Black And Red United - All PostsThey can't hold us back. We are United.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47471/blackandred-fave.png2023-02-28T10:26:32-05:00http://www.blackandredunited.com/rss/current/2023-02-28T10:26:32-05:002023-02-28T10:26:32-05:00Tuesday Freedom Kicks: Where to find us!
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<img alt="MLS: Toronto FC at D.C. United" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6cycd8DcQf5Wgc2wzPbVzXSSrvs=/0x0:1678x1119/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72021686/usa_today_20090617.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Today’s our last day here.</p> <p id="Bcx4bf">Well, friends, today’s the day. Come tomorrow, this site will no longer be supported by SB Nation. </p>
<p id="tJb4JM">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, <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">Washington Spirit</a>, Loudoun United, and all things soccer in the DMV!</p>
<p id="Si30LV">Come find us in our new home, <a href="https://thedistrictpress.com">The District Press</a>, for <a href="https://thedistrictpress.com/2023/02/28/rooney-predicted-the-match-gaby-vincent-takes-on-a-new-role-and-more-tuesday-freedom-kicks/">today’s Freedom Kicks</a>!</p>
<p id="n0Sk7C">See you on the other side! </p>
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https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/28/23618448/tuesday-freedom-kicks-where-to-find-usSarah Kallassy2023-02-27T07:00:00-05:002023-02-27T07:00:00-05:00Monday Freedom Kicks: We’ve moved, come join us!
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<img alt="MLS: Playoffs- Round One-Atlanta United at New York City FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5t71fu9Tv1mSNe3vlaYnOE6Rm8g=/0x0:4892x3261/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72016968/usa_today_17217243.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Jones-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A quick PSA with more to follow</p> <p id="yA7K90">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 <a href="https://thedistrictpress.com">The District Press</a>, where you’ll find content on D.C. United, the <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">Washington Spirit</a>, 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.</p>
<p id="OXky82">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 as we are, and there are bound to be hiccups, growing pains and the like. It’s natural, so please bear with us.</p>
<p id="HvJCsr">The second is full credit for this goes to Sarah Kallassy. She’s put this together, along with working a day job, being a Mom of two kids, and got it up and running on the day of D.C.’s first game. I said online and will repeat here; we hope to do her work and your patronage justice.</p>
<p id="LiyS1M">With that in mind, come on over!</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/27/23616263/monday-freedom-kicks-weve-moved-come-join-usRyan Keefer2023-02-24T08:30:00-05:002023-02-24T08:30:00-05:00Friday Freedom Kicks: Bill Hamid to Dundee United, MLS opening weekend, fate of B&RU and more
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<img alt="Houston Dynamo FC v DC United" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NiSZINkeY8P7iwA_Jqd9Llm-o8E=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72008955/1397445827.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Let’s keep a good thing going into the weekend</p> <p id="nG59o1">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!</p>
<p id="MOlKta"><a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/black-history-month/2023/2/22/23610406/black-history-month-bill-hamid-kim-crabbe-sandi-gordon-howard-bison-soccer-crystal-dunn-bpc">3 things we learned about the USWNT from SheBelieves (Gaming Society)</a><br>B&RU’s own André Carlisle shares his big takeaways and/or concerns from the USWNT performance at the SheBelieves Cup.</p>
<p id="4wfXoa"><a href="https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/4173160/dundee-united-set-to-snap-up-usa-international-goalkeeper-bill-hamid/">Dundee United set to snap up USA international goalkeeper Bill Hamid (The Courier)</a><br>Glad to see Bill Hamid has found a likely landing spot, even though we’ll miss him in the District. Dundee are currently in 12th place of 12 in the Scottish Premiership, so they could certainly use the help.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andy Najar and the Black-and-Red are back in action on Saturday at 7:30PM ET to take on <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TorontoFC</a> in our 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLS</a> Season Opener <br><br> Watch the match for free on the <a href="https://twitter.com/AppleTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AppleTV</a> app!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCU</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosUnited?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosUnited</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6Sf5QG6Om">https://t.co/f6Sf5QG6Om</a> <a href="https://t.co/qy8jzIk0tF">pic.twitter.com/qy8jzIk0tF</a></p>— D.C. United (@dcunited) <a href="https://twitter.com/dcunited/status/1628816962292961280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a>
