DP Writer Interviewed by FOX5 at Audi Field, US Soccer Roster Quandaries, Iran’s Venue Quagmire, and More: Wednesday Freedom Kicks
How’d everyone sleep? Hopefully well, yesterday was something.
But, today there’s soccer news, so let’s get to it!
New energy fueling DC United’s early-season push– FOX5 (You’re gonna wanna see this)
This is the debut of FOX5’s series where I guess they will interview new figures weekly about DC United within the confines of Audi Field. We’ll see how long this lasts, but forget all that, it’s our very own Donald Wine II getting interviewed! I literally just discovered this moments ago, and, while I’ve got this article to put together at the moment, rest assured, I will be joining y’all in the comments for popcorn and letterboxd reviews later…
Why D.C. United Are Struggling to Create– Timi Faulsi, Substack
A pretty decent breakdown by a Substack writer one of the other DP writers dug up. I do think that some of those ineffective long balls are in fact clearances that allow for the midblock to be reset, and that not all of them are uncompleted passes, but the numbers are pretty eyebrow raising.
Tiktok from a Spirit Fan who we’ve featured before, this time attributing The Spirit’s offensive woes to a bit of bad mojo that is hopefully now dispelled. Couldn’t disagree more, personally, think it’s been wildly inffective use of midfield personnel and the refusal to address Croix’s departure with suitable tactical adjustments, but, hey, glad they won a game.
Haven’t gotten a chance to view this yet, but Wiesner has definitely found some assurance as a quality fullback option for The Spirit that Emma Hayes has also found intriguing. Lucia and Carle are still starters when healthy, but she has and will be called upon. Take a look!
Meanwhile, Loudoun United have announced two player signings each for their men’s and their women’s teams, if you care to check in on those developments.
NWSL taps influential investors for input at inaugural advisory board meeting– Sports Business Journal
All well and good for a bunch of sports figures and investors to talk, but if you want growth, it’s the salary cap, people.
This giant graphic signifies that Claire Constant of DC Power fame has been called up by Haiti’s coach, Pia Sundhage (typing that has not gotten at all less strange).
Pochettino’s World Cup to-do list: What USMNT must figure out– ESPN
Jeff Carlisle’s questions are certainly the right ones, IMO.
USMNT update: Weston McKennie scores for Juventus– Yahoo
The headline is actually not the biggest news contained within, as Haji Wright has apparently made his first appearance for Coventry City since his injury. Him rounding back into form and fitness would be good news for the USMNT striker corps, especially since Patrick Agyemang is now very much out of contention.
Key USWNT questions to answer before the World Cup for coach Emma Hayes– ESPN
The writer of this article suggests that Emma Hayes’ preferred starting midfield trio is Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton, and Rose Lavelle- and let me just say, his word to the soccer gods’ ears, cuz I’m not at all convinced that Lindsey Heaps isn’t the square peg of a legacy choice that continues to be a problem when it happens. Forgive me, hat’s all deeply editorial, because watching Coffey and Hutton partnering in the midfield is basically my favorite thing.
Iran still awaiting FIFA response on World Cup venue switch– Reuters
The Iranian national team, who, again, duly qualified for this summer’s tournament, are still very much dedicated to finding a way to play their games in Mexico. You could wait till the heat death of our solar system for FIFA to grow some character, but hopefully their logistical brains kick in at some point.
Africa at the FIFA World Cup – One team becomes 10, participation becomes presence– ESPN
The article details the history of Africa’s increased in qualification possibilities leading to the current reality where no less than 10 of the 48 World Cup participants hail from that continent. On a personal note, I think that number is more than fitting.
Power Rankings: Thomas Müller & Vancouver Whitecaps leap forward– MLS
Obligatory chance to once again pop some champagne and sip as we marvel at the number of teams in the league less effective at playing soccer than us this season. What on earth, Philly?
Real Madrid say they can overcome Bayern Munich after poor first leg. Are they right?– ESPN
Donald hopes they can. I would find a semis without them a refreshing change of pace.
Arsenal beats Sporting Lisbon on Havertz’s late goal in Champions League quarterfinals– AP News
Arsenal continue to be a confoundingly cautious hopeful winner in so many games. Arteta’s obsession with limited risk continues to annoy viewers.
