Good morning! The USWNT plays France in a game folks have been expecting since the World Cup draw, Loudoun United plays Atlanta United 2 tonight, D.C. United and the Washington Spirit both play tomorrow at home, and I think there are two other continental tournaments going on. It’s a lot!
But maybe “Good morning!” is a bad way to start this post, because we start with some bad news:
D.C. United's Joseph Mora, who just returned from broken jaw, sidelined a few weeks with ankle sprain. Orlando player who made challenge (Ruan) was also involved in jaw incident. #dcu #mls
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) June 27, 2019
I’ll have more for you on this later this morning, but here’s the short version: This sucks! I don’t like it!
Wayne Rooney’s half-field goal stunned many, but not his United teammates | The Athletic
I like the note from Bill Hamid here, breaking down why Brian Rowe isn’t actually “out of position” as people often say when a goalkeeper is beaten on a shot like this.
Also, man, Wayne Rooney really did score from there. That happened.
Here’s some mildly surprising Spirit news:
That’s Chloe Logarzo and Amy Harrison attending training. While there’s no evidence that the Spirit will rush their Aussie duo back on the field this weekend, it’s good to see them back in town.
She just missed the cut for the World Cup. Her two roommates are starring for the U.S. | Washington Post
Andi Sullivan missed out on a trip to France with the United States, but has bounced back with what I really think is her best run of form as a professional.
Loudoun United sign 2 to pro deals, add John Murphy | Black and Red United
These signings are each a little different: Allexon Saravia has been playing for Loudoun all season on an academy contract, but now he’s on a full USL pro deal. Christian Sorto has played for United’s academy as well as Baltimore Armour. Finally, John Murphy is a Red Bulls academy product who was let go by NYRB2.
2 lineup changes the USWNT should make against France | SB Nation
People would absolutely lose their minds if these lineup changes were made, but I’ll go ahead and say that the midfield listed here is the most balanced and tactically sound available.
But, I am strongly expecting every healthy normal starter to start in their normal spot.
Megan Rapinoe’s greatest heartbreak -- and hope | ESPN
This is a tremendous piece on Megan Rapinoe’s family. Find some time for it.
A delicious World Cup discovery: SOCCER BREAD | SB Nation
Occasional B&RU contributor Steph Yang is in France covering the World Cup, and managed to get her hands on a soccer ball-shaped loaf of bread. Honestly, could go for some soccer bread, I need breakfast.
What an agreement to pursue mediation in equal pay case means for USWNT, U.S. Soccer | The Athletic
Good stuff here breaking down what mediation actually could mean in the conflict between the USWNT’s players and U.S. Soccer.
USA vs. Curaçao, Gold Cup 2019: Scouting Curaçao | Stars and Stripes FC
Paul Arriola and the team of guys he is playing for right now are facing a major underdog, but I want you to open this link and read the tremendous names of Curaçao’s players. Shout out to Jimbertson Vapor and Zeus de la Paz.
Alright, I’m done. Enjoy the chance to gorge yourselves to an embarrassing degree on all this soccer.