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<p id="fArHCs">If you — like me — have not signed up for MLS Season Pass yet, you can check out the first game of the season tomorrow night for free!</p>
<p id="Rv4HoR"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/ranking-all-29-mls-teams-by-tier-for-2023">Ranking all 29 MLS teams by tier for 2023 (MLS)</a><br>Get hyped for games this weekend with this breakdown of each team’s chances and potential starting XIs. The bad news: DCU are in the bottom tier. The good news: the tier is called “Prove Me Wrong,” and, you know, they could.</p>
<p id="JWEH5H"><a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-womens-world-cup/story/4885258/takeaways-analysis-all-32-womens-world-cup-teams-in-february-window">How all 32 World Cup Teams performed in the second-last window before the tournament (ESPN)</a><br>With the 2023 World Cup only a few months away, you can brush up on the current status of all 32 teams here. After beating all of my friends in our 2022 World Cup draft, I have a title to defend and am trying to absorb all the information I can!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This time tomorrow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LUFC</a> ✘ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoudAndUnited?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoudAndUnited</a> <a href="https://t.co/9F05G2or7b">pic.twitter.com/9F05G2or7b</a></p>— Loudoun United FC (@LoudounUnitedFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoudounUnitedFC/status/1628892468493307906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a>
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<p id="uuQfAZ">Stay tuned for some Friday evening soccer news, as Loudoun United are having their 2023 kit reveal party tonight at 6 p.m. </p>
<p id="YWxjxg">Finally, we know you’ve all been patiently waiting for an update on the next steps for Black and Red United. I am excited to announce that our new site will be online within the next few days!</p>
<p id="JIF6aN">Stay warm out there, friends, and ¡Vamos United!</p>
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https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/24/23612575/friday-freedom-kicks-uswnt-shebelieves-takeaways-hamid-to-dundee-united-mls-opening-weekendAnnie.Elliott2023-02-23T23:31:17-05:002023-02-23T23:31:17-05:00Thursday Freedom Kicks: USWNT win SheBelieves, MLS expansion news, and more
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<img alt="2023 SheBelieves Cup - Brazil v United States" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9v6UH56z2BEFG9cyWKngtnX6Vzs=/0x0:5000x3333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72008196/1468702409.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A magical night in Frisco.</p> <p id="UVOifo">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:</p>
<p id="9ULmtY"><a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2023/2/22/23611218/2023-shebelieves-cup-usa-2-1-brazil-triumph-in-texas-as-the-uswnt-take-the-trophy">2023 SheBelieves Cup - USA 2-1 Brazil: Triumph in Texas as the USWNT take the trophy - SSFC</a></p>
<p id="i8HrWJ">The USWNT beat Brazil 2-1 to win the 2023 SheBelieves Cup. Mallory Swanson was named the tournament’s MVP.</p>
<p id="n5JJ1w"><a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/mls/story/4884285/mls-expansion-san-diego-las-vegas-top-candidates-for-30th-team-garber">San Diego, Las Vegas top MLS expansion candidates - ESPN</a></p>
<p id="2zYkZu">MLS commissioner Don Garber says that San Diego and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for the 30th MLS expansion franchise. The league hopes to make a decision by the end of the year.</p>
<p id="snnfcT"><a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2023/2/22/23611478/haiti-portugal-panama-complete-fifa-womens-world-cup-field-usa-uswnt-australia-new-zealand">Haiti, Portugal, Panama complete FIFA Women’s World Cup field - SSFC</a></p>
<p id="EaBocf">The inter-confederation playoffs were completed last night, and the 2023 Women’s World Cup field of 32 is set.</p>
<p id="AhuZXv"><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64718305">Lionesses thrash Belgium to retain Arnold Clark Cup - BBC</a></p>
<p id="aYBfmA">England stomps out Belgium by a 6-1 score to win their Arnold Clark Cup back for another year.</p>
<p id="52h33I"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/power-rankings-where-is-your-team-before-the-2023-mls-season">Power Rankings: Where is your team before the 2023 MLS season? - MLS</a></p>
<p id="Yku3S5">Spoiler alert: <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com">D.C. United</a> is 26th to open the season.</p>
