Spirit Host Louisville at Audi Field, Peltola’s “Embellishment” Fine, Afghan Women United, and More: Wednesday Freedom Kicks
I know there are 13 seasons in Virginia (the meme is just reality), but it does sorta make you wonder if Mother Nature had another one.
Anyway, on to the news!
The Washington Spirit, buoyed by their 4-0 thrashing of The Kansas City Current, will hope for more of the same at home as they take on Racing Louisville tonight at 7 PM EDT. If you cannot make it to Audi Field this evening, the game is streaming on Victory+.
Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee– MLS
There’s obviously the headline, but it also mentions Matti Peltola’s fine for embellishment, both announced after Matchday 10’s matches. Seeing as no one really remembers with clarity the incident that the league are referring to with Peltola (supposedly an incident he held his head without much contact in that region), it does seem unwarranted. But, hey, Suarez needed a buddy in the press release, so…
In other local news from a link that won’t translate, Loudoun United FC has signed defenders Lizzie Rubino and Aranda Hurge, forward Brooke Oswald, and goalkeeper Allana Baxter to its USL W Team for the 2026 season.
If you would like to read about USMNT player profiles, Goal.com discusses Tyler Adams evolution since 2022, and Sports Illustrated ponders whether Christian Pulisic’s “career worst” form will be an issue going into the tournament. There’s also the chance to read MLS’s article about Matt Turner’s final push to reclaim the number 1 goalkeeper role, but honestly, think Freese is what we’ve got, and has looked far sharper for his nation, so I’m good saying “hope not.”
USWNT Stock Up, Stock Down: Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson Are Back on Track– Sports Illustrated
It ain’t Triple quite yet, but Double Espresso had a good round of matches, as Trin got some much needed stats to hopefully get her confidence back, and Sophia Wilson scored her first goal since her return from maternity leave. The article also mentions Ashley Sanchez positively, and we’re here for it.
Legitimately wasn’t sure about the placement for this particular thing, so gonna drop it here and move on to the rest. Editorial license: I don’t actually think Ted Lasso has any value as a work of television after season 1, which was objectively very well conceived and written, and I will not watch this without incredible word of mouth. That said, for the sake of the women’s game, I do hope it handles the titular character’s journey into that realm with care.
Good for Brighton. They invest right, and it shows. Hope it’s a great stadium for fans and players alike.
White House wants DHS to reopen for World Cup– BBC
The White House has been reduced to saying “open sesame” when it relates to DHS ahead of the World Cup, and, last time I checked, Congress is not The Cave of Wonders. Woof.
FIFA Proposes New World Cup Yellow Card Rule To Avoid Knockout Round Ban– FOX Sports
Pretty simple idea to clear the yellow card count for suspensions after the group phase. Seems reasonable.
Red cards for mouth-covering approved ahead of World Cup– ESPN
We’ll see how effective this is at preventing players from spewing hate speech at opponents. It seems iffy, given that the covering of mouths is very, very common on the pitch for friendly exchanges, as well- players and coaches are aware that they’re being filmed at all times, that lip readers exist, and that there’s an incredibly low bar for being targeted by a corner of the internet. Personally, think upping reviewable audio potential for key moments would be more appropriate, but, we’ll see how this plays out.
Fifa request to give Gianni Infantino ‘Pope-level’ treatment rejected by Vancouver– The Independent
Don’t believe that a “Popemobile” was part of the request, but that Ifantino and his team thought they were entitled to and could get this sort of thing is really funny.
Iran World Cup 2026 warm-up friendlies cancelled as fresh doubt cast on tournament appearance– FourFourTwo via Yahoo
There is no discernible settling of tensions as Iran attempts to prepare (and man, what a sad string of words to put together) for the upcoming tournament within the borders of the country that continues to wage a war of aggression against their homeland. I’d like to order an adult in the organizing process, please. For those who want to go beyond the paywall, The Athletic also covers this story.
The myth of the 2026 World Cup hotel and tourism ‘boom’– The Athletic
Yep. Yep.
PSG, Bayern Munich deliver an instant, nine-goal classic– ESPN
I could attempt to describe the wonder of this game that ended yesterday, or I could do the responsible thing and send you straight to the extended highlights…
Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal: Preview, Predictions and Lineups– Sports Illustrated
The other semifinal first leg will stream at 3 PM EDT on Paramount+.
Afghan Women United refugee team given FIFA eligibility– ESPN
In a story that should leave you brimming with tears, the Afghan Women have been recognized by FIFA for international play. Given what these women have persevered through since the Taliban reclaimed control of their homeland, glad they will be seen, because they deserve it.
That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
That Bayern vs PSG game yesterday was legendary. One of those teams is going to win the UCL IMHO.
I have decent hopes for Ted Lasso venturing into the womens game. Jason Sudeikis (along with Brendan Hunt) has been a huge fan of womens soccer over the years and I trust that he will treat it with respect and create a quality storyline. I’m curious if they’ll feature some WSL teams. Maybe a certain London team owned by one Miss Kang? I know they filmed at least one scene at a KC Current game.
PSG v Bayern was terrific (I ended up on the losing side, but it was tremendous fun). Next Wednesday will be must see tv.
That Kane-Diaz goal was unreal. Insane pass, amazing touch to control it, toyed with the defender and smashed it past the GK.
Harry Kane has a great reputation for passing. That was exhibit A+, I agree. The next game will be sick. I am bummed about the ref’s VAR interpretation for the PK at the end of the first half. It deflected off his thigh to his arm. Not a PK for me or the pundits, but I am biased.
It was such a joy to watch. Joga Bonito, even with just one Brazilian. I only hope the upcoming World Cup can produce something on that level. It would raise the status of the sport here.
Dembele’s goal was cool, but Tai Baribo would have had a hat trick.
And that pass from Kane???
I agree that ‘Peltola’s “Embellishment” was fine.’ He did get hit in the face. Maybe the contact was more solid than appears, but going down might have been overdoing it, but he didn’t roll around on the floor for several minutes. In fact, he was trying to get up quickly, got to his hands and knees quickly. When I think of what normally goes down in these instances, this was exemplary conduct.
I do actually think they were anxious about a Suarez only disciplinary announcement, and they went fishing. And the clubs they likely sifted is likely a very, very select group, if not DCU solo.