Gregory Roche
@gregoryroche.bsky.social
Former Radio Personality. Current Podcaster, soccer dad, and raconteur. I'll mostly be posting about D.C. United.
I like Peltola. I do not like the number he is on.
Be great if he has a good season and can be sold.
Be great if he has a good season and can be sold.
I think Peltola has really come a long way recently. He was much better for DC after he came back from playing with Finland last June. Not perfect, no, but WAAAAY better than Enow
November 26, 2025 at 6:10 PM
I like Peltola. I do not like the number he is on.
Be great if he has a good season and can be sold.
Be great if he has a good season and can be sold.
I think it will come down to lifestyle for Benteke. Dubai (where he lives) is closer to the east coast cities which narrows down his options. It does seem like he genuinely likes DC (the city) and if they offer a 2 year max TAM deal, I could see him taking it.
If lifestyle doesn't matter, he gone.
If lifestyle doesn't matter, he gone.
D.C. United declined contract options on:
Christian Benteke*
Derek Dodson
Kristian Fletcher*
Randall Leal
Rida Zouhir
Christian Benteke*
Derek Dodson
Kristian Fletcher*
Randall Leal
Rida Zouhir
November 26, 2025 at 5:25 PM
I think it will come down to lifestyle for Benteke. Dubai (where he lives) is closer to the east coast cities which narrows down his options. It does seem like he genuinely likes DC (the city) and if they offer a 2 year max TAM deal, I could see him taking it.
If lifestyle doesn't matter, he gone.
If lifestyle doesn't matter, he gone.
👇🏾
If Benteke isn't attached to living in DC, why would he re-sign with DC United at a lower, non-DP salary when he could get that same $ from an MLS team that might win something next year?
Sure looks like DC United are about to lose their best player.
Sure looks like DC United are about to lose their best player.
As expected, D.C. United declines Christian Benteke’s contract option, making him a free agent, but “we remain in discussions regarding a potential return.”
DCU also declines options on Kristian Fletcher, Randall Leal, Derek Dodson and Rida Zouhir but in talks with Fletcher.
DCU also declines options on Kristian Fletcher, Randall Leal, Derek Dodson and Rida Zouhir but in talks with Fletcher.
November 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
👇🏾
Here's what depresses me most:
I see no realistic scenario where this ownership group sells.
Like, what would it take for them to walk away?
Don't say, fan pressure because they seem to just ignore that.
I see no realistic scenario where this ownership group sells.
Like, what would it take for them to walk away?
Don't say, fan pressure because they seem to just ignore that.
I’m out. First time without season tickets since 1997. Sell our team.
Totally forgot to mention the best part about the schedule drop and the Messi game being in Baltimore.
Today is the last day to cancel your season tickets.
Only DC would align "hey, the game you are paying the most for is not happening at your stadium" with "the deadline to opt out is today"
Today is the last day to cancel your season tickets.
Only DC would align "hey, the game you are paying the most for is not happening at your stadium" with "the deadline to opt out is today"
November 20, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Here's what depresses me most:
I see no realistic scenario where this ownership group sells.
Like, what would it take for them to walk away?
Don't say, fan pressure because they seem to just ignore that.
I see no realistic scenario where this ownership group sells.
Like, what would it take for them to walk away?
Don't say, fan pressure because they seem to just ignore that.
Totally forgot to mention the best part about the schedule drop and the Messi game being in Baltimore.
Today is the last day to cancel your season tickets.
Only DC would align "hey, the game you are paying the most for is not happening at your stadium" with "the deadline to opt out is today"
Today is the last day to cancel your season tickets.
Only DC would align "hey, the game you are paying the most for is not happening at your stadium" with "the deadline to opt out is today"
November 20, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Totally forgot to mention the best part about the schedule drop and the Messi game being in Baltimore.
Today is the last day to cancel your season tickets.
Only DC would align "hey, the game you are paying the most for is not happening at your stadium" with "the deadline to opt out is today"
Today is the last day to cancel your season tickets.
Only DC would align "hey, the game you are paying the most for is not happening at your stadium" with "the deadline to opt out is today"
Meanwhile, DC had a mic (with no club logo) with a whiteboard duct taped (and visible) to the mic stand and just asked random people their thoughts on random cities.
They also didn't post it hear because they are not on Bluesky.
They also didn't post it hear because they are not on Bluesky.
The 2026 season comes at you fast. If you don’t stop and catch a game once in a while, you might miss it ⚽️ #cf97
youtu.be/VJL9MB9WeQw
youtu.be/VJL9MB9WeQw
Mike Magee Skips Schedule Release
YouTube video by Chicago Fire FC
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Meanwhile, DC had a mic (with no club logo) with a whiteboard duct taped (and visible) to the mic stand and just asked random people their thoughts on random cities.
