about DC United. Interact with this!
Ryan has some analysis, not only of the USL regular season loss Loudoun suffered to North Carolina, but how they could fare in the upcoming playoffs against the same opponent. Take a look!
Super Falcons Coach Justin Madugu Has Provided an Update on Okoronkwo and Abiodun Injuries– Daily Sports
Not a lot of info here, but Deborah Abiodun is being evaluated for a knock sustained during the international break playing for Nigeria. Here’s hoping she’s able to bounce back before The Spirit begin their playoff campaign next week.
How to Watch: USWNT vs. New Zealand– US Soccer
NGL, this very nearly slipped by me and my home recording functions. The USWNT has one more game to go this international window tonight at 8 PM eastern. Tune in to see the progress after losing and then winning against Portugal.
Why are USWNT players leaving the NWSL for Europe?– ESPN
This narrative is getting more and more attention from those following the women’s soccer scene
Man United’s Tullis-Joyce: ‘Never understood’ UWCL intensity until now– ESPN
The apparent #1 goalkeeper for the USWNT opens up about her recent eye-opening experience playing in the Champions League.
AC Milan Deliver Christian Pulisic Ultimatum to Pochettino, USMNT—Report– Sports Illustrated
AC Milan, Christian Pulisic’s employer at the club level, are making it clear to USMNT coach Pochettino that they don’t want him called up for the November international break, regardless of his fitness at that time. Things continue to be tense between the two camps. It speaks to Pulisic’s importance to both sides, but it’s not ideal as the World Cup looms on the horizon.
Gio Reyna deflects blame for USMNT controversy, aims for World Cup return– The Guardian
Gio hasn’t doesn’t done his talking on the field in a long time. The press is still listening, so he’s taking the opportunity to do some talking to them. Sigh.
The Americans Abroad Five: Alarm bells ringing– Pro Soccer Wire
The good news, Brenden Aaronson had a good game for his club and may be on the right path to regain top form. The bad news is copious.
Lionel Messi says MLS must loosen spending rules in order to thrive– The Guardian
Messi opines that teams should be able to bring in whatever players they want without restrictions. Let them eat entourage. He also reveals that he plans to play at the 2026 World Cup. “I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.” That’s… a lot of percent for this guy at this point in his career.
MLS playoffs: FC Cincinnati takes Game 1 of ‘Hell is Real’, Minnesota tops Seattle on PKs– The Guardian
Here’s a whip-around of the playoff goings on that DC United is most assuredly not involved in after seizing the wooden spoon like an infant that saw liquid chocolate on one.
NWSL’s KC Current, SD Wave to play in World Sevens Football– ESPN
For those unfamiliar with World Sevens Football, read on about two NWSL teams that are jumping onboard this intriguing sports train. Frankly a shame that The Spirit didn’t decide to participate.
Kansas City unveils plan for its free 2026 World Cup fan fest– The Athletic
Finally, this seems like a fun idea from Kansas City as the 2026 World Cup comes into focus.
That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
I also posted a game thread for tonight’s match, obviously several hours away, but here it is for future reference:
https://thedistrictpress.com/2025/10/29/uswnt-vs-new-zealand-october-2025-friendly-preview-time-and-how-to-watch/
World 7s really was fun this past summer in Europe. More goals, more tricks. I am partial to indoor soccer. I do think that it could become a decent tournament if it continues on its current trajectory.
Ah, what would a week be without the Reynas?
I wonder if they have dirt on Poch?
Maybe Gio has an attitude problem? A great deal of talent, yes, but unrealized potential?
It would be great for the US if he was ever able to back up his belief in himself…but it’s not looking great for him. There are three guys who currently would start over him even if he was healthy.
That was a screwup by USSF having the second game in Denver. Maybe Pulisic still gets hurt. But I think moving from hot to cold weather increased the likelihood. And I think AC Milan has to take a PR move by pulling this ultimatum to Pooch. I hope that with a month, they’ll relent. But it’s not good when club and country are in a pissing match.
As for Gio, he claims he’s past it all yet he brings it up and doesn’t own any of what happened. I’m afraid he’s going to be the equivalent of Freddie Adu–a world of potential that never gets realized when it counts for the National Team.