Spirit Callups to Feature Internationally, Looking Back at USMNT’s Perfect Run, Looking Forward to USWNT’s Spain Clashes, and More: Thursday Freedom Kicks
Happy Thursday, commentariat! I just wanted to congratulate Annie and Andre as their DC Scores auction item had a winning bid of that exceeded $500! That means that you can tune in to the Hey Spirits Podcast to find out who claimed the prize.
On to the news!
A helpful visual from The Spirit of the numerous national team callups earned by the squad as the Women’s International Window gets into full swing.
DC Power have an away match in Jacksonville tomorrow evening.
Lionel Messi & Inter Miami seek bounceback vs. DC United- MLS
The narrative understandably centers on Lionel Messi, fresh off his much celebrated final match for Argentina as they bid farewell to the legend, and whether his club can climb back into the supporters shield race with a win at home. Personally, I’m hoping the soccer gods are feeling a bit perverse this weekend and our boys spoil it for them.
The Guardian reflects on those in and out of camp who benefitted or saw their stock drop as the USMNT had a perfect 4 for 4 winning run this window. For my own part, I think anyone not mentioning 21 year old NE Rev central midfielder, Brooklyn Raines, is failing in their analysis. He’s on the depth chart, and might be the most complementary partner to Tyler Adams in the double pivot already, especially as Weston McKennie and Sebastian Berhalter have shown more effectiveness in more advanced roles.
What Does the Future Hold for Christian Pulisic With the USMNT?- Sports Illustrated
There have most likely been moments in Christian Pulisic’s already 3 cycle tenure with the USMNT that he may have wished to not be as important to the squad, that the expectations not fall so heavily on his shoulders. And, if so, his wish might have backfired, with a host of dynamic talent coming through and already snatching headlines and fan fervor. Combined with his testy relationship with Pochettino, including media sniping between the camps, we’ll see how smoothly he can reintegrate going forward.
NWSL goals leader Sanchez getting ‘up to speed’ with USWNT- ESPN
It’s fairly remarkable how much of a roller coaster Ashley Sanchez’s career has been for club and country, belying the fact that she’s still only 27 years old. Now, the presumed NWSL MVP for the 2026 season answers some of ESPN’s questions about her return to the national team ahead of the forthcoming pair of matches against Spain. We’re all rooting for you, Ashley.
USWNT Stock Up, Stock Down: Phallon Tullis-Joyce Is Fighting for the Top Spot- Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated gives its take on player form heading into the Spain clashes.
It’s worth reminding ourselves what a colossal, magnetic, and storied figure the USWNT has at the helm of their project, and how keenly dedicated she is to doing immense work in that space.
NWSL looking to expand to at least 20 teams, says commissioner Jessica Berman- The Athletic
Expansion is in the works for The NWSL under commissioner Jessica Berman. More opportunities for players in more markets, but let’s raise the salary cap so it’s not musical chairs of who can afford whom.
REPORT: WNBA star-backed bid leads expansion race- WNBL
News coming out of New Zealand is that their professional women’s league is looking at expansion locations, and Jason Levien has a consortium involved.
Ex-Spurs player Vega set to run for Fifa president- BBC
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, will be challenged for his seat.
Laos footballer arrested in connection with alleged match-fixing for betting syndicate- The Guardian
Sports betting fuels crime, and the size of the league or market is doesn’t negate that impact.
To close out, some videos from the USMNT remarkable window, because the person manning the operation has an unusual personal practice.
We now know that Pochettino owns at least five separate colognes. The mind is left to ponder if that tally covers even most of the collection he employs in his ritual.
That’s all I’ve got. One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
My 7 year old is starting to be aware of soccer. He knows that he likes Messi, and he knows that he likes DC United because his dad likes DC United (I’m sorry!). But I don’t think it occurred to him that the two entities could share a field, until I told him the other day that Messi would be playing DC United on Saturday. I could see his little head explode as he tried to figure out how to cheer for both of them. The good news is that some part of his nascent fandom will be well-served after the game!
Well, good news is, that conflict doesn’t have immortal legs
There’s a family of Portuguese descent at his bus stop, and they are big Ronaldo fans. I haven’t really filled him in yet on what Ronaldo’s up to these days.
If the Ronaldo fans are quite small, and could potentially switch focus to other figures as he immolates the remnants of this career, probably best not to deliver the reality. He’ll probably bring it himself in time, but kids find new heroes.
Do the Spirit still have an XI if they need to theoretically play during the international break?
I don’t believe that’s a possibility
There’s a huge disparity between the size of the men’s and women’s windows this fall, remember where this window’s falls in the respective cycles.
As far as I know, there won’t be any players who cannot return for the Gotham clash on the 17th, barring unfortunate injuries (knock on wood).