Jacob Murrell traded to Falkirk FC, possible new format for MLS playoffs, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday! This weekend can’t come soon enough for me. I hope to spend it in peace and quiet (before heading to Audi Field on Sunday afternoon). Yes, this means I am not planning to attend the Indy Car race that is disrupting my daily commute.
D.C. United Transfer Forward Jacob Murrell to Falkirk Football Club (D.C. United)
The rumors are true! It’s probably a good choice for all involved, as he hasn’t played for D.C. United since May.
Double-elimination, reseeding and 20 teams: MLS plans potential overhaul of playoffs (The Guardian)
This would be a pretty big change. I’m not sure how I feel about having everyone play in divisions but then putting them all on the same standings list for playoffs. It seems like it would punish teams for being in better divisions, but I guess the conference system already kind of does that?
We have a new episode of Hey Spirits out. André and Ella interviewed former Spirit player(and radio broadcaster) Gaby Vincent about her life after soccer, advocating for trans rights, and more:
Champions to lift trophy at Maracanã as match schedule unveiled (FIFA)
The match schedule for the 2027 World Cup has been revealed, so you can all start planning your trips to Brazil now.
The 2026 World Cup won over America and proved the planet wrong (Yahoo! Sports)
Meanwhile, Steven Goff is still reflecting on this year’s tournament.
EAFC has shared top-rated players for several leagues, including the NWSL, where Trinity Rodman is tied for 4th. Aubrey Kingsbury and Leicy Santos also make the top 27.
New England Revolution’s Alhassan Yusuf named Player of the Matchday (MLS)
If you’re going to lose, lose to the best, I guess.
Ronaldinho arrives on Ravenna beach to restart playing career (ESPN)
The un-retired Ronaldinho returns, as the age of Old Man Sports continues.
San Jose hired Gavin Wilkinson after ‘restorative’ clearance from MLS without NWSL involvement (The Athletic $)
What could “restorative practices” possibly mean in this context? I don’t believe he did any work to *restore* any of the women he harmed to positions they would have been in otherwise. Does it just mean he did the practices necessary to *restore* himself to a position of prestige?
For some Friday fun, Hal Hershfelt and Kaylie Collins have unveiled some new personas in advance of Sunday’s Pride match:
Finally, here’s the match schedule for this weekend. Have a good one!
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Power vs. Brooklyn FC | Fri., Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. | New York, NY | Peacock |
| Loudoun United vs. New Mexico United | Sat., Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. | Leesburg, VA | ESPN+ |
| D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC | Sat., Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. | Charlotte, NC | Apple TV |
| Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride | Sun., Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. | Washington, DC | ESPN2 |
I’ll be in the Outer Banks with family this weekend. I’m hoping to have internet so that I can pull the game up.
Enjoy! I’ll be in VA Beach at a concert and will most likely miss the game live as well
Can’t wait for Murrell to play for a couple of years in Europe and then inevitably come back to MLS to play for New England or LA, a la Harkes, Kitchen, Yow, and Najar
And then score or assist in a score against us several times. I’m just waiting for Paredes and Akinmboni to do that as well.
He’s gonna be a drudge in Scotland, and not be needed before 30
A dud with wild magic moments peppered in.
It looks like the World Cup suspensions are out. Paredes out for 10 games.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49681406/leandro-paredes-10-match-ban-world-cup-final-brawl-argentina-fined-falkland-islands-banner
I looked at the Miami-Philly highlights more. I think Fray should have gotten a red. He shoved Quinn in the head. Shouldn’t that be a red?
Looks like Messi picked up an undisclosed fine for slapping a Union player during the 1st half Wednesday evening.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7530312/2026/08/21/messi-fined-mls-striking-opponent-cavan-sullivan-red-card-rescinded/?source=user_shared_article&unlocked_article_code=1.7FA.nq0m.pprUnwSi6yDR&smid=ta-android-share