Minnesota United shut down rumors James Rodríguez had rare muscle-wasting condition– ESPN
Minnesota are attempting to shut down this rumor following James’ 3 day hospital stint after the international break, but it’s uh, not great that fans found this credible…
Pro soccer player’s love for his boyfriend sparks joy. Is it a gay milestone in South America?– Outsports
Closing out with an article covering the (frankly very brave) decision of a soccer player in the second division of the Argentine soccer system declaring his love and commitment to his boyfriend, drawing support from various figures in that country. The world of men’s soccer has had a regressive pall upon it since its inception, and, given the staggering number of professional players in the global game, the number of out players simply does not match the statistical threshold for the reality we should be seeing. Hopefully we will see a male player with such courage grace a Champions League game some day soon. For now, let’s give Ignacio “Nacho” Lago credit and appreciation for living his truth, and not denying his love.
That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
Oh if only Donald’s discussion of the defense held true for for this past weekend’s thrashing by Dallas. The interview was definitely recorded before the Dallas game.
Yeah, for sure.
However, Dallas is a very high ceiling team that have only lost once this season, and, if they round into form, could finish very high in the West. They got a game state against a team that needs it to be managed, and rolled us.
DC do need to address the breakdowns, but ultimately, a 4 goal drubbing against a dynamic West coast team being our floor is (sadly) progress.
We didn’t lose 6-0. That alone is progress from this time last year (as sad as that may be)
That’s fair but still a lot of dynamic teams on the schedule. New England we visit this weekend are very Jekyll and Hyde this season. They’ve lost 4-1 to Nashville, 1-0 to NYRB, and 3-1 to St Louis. But they’ve won 6-1 against Cincy and 3-0 this past weekend against Montreal. I’m worried we’re going to get the good Revs this weekend and the bad DCU defense from this past weekend.
Yeah, we need to tighten up, but I do think our defensive prospects are at least within our hands in ways they haven’t been before. And part of that is really solidifying our ideas and potency going forward.
Not all of that can be immediately be where it should be without a few more signings- at least one speed option and some clearing out and replacing of some dead options- but we’ve not been a few signings away from competitiveness in a friggin while
He does some nice things but hasn’t been very threatening. I am still luke warm on him as wing. He has lots of potential but doesn’t seem to be there yet. To be fair both the wings have not been threatening and that is a real problem.
Perhaps it’s due to lack of a creative advanced midfielder to put them in a good position.
That’s to me a pretty big misunderstanding of what the setup is, and what the reasons are for lack of dynamism.
Midfield is actually pretty solid with our starters, including the wingers. Peltola could use a better partner than Servania, but Peglow and Hopkins have done well to create in a 4-4-2 setup. We’re not set up to flow forward 4-3-3 style, the strength is the solidity out of possession that allows for specific pressing instances, but ultimately just doesn’t let the opposition (if all goes well) hit us in space with a head of steam.
The wings aren’t the issue, wingers of fullbacks. It’s second striker and Peltola’s partner that need to be better. If we had gotten Antoine Griezmann instead of Orlando, you wouldn’t believe how much our attack would thrive.
As is, it’s leaving a lot of responsibility in possession for our wingers, and then struggling to dominate is not a sign they’re incompetent. Means they need central help.
Agree with this and sort of what I meant.
It was recorded last week and then debuted on Friday. I had it in Monday’s FKs.
Sorry I didn’t get around to watching it until this morning.
From way back in January, Seattle did an article on former DCU player Paul Arriola and the road to recovery from his 2nd ACL injury suffered on March 5, 2025 in the 2nd leg of CONCACAF Champion’s Cup series against Cruz Azul. Could you imagine a right side of Arriola and Herrera?
https://www.soundersfc.com/news/behind-the-shield-paul-arriola-s-road-to-recovery
I know he’s not what he once was, but man I want Paul to come back and play here again.
I’d think he’d be our best choice on the right side of the midfield if he was here and healthy.
Hopkins has done some really interesting things at RM. He’s got real ball carrying skills and can ping a ball cross field quite well.
Paul’s a completely different type, but his motor and quick feet would be a great option, and Hopkins at second striker needs to be tried at some point.
Yeah, miss Paul
So far this season, Paul has been clearly building back up to fitness.
I don’t think it affects college soccer all that much, but the NCAA is proposing a major change in regards to elgilibility.
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/ncaa-proposing-major-changes-to-eligibility-rules-including-age-limits-121509806.html