<p id="gfB2cF"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/10-new-faces-you-need-to-know-for-the-2023-mls-season">10 new faces you need to know for the 2023 MLS season - MLS</a></p>
<p id="tjA6KH">Mateusz Klich is on the list for D.C. United.</p>
<p id="main-content"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/02/21/martin-rodriguez-injury-dc-united/">D.C. United’s Martín Rodríguez to miss MLS season with torn ACL - Washington Post</a></p>
<p id="V8Kivx">A big blow for the Black-and-Red as one of their creative midfielders is out for the season. Let’s see if Wayne Rooney can land another player as the season gets underway.</p>
<p id="page"><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64536218">Football regulator: UK government confirms new independent body - BBC</a></p>
<p id="Zkrjgq">The new UK football regulator, among other things, can block clubs from joining a Super League. We’ll see how that actually works.</p>
<p id="gjGvvt"><a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/black-history-month/2023/2/22/23610406/black-history-month-bill-hamid-kim-crabbe-sandi-gordon-howard-bison-soccer-crystal-dunn-bpc">Black History Month: Looking back on Black American soccer history - SSFC</a></p>
<p id="s61iOW">On the latest Stars & Stripes FC Podcast, I discuss some of the great Black American soccer stories that I’ve been able to write over the years, including <a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2020/2/24/21149836/black-history-month-bill-hamid-usa-usmnt-dcu-dc-united-they-cant-hold-us-back">my story on Bill Hamid</a>.</p>
<p id="PTAynw">That’s it for today...enjoy the weather!</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/23/23611494/thursday-freedom-kicks-uswnt-win-shebelieves-mls-expansion-womens-world-cup-dcu-dc-unitedDonald Wine II2023-02-22T07:30:00-05:002023-02-22T07:30:00-05:00Wednesday Freedom Kicks: New MLS playoff format, Berry to Atlanta, and more
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<img alt="Philadelphia Union v Los Angeles Football Club: - 2022 MLS Cup Final" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XIYhSm-Or-n3Die7nzpwTjBAJbQ=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72001021/1439322301.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Stability? Who needs it?</p> <p id="Yms0Nt">The MLS season kicks off this weekend. I’m excited, though maybe not necessarily prepared. Let’s get to the kicks!</p>
<p id="EFViqg"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/major-league-soccer-announces-audi-2023-mls-cup-playoffs-format-and-schedule">Major League Soccer Announces Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Format and Schedule (MLS)</a>: MLS has a new playoff format, and you might need some more words to explain it to people.</p>
<p id="UPSlEh"><a href="https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2023/02/21/mls-playoff-format-2023/">MLS has a new playoff format, and it’s complicated (Pro Soccer Wire)</a>: Fortunately, Jason Anderson has words ready to help explain this structure.</p>
<p id="7aKVvj">Goff shared some interesting tidbits from Coach Rooney. My eyes are on the words “season roster”:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wayne Rooney says …<br><br>Birnbaum captains the squad again.<br><br>Starting keeper revealed Sat.<br><br>Hopeful for new player(s) in week or two.<br><br>50-50 Morrison on season roster.<br><br>Akinmboni, 16, “very likely” to start. “He's been fantastic.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dcu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dcu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mls?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mls</a></p>— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/1628107540775960607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a>
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<p id="YG9nJG">An important announcement came last evening. Martín Rodríguez has torn his ACL and will be out for the season.</p>
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<p lang="ro" dir="ltr">D.C. United’s Martín Rodríguez is expected to miss MLS season with torn ACL <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dcu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dcu</a> <a href="https://t.co/HwuuXkYqmm">https://t.co/HwuuXkYqmm</a></p>— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/1628202698297286656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2023</a>
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<p id="vwEdov"><a href="https://www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-united-acquire-up-to-250-000-in-general-allocation-money-from-atlanta-united">D.C. United Acquire up to $250,000 in General Allocation Money From Atlanta United in Exchange for Forward Miguel Berry (D.C. United)</a>: The trade we knew was coming is finally official.</p>
