USWNT throttles Paraguay, Leagues Cup gets expansion, and more: Freedom Kicks for September 22, 2021

Happy Wednesday, everyone. I’m about to board a flight back to DC from Cincinnati after the USWNT smoked Paraguay (again) 8-0. Let’s start with that:

September 2021 International Friendly: USA 8-0 Paraguay - Pasta, chili, and goals - SSFC

We rocked ‘em. Again. We the best.

What the reimagined Leagues Cup, expanded Champions League means for MLS - MLS

The Leagues Cup gets an expansion, where everyone gets to partake in it. Both MLS and Liga MX will have a 1 month pause to do it too. That part I don’t like, because the MLS calendar barely has time for the U.S. Open Cup, much less Leagues Cup.

Here’s the Angels On Parade’s take on the new format.

USL launching women’s Division II league with ‘commitment to gender equity’ - The Athletic

The USL is launching a women’s league that will start in 2023 that will be under NWSL. More women’s teams? MOAR WOMEN’S TEAMS!!

David Beckham’s son Romeo makes professional debut at Fort Lauderdale - ESPNFC

Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Oh...he’s making his pro soccer debut for Fort Lauderdale FC!

Washington, D.C. is an obvious choice to be a 2026 World Cup host city, but challenges remain - The Athletic

The DC 2026 World Cup bid had a full court press this weekend as they presented to FIFA (before FIFA got the same full court press from Baltimore). Hopefully, it was enough for FIFA to understand that they must have matches here (that includes Balmer) in 2026.

That’s it, y’all. Enjoy the day!