Spirit Roster, Thoughts on WAFCON, Shoe Collaborations, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks
Happy Thursday. For the first time in 2026 (and maybe the only time for a bit) DC United, Washington Spirit, Loudoun United, and DC Power will all play during the same week. There’s a lot going on so keep checking back over today and over the weekend for more coverage of all the games. Let’s get to the news.
Takeaways from Washington Spirit’s start-of-season roster (DP)
The Spirit announced their start-of-season roster yesterday. Annie break down the roster, Andi Sullivan’s return, the Spirit’s international slot compliance, and just what positions the team could look to add to with their available roster spaces.
In addition to a comprehensive breakdown of the Spirit’s roster and injury situation, Jason highlights Haley Carter’s time with the media at Spiritfest and Gift Monday and Deb Abiodun’s thoughts on the 11th hour postponement of CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations from its originally schedule dates at the end of this month to July and August. Come for the wide-ranging discussion, stay for the interesting facts about languages in Paraguay. (By far the most interesting thing I’ve learned this week.)
The Spirit made some significant changes tho their roster over the offseason. What did other teams do and how are they feeling going into the season? André looks at the vibes of the first half the league using his patented Existential Leclerc/Smug Toto Scales system.
Jessica Berman gave the NWSL Season Kickoff Address yesterday. As part of it, she noted over Denver has sold over 50,000 tickets for their opener. Once again the Spirit will help break NWSL’s attendance record less than a year after helping set that record. Berman also noted that the 18th NWSL franchise should be announced this year. I’m still hoping against hope when the announcement is made, its the Minnesota Aurora.
Panini, the NWSL, and the NWSLPA team up for a multi-year trading card alliance (All For XI)
A few years ago if I had read this announcement, my first thought would have been “People still collect cards?.” Now with trading cards making a bit of a resurgence (including with my return to collecting), my thought was “People are still doing digital collectibles on blockchain?”. Overall I think this a pretty cool thing for the league and I’m looking forward to seeing how Panini approaches it.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is about to begin the knockout stage. Both teams with DC Power FC players advanced to quarterfinals. Both teams however face tough opponents. Morgan Aquino and Australia face North Korea in their match up. Carleigh Frilles and Katrina Guillou and the Philippines face off against Japan, who have dominated the tournament thus far, scoring 17 goals in three games, while not conceding.
Adidas may not be the official kit sponsor of US Soccer, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t going all out with US-related gear in advance of the World Cup. Tuesday, they dropped throwback denim merchandise. Yesterday Donald sat down to talk with American Outlaws co-founder Justin Brunken to discuss how the Outlaws shoe collaboration with Adidas came about.
Iran won’t play at 2026 World Cup, says sports minister Ahmad (USA Today)
What was suspected is confirmed.
Everyone is pissed’: Congresspeople write to FIFA with ticket price, funding concerns (The Athletic $)
Three months out from the tournament, I’m sure this will be effective……
Achilles tear ends Mexico GK Malagón’s World Cup dreams (ESPN)
Tough injury news for El Tri as they lose their possible starting goalkeeper to an achilles tear three months out from the World Cup. Malagón suffered the injury on Club America’s Concacaf Champions Cup tilt with the Union in Chester.
Agreement reached on Foxboro World Cup security funding, Kraft Group says (NBC Boston)
Finally a little good news related to the World Cup. The parties came to an agreement six days before a hearing that could have led to the city denying a license for the events and the cancellation of seven games.
The proposal by the Union of European Clubs would change the distribution of prize money between the Champions, Europa, and Conference Leagues and send money to the leagues rather than the teams. The proposal is nonbinding and would probably see significant resistance from larger clubs should it actually come up for debate.
I’ll end with something happy. During the break, we saw the Canadian WNT celebrate Gabby Carle passing the MCAT. Now back from international duty, her club teammates didn’t want to miss out on congratulating their teammate, the future doctor.
Tonight’s Match Schedule
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
| DC Power FC vs Dallas Trinity FC | Thurs., March 12 at 7 p.m. | Washington, DC | Peacock |
What did I miss?
I also found the snippet about Martinez only just learning Spanish a few years ago to be interesting! As a native Spanish speaker, when I went down to Uruguay for work, I was surprised with how difficult it was for me to understand many people speaking Spanish down there. After about 24 hours, I more or less adjusted to their accents but it was still a bit challenging. I know everyone keeps harping on this (and Carter said it as well), but I will keep expectations low for Martinez this season. She’s a teenager (!!!) who is away from home in a country where she does not speak the language. But would love to see what she can do in short 15 min cameos.
With all the players from around the world who have played in different countries, I would imagine has Martinez has a heck of a built in support system if she wants it. But definitely agree on tempering expectations.
Leads me to another interesting question, when the Spirit are in the field how do they communicate, default to English or a mixture of English, French, Spanish, Italian, and other languages that they have kind of collectively developed an understanding of through time together?
My girlfriend always asks this question when I’m watching Champions League matches haha. I would assume it’s predominately English with Spanish being a close second considering Adrian and his staff are mainly from Spain. There are some cognates in French and Spanish that a lot of the Francophones could probably understand.
Loudoun are playing? I haven’t paid close enough attention. What’s the current state of play in the labor situation in USL? I believe there’s no union deal, no? Are players giong to play regardless? Do they have health insurance?
My understanding is there hasn’t been a labor stoppage yet and they are on the schedule. Will defer to Ryan on this.
Steve Goff has been awarded the Colin Jose Award by the National Soccer Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in soccer journalism. A very fitting recipient! Congratulations, Steve!
I wish comments could be turned green still…
Oh look 4 weeks running and Inter Messi is one of the biggest matches again…
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/matchday-4-what-to-know-for-this-weekend-s-biggest-matches-2026
An interesting article from The Guardian on players who switch between the different codes of rugby: Union, League, and 7s. Also even though its called Major League Rugby, they play Union not League rugby.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/no-helmets-required/2026/mar/11/codebreakers-rugby-players-union-league-sevens