USWNT win, 2027 Women’s World Cup logo revealed, and more: Monday Freedom Kicks
Happy Monday, everyone. This is what I live for: snow!! We got quite a bit of it Saturday night and Sunday, and hopefully all of you are able to remain home and let the snowplows do their thing. I still have to work, so I as sip some coffee and dive into that among the backdrop of a winter wonderland, here’s some news from the weekend:
USWNT start 2026 with goals galore in Paraguay demolition (SSFC)
The USWNT played Paraguay in their first match of the year, and we saw our very own Trinity Rodman get the captain’s armband. She also scored! Croix Bethune picked up an assist and forced an own goal for her first goal contributions on the USWNT. 6-0 was the final score for the USWNT…they wrap up January Camp tomorrow night against Chile.
Brazil goes epic as powerful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ brand is unveiled (FIFA)
The 2027 Women’s World Cup branding was released over the weekend…I’m excited to get down to Brazil next year to hopefully watch the USWNT lift trophy #5!
Fulham make $38m bid for injured USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi (ESPN)
Could Ricardo Pepi move to the Premier League and Fulhamerica before the trade deadline closes next Monday?
USWNT to host Japan in trio of April friendlies (SSFC)
The USWNT will face Japan three times in April, with matches taking place in San Jose, Seattle, and Denver.
USA Soccercast, Episode 171: USWNT gets the year started with January Camp (SSFC)
Of course, the matches have already been played, but get caught up on the USA Soccercast with a quick episode to start your week!
Congrats to Hey Spirits co-host Ella, who will be part of a dynamite trio that’s boosting soccer coverage at The Guardian! Her, Pablo,and Jeff are fantastic additions!
There were a couple of DC United roster moves that look to be either complete or close to complete. First, Steve Goff is reporting that the Black-and-Red is bringing in a new right back.
And finally, that music you hear is Alex Bono’s music! He reportedly has been re-acquired by DC United to join Sean Johnson and Jordan Farr in the goalkeeping unit.
Inter Miami CF Signs Goalkeeper Luis Barraza (Inter Miami)
Speaking of former DCU keepers, Luis Barraza has found a home with Inter Miami. He will likely contend for backup minutes.
2026 World Cup boycott? German soccer executive is calling for talks (USA Today)
A DFB soccer exec is calling for UEFA to discuss a potential World Cup boycott because…*gestures at America and everything that’s happening.* Sounds about right, and it will be interesting to see what they do.
Concacaf president revealed to make $3m a year for five hours’ work per week (The Guardian)
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani makes $3 million per year and only works 5 hours per week? I hereby declare my candidacy for Concacaf president!
NC Courage hire head coach from Sweden, signaling new era in NWSL (USA Today)
The Courage have a new coach, bringing in Mak Lind to help turn their team around.
NFL set for return to Real Madrid’s Bernabeu in 2026 (The Athletic)
The Bernabeu hosted its first NFL game back in November when the Commanders faced the Dolphins. It looks like the NFL will return to Real Madrid’s cathedral in 2026 and potentially 2027 as well.
Enjoy the snow!
There were some rumors/reports on Twitter that Hamburg might actually terminate Hefti’s contract, so there’s a chance DC could get him on a free transfer. Either way, I don’t think the transfer fee, if there is one, would be very large. Hopefully this doesn’t mean the end of Herrera like it did for Schnegg
Would be a really bad move to do that this year, and especially now. It might mean we don’t offer him a new contract if Hefti proves a suitable fullback/winger. The depth is necessary or we’ll be shredded down either flank.
I think there is a good chance we’re going to play with a 3-man backline and Herrera as one of the CBs (on the right side). Hefti is a right-back, right-mid. So he’d fit into a wingback role with a 3-back system well.
With Jordan Farr and (presumably) Alex Bono in the fold, it is now up to Sean Johnson to grow a mustache.
I’d advise Sean not to go there. Sean would merely have adopted the mustache. Bono was born in it, molded by it. He has not see his upper lip since he was a man…
Barraza, starting goalie at DCU, third string at Miami. Enough said. Adding Johnson and Bono makes the goalie position solid. All the other signings at all positions makes the depth chart much better. They had no depth last season. All the subs were from the USL. Sorry slight exaggeration. So from the depth perspective, they should be better this year and that will help them through a long season.
DC has officially re-acquired Alex Bono. NE receives $50k 2026 GAM, and potentially $75k of 2027 GAM if he ends up re-signing with DC for more than just this year
DCU has now appointed a “Head of Recruitment,” Dr. Orbay Ünsoy