Hey, y’all Happy Friday to all who celebrate! It promises to be a heady and impactful weekend of local soccer in the DMV, so, let’s get to the news!

Before we dive too deep into upcoming fixtures, a local professional soccer team had their home opener last night at Audi Field. If you missed DC Power FC’s draw against Dallas Trinity last night, our very own Donald has you covered.

Donald also broke down an inter-club curiosity yesterday, as DC Power FC went into the game with only a starting goalkeeper, and none on the bench. Sara Wojdelko was recalled by the club who loaned her to Power, The Washington Spirit.

And, speaking of The Spirit:

Annie knows things, and wants to share those things with you. It promises to be an engrossing year for Trinity Rodman and co.

Gift Monday excited to perform ‘magic’ with Trinity Rodman for Washington Spirit in new NWSL season– ESPN

A preseason separates Gift Monday from her clutch playoff goals of yesteryear that propelled The Washington Spirit to the NWSL Final in 2025, and she’s hoping that her first full season with the team will live up to her currently high levels of anticipation. Same, Gift.

NWSL 2026 mega-preview: Predictions for all 16 teams– ESPN

Our site is likely to be busting out all over with coverage of The Spirit’s triumphs and travails this coming year, but there are 15 other teams in the league who are gearing up for a heady weekend of opening matches. ESPN assesses them before the plunge.

NWSL doubled in size over the last decade. The 2026 season will be a pivotal ‘next chapter’– The Athletic

The “doubled in size” observation refers to the number of franchises at the start of the season, but it really does feel like NWSL is exponentially stronger than a decade ago, when coverage and venues were less than ideal or even uncertain. Questions remain about the model for growth, particularly the salary cap and other considerations as the league enters a new era in an expanding global market.

Call it the Rodman Rule or HIP, the NWSL’s new initiative is already impacting rosters– The Guardian

A look at how the league has been impacted (highly, even, one might say) by a rule designed to keep Trinity Rodman in the states, while at the same time eschewing raising the salary cap as a solution.

DCU players have March Madness on the mind.

DC United travel to Chicago to take on The Fire tomorrow at 8:30 PM Eastern, streaming on Apple TV.

Loudoun United also kick off their 2026 season with their home opener against The Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kickoff is Saturday, March 14th, at 3 PM Eastern on ESPN+.

We miss Croix. She discusses many aspects of her offseason, but, unfortunately, doesn’t give Spirit fans a ton of clarity on her reasoning for requesting a transfer. Still, she’s a delightful interview, and, again, we miss her.

Cristiano Ronaldo encouraging injury update sends Christian Pulisic and USMNT warning ahead of Portugal’s pre-2026 FIFA World Cup friendly– World Soccer Talk

You mean, The USMNT may (though it’s not certainly the case) have to face CR7 as they ramp up for the World Cup? The 41 year old with already limited mobility who demands everything go through and be finished by him? No. Stop. Police.

USMNT’s Tyler Adams ready for World Cup after ‘seamless’ rehab– ESPN

If you see this headline and don’t immediately and sprint to knock on the nearest wood, you’re not a USMNT fan. He’s one we need.

Transfer News, Rumors: Man Utd Want USMNT Star; Real Madrid Plot Odegaard Reunion– Sports Illustrated

Speaking of Adams, he’s been linked with potential offseason moves to Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Those teams are all in pretty bad need of an experienced, quality defensive midfield presence. (Sprints back toward some wood to knock once more).

CBF and Jordan Brand reveal Brazil’s new away kit, historic tie– Yahoo

These do look damn good. Will be interesting to see the full array of World Cup kit options when they are all revealed and compiled.

US and Iran call for each other’s World Cup absence– BBC

Iran doesn’t believe the US should be allowed to host nor participate in this Summer’s tournament, while the US President… well, those comments are not helping.

I know District Press readers love themselves some U.S. Open Cup action, and this is a pretty endearing fixture. The Vermont club is already firmly embraced by its community, and are set to kick off their quest for Open Cup glory next Tuesday, March 17th, at 7 PM, Eastern, with a stream available for viewing on Paramount+.

Jaw dropping footage of how far America still has to go to be a fully soccer-conscious nation, and the extent to which promotion of the event has been neglected this past year.

That is, however, not the story I have decided to close with.

Neymar injured again near sister’s birthday, Ancelotti misses out– One Football

Global soccer fans might be familiar with the Brazilian soccer player named Neymar, best known for being Neymar. This article doesn’t mention it, but he has the highest club transfer fee accumulation in soccer history. Those transfers? 88 million Euros to move to Barcelona, 222 million Euros to move to PSG, and 90 million Euros to move to Al-Hilal. We may never get an accurate estimate of the salary figures in his career, but they’ve got to be staggering.

So, what do you do if you are that wanted by various clubs, that invested in, and are that central to what they hope to achieve?

If you guessed “make yourself unavailable for 11 consecutive seasons on or around your sister’s birthday,” wow, good guess.

The bond is strong. His methods of keeping this streak alive? You be the judge.

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