They also didn't post it hear because they are not on Bluesky.
They also didn't post it hear because they are not on Bluesky.
1. Having the club business executive say how fan driven the club is, is insulting.
2. I just watched a STM renewal sizzle reel with Levien saying that Audi Field needs to get back to the Rooney/Acosta vibes. How does this align with that?
2. I just watched a STM renewal sizzle reel with Levien saying that Audi Field needs to get back to the Rooney/Acosta vibes. How does this align with that?
DCU business executive Danita Johnson: "Audi Field will always be our home and the heartbeat of our club, but M&T Bank Stadium gives us the opportunity to welcome even more supporters and share what makes D.C. United special with our neighbors to the north. Our fans drive everything we do ..."
November 20, 2025 at 9:17 PM
1. Having the club business executive say how fan driven the club is, is insulting.
2. I just watched a STM renewal sizzle reel with Levien saying that Audi Field needs to get back to the Rooney/Acosta vibes. How does this align with that?
2. I just watched a STM renewal sizzle reel with Levien saying that Audi Field needs to get back to the Rooney/Acosta vibes. How does this align with that?
My kid had a game at Raventek Field this fall.
Training on the field between his match and two u10 matches?
The DC Power.
That's what you'd be signing up for, Trin.
DCU signed Wayne Rooney and then made him fly coach.
Training on the field between his match and two u10 matches?
The DC Power.
That's what you'd be signing up for, Trin.
DCU signed Wayne Rooney and then made him fly coach.
You people know I'm at every Spirit/DCU game I can be at (33 times in 2025!), and other than having Power's Carleigh Frilles plant the flag before the 6-0 loss to Philly, that's been it as far as promoting DC Power to DCU fans.
But! There's nothing stopping them from offering Rodman the world.
But! There's nothing stopping them from offering Rodman the world.
November 20, 2025 at 8:51 PM
My kid had a game at Raventek Field this fall.
Training on the field between his match and two u10 matches?
The DC Power.
That's what you'd be signing up for, Trin.
DCU signed Wayne Rooney and then made him fly coach.
Training on the field between his match and two u10 matches?
The DC Power.
That's what you'd be signing up for, Trin.
DCU signed Wayne Rooney and then made him fly coach.
I have so many thoughts on this ownership group and what they've done to this club.
I just...can't.
I'm completely gutted by it all.
I just...can't.
I'm completely gutted by it all.
Update ...
Lionel Messi* and Inter Miami are indeed coming to Baltimore early in the 2026 MLS season to play D.C. United, which chose to play the high-profile match in much-larger M&T Bank Stadium over Audi Field, per sources.
*pending availability
Lionel Messi* and Inter Miami are indeed coming to Baltimore early in the 2026 MLS season to play D.C. United, which chose to play the high-profile match in much-larger M&T Bank Stadium over Audi Field, per sources.
*pending availability
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to visit … Baltimore next year? D.C. United weighs M&T Bank Stadium for 2026 match.
Details:
sports.yahoo.com/soccer/break...
Details:
sports.yahoo.com/soccer/break...
November 20, 2025 at 8:46 PM
I have so many thoughts on this ownership group and what they've done to this club.
I just...can't.
I'm completely gutted by it all.
I just...can't.
I'm completely gutted by it all.
This kind of dumb stuff is exactly what this ownership does.
Their idea of investment is signing a big name and assuming everyone will come despite doing literally nothing else but signing the big name.
See: Rooney, Wayne.
Their idea of investment is signing a big name and assuming everyone will come despite doing literally nothing else but signing the big name.
See: Rooney, Wayne.
Need to be clear this is a completely different view for me if it had been Tampa Bay or Dallas that offered Rodman this deal, I could grasp and understand the audacity
DCU/Power’s ownership group has never shown any signs of being a serious operation that would fund this team the way it should
DCU/Power’s ownership group has never shown any signs of being a serious operation that would fund this team the way it should
November 20, 2025 at 8:43 PM
This kind of dumb stuff is exactly what this ownership does.
Their idea of investment is signing a big name and assuming everyone will come despite doing literally nothing else but signing the big name.
See: Rooney, Wayne.
Their idea of investment is signing a big name and assuming everyone will come despite doing literally nothing else but signing the big name.
See: Rooney, Wayne.
Yup, out of everyone at the club I want to hear from the President of Business Operations the most when it comes to sporting changes within the league.
@dcunitedofficial.bsky.social President of Business Operations Danita Johnson said in a statement that #MLS's calendar switch fits with "the global nature of our city" and allows #DCU to "exist in rhythm with the rest of the world’s game."
November 14, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Yup, out of everyone at the club I want to hear from the President of Business Operations the most when it comes to sporting changes within the league.
