More D.C. United Moves, NWSL Interest In Macario, A La Liga First, FIFA End of Year Rankings, and More: Tuesday Freedom Kicks
Welcome to Tuesday everyone. I’ve got the spot start today. After a long lull, the D.C. United news continues to come in at a good clip. We’ve got teams potential looking to use the Rodman Rule to bring USWNT talent back to the US. On top of that it was a busy weekend for American men in Europe. So lets get to the headlines.
Reported last week, D.C. United completed the deal with RBNY that sees Sean Nealis arrive at Buzzard Point in exchange for $350,000 in Garber bucks.
Reports indicate the Black and Red are looking reinforcements as they look to avoid capturing the Wooden Spoon again in 2026.
According to our very own statistics guru, Blasian, last year Johnson conceded 41 goals on 51.9 PSxG (or 10.9 goals less than he should have.) That was most in MLS. When viewed per 90, his .35 was second best to Matt Turner among keepers with five or more 90s.
MLS offseason needs: What every team is seeking for 2026 (The Athletic $)
The Athletic identified a bevy of needs for DCU, including at keeper, center back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and in the attack. United has taken steps to address some of these needs through the acquisitions of Baribo and Nealis and through the draft.
Crossover Soccer Star Sofia Cantore (Fra Noi)
A Italian-American publication out of the Chicago area doing a profile and interview with the Spirit’s Sofia Cantore wasn’t on my bingo card for today. In the interview, Cantore highlights some of the differences between the play in Italy and the US, as well as cultural differences. I wasn’t aware of the family ties she had to the DMV. Overall, a nice piece.
USWNT, Chelsea forward Macario draws NWSL interest – sources (ESPN)
This very much looks like wishful thinking on the part of some NWSL teams at this point or a negotiating ploy to create leverage on behalf of Macario’s team. The ability to bring Macario to any NWSL club is contingent on the implementation of High Impact Player rule (aka Rodman Rule), but that proposal seems dead in the water.
Matarazzo becomes first American to coach in La Liga (Pro Soccer Wire)
The Garden State native will take over for Real Sociedad. His contract will run through the end of the 2026-2027, which while not perfectly lining up would put him in a position to take over the USMNT should the head coach position open up after this World Cup cycle.
It was a busy weekend for American’s in Europe, as 21 players saw the field. Highlights from the weekend included McKennie assisting on Loïs Openda’s first Seria A goal and Sergiño Dest assisting on Ricardo Pepi’s goal in PSV Eindhoven’s win over Utrecht.
Latest Men’s World Ranking (FIFA)
The US finishes 15th for the year. Their opponents for the upcoming World Cup, Australia and Paraguay, finish 26th and 30th respectively. Among the UEFA playoff participants, Türkiye finished 25th, Slovakia was 45th, Romania was 47th, and Kosovo finished 80th,
Liverpool Confirm Alexander Isak Surgery, Reveal Worrying Injury Timeline (SI)
An already frustrating campaign for the defending Premier League champions has reached a new level of dreadful. Isak had surgery on his ankle and a broken tibia. His recovery timeline is unclear at this point.
I’ll end with this.
Would you like to pay $750 for some grass? Inter Miami has got you (Pro Soccer Wire)
Prices range from $50 to $750 for grass that Messi may or may not have stepped on. If that interests you, I have an empty Red Bull can that may or may not have belonged to Alecko Eskandarian that can be yours for a reasonable price.
What did I miss?
…….
That Redbull can, though… what, uh, how much??
Just a reminder that Sean Johnson is a former teammate of Cody Mizell, DC’s goalkeeper coach. The same was true of Luis Barraza.