Welcome to Wednesday. Sorry for the late FKs this morning. Running a bit behind. Let’s get to it.

Thomason brace leads DC Power FC past Fort Lauderdale United FC (DP)

DC Power played a weekday matinee match at Audi and came away with all three points. Tatum Thomason scored her first two professional goals to give DC their first home win of the season. DC currently sits second in the table, but having played an extra match.

9 Young Talents who Stood Out in the USL Championship, League One in Week 29 | Young Player Spotlight (USL Championship)

Loudoun’s Abdellatif Aboukoura makes the list after his assist against Louisville City FC. Aboukoura is tied for second in the USL for goal contributions before the age of 22 (33 in total). Also getting a shout out in the Aboukoura discussion was Ryan Keefer and his Data Center Soccer site.

Former Washington Spirit Players Compete in ‘The Amazing Race’ (Northern Virginia)

Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman are taking part in this season of “The Amazing Race’ and Northern Virginia Magazine has a preview. I’m not a reality tv person, but I will probably keep some tabs on this.

Scoop: D.C. United makes labor deal for Audi Field expansion (Axios)

With the Bowser Administration opposing public funding for Audi Field’s expansion, the team reached a deal with local unions in hopes of generating momentum ahead of the arrival of a new mayor. Expansion at Buzzard Point faces some headwinds with the city already contributing to the overhaul at Cap One. The city council will discuss the issue on October 23rd. I have mixed (and slightly hypocritical) feelings about public financing of stadiums in general and specifically to Audi.

Sources: NWSL launches new player development rule for clubs (ESPN)

The NWSL is following MLS’s lead in developing byzantine and arcane rules for circumventing the salary cap to sign players instead of just raising or eliminating the cap itself. Under the rule. teams can register the player and help develop them and then after two years sign the player and receive salary cap relief. If another team signs that player, the team that registered the player still gets the cap relief. Good for player development I guess, but bad for my NWSL/MLS player salary shenanigans migraine.

Is the USWNT’s talent pipeline at risk of running dry? (ESPN)

Maybe NWSL’s Player Development Rule can help the USWNT avoid this (maybe) looming disaster.

NWSL Power Rankings – Matchweek 22: Jordynn Dudley’s breakout game powers Gotham FC, San Diego Wave have now beaten every playoff team, Portland Thorns’ Sophia Wilson shines, and Angel City FC has entered the postseason chat (All for XI)

Good news everyone, after the Spirit’s 3-0 win , they move up a spot to 3rd in the Power Rankings. Bad news, the Bats remain the top of the list.

Sunderland penalty vs. Arsenal incorrect but ‘not clear and obvious error’, league panel finds (The Athletic)

I have a great many thoughts about replay in sports. (I’m sure everyone has that as Number 2 on their list of shocking things behind their being gambling at Rick’s.) For me it boils down to, fans as a whole need to to develop some level of acceptance in the act that even with technology there will be a level of imperfection in calls. That’s just life.

Columbus Crew 2 fires Higuain after fallout from ref abuse (ESPN)

Higuain refused to release the hand of a female referee during a hand shake and reportedly admonished her “”Don’t forget that this is a man’s game.” a month ago. The lack of concern and the time it took for this action reflect badly (at best) on the league and Columbus. Add in that the Columbus ownership group was awarded an NWSL franchise and who the ownership group employs on one of their other teams and this is downright worrisome.

More traditional media moves away from covering soccer on a daily basis.

I’ll end with two sartorial articles because I am always a sucker for jersey stories, rankings, discussion.

On the terraces: Oktoberfest kit protests, Schalke-Gladbach friendship, Hertha boycott Dynamo (Gengenpressing)

Not by any means a Bayern fan, but I love that they do an Oktoberfest kit every year. I don’t have a particular opinion on the color issue though. I bring it up mostly to wonder on, if it were possible, how cool would it be to have something like that for DCU or the Spirit. Think of a special Cherry Blossom jersey or though I think the red,white, and blue is ripe for overuse, a special revisit of the Cat in the Hat jersey for fourth of July. (Ok, just take my money now.)

Americans Abroad club jerseys to fit in your collection (SSFC)

If you’re looking to add to your jersey collection with one from an American abroad, Donald’s got you covered with one his superb breakdowns.

What did I miss?