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November 8, 2025 at 11:34 PM
I'd feel pretty disrespected if I were a DC Power player but Levien don't give a crap because the Spirit give him another chance to make some rent/concession money.
D C. United has sent an email encouraging fans to buy tickets to Spirit-Racing on Saturday.
Not sure I've seen the Spirit and DCU link up to this extent since Sam Staab modeled the cherry blossom kit.
Not sure I've seen the Spirit and DCU link up to this extent since Sam Staab modeled the cherry blossom kit.
November 7, 2025 at 1:48 AM
I'd feel pretty disrespected if I were a DC Power player but Levien don't give a crap because the Spirit give him another chance to make some rent/concession money.
We did it!
D.C. United has done it! They've secured the Wooden Spoon as the worst team in MLS in 2025!
This is a trophy secured by a club culture set from the top down.
With the entire scouting department let go by a new Managing Director, we may be witnessing a true dynasty forming in D.C.
This is a trophy secured by a club culture set from the top down.
With the entire scouting department let go by a new Managing Director, we may be witnessing a true dynasty forming in D.C.
October 19, 2025 at 1:57 AM
We did it!
Little deeper thoughts.
He's VERY smooth. Always looks in control and thinking about his next movement. Smart player as well. Not uber athletic but definitely good enough.
The question now (with every young player for the club), how will he develop in whatever MLSNP situation he ends up in.
He's VERY smooth. Always looks in control and thinking about his next movement. Smart player as well. Not uber athletic but definitely good enough.
The question now (with every young player for the club), how will he develop in whatever MLSNP situation he ends up in.
I was waiting to hear your assessment. Thanks for offering it! Certainly agree that this is one for the future, but it does speak well(ish) that he'd agree to sign and apparently sees a pathway for his development.
October 16, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Little deeper thoughts.
He's VERY smooth. Always looks in control and thinking about his next movement. Smart player as well. Not uber athletic but definitely good enough.
The question now (with every young player for the club), how will he develop in whatever MLSNP situation he ends up in.
He's VERY smooth. Always looks in control and thinking about his next movement. Smart player as well. Not uber athletic but definitely good enough.
The question now (with every young player for the club), how will he develop in whatever MLSNP situation he ends up in.
A 2010 born W/CAM.
I've seen Avilez play a number of times and he's legit. Probably too much to expect he'll be a contributor next season but definitely a prospect to get excited about.
www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-uni...
I've seen Avilez play a number of times and he's legit. Probably too much to expect he'll be a contributor next season but definitely a prospect to get excited about.
www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-uni...
D.C. United Signs 15-Year-Old Forward Oscar Avilez as a Homegrown Player | DC United
Avilez becomes the 22nd Homegrown signing in club history
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 16, 2025) \- D.C. United has signed 15-year-old Academy forward Oscar Avilez as a Homegrown Player through 2028 with op...
www.dcunited.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:34 PM
A 2010 born W/CAM.
I've seen Avilez play a number of times and he's legit. Probably too much to expect he'll be a contributor next season but definitely a prospect to get excited about.
www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-uni...
I've seen Avilez play a number of times and he's legit. Probably too much to expect he'll be a contributor next season but definitely a prospect to get excited about.
www.dcunited.com/news/d-c-uni...
Bravo @laurelpfahler.bsky.social
This is a must read and extremely depressing to see MLS giving less access to reporters than the NFL.
How are we going to grow the game in this country with such a closed off environment?
This is a must read and extremely depressing to see MLS giving less access to reporters than the NFL.
How are we going to grow the game in this country with such a closed off environment?
Wrote something a little different during the break that I hope MLS PR considers, as national outlets keep decreasing coverage and now AI content is replacing writers. Someone had to say something before media access just gets worse. (Free post) www.patreon.com/posts/141166...
A reporter's letter to Major League Soccer | Laurel Pfahler
Get more from Laurel Pfahler on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Bravo @laurelpfahler.bsky.social
This is a must read and extremely depressing to see MLS giving less access to reporters than the NFL.
How are we going to grow the game in this country with such a closed off environment?
This is a must read and extremely depressing to see MLS giving less access to reporters than the NFL.
How are we going to grow the game in this country with such a closed off environment?
"since 2022" makes it seem like DCU has some sort of tradition of futility that makes not winning the Spoon in the last 3 years an anomaly.
Which...uh...yeah.
Which...uh...yeah.
October 12, 2025 at 1:04 PM
"since 2022" makes it seem like DCU has some sort of tradition of futility that makes not winning the Spoon in the last 3 years an anomaly.
Which...uh...yeah.
Which...uh...yeah.
Is this good?
Nine-man D.C. shows character in the second half against drab Charlotte and loses by just the one goal.