<p id="bLz51U">For those interested in socializing and maybe getting some Spirit merchandise while watching the <a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com">USWNT</a> take on Brazil tonight:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cheer on the in their final match of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SheBelievesCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SheBelievesCup</a>!<br><br>We are partnering with the <a href="https://twitter.com/WashSpirit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WashSpirit</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AtlasBrewWorks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AtlasBrewWorks</a> to throw a watch party at <a href="https://twitter.com/FranklinHallDC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranklinHallDC</a>. Join us for Atlas specials, Spirit Merch, and prize giveaways. The game kicks off on 2/22 at 7 PM. <a href="https://t.co/Ge02pDn8Up">pic.twitter.com/Ge02pDn8Up</a></p>— District Sports (@DistrictSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/DistrictSports/status/1628069665967681539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a>
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<p id="ELigJO"><a href="https://www.thestriker.com/2023/02/20/dynamo-ready-new-journey-ben-olsen-preseason-review">With preseason behind them, Dynamo ready for a new journey under Ben Olsen (The Striker)</a>: It’s finally happening. Ben Olsen’s first season away from the District in decades begins this weekend.</p>
<p id="NtmVmq"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/power-rankings-where-is-your-team-before-the-2023-mls-season">Power Rankings: Where is your team before the 2023 MLS season? (MLS)</a>: Plenty of room to move up!</p>
<p id="4pZbiI">Interested in predicted starting lineups? Here’s what we see from D.C. (already out of date) and their weekend opponent, Toronto. I think Toronto has a high ceiling this year, but they may not be hitting the ground running, so playing them now isn’t all that bad in my mind. However, if Ayo Akinola sees the pitch, I will immediately dread the goal he inevitably scores against United.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nowhere to go but up this year for Wayne Rooney's <a href="https://twitter.com/dcunited?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dcunited</a>.</p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1627669405634072579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Busy offseason for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TFCLive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TFCLive</a> with Sean Johnson, Matt Hedges, Sigurd Rosted and Adama Diomande joining Bob Bradley in year two.<br><br>How far will Insigne & Bernardeschi take <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TorontoFC</a>?</p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1628139079983370240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a>
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<p id="Z10xQu">That’s all for today. Have at it in the comments!</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/22/23609344/wednesday-freedom-kicks-new-mls-playoff-format-berry-to-atlanta-and-moreKerryHess142023-02-20T07:30:00-05:002023-02-20T07:30:00-05:00Monday Freedom Kicks: D.C. United moves, jersey/stadium rankings & more
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<img alt="MLS: D.C. United at New England Revolution" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/laSVBgOs0CzM9vr498WxtY3FNaE=/0x0:2745x1830/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71994455/usa_today_18867485.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>And hopes for a sleepy holiday Monday</p> <p id="gJv63P">Hi there, I’m sort of coming back to things after a weekend of child playdates, I assume not much happened?</p>
<p id="main-content"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/02/19/dc-united-trading-miguel-berry-atlanta/">D.C. United agrees to trade forward Miguel Berry to Atlanta for cash (WaPo):</a> OK I guess?</p>
<p id="l1PlV5"><a href="https://the18.com/en/soccer-entertainment/top-10-new-mls-jerseys-for-2023">Top 10 new MLS jerseys for 2023 (The 18):</a> Dunno if the <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com">FC Dallas</a> kit is better than D.C.’s (it’s not), but ‘tis the season. <a href="https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2023/2/18/23605208/2023-mls-kits-ranking-all-29-new-releases-from-best-to-worst">Dirty South Soccer</a> with the right take.</p>
<p id="uttI94"><a href="https://13thmansports.ca/2023/02/17/ranking-the-nwsl-stadiums/">Ranking The NWSL Stadiums (13th Man):</a> Audi Field gets ranked (with the WoSo context) also.</p>
<p id="wxTzAf"><a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/17/23600449/ryan-martin-loudoun-united-zach-ryan-new-york-red-bulls-dane-jacomen-dc-united-kwame-awuah">Martin, Loudoun United look forward to new changes (me):</a> I went to practice, hung out, talked with the new guys. Their Open Cup opponent <a href="https://www.loudoununitedfc.com/news/2023/02/16/loudoun-united-fc-set-to-host-north-carolina-fc-in-lamar-hunt-u-s-open-cup/">was also named</a> Friday afternoon.</p>
