Dennis N.

DC Power win spring opener, Concacaf calendar announced, and more: Monday Freedom Kicks Happy Monday, y'all. I had to sleep in a bit cuz I was still hyped from Bad Bunny's performance at the Super Bowl last night. Now that I have my double shot of coffee, let's get to the news: DC Power had their spring opener down in Jacksonville, and they're coming home with 3 points after Alyssa Walker's substitute goal proved to be the winner in a 1-0 final.

DC Power winning their spring opener on the road and #Concacaf's schedule announcement has us jamming to Bad Bunny on the Freedom Kicks!

🎶 I’ve got a Golden Ticket! 🎶 see you this summer LA!

episode graphic with photo of Haley Carter

🌸NEW POD🌸

Annie, Ella & André were delighted to chat with new President of Soccer Operations, Haley Carter! She discussed leaving Orlando, getting over the championship hump, goals with the Spirit, and A LOT more!

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Someone has taken an interest in soccer #LiverpoolvsManCity

Fairfax native and current GMU (my alma mater) student represent!

Friday Freedom Kicks Happy Friday! The big sports news today is of course the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, which I have been looking forward to. Will they be as bonkers as France's in 2024? Probably not, but I am hoping for something entertaining. The games overall are already providing a wealth of topics to discuss (Finnish hockey norovirus! Cleaning bug blood off the curling ice!

Happy Friday! While we wait for the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, join us to discuss new Loudoun United signings, the second half of the Gainbridge Super League season, and Ronaldo's tantrum.

Young joins Loudoun United, Impact of FBRef Data Loss, USMNT Roster Thoughts, Alligators and Murder Shows, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks Happy Thursday everyone. As Talonesque mentioned, yesterday was a sad day. To say watching a venerated institution like the Washington Post self-immolate is extremely difficult undersells the moment. The loss of The Post's Sports Section hits hard. Like many from outside the DMV, I was aware of some of great journalists who worked for the paper before I lived in the area.

Welcome to Thursday. Today we look at Sean Young's arrival in Loudoun, the impact of FBRef's data on Women's Soccer, Casey Keller's health, #USMNT news, and Murder Shows. All that and more in Thursday's Freedom Kicks.
#woso #ThatsTheSpirit #Loudoun United

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🌸NEW POD🌸

We chatted with one of the newest Spirits, Sara Wojdelko (aka Wojo)! We got into how she became a goalkeeper, entering the league without a draft, axolotls, Rainforest Cafe, and more.

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RIP to the Washington Post sports page.

Among many other things, it's always been invaluable to my research & writing on soccer history. So much of the writing - like this John Feinstein piece from 1980 - is so rich & colorful, just entirely alien compared to what you see today.

It’s saddening and maddening to watch what’s happening at the Washington Post today.

The staffers there and their readers everywhere deserve better than these shortsighted decisions and the mismanagement that led to them.

Loudoun bolsters their squad, Transfer Deadline Day in Europe, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks Morning everyone! We finally got above freezing yesterday, but this snowcrete ain't going anywhere any time soon. I've basically spent the last week and a half indoors and out of sheer boredom I caught the Grammys on Sunday night for the first time ever (this is relevant further down). I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining it was (or maybe my threshold for entertainment has been so whittled down) and the…

Loudoun continues to recruit. Transfer deadline day had a bit of drama involving Ronaldo and Benzema. And I watched the Grammys for the first time! This and more in your Tuesday Freedom Kicks

I knew someone who was at FEMA and his role basically became DHS/ICE support last year. He quit as soon as he could. He loved his job b4 but couldn’t stand what it had become.

Oh wow I just realized Heilferty isn’t even on Houston’s preseason roster

Kinda cool seeing the Brentford’s stadium on tv knowing I’ve been there 😎
I predicted an Arsenal win. 3-1

And yes I just finished the show. Absolute cinema

a man in a red shirt is sitting in front of a pink light ALT: a man in a red shirt is sitting in front of a pink light

You know Rowdy Audi would be bumping the Harrison version of “All The Things She Said” if we were in season rn

Looks like you won’t have to marry any Spirit players!

That’s gotta mean Bolt goes out on loan again especially because we have a glut of forwards. Maybe Sandy goes if she’s looking for minutes prior to the 27 WC…

For a town that loves women’s sports, I’m shocked there’s no women’s sports bars in DC. Gotta change that!

