Happy Friday! Labor Day weekend has almost begun! I’ve made a lot of plans with friends and family to celebrate, and I hope you’ve all done the same (or at least scheduled some relaxation time). I would also love for it to usher in some slightly cooler weather, but I know what DC Septembers are like.

D.C. United Loans Goalkeeper Jordan Farr to Loudoun United FC (D.C. United)
Jordan Farr appears to have recovered from his shoulder injury and gone right back out on loan. He’d previously been sent to Loudoun United at the beginning of June and recalled by the end of that same month.

Defender Ascel Essengue Recalled from Loan by LA Galaxy (Loudoun United)
It was a kind of easy-come-easy-go day for Loudoun. Essengue had made 10 starts for them this year.

London City shirt deal biggest in women’s game – Kang (BBC)
More big moves from Michele Kang. Here’s hoping she can bring a similar deal — said to be worth more than some Premier League shirt sponsors — to the Spirit!

Here’s the mogul herself on the deal:

Ranking every MLS team’s 2026 summer transfer window from worst to first (Backheeled $)
At least D.C. United did better than NYRB?

How Rebeca Bernal improves Manchester United (The Cutback)
Jason Anderson on Rebe’s time with the Spirit and what she’ll bring to her new club. The Spirit better make a real good deal or two with the cap space this has freed up; that’s all I’m saying!

Washington Spirit’s Sandy MacIver won Save of the Week for a two-part stop that kept her clean sheet against Bay FC:

USWNT great Becky Sauerbrunn named Portland Thorns consultant (ESPN)
I’ve been surprised that we haven’t seen more players from Sauerbrunn’s era go into coaching or other work for teams, as compared with broad- and podcasting. Interested to see if this turns into something longer-term for her.

For some Friday fun, watch Sofia Cantore (largely unsuccessfully) attempt to scare her teammates:

Finally, here’s your match schedule for the weekend. Enjoy!