<p id="ttjStJ">Anyway, off you go.</p>
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https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/20/23606773/dc-united-cherry-blossom-audi-field-loudoun-unitedRyan Keefer2023-02-17T15:21:59-05:002023-02-17T15:21:59-05:00Martin, Loudoun players talk preseason
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UjMKgKqNJLwhh1wqBWM3Dd8QXwM=/0x0:2815x1877/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71988480/cMQEka70.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Courtesy Loudoun United</figcaption>
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<p>Loudoun’s coach and new additions spend some time with B&RU</p> <p id="8PZjmg">Loudoun United usually started the preseason with an incomplete squad, one of many challenges that the MLS-owned USL affiliate went through as part of their inherent DNA. And when <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com">D.C. United</a> would return home for their final preseason days in past seasons, Loudoun welcomed players like Kevin Paredes, Ted Ku-DiPietro, and Luis Zamudio into their fold, and the preseason, with a full squad, could be completed with a compressed schedule and a young group.</p>
<p id="r0FQgF">In the wake of D.C. transferring a controlling share of ownership to Attain Sports & Entertainment, and Loudoun’s transition to a more independent focus, preseason is different now. The players onfield could comprise a full gameday squad of 18 if pressed into action on a breezy February day, and the players are older and bigger than the teenagers Segra Field has hosted.</p>
<p id="0y8HUd">“I think last year at this time, I had like, 7 guys signed,” coach Ryan Martin said after practice. “So for me to have 16, 17, 18 guys is a major difference, and just the quality of the soccer, the quality of the person, and the mentality, it’s been a really good start to the preseason.”</p>
<p id="YnKXoS">While the turnover and amount of players in camp is a change from past seasons, one of the first roster decisions was to retain Dane Jacomen, who left college early last season to turn pro and has trained with D.C. as an Academy alum. Heading into the season with Zamudio on the first team, the Loudoun starting job would appear to be his, but he is tamping down expectations.</p>
<p id="wS9B54">“I don’t really think about it that way, I just try to come in every day and do the best I can because I know that I have a lot to give to the team,” Jacomen said. “I come here and work my ass off every day, and we all have that expectation to push each other to be the best versions of ourselves.”</p>
<p id="YCbMoK">Kwame Awuah is the oldest player in the group (having turned 27 in December), but in his short career has made an imprint, winning two Canadian Premier League Championships (and appearing in a third Final) with Forge FC, and helped St. Louis City SC 2 to the MLS Next Pro Championship Final in the League’s inaugural season last year, and co-hosts the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCJTrTnuKhY">podcast Top Bin Talks</a> which focuses on Canadian Soccer. His thoughts as the team’s de facto veteran are similar.</p>
<p id="drJy0L">“I watched a couple of their games, and they’re a team that has the right philosophy, they want to play a specific playing style and I think they’re hungry,” he said. “You want to do better than they did last year, especially making the playoffs, that’s a big goal of ours and from my background and experience, they saw my profile and thought I’d be a perfect fit here.”</p>
<p id="2ZPH8o">Along with players Martin knows and others coming from other Leagues, he also brought in other players from MLS sides in 2022, including Zach Ryan, who appeared in 17 games with the <a href="https://www.onceametro.com">New York Red Bulls</a>’ first and second teams. </p>
<p id="aDter4">“I played last year with Red Bulls 2 and they were competitive games against great teams. (But) fully grown men competing and trying to make a livelihood in the League was something I wanted to be a part of and Ryan has done a tremendous job with the team over the last couple of years and I wanted to be a part of it, and (I’m) so excited for the season.”</p>
<p id="9ZdhIQ">Martin’s approach to building the roster began shortly after the season ended as it usually does, with some wrinkles. “That was the goal of the organization with new ownership, so it’s still a bit of a hybrid, but we did want an older team that can compete more. We wanted more pros signed because you can only have three people coming down from one team, so for us, we knew we needed a really strong base.”</p>