DCU re-sign Bono, Spirit sign Martinez, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks! I was blessed with a bevy of news to share! Almost all of the DC area team made some roster moves. Lots of thoughtful pieces as well. Let’s talk footy and drink some hot coffee! ☕️⚽️❄️

DCU re-sign Bono, Spirit sign Martinez, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks!

👀💍

Rodman signs new deal with Washington, new MLS transfer windows and roster rules, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks Happy Friday! I hope you are all sufficiently prepared for The Snowstorm this weekend. I unfortunately still need to pick up a few things from the grocery store and make some attempts to winterize my house before it hits, so I fear I am in for a long day. Trinity Rodman is BACK (The District Press)Yesterday's Spirit mystery press conference was finally revealed to be the announcement of Trinity Rodman's new contract with the team.

Happy Friday! Today we're talking about Trinity Rodman's new contract (of course), Tai Baribo's slated role with D.C. United, and Gabby Carle's love of hockey.

Trinity Rodman is BACK Finally, the nightmare scenarios can end and we can reset the doomsday clock. The Washington Spirit have announced that Trinity Rodman has signed a new deal that will keep her at the club through the 2028 season. The announcement was held at BMO Stadium with Rodman coming down from USWNT camp in Carson, CA to attend the event. Washington blasted a 'special announcement' to media and fans, noting that club owner Michele Kang and new president of soccer operations Haley Carter would be speaking.

TRIN. IS. BACK.

Spirit Recall Gaines-Ramos, Estcourt and Power Part Ways, MLS GAM Totals, the Beep Test, and More: Thursday Freedom Kicks Happy Thursday everyone. As Talonesque mentioned yesterday, the Spirit have an announcement planned in Los Angeles for 6 PM ET. Whatever the announcement is, its a big enough deal that Michele Kang and Haley Carter will be there. Given the USWNT are training nearby in Carson, there is a lot of speculation on the internet that the Spirit have found a way resign Trinity Rodman and bring to an end the ongoing intrigue?

While we all sit and anxiously await tonight's Washington Spirit announcement from LA, we've got a ton more news. Today we cover the Spirit recalling Gaines-Ramos, Charlie Estcourt and DC Power parting ways, Chelsea lurking on the edge of the Rodman situation and much more in Thursday Freedom Kicks

NWSL Legend Departs, AFCON Final Fallout Continues, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks Morning folks! It's a glorious Tuesday in the nation's capital! My trivia team is preparing tonight to defend our title from last week at the local bar. What's your category of expertise you bring to the trivia table? Obviously mine is soccer but I'm pretty solid on global politics and geography! Anyways, let's dive in to the footy! Morocco to pursue legal action over chaotic end to Africa Cup of Nations final (The Guardian)

NWSL Legend Departs, AFCON Final Fallout Continues, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks

Morning folks! It's a glorious Tuesday in the nation's capital! My trivia team is preparing tonight to defend our title from last week at the local bar. What's your category of expertise you bring to the trivia…

Chris Richards wins US Soccer Award, Rodman Rule Drama Continues, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks Happy Thursday everyone! I got called in last minute to fill in for Thursday Freedom Kicks so you get a double dose of me this week! Let’s dive in! Chris Richards named 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year (SSFC) Chris Richards had a great 2025 and it allowed him to win the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year Award.

Chris Richards wins US Soccer Award, Rodman Rule Drama Continues, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks

Loudoun United announces new coach, Heaps comes home, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks Loudoun United unveil their new coach and two players depart DCU as the team reshapes itself with a little over month to go until the season opener. This and more in your Tuesday Freedom Kicks!

Loudoun United announces new coach, Heaps comes home, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks

episode graphic with photo of brittany ratcliffe

🌸NEW POD🌸

We turn our attention to 2026! We start with a Trinity Rodman update, why she was listed as 'unattached' and update her contract situation. We also explain the new HIP Rule, including its many flaws.

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DC United Signs Munteanu, Celtic fires Nancy, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks DC United fills a second DP spot and a former MLS manager is embarrassingly sacked in Scotland after only 33 days in charge. This and more in your Tuesday Freedom Kicks!

DC United Signs Manteanu, Celtic fires Nancy, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks

Honestly I'm of the mantra "If ain't broke, don't fix it" when it comes to this squad. All these weeks of silence will be worth it if Trin signs a new contract (and the league ups the salary cap)