Not going to lie, today’s Freedom Kicks is quite heavy on USWNT and USMNT content. And that’s the way I like it today.

Hope you’re dug out of the DMV snow at this point.

On to the news!

Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone on leadership, club momentum and women’s health — with insights from VHC Health’s Dr. Walsh– Washington Business Journal

Thought I’d throw this in as an appetizer.

Jason did drop this tidbit, which may help to explain how Spirit management plan to make the international slot math math before season kickoff.

Also, a little fun nugget:

Keefer has an original piece this morning. Loudoun United has implemented some major changes over the offseason, and Ryan wants to sit you down and tell you what he knows. Check it out!

Rodman’s goal, sideline dance with Hayes cap off USWNT rout– ESPN

The USWNT, with an even more inexperienced starting lineup than the one that clobbered Paraguay, decided to destroy a South American opponent once again. The West Coast encounter had a 10 PM kickoff on the East Coast, unfortunately, but it was a banger, it seems. Spirit players Croix Bethune, Hal Hershfelt, and Kate Weisner started on the night- Hershfelt found herself playing as the central CB in possession, which is a divergence from her normal two-way midfield role, but looked quite comfortable, especially in picking out midfield options in front of her in build up. Croix scored her first ever goal for the USWNT to open the scoring, Trinity Rodman came on as a sub and bookended the 5-0 rout.

Current NWSL players, Jameese Joseph and Ayo Oke, who started at CF and RB respectively, also had big nights, garnering goal contributions in their first caps. Emma Sears was frustrated by the post a few times, but got her goal and continues to look scary, as well.

These short highlights capture the night, including a short clip at the very end of Hayes attempting to mirror Trin’s dance celebration.

Which USWNT Players Made Their Case Against Paraguay and Chile?– Sports Illustrated

To learn more about the general impressions some of these athletes made over the window, this article has you covered.

USMNT’s Alex Freeman reportedly sold to Villarreal by Orlando City– The Guardian

Alex Freeman is apparently too effective and promising for MLS. Given the admiration and trust Mauricio Pochettino has shown for him recently, let’s hope he catches on well enough in La Liga that he’s in form for the World Cup, as he is likely to make the squad if those conditions are met.

USMNT World Cup roster watch: Winners and losers from a chaotic European weekend– Yahoo

General rundown of USMNT players based in Europe over the weekend. Agyemang continues to score, and, as the article notes, Pepi’s continued recovery from a broken arm leaves an opportunity for the striker with summer looming.

Champions League permutations: who needs what from final night of fixtures?– The Guardian

It’s finally crunch time today at 3 PM as seemingly a bajillion Champions League matches are set to be played to determine who is immediately in, and who has even more league play to go before the knockout stages commence. Of note- Folarin Balogun and Monaco take on Weston McKennie and Juventus as part of the offerings.

Brazil asks FIFA to host 2029 Club World Cup – sources– ESPN

Closing out with something intriguing. Stay tuned!

That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!