<p id="j8ywZ1">Martin continued, saying as things headed into the season, things will be less challenging tactically. “I’ve got more flexibility this year to do things kind of my way and the fortunate part is with Wayne (Rooney) and his staff, we have a lot of similar thoughts on the game and how we want to build and play in the middle third and the structure. So that part kind of aligned itself as opposed to having to change and adapt, but I’ve got significantly more leeway in terms of how I want to do it.”</p>
<p id="DjSco4">“I’m learning a lot about the way (he) wants to set up and I find that a lot of the principles that I try to play are the principles that (he) tries to hold his team to,” Ryan said about Martin’s approach. “Just being aggressive pressing, trying to win the ball and go to goal but also cherishing possession, trying to break teams down and taking care of the ball.”</p>
<p id="gobH6K">The players seem to share the optimism that comes with preseason and new beginnings. “It’s been a really strong start to camp, I think the group has gelled together pretty quickly,” Jacomen said. “We have a lot of turnover from the group last year, I believe we have only four returning players as it stands right now. And we’ve been doing a good job of bringing the guys into the locker room together and that’s obviously going to translate onto the field because the on-field product has been very good.”</p>
<p id="mVk6sA">Awuah looks forward to the challenge of extending his postseason appearance streak with a team that has yet to experience one. “The guys are hungry, the guys are energetic, we all get along right off from Day One, and it’s a great experience,” he declared after practice. “I think if we keep that camaraderie going, it should be a good time. From my background, all the places I’ve gone, we’ve ended up going to playoffs, championships, and to help bring that type of pedigree and that type of intensity to Loudoun. So hopefully, I can lead by example and hopefully, we can create some magic here.”</p>
<p id="ciuKgz">Martin sees the differences not only off the field but off it as well. “There’s been a significant push in terms of the front office with Doug (Raftery) and his group, and ticketing, marketing, and sponsorship. So there’s been a huge push to really try and make this something special in Leesburg, and Doug and his team have done a tremendous job with it. So now there are the resources and there’s the opportunity to make this a hard place to play for the opposition, and make this a little fortress.”</p>
<p id="bIEwjK">Loudoun United open their season Saturday, March 11, when they play at Memphis 901 FC.</p>
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https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/17/23600449/ryan-martin-loudoun-united-zach-ryan-new-york-red-bulls-dane-jacomen-dc-united-kwame-awuahRyan Keefer2023-02-17T10:47:24-05:002023-02-17T10:47:24-05:00Official: Dorian Bailey extends contract with Washington Spirit
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<img alt="OL Reign v Washington Spirit" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iiJyDK0eQc2S2GZzszVSGUE5XZ0=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71987004/1395966670.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Another essential player sticking around for the long term</p> <p id="Il0b3D">As the start of the <a href="https://www.allforxi.com">NWSL</a> season nears, the <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">Washington Spirit</a> continued their signings and announced the extension of Dorian Bailey. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our week is made with this news!!</p>— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) <a href="https://twitter.com/WashSpirit/status/1626336883977469955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a>
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<p id="j7O3HY">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 which contained a recently-exercised 2023 team option.</p>
<p id="WCWJ5B">Bailey, the former University of North Carolina Tarheel, has been with the Spirit since being drafted eighth overall in 2019. After four years at UNC, Bailey played in 85 matches and totaled 4933 minutes played. Bailey also has national team experience, playing for the U17 through U23 teams.</p>
<p id="IXgrCt">In her most recent season with the Spirit, although rough for the team overall, Bailey started in 17 matches, playing in over 1000 minutes total and making 20 tackles and 18 interceptions. Typically serving a defensive or central midfield role alongside Andi Sullivan, Bailey excels at moving the ball from the Spirit defense to the attackers through both progressive carries and passes. In 2022, Bailey boasted one of the highest completed pass rates on the team at 81.3 percent.</p>
<p id="PA1BC3">Congratulations, Dorian! We look forward to seeing you on the field soon!</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2023/2/17/23603767/official-midfielder-dorian-bailey-extends-contract-with-washington-spiritnotafan_jo