José Mauricio Umaña
@joseumana.bsky.social
Digital editor, journalist ✍️ l Podcaster 🎙️ l University of Maryland alum
Pinned
DC United’s groundskeeper brings ‘the turf world’ to Audi Field - WTOP News
D.C. United’s director of grounds details the process that helps keep Audi Field’s pitch in shape throughout the year.
wtop.com
Getting Audi Field's pitch ready for four teams is a tall task.
D.C. United's first-ever director of grounds welcomes the challenge.
I spoke to him about his role and why "beating up" the field is a good thing for @wtopnews.bsky.social's Working Capital series.
D.C. United's first-ever director of grounds welcomes the challenge.
I spoke to him about his role and why "beating up" the field is a good thing for @wtopnews.bsky.social's Working Capital series.
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
🇺🇸 Sources: Trinity Rodman could be playing final home game for Washington Spirit today in NWSL semifinal
- Rodman is out of contract in winter
- Several clubs abroad pushing hard
- Negotiating directly with NWSL but things not looking good
w/ @meglinehan.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
- Rodman is out of contract in winter
- Several clubs abroad pushing hard
- Negotiating directly with NWSL but things not looking good
w/ @meglinehan.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Trinity Rodman negotiations reach NWSL commissioner as English teams express interest in U.S. star
The 23-year-old will be a free agent this offseason.
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🇺🇸 Sources: Trinity Rodman could be playing final home game for Washington Spirit today in NWSL semifinal
- Rodman is out of contract in winter
- Several clubs abroad pushing hard
- Negotiating directly with NWSL but things not looking good
w/ @meglinehan.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
- Rodman is out of contract in winter
- Several clubs abroad pushing hard
- Negotiating directly with NWSL but things not looking good
w/ @meglinehan.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
“With everything going on, we’re just trying to be the light for the city.”
The @washingtonspirit.com is ready to represent D.C. in Saturday's #NWSL semifinal match in front of its "Rowdy Audi" supporters.
My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social: wtop.com/soccer/2025/...
The @washingtonspirit.com is ready to represent D.C. in Saturday's #NWSL semifinal match in front of its "Rowdy Audi" supporters.
My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social: wtop.com/soccer/2025/...
November 15, 2025 at 1:02 PM
“With everything going on, we’re just trying to be the light for the city.”
The @washingtonspirit.com is ready to represent D.C. in Saturday's #NWSL semifinal match in front of its "Rowdy Audi" supporters.
My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social: wtop.com/soccer/2025/...
The @washingtonspirit.com is ready to represent D.C. in Saturday's #NWSL semifinal match in front of its "Rowdy Audi" supporters.
My latest for @wtopnews.bsky.social: wtop.com/soccer/2025/...
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
‘We are here for everyone’: Washington Spirit looks to defend DC in NWSL semifinals
‘We are here for everyone’: Washington Spirit looks to defend DC in NWSL semifinals
The Washington Spirit are set for their third NWSL semifinal in five years, facing the Portland Thorns at a sold-out Audi Field this Saturday.
wtop.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:16 AM
‘We are here for everyone’: Washington Spirit looks to defend DC in NWSL semifinals
NEW: @washingtonpost.com's availability list is out heading into the #NWSL semifinals:
OUT: Gabby Carle (thigh), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)
QUESTIONABLE: Trinity Rodman (knee)
OUT: Gabby Carle (thigh), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)
QUESTIONABLE: Trinity Rodman (knee)
November 15, 2025 at 12:05 AM
NEW: @washingtonpost.com's availability list is out heading into the #NWSL semifinals:
OUT: Gabby Carle (thigh), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)
QUESTIONABLE: Trinity Rodman (knee)
OUT: Gabby Carle (thigh), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)
QUESTIONABLE: Trinity Rodman (knee)
As they escorted the media away from training, Gabby Carle can be seen at the gym working with a trainer.
The @washingtonspirit.com begin training this morning for its #NWSL semifinal match at Audi Field on Saturday.
Note that Trinity Rodman and Tara McKeown warming up with Leicy Santos. They are participating with the whole group in training.
Note that Trinity Rodman and Tara McKeown warming up with Leicy Santos. They are participating with the whole group in training.
November 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM
As they escorted the media away from training, Gabby Carle can be seen at the gym working with a trainer.
The @washingtonspirit.com begin training this morning for its #NWSL semifinal match at Audi Field on Saturday.
Note that Trinity Rodman and Tara McKeown warming up with Leicy Santos. They are participating with the whole group in training.
Note that Trinity Rodman and Tara McKeown warming up with Leicy Santos. They are participating with the whole group in training.
November 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The @washingtonspirit.com begin training this morning for its #NWSL semifinal match at Audi Field on Saturday.
Note that Trinity Rodman and Tara McKeown warming up with Leicy Santos. They are participating with the whole group in training.
Note that Trinity Rodman and Tara McKeown warming up with Leicy Santos. They are participating with the whole group in training.
