The Spirit Gear Up for Playoff Campaign, Poch Names Nations League Quarterfinal Training Roster, and More: Thursday Freedom Kicks
Playoffs? Playoffs?! We’re talking about Playoffs!?! PlAYoFfs!??!
Well, for The Spirit anyway.
On to the news!
Seb Salazar, perhaps the only media figure within the American soccer firmament who is a DC United diehard, expresses thoughts that will make many in this community nod vigorously, so pace yourselves for neck damage.
It’s time. DC is gearing up for The Spirit to begin yet another playoff campaign, which kicks off for the squad this Sunday, 3 PM Eastern at Audi Field. Gird yourselves.
Trinity Rodman grateful for healthy season as Washington Spirit chase NWSL title- ESPN
It really has been great to see her play so consistently, often taking some hits and somehow rallying stronger in the latter portions of matches. Let’s hope that the pieces are gonna come together to make it easier for her to dominate in the postseason contest, and that coach Adrian Gonzalez can figure out the right configuration.
Portland Thorns enter NWSL playoffs on a roll, but can they get revenge against Washington?- KGW8
If you’d like to check in on the opposition, led by fellow Triple Espresso weapon, Sophia Wilson, here’s where they stand entering Sunday’s showdown.
USWNT Stock Up, Stock Down: Who Impressed Most in the NWSL in 2026?- Sports Illustrated
Yes, there is plenty to play for in the playoffs, but Sports Illustrated looks back (rightly) at the breadth of the NWSL regular season and how it likely affects the USWNT roster. Not on this list that I would note- stock up for right back, Ayo Oke, who had a phenomenal impact for The Denver Summit, and stock down for Cat Macario, whose entire playing career is teetering on the precipice.
The USMNT announced training camp roster for November’s Nations League matches against Haiti. Notably, Christian Pulisic is back in the fold, and defender Brian Reynolds gets a chance to impress. Santiago Castañeda of SC Paderborn also will get a look.
Mauricio Pochettino Goes Big: Eight Takeaways From USMNT’s 2026 November Roster- Sports Illustrated
Analysis for camp dynamics, including Gio Reyna’s drive to succeed. One thought that occurred to me is- he really seems to be enjoying having younger players than himself to interact with and guide, might be a real turning point for his role within the squad.
Japan FA’s Kozo Tashima to stand against Infantino for Fifa presidency- The Guardian
My cogent analysis: Get’m.
Sigh. Sure.
MLS Power Rankings: Miami finds its feet with Decision Day coming up- ESPN
We’re not on the bottom.
Champions League talking points: Are Como the real deal?- ESPN
A new power rises, at least in this tournament. Cesc Fabregas and his sensational playmaker, Nico Paz, are making Como a scary prospect in the Champions League.
Finally, let’s reflect with some sadness about what Portugal would have been if CR7 hadn’t played this summer.
That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
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