Spirit Opener Approaches, USL Uncertainty, Iran’s World Cup Status Still Unclear, and More: Wednesday Freedom Kicks
Spring has sprung with the jarring alacrity of a pie launched in one’s face by a trebuchet. As someone who doesn’t mind Spring, but prefers colder weather, a transition would have been nice, instead of this fatigue-inducing insanity.
On to the news!
Spirit eyes opener with Trinity Rodman after record-breaking deal– NBC4
The Washington Spirit begin their season, and there’s footage from NBC4 to cover the occasion! I will be there, and it seems Rodman will, as well. Croix… we’re gonna miss that unicorn.
Loudoun United FC inks deal with midfielder Pacifique Niyongabire– USL
Loudoun have signed a player from Burundi with national team and USL experience. Hope he’s a good one! However, not entirely clear how the upcoming season even emerges, because:
Folding teams, a labor fight, and … expansion? The USL’s structure allows for it all to happen– The Guardian
The league is a lot right now.
There’s not a ton of United coverage, but don’t let that stop you from marveling at how, um, “bountiful” the Chicago Fire’s offensive depth is without these two talents.
MLS’s Polymarket deal looks even worse after players’ gambling bans– The Guardian
It’s hard to find a charitable word for the gulf between MLS’s desire to enforce anti-gambling bylaws against offending players and their recent decision to partner with a prediction market. Let’s just say there’s “tension,” and move on.
NWSL ambition rankings: All 16 clubs judged by the big moves they are or aren’t making– ESPN
Here’s a list of teams ranked in the perceived order of their desire to advance their standing within NWSL. This ranking, however, does not reflect the order in which NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman weighs owner input when it comes to the salary cap. Raise it already.
USMNT will stage 2026 World Cup base camp in Irvine– ESPN
Fact acquired.
Teenager Noahkai Banks’ position and passing have him on the US’s World Cup radar– The Guardian
A deep dive into Banks’ passing stats and profile, as well as speculation about his national team decision to come. Noahkai is quoted in the piece, saying “I don’t want to make it dependent on one tournament. I don’t want to set a deadline; I’m taking my time and deciding calmly.” Hopefully true, we could use him in the next cycle, for sure.
USA coach Pochettino won’t rule out Real Madrid: ‘All in good time’– ESPN
Poch was reportedly at the Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Champions League game yesterday. The article generously suggests that the USMNT coach was there to appraise Johnny Cardoso, but it’s notable that his thirsty public yearnings to coach in the EPL once more have turned to coy expressions about Real Madrid. His former side, Tottenham, are in a form and morale death spiral at the bottom the EPL and got ripped apart in this game.
If you’ve never heard of a goalie being yanked after 17 minutes of play in a Champions League knockout phase match sans injury concerns… ditto. Two calamitous scuffed kicks by the 22 year old resulted in gifted goals early. He was substituted for Spurs’ regular, Vicario, which begs the question why he was put in this position at all by interim coach, Igor Tudor.
Ex-USWNT player Lauren Holiday calls for ‘harmonised’ women’s calendar– The Guardian
Lauren Holiday is a greatly respected past star of the USWNT, but she now has a role as the chair of Mercury13, an investment group that recently made a splash by purchasing Spanish club FC Badalona Women. It seems she’s pushing for NWSL to adopt a similar mindset when it comes to the calendar as MLS is in the future. Not sure whether you want to emulate MLS moves right now, is all I’m saying.
Trump will welcome Iran at World Cup – Infantino– BBC
How generous of these two. Clearly have the best interests of the Iranian Men’s team at heart. Other sarcasm.
Canada, Bayern star Davies distraught after latest injury– ESPN
An easy trouncing of Atalanta in Champions League play was not the fun night it should have been for Canadian Left Back, Alphonso Davies, who covered his face while leaving the field with an injury. While Bayern coach, Vincent Kompany, won’t rule out him returning, the time frame is not ideal for Alphonso’s desperately desired appearance in the jointly hosted World Cup. His nation is holding its breath.
Antoine Griezmann rules out MLS move– Yahoo
I personally could see the former skunk haired French legend making a move to Orlando, but Antoine himself apparently doesn’t.
Finally, speculation continues to grow and former Liverpool managerial lightning rod, Jurgen Klopp, as there are clear signs he’s ready to get back to serious coaching. I imagine Poch would like to not interview after him at these mega clubs. Just saying.
That’s all I’ve got. One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
Sounds like as of this morning, Iran has committed to NOT participating in the World Cup. The announcement comes from their Ministry of Sport, and follows the Trump/Infantino comments
Though this is a political message, 💯 the right call just from a safety standpoint for the team and any fan who might have tried to attend, even Iranian-Americans with full citizenship.
I do find it remarkable that Infantino poured so much capital into getting closer to Trump, humiliating himself and his organization in the process, only for Donald to order something this illegal and heinous to completely mar the dignity of the tournament before it starts. The air over Tehran is toxic, and we don’t even know how many are dead or injured- the numbers have got to be staggering.
His commitment to Infantino clearly didn’t cross the ol’ brain pan.
If only there had been some kind of previous example that Infantino could have drawn upon to guide his decisions.
Orlando is not having a good time of things, and I’m okay with that.
It is pretty remarkable that no fewer than 4 Eastern Conference teams have not achieved a single point in the standings with 3 games played. Philly, NE, Atlanta, and Orlando. Even 19 player roster SKC managed a draw.
Our loathsome NJ foe has two wins already, but otherwise, a pretty fun list for us
The red card on Creapu was on Wiebe’s MLS Instant Replay this week. And I have to agree with it. He initially handled it just inside the 18 yard box but then stepped out while still handling it and if he hadn’t played it the NYC player would’ve been through on goal with an empty net.
Speaking of, Oscar Pareja got fired.
I remember there was a discussion on here (and/or on B&RU) that DC should try to sign Pareja and Orlando’s GM when they were both up for contract renewal and we were without a coach and GM. Given what Orlando has done since and what they look like now, I wonder how that would have worked for us
Wow, as I was typing up a comment thinking he’d make it through the season and leave. They got stale, the playoff game against Chicago should’ve been a sign that it was time to start over. I think he’d eventually have turned it around, just not enough to rebuild.