@dcunitedofficial.bsky.social President of Business Operations Danita Johnson said in a statement that #MLS's calendar switch fits with "the global nature of our city" and allows #DCU to "exist in rhythm with the rest of the world’s game."
November 13, 2025 at 10:36 PM
@dcunitedofficial.bsky.social President of Business Operations Danita Johnson said in a statement that #MLS's calendar switch fits with "the global nature of our city" and allows #DCU to "exist in rhythm with the rest of the world’s game."
Via a news release, the 2027–28 regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July and conclude with MLS Cup in late May 2028.
#MLS is finalizing final details of switch with the MLS Players Association.
Reaching out to the local side for comment. #DCU
#MLS is finalizing final details of switch with the MLS Players Association.
Reaching out to the local side for comment. #DCU
BREAKING NEWS: MLS owners have officially voted to flip to a fall-to-spring season, aligning with top leagues around the world, per @paultenorio.bsky.social.
The league will begin play in the new format in 2027.
The league will begin play in the new format in 2027.
November 13, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
MLS will take a break from mid-December through early to mid-February, as reported yesterday.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
BREAKING: MLS owners officially voted to flip to a "summer-spring" format beginning in mid-July and running through the end of May. Will start in 2027.
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027
MLS will soon align with leagues that play from the fall to the spring after a transformational decision made by its owners
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:09 PM
MLS will take a break from mid-December through early to mid-February, as reported yesterday.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
Exclusive: FIFA will not pay a rental fee for using the Kennedy Center for the 2026 World Cup draw, disrupting the venue’s performance schedule.
The event, moved from Las Vegas to D.C., was influenced by Trump’s relationship with FIFA’s president.
The event, moved from Las Vegas to D.C., was influenced by Trump’s relationship with FIFA’s president.
FIFA will use Kennedy Center free of charge for World Cup event, contract says
The Kennedy Center booked the World Cup draw at President Donald Trump’s urging. It will occupy much of the campus and displace planned performances.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Exclusive: FIFA will not pay a rental fee for using the Kennedy Center for the 2026 World Cup draw, disrupting the venue’s performance schedule.
The event, moved from Las Vegas to D.C., was influenced by Trump’s relationship with FIFA’s president.
The event, moved from Las Vegas to D.C., was influenced by Trump’s relationship with FIFA’s president.
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
FIFA won't pay to rent the Kennedy Center for the World Cup draw, even though the Kennedy Center has been losing money since the Trump administration took over its programming www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
FIFA will use Kennedy Center free of charge for World Cup event, contract says
The Kennedy Center booked the World Cup draw at President Donald Trump’s urging. It will occupy much of the campus and displace planned performances.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:39 PM
FIFA won't pay to rent the Kennedy Center for the World Cup draw, even though the Kennedy Center has been losing money since the Trump administration took over its programming www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
From the Spirit:
"In the past, we sold [standing-room tickets] that pushed us past 19,365, but we've since set that as our cap to make sure every fan has the best possible experience."
As long as that's the policy, 19,897 (6/4/2024 vs. San Diego) seems locked in as the club record.
"In the past, we sold [standing-room tickets] that pushed us past 19,365, but we've since set that as our cap to make sure every fan has the best possible experience."
As long as that's the policy, 19,897 (6/4/2024 vs. San Diego) seems locked in as the club record.
Are we going to crack 20k
November 12, 2025 at 9:30 PM
From the Spirit:
"In the past, we sold [standing-room tickets] that pushed us past 19,365, but we've since set that as our cap to make sure every fan has the best possible experience."
As long as that's the policy, 19,897 (6/4/2024 vs. San Diego) seems locked in as the club record.
"In the past, we sold [standing-room tickets] that pushed us past 19,365, but we've since set that as our cap to make sure every fan has the best possible experience."
As long as that's the policy, 19,897 (6/4/2024 vs. San Diego) seems locked in as the club record.
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
The baddest soccer podcast in the land is back with a brand new episode as myself and @joseumana.bsky.social discuss @washingtonspirit.com victory over @racingloufc.com in the #NWSL playoffs. Don't forget to rate and subscribe today!!
open.spotify.com/episode/2Sen...
open.spotify.com/episode/2Sen...
Spotify – Web Player
open.spotify.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:26 PM
The baddest soccer podcast in the land is back with a brand new episode as myself and @joseumana.bsky.social discuss @washingtonspirit.com victory over @racingloufc.com in the #NWSL playoffs. Don't forget to rate and subscribe today!!
open.spotify.com/episode/2Sen...
open.spotify.com/episode/2Sen...
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
MLS owners are *expected* to vote on flipping to fall-spring calendar at Thursday's BOG meeting. Changes to competition format also expected.
Let's see if it actually comes to a vote, but implications are enormous.
Exclusive details with @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Let's see if it actually comes to a vote, but implications are enormous.
