Open Cup draw results, Loudoun United third kits, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks

Happy Friday, everyone! In addition to featuring a couple of home games for our local teams, this weekend is both Passover and Easter, so I imagine many of you will be spending time with your families. If so, I hope it is a pleasant and stress-free experience. I myself have been eagerly anticipating a nice pasta dinner with my younger sister. Will I get the mushroom alfredo or the spicy ragu? I’ve been pondering for weeks.

Loudoun United release 3rd jersey “Artisanal Kit” (The District Press)
Loudoun United has introduced a new maroon-and-orange color scheme for their new kits. I like them!

D.C. United to host One Knoxville SC in 2026 U.S. Open Cup – Draw results, details (Green Line Soccer)
Jason Anderson gives us the skinny on the results of yesterday’s U.S. Open Cup draw. D.C. United will be playing their first ever match against One Knoxville SC. Tickets for the April 15 match are included with a Season Ticket Membership, and single match tickets are already available.

International Affairs: Men’s March International Window Round Up (The District Press)
Results from the latest men’s international window for each of the D.C. United and Loudoun United players called up. With a women’s international window starting next week, PJ will be busy with these reports.

Washington Spirit Forward Rosemonde Kouassi Called Up to Ivory Coast Women’s National Team for 2026 FIFA Series (Washington Spirit)
Speaking of the window, Rosemonde Kouassi will be representing the Ivory Coast in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series. The Ivory Coast is one of four host nations.

CANWNT roster announced for FIFA Series 2026 (Canada Soccer)
Canada also revealed their roster for that tournament, but Washington Spirit’s Gabby Carle was unavailable for selection due to injury. She was a late scratch from last Saturday’s match, and this likely means she’ll be out on Sunday as well.

On the U.S. side, the social media got goalkeepers Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Claudia Dickey, and Mandy McGlynn to answer silly questions about superpowers, desert islands, and more. I regret to inform you that Phallon is a Hoobstank fan.

DC United’s proposed Baltimore stadium project did not receive funding during Md. legislative session (WTOP)
This isn’t a big surprise but still disappointing for the project. I hope they can get some other sources of funding figured out. I’d love to see a team in Baltimore.

Tampa Bay Sun FC Signs Defender Anna Heilferty (Tampa Bay Sun)
Some Spirit alumni news, local girl and fan favorite Anna Heilferty has signed a contract (of unreported duration…) with Tampa Bay Sun FC. Anna’s had such a rough go of it with injuries. I’ll be glad to see her back on the pitch.

Italian soccer prez Gravina, Buffon quit after World Cup failure (ESPN)
Well, they certainly needed to change SOMETHING!

Women’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg report: OL Lyonnes 4-0 Wolfsburg (aet, agg: 4-1) (UEFA)
Michele Kang’s OL Lyonnes made it to the Champions League semifinals, although they waited until extra time to do it. Lyonnes were tied 1-1 in aggregate with Wolfsburg until the 102nd minute of the match yesterday. They then proceeded to score three goals to ensure their victory.

Barcelona Femeni annihilate Real Madrid for THIRD time in nine days to book Champions League semi-finals berth as Alexia Putellas marks 500th appearance in style (Goal.com)
Meanwhile, Barcelona did this to poor Real Madrid.

For some Friday fun, here are the D.C. United players being challenged to say “hi” to the fans in their best Texas accent:

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Finally, here’s your schedule of events for the weekend. The Spirit and Power have had some difficulties lately; will United finally give me a chance to update the Buzzard Points spreadsheet?