United finishes 2-8-7 at home for 13 of possible 51 points.
The past two years DCU is 6-16-12 at Audi Field (30 of 102 points).
United finishes 2-8-7 at home for 13 of possible 51 points.
The past two years DCU is 6-16-12 at Audi Field (30 of 102 points).
October 4, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Is this good?
It stinks that Barraza can walk for free but it'd be wrong to think anyone on this team would be missed if they left.
Excepting Hopkins because he's a local kid.
Excepting Hopkins because he's a local kid.
I could fix D.C. United in one offseason just via free agents, cashfers and trades.
mlsplayers.org/news/2026-fr...
mlsplayers.org/news/2026-fr...
2026 Free Agent List
The list of players who are eligible for free agency ahead of the 2026 season is now available.
mlsplayers.org
October 3, 2025 at 5:07 PM
It stinks that Barraza can walk for free but it'd be wrong to think anyone on this team would be missed if they left.
Excepting Hopkins because he's a local kid.
Excepting Hopkins because he's a local kid.
Hartford, CT was extremely meh.
What’s the worst city you’ve visited?
I’ll never go back to Myrtle Beach SC if somebody paid me
I’ll never go back to Myrtle Beach SC if somebody paid me
September 30, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Hartford, CT was extremely meh.
Meanwhile, DCU used to make every PA announcement in English and Spanish at RFK but stopped when they moved to AF.
For Noche Latina night yesterday, they brought the Spanish announcements back...but only for like every 3rd announcement.
Half measures. Always.
For Noche Latina night yesterday, they brought the Spanish announcements back...but only for like every 3rd announcement.
Half measures. Always.
When it comes to themed matches, the @washingtonspirit.com really give it there all inside Audi Field.
For today's Hispanic Heritage Month match, each gate had a different set of performers. A mariachi band greeted fans at Gate B.
For today's Hispanic Heritage Month match, each gate had a different set of performers. A mariachi band greeted fans at Gate B.
September 28, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Meanwhile, DCU used to make every PA announcement in English and Spanish at RFK but stopped when they moved to AF.
For Noche Latina night yesterday, they brought the Spanish announcements back...but only for like every 3rd announcement.
Half measures. Always.
For Noche Latina night yesterday, they brought the Spanish announcements back...but only for like every 3rd announcement.
Half measures. Always.
Is it bad that STM renewals pretty much have to go out this week???
Is it bad to concede 58 goals in 19 games to the same opponent
DCU-Union results in the Audi Field era
PHI 3-2 DCU
DCU 0-2 PHI
DCU 2-1 PHI (USOC)
DCU 1-5 PHI
PHI 3-1 DCU
PHI 4-1 DCU
DCU 2-2 PHI
DCU 0-1 PHI
PHI 2-1 DCU
DCU 3-1 PHI
PHI 7-0 DCU
DCU 0-6 PHI
PHI 0-0 DCU
DCU 1-3 PHI
DCU 2-2 PHI
PHI 4-0 DCU
PHI 3-0 DCU
DCU 3 wins, 16 GF
PHI 12 wins, 52 GF
3 draws
PHI 3-2 DCU
DCU 0-2 PHI
DCU 2-1 PHI (USOC)
DCU 1-5 PHI
PHI 3-1 DCU
PHI 4-1 DCU
DCU 2-2 PHI
DCU 0-1 PHI
PHI 2-1 DCU
DCU 3-1 PHI
PHI 7-0 DCU
DCU 0-6 PHI
PHI 0-0 DCU
DCU 1-3 PHI
DCU 2-2 PHI
PHI 4-0 DCU
PHI 3-0 DCU
DCU 3 wins, 16 GF
PHI 12 wins, 52 GF
3 draws
September 28, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Is it bad that STM renewals pretty much have to go out this week???
I also did a lap around AF pre-match and was surprised to see Levien just walking (by himself) around the concourse like a plebe.
Bold move by him.
Bold move by him.
I did a full lap around the Audi Field concourse and got a pretty decent chunk of people supporting the paper sign and chants going
I also definitely got some looks from DCU FO personnel I know so I’m sure I’m on someone’s shit list now if I wasn’t before
I also definitely got some looks from DCU FO personnel I know so I’m sure I’m on someone’s shit list now if I wasn’t before
September 28, 2025 at 2:04 AM
I also did a lap around AF pre-match and was surprised to see Levien just walking (by himself) around the concourse like a plebe.
Bold move by him.
Bold move by him.
I left Audi Field at halftime.
Figured it wouldn't get any worse, right?
Figured it wouldn't get any worse, right?
September 28, 2025 at 12:55 AM
I left Audi Field at halftime.
Figured it wouldn't get any worse, right?
Figured it wouldn't get any worse, right?