In today's Freedom Kicks we have Santino Quaranta, the end of the MLS referee lockout, Clint Dempsey being naughty, and German-based American right backs.
Santino Quaranta named D.C. United TV analyst | Comcast SportsNet Washington: We all thought that this was going to be true, and now it is official. Santino Quaranta replaces John Harkes as the color commentator; I liked him in his few appearances last season.
In Davy Arnaud, D.C. United has a veteran who can help on, off field - Washington Times: A nice piece on Davy Arnaud, with my favorite part being that Arnaud, Lewis Neal, and Conor Shanosky all carpool into the stadium.
MLS, referees union have tentative CBA deal, near end of lockout - ESPN FC: We should be back to the regular MLS referees this weekend, with a CBA deal done and ratified.
Clint Dempsey suspended 2 games for violent conduct - SBNation.com: Dear Clint Dempsey: please don't smack people in the groin. xoxo, MLS DisCo.
Overall, Mexican teams dominated the MLS teams in the return legs of the Concacaf Champions League ties. Sporting Kansas City lost 5-1 last night to Cruz Azul, whereas the San Jose Earthquakes fell on a more respectable 5-4 on penalty kicks after being tied 1-1 after extra time.
American Exports: Longtime Hannover, USMNT mainstay Steve Cherundolo officially retires | MLSsoccer.com: As I mentioned in another thread, Cherundolo is one of my favorite USMNT players of all time, and I will miss him.
Timmy Chandler to miss rest of Bundesliga season, as U.S. youngster’s World Cup hopes dealt a blow | ProSoccerTalk: Not that Timmy Chandler was very likely to make the World Cup roster anyways, but now he definitely won't.
So who is Julian Green? Bayern stars Robben, Schweinsteiger offer endorsements | Planet Futbol - SI.com: And you should also read Stars and Stripes FC's take on Green too.
That's all I have, so what is on your mind today? As always, this is your daily open thread for all things soccer.