Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Today’s our last day here. Well, friends, today’s the day. Come tomorrow, this site will no longer be supported by SB Nation. While this isn’t goodbye, it’s certainly a change. We’re thankful for the community that has grown around this site, and we’re hoping you all stick with us as we continue to cover D.C. United, Washington Spirit, Loudoun United, and all things soccer in the DMV! Come find us in our new home, The District Press, for today’s Freedom Kicks! See you on the other side ..read more

John Jones-USA TODAY Sports A quick PSA with more to follow Hi there. We’ve talked awhile back about how we’re going to be no longer supported by Vox, and were developing plans around that. So, in sum, we have. We’ve moved over to The District Press, where you’ll find content on D.C. United, the Washington Spirit, Loudoun United and heck, even a Freedom Kicks over there this very morning. Come on over, check us out, comment, leave feedback, what have you. Two things as you drift over; the first being we ask for your time and patience in this. You’re finding this new space and stretching it out ..read more

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images Let’s keep a good thing going into the weekend MLS opening weekend is almost upon us! Unfortunately, the D.C. area is finally getting some real February weather, and we could even get some snow tomorrow. As a native Midwesterner, I do love snow, but the timing isn’t exactly ideal for spending an evening at Audi Field. Get your scarves out of the closet is what I’m saying! 3 things we learned about the USWNT from SheBelieves (Gaming Society) B&RU’s own André Carlisle shares his big takeaways and/or concerns from the USWNT performance at the SheBelieves Cu ..read more

Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images A magical night in Frisco. Happy Thursday, everyone. By the time you read this, I will be on my stupid early flight home to DC from Dallas, where I was for the finale of the SheBelieves Cup. We begin right there: 2023 SheBelieves Cup - USA 2-1 Brazil: Triumph in Texas as the USWNT take the trophy - SSFC The USWNT beat Brazil 2-1 to win the 2023 SheBelieves Cup. Mallory Swanson was named the tournament’s MVP. San Diego, Las Vegas top MLS expansion candidates - ESPN MLS commissioner Don Garber says that San Diego and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for ..read more

Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images Stability? Who needs it? The MLS season kicks off this weekend. I’m excited, though maybe not necessarily prepared. Let’s get to the kicks! Major League Soccer Announces Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Format and Schedule (MLS): MLS has a new playoff format, and you might need some more words to explain it to people. MLS has a new playoff format, and it’s complicated (Pro Soccer Wire): Fortunately, Jason Anderson has words ready to help explain this structure. Goff shared some interesting tidbits from Coach Rooney. My eyes are on the words “season roster”: Wayne Ro ..read more

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports And hopes for a sleepy holiday Monday Hi there, I’m sort of coming back to things after a weekend of child playdates, I assume not much happened? D.C. United agrees to trade forward Miguel Berry to Atlanta for cash (WaPo): OK I guess? Top 10 new MLS jerseys for 2023 (The 18): Dunno if the FC Dallas kit is better than D.C.’s (it’s not), but ‘tis the season. Dirty South Soccer with the right take. Ranking The NWSL Stadiums (13th Man): Audi Field gets ranked (with the WoSo context) also. Martin, Loudoun United look forward to new changes (me): I went to practice ..read more

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images Another essential player sticking around for the long term As the start of the NWSL season nears, the Washington Spirit continued their signings and announced the extension of Dorian Bailey. Our week is made with this news!! — Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) February 16, 2023 Bailey’s re-signing keeps the Spirit’s midfield core together, as well as offering stability for the roster. Having played 50+ matches and totaled over 3,800 minutes played with the Spirit, the 3-year extension will keep her with the club until 2026, replacing her previous contract w ..read more

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images It’s heeeeere It’s the Friday before a long weekend, and we’ve got some good news to discuss! Photos: DC United unveils new cherry blossom away jersey (WTOP) They’re finally here! DC United released the new cherry blossom kits at an event last night. The official versions are a little too subtle for my taste — I’d like to see the blossoms pop more from a distance — but I’m a big fan of the pink detailing and the little branch on the back of the neck. A symbol of unity. A gift of friendship. A reminder of our foundation. All are Welcome, All are United. — D ..read more

Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images Also, get ready this weekend for some particularly loud engines! 10 days, folks! 10 days and we have a new season of MLS to enjoy. I am entering this season a little wiser; therefore, in an effort to avoid the dreaded 2022 night whereby I missed a game due to lack near-kickoff-time parking, I have already reserved my parking on SpotHero. 21st century, here I come! Black History Month Player Profiles: Roy Lassiter (D.C. United): Black History Month continues with a profile on this prolific goal scorer of whom we were privileged to see suit up for the Black-an ..read more

Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Lots of news yesterday! Happy Thursday, everyone. We had a lot of interesting and exciting news from yesterday, so let’s jump into it: The 2023 Washington Spirit is here and it’s perfect - BRU We have a 2023 Washington Spirit schedule! The Spirit will open up at home on March 26th against OL Reign FC. Here’s the full schedule: Of course, the opener being at home on March 26th means that Audi Field will have back-to-back-to-back sporting events that weekend... Audi Field in late March ... March 25: D.C. United vs New England March 26: Wa ..read more