USMNT vs CAN Preview, Messi’s Final Game for Argentina, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks
Good morning DC Footy Folk!
I’ll be honest, I feel like this international break has really dragged on. The original two week pauses were already long enough but tacking on another week is just brutal. I, for one, cannot wait for the return of regular European club soccer this weekend.
Anyways, let’s jump into the footy news!
USA vs. Canada, 2026 USMNT Friendly: Scouting Canada (SSFC)
Will the USMNT be able to make it 4 out of 4 victories during this extended international break? Jesse Marsch’s Canada team is the only thing stopping the Yanks from going perfect during this window. I am hoping that Cavan Sullivan can add to his goal that he scored against Mexico. Check it out below if you haven’t seen Cavan’s worldie yet.
USMNT to face Haiti in Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals (SSFC)
Regardless of the outcome of the game against Canada, the USMNT knows that they will face Haiti across two legs in the CONCACAF Nations League next month.
Yunus Musah went from World Cup starter to USMNT outsider. At 23, he’s starting over (Yahoo! Sports)
One player to keep an eye on against Canada is the AC Milan midfielder. I keep forgetting how young and yet how experienced Musah is. Many are predicting Poch to rotate the team heavily which could mean substantial minutes for Yunus.
With Messi playing his final game for Argentina tonight, it is a good time to reminisce about his best moments in the blue and white of Argentina. For me personally, it was his crazy dribble against Croatia that led to an assist to Julian Alavarez in a 3-0 win in the World Cup semifinal. Do you have a favorite Messi moment for Argentina? Sound off in the comments!
The several Spirit players are up for goal of the week, assist of the week, and save of the week. Make sure to go to the NWSL Instagram to vote!
State of each position in 2026: What are the biggest tactical trends? (ESPN)
Ball playing CBS. Keepers who are better with their feet than with their hands. Underlapping fullbacks. Some interesting observations in this article. Do you agree with these evolutions? Do you think there is any particular one that any of the DMV teams should look to add to their armory?
The drama around Manchester City’s criminal activities continues to swirl and arguably get worse with each passing day. If you have a full lunch hour, I highly recommend this podcast that breaks down the ramifications which could include embroiling the newly appointed UK prime minister, Andy Burnham, into the scandal.
‘Ted Lasso’ star Cristo Fernandez makes USL debut with El Paso Locomotive (USA Today)
FUTBOL IS LIFE! Really cool to see the Ted Lasso star finally take to their field for the USL team and make his dreams a reality.
That’s all from me folks! See you in the comments!
Actually, I like the longer international window. It produces better tactical NT play, the camps are longer, the coaches can do more coaching.
Nations League gives things a bit more meaning but the USMNT having only played friendlies this international window didn’t sit well with me. Even though next window starts against Haiti, I’m more excited for that seeing as there are consequences for losing.
Favorite tactical trend is easily the fusion of smart, selective pressing tactics earned in the previous tactical era to the midblock. It’s my favorite type of overall approach to the game, and I’m gonna enjoy it before some jerk figures out how to exploit it