Hello after a few weeks of hiatus! I am back from my trip to El Salvador. It was recharging to visit my family's homeland and really appreciate the warmer weather there. I packed it with some family time, climbing volcanoes, coffee tours, and even kicked it with some local kids in the street! I am happy to be back so let's dive into some soccer news:

The groups are set.

Morning folks on this cold and wintry day in Washington. For many of us, it is the first snowfall of the season. I am lucky that I did not have to brave the elements this morning, but I do have to go downtown in the afternoon. I am making the most of it though and headed to the DC Metro Holiday Pop Up Shop…

For years now, watching D.C. United has felt less like watching a competitive soccer team and more like a test of endurance; season after season of rebuilds, tactical resets, and unfinished visions. And at the center of it all stood one unmistakable figure, shoulders squared beneath the weight of an entire attack: Christian Benteke. Like the Atlas of myth, Benteke did not simply lead DC United’s attack, he held it up.

Did you have trouble streaming Premier League games this weekend? I’ve got your answer as to why! Also, two players duked it out in the middle of a match but somehow still managed to win. These stories and more in your Tuesday Freedom Kicks!

The Washington Spirit and NJ/NY Gotham FC square off on Saturday at PayPal Park with the 2025 NWSL Championship up for grabs. Washington returns to the final for the second straight year, while Got…

The NWSL needs to keep Trinity Rodman if it truly claims to be the best womens soccer league in the world. Plus, the USMNT prepares for battle against Uruguay. This and more in your Tuesday Freedom Kicks!

The Spirit are back in the final. But where are the stars of the 2021 championship today? We track every player from that title winning squad; from those that cemented themselves as DC icons to those who became globe trotters and everything in between.

A day that ended with Washington Spirit fans zipping across the skies like meteors began, contrastingly, with frustration-induced eye rolls. The Athletic’s Tom Bogert broke news about the status of Trinity Rodman’s contract negotiations, and it was news most feared. Rodman, a global superstar in talent, name recognition and personality, is out of contract this offseason and in line to earn a weightier wage than current NWSL salary cap limits allow.

The Spirit are racking up award nominations this week and a DMV native wins an award in the USL Championship! Find out who is up for what in this Tuesday’s Freedom Kicks!

Loudoun United FC is in the playoffs for the very first time this weekend! Plus the new window of opportunity to get World Cup tickets opens this week. These stories and more in your Tuesday Freedom Kicks!

Mooooorning footy folks! I write this to you with a bruised behind from my over 30 mens league. Took a nasty tumble when I went for a header. But all good and we tied 4-4. Anyways, onto the footy news! Washington Spirit Defender Gabby Carle Called Up to Canada Women’s National Team (Washington Spirit) Gabby Carle will add two more caps to her 58 games played for the Canadian national team.

Morning everyone! Another rough week for my 30+ indoor rec soccer league team. We lost this one 8-2. I promise we're good guys! Anyways, here's your roundup for this Tuesday's Freedom Kicks! Real Madrid travel 4,000 miles east for Champions League match (ESPN) A nice little write up about this wounded Madrid making the 10 hour flight to Kazakhstan. They will be looking to bounce back from their worst derby defeat in decades.

Happy Labor Day, everyone! Hopefully all of you have the day off today, our last major holiday of the summer. There was a ton of soccer, so let's discuss some of it before I go enjoy the day: For the first time since May 31st, DC United have won a match! Gabriel Pirani's brace was the difference in their win on the road to NYCFC.

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend! I caught the Euro 2025 Final at Dacha Navy Yard on Sunday and despite the pouring rain, it was a fun experience! Anyways here are your Tuesday Freedom Kicks: Hey Spirits had a great interview with newly appoint coach of the Washington Spirit, Adrián González. In this episode they talk his pre-Spirit history, coaching philosophy, plans for the team, where to find good Spanish food in DC, and more.

Goooood morning! Capped off a birthday weekend by returning to the pitch for a new season of 30+ indoor soccer. Let's get to your Tuesday Freedom Kicks: Mines nets late equalizer to help Loudoun United secure a point at Pittsburgh (Loudoun Times)Loudoun United continues to do well this season staying in 3rd place with 4 more points than next placed North Carolina FC.

I write this nursing a slightly swollen ankle after my indoor rec team played tonight (and lost 7-6 with a goal in the last 15 seconds...). Anyways, here's your top soccer news of the day! Al Hilal shock Club World Cup with win over Manchester City (ESPN)In the second upset of the day, and arguably the biggest upset of the tournament so far, Saudi club Al Hilal beat Manchester City 4-3 after extra time.

The Pulisic family is officially feuding with Landon Donovan (Pro Soccer Wire)Not everyone is happy with the summer break Christian Pulisic is taking that happens to coincide with the Gold Cup. Donovan indirectly called Christian Pulisic's commitment to the USMNT into question and Pulisic Sr. took a dig at Donovan via social media. Gloves are off! Former USMNT teammates including former DC United forward, …