RIP David Rusk, USMNT win, and more: Monday Freedom Kicks
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend. For me, it was capped off by completing my 43rd lap around the sun on Sunday, which was a very nice day. However, we lead with some sad news we received over the weekend about one of our own:
Former Mayor David Rusk, 85, champion of transit, Downtown, passes away (City Desk ABQ)
We want to send our condolences to the family and friends of David Rusk, a long-time member of our soccer community who passed away last week. It felt like everyone knew Mayor Rusk, who was the mayor of Albuquerque before he came to DC and was a part of this great soccer community. I worked with him back in 2014 to help secure passage of the bill that gave us Audi Field (at Buzzard Point, he would alway say). It was great to work with him on that, but even better to chat with him in the concourse at matches. He was always nice, loved our Spirit and DC United, and literally put his time and effort behind getting them the home they have right now. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to any of the Washington Spirit Community Impact Partners.
Rest well, David. We will miss you.
Macario brace boosts USWNT past Italy for win (SSFC)
Cat Macario had a brace as the USWNT beat Italy in their first of 2 matchups on Black Friday. The second one is this evening, the final match of 2025 for the women.
MLS Cup 2025 is set! Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
Inter Miami stomped out NYCFC and Vancouver Whitecaps took out San Diego FC to set up this weekend’s MLS Cup final. Who do you have in that one?
Danilo da Silva header secures Flamengo Copa Libertadores triumph over Palmeiras (AP)
Flamengo wins 1-0 over Brasileiro rival Palmeiras to win their 4th Copa Libertadores.
What does the World Cup roster look like today? (SSFC)
I did some writing over the weekend to look at what the World Cup roster would be for the USMNT were the tournament to start today. I also did a full roster analysis of the goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. We even look at the depth on the squad and how it’s come along in the past year.
Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí sidelined with broken leg (ESPN)
Bonmatí has a broken leg, which will keep her out for Spain and Barcelona for an extended period.
U.S. Soccer proposes 14 host stadiums for 2031 Women’s World Cup bid (PSW)
The bid book is out for the 2031 USA/Mexico/Jamaica/Costa Rica bid, and US Soccer has the proposed host stadiums. One of the ones they put forth is the new Commander stadium that will be built on the RFK site with a projected opening of 2030. That stadium, in my opinion, would not only host games, it would be on the shortlist to host the Women’s World Cup Final in 2031.
USMNT star Tyler Adams scores from near halfway line for Bournemouth (ESPN)
Tyler Adams, my man! He scores an incredible chip of the keeper from 45 yards out in Premier League action this weekend.
USA Soccercast, Episode 164: Analyzing the World Cup Draw options (SSFC)
On my latest episode, I discuss the pots for the upcoming World Cup Draw, which will be at the Kennedy Center on Friday, and I opine on which teams would be ideal or tough options for the USMNT.
Iran to boycott World Cup draw over visa issues (PSW)
The World Cup Draw will not have anyone from the Iran delegation. They had several members denied a visa to attend the Draw, and they have all decided to just stay home rather than only have a select few be there.
To close out, as I normally do when I get a birthday Kicks, is post a link to the greatest album of all time, which was born on the same exact date as me. Happy birthday (yesterday), Thriller.
I haven’t seen it mentioned yet, but I do enjoy that the MLS Cup final is being contested between the two geographically farthest teams in the league.
As seen in this tweet from Pablo, Benteke’s Instagram story seems to indicate that he will not be coming back to DC:
https://x.com/MLSist/status/1995560521240903888
It is a shame, but I don’t necessarily think that moving on from him is the wrong call.
Yeah, he’s still definitely got some left in the tank, but we started to see a bit of a decline this year. Would have loved to have him back, but as long as we actually get a replacement, this could be the right call
Yeah. I don’t think you’re going to get a one-to-one “replacement” per se. But they do have the ability to get three DPs now to really remake the team and the attack. Jason Levien has said they’ll max out their DP slots, and I’d hope just from a vibes perspective that they don’t wait until the summer window to fill those slots. I also am hoping that they don’t go with the 2 DP/4 U22 plan unless they’re planning to use that extra allocation money to throw a “can’t refuse” offer at Dayne St. Clair.
Anyway, Benteke was awesome, but gave us a very particular way of playing. Three new DPs can provide a bit more variety, although it’s also necessary for the team to sign players that accomodate to MLS as well as Benteke did.
Yeah, by replacement I mostly just meant “a good striker” and less so a Benteke Copy. If we sign Munteanu or someone else and if they can be productive in the range of Ola Kamara or Benteke, that would sure be appreciated.
For all the goals he did score, it’s a little harsh for Pablo to call this one of the great wastes of a highly ‘effective and productive’ highly-paid player. With respect to he money he was paid, sure — but the eye test shows so much more. Benteke wasted so many chances. As good as he was in the air, he was terrible with his feet.
Wasteful as he could be (he might’ve smashed the goalscoring record last season otherwise), I’d say it’s not too much of a hyperbole. He was part of a hodgepodge of veteran talent that didn’t fit well together under Rooney. Lesesne got an amazing year from him before pretty much abandoning whatever worked (and/or it didn’t work anymore because of regression and lost players). Weiler doesn’t seem to want to play route 1 all the time. We were never really built to take advantage of his abilities other than the hot flash last season when things came together.
If he were to stay in MLS, would DC be able to get any compensation from the team that signs him? I’m not expecting much these days, just enough to keep a quietly important depth piece on the team…
If they extend him a bona-fide offer, and if he then went and signed anywhere else in the world that’s not MLS, DC would retain his rights if he ever wanted to come back to MLS in the future (unlikely at his age, but possible). If he signs anywhere else in the league, DC would receive nothing, as he would be a free agent, essentially no different than Barazza or MacNaughton
Goff notes that talks between DC and Benteke are still ongoing, so he still may be back
I’m a little bummed. I made the call to get a Benteke jersey last season. However, I feel like that will always be one that can be worn around.
That being said, I really enjoyed his time here. He was one of the bright spots over the last few years.
I’d like to take a moment to thank David Rusk for making things so enjoyable. He’d whisk us away to Argentina, extoll Rugby, create Tales from Buzzard Point (to which he badgered me to contribute a few pieces), and generally talk entertaining shop.
I would imagine we would all be better people if we don’t forget his gentle and priceless company.
To be missed for sure….thank you again, David.
I made sure to ride the free buses when I was in Albuquerque. He was a great man.
Mayor Rusk was certainly quite the character. Unforgettable, if you ever had the pleasure to chat with him. He will missed for sure. One couldn’t say that about most of us in DCU fandom. He was a singularity.
RIP Mayor Rusk. He was a great historian for all the mystical happenings at Buzzard Point:
https://www.dcustadium.org/?m=1
On the USMNT and Miami FC, I’d love for Pochettino to take a look — I guess there isn’t the time to take a long look — at Rocco Rios Novo.
Hard to imagine how he could get integrated in time for the World Cup, but I think he might be our best goalkeeping prospect.
For no reason I can understand, the USA has stunk recently in terms of producing top goalkeepers — maybe it’s got something to do with the decline of baseball playing (or maybe basketball also in decline)? Anyway, Rios Novo has been magically dropped in our laps and he was born in Los Angeles. And, we have an Argentinean manager. The time is right to pounce and get him to switch.
He’s a wicked good shot-stopper, and has trained in one of the top academies in Argentina. With his move here, he seems to be indicating an openness to it. Had he been starting for Miami all year, and playing at the level he’s showing now, I think he might already be Poch’s No 1.
I will miss the wit and wisdom of Mr. David Rusk. Fair winds and following seas.