D.C. United vs. Portland Timbers, Washington Spirit vs. Reign FC at Audi Field, and more: Freedom Kicks for 9/13/2019

It’s been a slow week, but starting today, we get busy. Loudoun United has what is kinda-sorta an elimination game against Memphis 901 FC at Segra Field tonight. Tomorrow, it’s the Washington Spirit (and a second potential sell-out at Audi Field) facing a very similar scenario against Megan Rapinoe and Reign FC. Then, Sunday afternoon, D.C. United will be trying to get back into a top 4 position in the East as they head to Oregon to face the Portland Timbers.

RFK Memories with Devon McTavish, plus D.C. United vs. Portland Timbers | Black and Red United
This was a fun episode of Filibuster, as Devon McTavish came on to tell us some RFK memories from the perspective of both a local (he watched the World Cup games there in 1994) and of a player. Find out about motorcycles, flooding work-arounds, and what he got from CONCACAF for winning the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup Golden Boot.

Then, we got into what United can expect from the Portland Timbers on Sunday afternoon with Stumptown Footy’s William Conwell.

Coffee & Valkyries, Episode 12 | Sounder at Heart
If you are desperate to hear my voice, you don’t just have to listen to Filibuster! I got to talk about the Spirit’s game tomorrow against Reign FC here, while also sorting through some important questions about Kurt Russell and spiders.

The Washington Spirit partner with St. Jude to help end childhood cancer | WUSA 9
Tori Huster was on the local news yesterday to help announce her partnership with St. Jude. which is pretty cool.

Rose Lavelle: ‘I don’t ever want to let fear dictate how I play’ | 106.7 The Fan
Among other things, Rose Lavelle doesn’t have time to just do nothing as much as she’d like, which I identify with strongly. As a reminder, earlier this week she was on track to play some part in tomorrow’s game:

The NWSL injury report should come out later today. Either way, we’ll have more on the Spirit in a few hours.

World Cup debut inspires Pugh to strive for greatness | FIFA.com
Mal Pugh says she’s never been more motivated than after winning the World Cup, which is the kind of attitude that separates the best.

Let’s talk fashion:

I have contrasting opinions about the Loudoun United jersey here. First, it doesn’t really make a lot of sense, as Loudoun County and the District of Columbia are very different places.

On the other, more important hand: these are dope! D.C. United should steal this design immediately! Or at least, after they make the cherry blossom design that needs to happen ASAP. And Loudoun should go for an alternate kit patterned after the bonkers Loudoun County flag.

Anyway that’s all I’ve got. See you folks on Buzzard Point tomorrow night!