MLS Taps Doechii, USWNT Stars Head to Europe & More

Your Weekly Digest of Soccer, Style, and Culture Across the CONCACAF Region

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Welcome to Edition 27. This week, we tapped in with Screwston FC founder Bryan Salas to talk about how he’s building a soccer movement around Houston’s music culture. Meanwhile, USWNT stars are packing their bags and heading to Europe—what’s behind the shift, and what does it mean for the NWSL? Adidas dropped the official Club World Cup ball, with a special nod to the U.S. host, and MLS links up with Doechii to bring fresh energy for the 2025 season. Let’s get into it.

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THINGS YOU MIGHT HAVE SLEPT ON

Doechii revealed as an ambassador for Major League Soccer for the 2025 Season

Credit: MLS

Doechii is bringing fresh energy to MLS. The Grammy Award Winning rapper/singer signed to TDE has been tapped as an official ambassador for the 2025 season, starring in a fresh, culturally-relevent ad spot that was a refreshing change for the league. Music, style, and the beautiful game—finally a link-up that makes sense if the league wants to start gaining ground on the NBA with the culture.

MOVES

USWNT Stars Are Making Waves During The January Transfer Window

Crystal Dunn’s (USWNT) announcement at PSG

The January 2025 transfer window has been a game-changer for U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) players, with several stars making high-profile moves from the NWSL to Europe’s elite clubs. Let’s break down the reasons behind this trend, the perks of playing across the pond, and what it means for the NWSL’s standing in the global game.

MORE MOVES

Tyler Adams is making moves off the pitch, joining the ownership group of Westchester SC, a USL League One squad set to kick off in March—right near his hometown in New York. This isn’t his first play in the game; he already owns Hudson Valley Hammers (USL League Two). And he’s not alone—his USMNT teammate Timothy Weah got in on the action last year as a part-owner of Brooklyn FC in the USL Championship. The next gen of American stars isn’t just playing—they’re building the future of the game.

TST is leveling up. After making history with its first-ever women’s tournament last year, The Soccer Tournament is doubling the field for 2025—jumping from eight to 16 squads. That means over 450 women will be lacing up, all chasing the winner-takes-all $1M bag. More teams, more talent, and even bigger stakes.

TOGETHER WITH MANSCAPED

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STYLE

From Houston to the World: Bryan Salas’ Screwston FC Movement

Houston has a deep history in music and in sports. Soccer in Houston is no different, with various musical collaborations with the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash – teams that have had their own share of success. To honor that history, and build a still-growing soccer culture in Houston, that’s where Screwston FC comes in. Ahead of the brand’s 2025 drop, Forty-One got to talk to founder Bryan Salas about its past, present and future.

MORE STYLE

MLS Clubs drop new merch for Black History Month

Vancouver Whitecaps FC has launched a special edition Black History Month kit, featuring a striking design created in collaboration with local artist Anthony Joseph. This limited-edition jersey celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community in Vancouver and across Canada. Additionally Atlanta United dropped a special edition scarf that honors the rich legacy of African American culture deeply rooted in Atlanta. 

ON THE PITCH

Adidas rolls out Hi-Tech Official Match Ball For The 2025 Club World Cup

Adidas has just unveiled the Official Match Ball for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and it’s a bold tribute to the tournament’s U.S. host. The design features jagged-edged block patterns and deconstructed stars and stripes in red, white, and blue, reflecting the American flag’s colors. Beyond its unique appearance, the ball is equipped with adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, which helps with offsides and VAR calls.

Fans can get their hands on this piece of soccer innovation now at adidas retail stores, selected retailers, and online at adidas.com.

MORE ON THE PITCH

The Reggae Boyz are making a bold statement by calling up a squad composed entirely of Jamaican Premier League talent for their upcoming friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago on February 6 and 9. This move showcases the coaching staff’s confidence in the domestic league’s quality and provides a platform for local players to shine on the international stage. Notably, 15 uncapped players have earned their first call-ups, highlighting the depth and potential within Jamaica’s football scene. 

USWNT legend Crystal Dunn has signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) through the 2027 season. Dunn’s move to PSG marks a significant chapter in her career, as the veteran brings her dynamic play back to Europe to one of its top clubs. 

The Canadian international is making moves. After a tough season at Inter with limited minutes post-injury, he is heading to Villarreal on loan. The switch gives him a fresh start and a shot at more playing time after recovering from the leg injury he picked up during the 2024 Copa América.

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Clubeleven Crowns a Winner in its North America Soccer Photo Contest

Credit: Benjamin Johnson

Our homies over at Clubeleven just wrapped their annual North American Soccer Photo contest and there were some certified bangers this year. Now that all of the votes have been tallied we have the category and overall winners. Jump over to Clubeleven’s site to see the results.

THE LIFE

We’re Creating City Guides For 2025’s Summer Of Soccer, Here’s How You Can Help

Credit: Concacaf

2025 is going to be another huge year for Soccer in N.America! We’re creating city guides along with @travelfutbolfan for all the Gold Cup and Club World Cup host cities, and we need YOUR help to make them. Go the go-to spots for food, vibes, or soccer culture in your city? Put us up on game by filling out our quick questionnaire.

Help us make these the ultimate guides for the soccer community in our region.

Thanks For Reading!

Thanks for reading this week’s edition. As always, If you know someone that might enjoy The Forty-One Life, It would mean the world to us if you sent it their way. 🙏