Exclusive details with @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS owners set to vote on fall-spring calendar and season format changes: Sources
Substantial change could be coming to MLS's structure and operations following a Thursday vote, sources tell The Athletic
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:13 PM
MLS owners are *expected* to vote on flipping to fall-spring calendar at Thursday's BOG meeting. Changes to competition format also expected.
Let's see if it actually comes to a vote, but implications are enormous.
Exclusive details with @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Let's see if it actually comes to a vote, but implications are enormous.
Exclusive details with @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
Spirit comms tells me that a limited number of "Rowdy Rooftop" standing-room-only tickets have been released for sale for Saturday's semifinal vs. Portland.
#NWSL
#NWSL
November 12, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Spirit comms tells me that a limited number of "Rowdy Rooftop" standing-room-only tickets have been released for sale for Saturday's semifinal vs. Portland.
#NWSL
#NWSL
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
At Spirit training, where Coach Adrián González was fairly coy regarding the status of Tara McKeown (ankle) and Gabrielle Carle (hamstring). "We need to see how the week goes," he said. Both players were held out of full training.
And Trinity Rodman? "I think she's on track," González said.
And Trinity Rodman? "I think she's on track," González said.
November 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM
At Spirit training, where Coach Adrián González was fairly coy regarding the status of Tara McKeown (ankle) and Gabrielle Carle (hamstring). "We need to see how the week goes," he said. Both players were held out of full training.
And Trinity Rodman? "I think she's on track," González said.
And Trinity Rodman? "I think she's on track," González said.
Reposted by José Mauricio Umaña
BREAKING: The NWSL is awarding its 17th franchise to Atlanta and will join the league for a record expansion fee of $165 million, sources tell The Athletic.
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
BREAKING: The NWSL is awarding its 17th franchise to Atlanta and will join the league for a record expansion fee of $165 million, sources tell The Athletic.
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
OFFICIAL: The NWSL and Washington Spirit announce that its semifinal match will take place at D.C.'s Audi Field on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12 p.m.
Game will be broadcasted on CBS.
Game will be broadcasted on CBS.
Washington Spirit’s Home Semifinal Match at Audi Field Set for Saturday, November 15 at Noon
Washington, D.C. (11/09/2025) - The Washington Spirit will host the winner of today’s Portland Thorns FC-San Diego Wave FC match in its home semifinal match at Audi Field on Saturday, November 15 at 1...
washingtonspirit.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:19 PM
OFFICIAL: The NWSL and Washington Spirit announce that its semifinal match will take place at D.C.'s Audi Field on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12 p.m.
Game will be broadcasted on CBS.
Game will be broadcasted on CBS.
The ESPN broadcast also had the Spirit's playoff match on the Saturday spot on CBS.
November 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The ESPN broadcast also had the Spirit's playoff match on the Saturday spot on CBS.
ICYMI: Aubrey Kingsbury saved 2 shots in a penalty shootout to help the @washingtonspirit.com overcome Racing Louisville in the quarterfinals of the @nwslsoccer.com playoffs.
Kingsbury saves two shots in shootout, Spirit beats Racing to advance to playoff semifinals - WTOP News
Aubrey Kingsbury saved two shots in a penalty shootout and the Washington Spirit overcame Racing Louisville in the quarterfinals of the NWSL playoffs.
wtop.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:49 PM
ICYMI: Aubrey Kingsbury saved 2 shots in a penalty shootout to help the @washingtonspirit.com overcome Racing Louisville in the quarterfinals of the @nwslsoccer.com playoffs.
Tara McKeown came off with an ankle injury and will need to evaluated tomorrow, @washingtonspirit.com head coach Adrian Gonzalez said.
He added that Gabby Carle "felt something in her hamstring," which led to her removal. (Q by @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social)
He added that Gabby Carle "felt something in her hamstring," which led to her removal. (Q by @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social)
November 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Tara McKeown came off with an ankle injury and will need to evaluated tomorrow, @washingtonspirit.com head coach Adrian Gonzalez said.
He added that Gabby Carle "felt something in her hamstring," which led to her removal. (Q by @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social)
He added that Gabby Carle "felt something in her hamstring," which led to her removal. (Q by @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social)
FINAL: Aubrey Kingsbury DOES IT AGAIN! Two saves in the shootout and leads @washingtonspirit.com to the #NWSL semifinals!
Hershfelt makes it look easy. 3-1 Washington.
November 8, 2025 at 8:15 PM
FINAL: Aubrey Kingsbury DOES IT AGAIN! Two saves in the shootout and leads @washingtonspirit.com to the #NWSL semifinals!
Aubrey Kingsbury is heading to goal first as Louisville shoots first.
November 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Aubrey Kingsbury is heading to goal first as Louisville shoots first.
FINAL: 1-1. We heading to PKs between Washington and Louisville.
November 8, 2025 at 8:03 PM
FINAL: 1-1. We heading to PKs between Washington and Louisville.