Coffey on the USWNT’s responsibility to speak, 2026 NWSL kits, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Hello and happy Friday! My apologies for the slightly late Freedom Kicks. I had a long day yesterday, heading straight to the Spirit Kit Reveal Party in Buzzard Point after work.
In addition to getting an in-person look at the new jerseys, attendees at the event heard from players and front office members about it and the upcoming season. The biggest news was kit-related: the team will add a third kit next year, likely in black. (Also another signing may materialize before the roster compliance deadline, but I have absolutely no details on that.)
Loudoun United, meanwhile, are teasing a signing announcement this morning, so keep an eye out:
Washington Spirit introduce ‘Spirit in Bloom’ kit, and it’s what we’ve been waiting for (The District Press)
If you somehow missed it yesterday, Washington has a new cherry blossom kit. I absolutely love it and was surprised to find it’s so controversial.
The good, the bad, and the boring: Ranking the 2026 NWSL jerseys (The District Press)
Donald shares his thoughts on a pretty varied batch of NWSL kits. I, for one, thank him for being brave enough to say that while Orlando’s jersey has a great message behind it, the execution is… fine.
In the last piece of kit content today (I swear!), I enjoyed this visualization of all the kits NWSL teams will use this year. It’s a good way to get a feel for the teams’ current identities. The Spirit’s combo is surprisingly coherent, while Chicago looks like two completely different teams.
International Preview: Power and Spirit Players in the March Window (The District Press)
Matches for the current women’s international window begin tomorrow. Check out PJ’s article for information on all the Spirit and Power players in attendance and game info to plan your weekend television schedule around.
USLPA authorizes strike with season kickoff looming (ESPN)
Things are looking scary as the USL and PA have still failed to reach an agreement, just a week before the Championship season is set to begin.
USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey says team has ‘responsibility’ to speak out about social issues (The Athletic $)
Good for Sam Coffey! The USWNT has been missing a lot of this energy lately, and I hope some of her teammates are persuaded to share her opinion. This team can and should stand for a lot more than soccer excellence.
MLS Opening Weekend Momentum Carries into Viewership and Social (MLS)
MLS set records in viewership last weekend. Seems like the move from behind a secondary paywall was a good thing. (I know I watched for the first time since the AppleTV deal.)
Lionel Messi tackled to ground as field invaders mar Inter Miami game in Puerto Rico (Yahoo! Sports)
No bueno!
Champions League draw: Real Madrid face Manchester City, Arsenal handed dream path, PSG face Chelsea, more (CBS Sports)
The Champions League Round of 16 draw was going on as I wrapped up this newsletter. Find the details here.
For some Friday fun, enjoy the Canada Women’s National Team celebrating Gabby Carle’s successful MCAT. Congratulations to Gabby! I’m sure she will make a wonderful doctor (in many, many years after her career with Washington Spirit is over).
Finally, your local match schedule for this weekend. We still have just one game, and it’s away, but D.C. United is hosting a watch party at Crystal City Sports Pub. I will probably be enjoying the fact that the games are available on regular Apple TV.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. United vs. Austin FC | Sun., Mar. 1 at 2:30 p.m. | Austin, TX | Apple TV |
Sincere congrats to Gabby on her brilliant achievement, passing the MCATs (for those that don’t know, that’s kind of like the SATs for med school.) They are not cupcake at all.
To do that while playing professional soccer both domestically and internationally makes it all the more impressive.
That’s The Spirit, Gabby!!!!
The Spirit in Bloom kit is 10000/10 for me! DCU’s subtle cherry blossom kit a few seasons back was okay but this is bold and I like it! I wish it didn’t have the huge patch of green on the back but it’s a FIFA rule so that the player name/number are clearly visible for the ref. That’s my only slight against it (which they couldn’t get around anyways).
MLS has released official roster breakdowns for all teams as of today. Notes for DC:
We’re noted as using the 2/4/2 DP/U22 model
Kurokawa and Johnson are on TAM contracts
Hefti is NOT on a TAM contract
Hopkins got moved to the senior roster
We still have 11/10 supplemental spots filled
Kim is also listed as still occupying both a U22 spot AND an international spot. I guess if the Korean team didn’t take on enough of his salary he might still need to occupy the U22 spot, but I don’t really understand him still taking up an international spot
I have an update on my kit coherence opinion, which is that Louisville also looks like three separate teams.