“Spirit of the Rules”, Carter Takes Over, USOC Format Changes, Power FC Awards, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks
Happy Thursday everyone! Yesterday was one of those news days that was mostly a quiet soccer news day that was bookened by the huge Spirit news. The new President of Soccer Operations news dropped just as I was rolling into work. The Trinity Rodman contract news broke just I was trying to call it a night. I am curious to see were things go today. Let’s get to the news.
This is huge news for the Spirit. Having Haley Carter is huge for the Spirit. She knows how to build a contender on the pitch and is a heckuva person. If you haven’t read André’s excellent write up of just how accomplished the President of Soccer Operations is, do yourself a favor and read it now.
Trinity Rodman’s Multimillion-Dollar Deal Rejected by NWSL (Bloomberg $)
Haley Carter described resigning Trinity Rodman as “top priority”. It looks like the league itself will be the the biggest impediment to that goal. The Spirit reportedly offered Rodman a multimillion dollar deal and she was reportedly going to accept. Commissioner Jessica Berman rejected it because it violated the “spirit of the rules”. (Huh?) This is not over as the NWSLPA have reportedly filed a grievance.
I have so many thoughts about this on the implications of this for the Spirit and for the league’s ability to recruit an retain some of the best players in the world.
Two Power FC Players Named to Gainbridge Super League November Team of the Month (DC Power)
DC Power’s captain Susanna Fitch and forward Gianna Gourley were both selected to the Gainbridge Super League’s November Team of the Month. This is Gourley’s second Team of the Month selection this season. Power FC travel to the Cotton Bowl to take on Dallas Trinity FC this Saturday.
International Roundup: How Did Spirit and DC Power Players Do For Their Countries? (DP)
While many of us were watching the Weezy, Croix and company take on Cantore and Italy, there were some truly insane score lines and goal tallies by individual players in other matches featuring Spirit and Power FC players.
Cowell reportedly set to join New York Red Bulls on loan from Chivas (Pro Soccer Wire)
The Atlantic Cup will feature more USMNT flavor next season as the Energy Drinks bring Cowell on a year loan.
Sources: US Open Cup Changing Format for 2026 (Southeast Soccer Report)
For this year it looks US Soccer is tweaking the oldest tournament in the country by mandating that the professional side feature 16 teams from each of the professional divisions. Thirty-two amateur teams will complete the field.
Goff breaks down everything you need to know about tomorrow’s World Cup draw. I used to think I would be super excited for this, but the best I’ve been able to muster is “This is a really weird assortment of celebrities and athletes.”
From USWNT Icons to Media Stars, Mewis Sisters Find Freedom in New Podcast (SI)
If you are looking for a soccer-related podcast to listen to after finishing the latest Hey Spirits! this might be worth a shot.
Oguchi Onyewu to Receive 2025 Honorary All-American Recognition (United Soccer Coaches)
Congrats to a local guy and USMNT legend!
Germany to host Women’s Euro 2029 after pledging to smash ticket sales record (The Guardian)
Slightly less than four years from now, Spirit and Power FC players may spend part of their summer in Germany. The tournament has the potential have huge attendance numbers. The largest arena that will be used, Bayern’s Allianz Arena, has double the capacity of the largest arena from this past summer’s tournament. The smallest German stadium, Wolfsburg’s Volkswagen Arena, has greater capacity than all but three of those used in Switzerland.
Rebecca Lowe Joins FOX Sports as FIFA World Cup 2026 Host (Fox Sports)
Rebecca Lowe is going to have one busy 2026. Premier League and Olympic coverage with NBC and then host Fox’s World Cup show.
Mission impossible? How this amateur women’s soccer team plans to keep advocating and go pro (CNN)
I love seeing the Aurora get attention they deserve. Its a great experience. (To be transparent, I am one of the community investors.)
What did I miss?
DC announced this morning that they WILL be taking part in the US Open Cup next year, so they seem to be one of the lucky teams that gets to join. Glad we were allowed to compete this time
Loudoun will also be participating, so we’ll be represented well. Here’s the breakdown of teams competing:
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/12/format-schedule-participating-teams-finalized-for-2026-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup
At this point I think Kang should just sign Trinity at either London City or OL just out of spite.
Funny how months ago, we were all up in arms about her potentially doing this. I don’t really know if it would be the right move for Trinity either – how would her teammates feel about her being favored by the owner? It probably wouldn’t matter with OL since Giraldez is there. I just want her to be healthy, productive and happy.
At OL, she’d probably be the best forward instantly for a team that doesn’t have much serious competition, while being completely ok to recover if she’s struggling at any point.
For the Lionesses, she’d have more pressure to play in a more competitive league, and would be fighting uphill to get the fledgling org champions league status over a few seasons.
Something tells me Trin’s competitive spirit would enjoy the latter, but could be persuaded to joint the American contingent in Lyon.
Edit: Lyon not pressured in the league; they are almost certainly gonna qualify for Champions League competition every season
Lyon food scene >>> London food scene
Just saying…
Agreed on the happy, healthy, and productive.
The psychology of this could be interesting. Would the rest of the team view it as favoritism or the owner doing right by their friend. It could build or destroy trust depending on how its perceived.
Honestly, I think the ire is focued squarely on Berman and (if people are a bit more savvy) the owners using her as a PR shield to keep top salaries low. The other owners are also more than happy for Rodman not to compete in NWSL anymore as competition and marketing clout for a rival.
The collective just gave Kang license to do this as a “last resort.” Spirit fans will be heartbroken, but I doubt the fervor would directed toward Kang at this juncture.
Exactamundo!
Just put Trinity in a Miami pink jersey, and the money will flow…..
-Darth Garber
Shhh, don’t let David Beckham know how he could create a Miami FC affiliated women’s team in the frankly pretty crappy knockoff league for practically nothing, and make hubristic moves like this at will!
Assuming Donald will have a DC-specific version of this for us soon, but the general results and analysis of the sixonefive survey have been posted. Pretty interesting read.
https://www.sixonefivesoccer.com/2025-mls-fan-survey/