Monday Freedom Kicks: Best Ofs

Man, this post-Christmas, pre-New Year's window suuucks. But there's still a thing or two to give you a fix.

Soccer Today presented by Toyota: Sunday, December 21 | FC Dallas: Quietly under the radar, Jason Levien gave another interview, this time to Steve Davis and Marc Stein on Davis FM radio. He talks about the timeline (he was hopeful the stadium legislation would be signed before Christmas), his thoughts on the potential impact in the city and his evolution of thought on the sport in the last half dozen years or so. Starts at 13:45 for your perusement. As a side note, it's followed by an interview with former D.C. player Charlie Davies. Well worth the time.

Ten MLS players who deserve call-ups to US national team January camp | MLSsoccer.com: More calls for D.C. United players not named Bill Hamid to get a look for Camp Strudel next month, with a name that might surprise you.

2015 MLS Draft: Big Board v 2.0 | College Soccer: Top Drawer Soccer kills it with an updated Big Board, followed by...

2015 MLS SuperDraft Mock Draft v 1.0 | College Soccer: Their opinion that D.C. United goes back to Steve Birnbaum's alma mater for a new player.

SI's top 10 favorite moments from the world of soccer in 2014 - Planet Futbol - SI.com: Brian Straus looks back at 2014, guess what makes the list?

Tim Howard injured in Everton's Boxing Day loss - Stars and Stripes FC: Sure, Tim Howard suffered an injury while playing with Everton, but where was Brad Friedel in all this?

Yedlin, Brooks, Green look forward after shining on World Cup stage | SI.com: Grant Wahl looks at some prospective 2018 US team candidates.

Sunderland 1-3 Hull City: Bogeyman Marriner Strikes Again - Roker Report: In partner club news, Sunderland holds firm at 14th despite losing to Hull City on Friday (with Adam Johnson scoring for the Black Cats early before giving up the onslaught) and adding another scoreless draw Sunday, this time to a ten-man Aston Villa squad.

Lassana Diarra passes medical exam with Inter - The Offside Inter Milan: In more partner club news, the Nerrazurri perhaps have a new midfielder in tow.

New Territory for Global Game - NYTimes.com: With the loosening of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, perhaps a new Ossie Alonso can be found?

Game-day routines crucial for Boston-area sports figures: Presumably could be transferred to D.C. sports figures as well. Yeah, soccer's for wimps or something.

The Raid " Grantland's Chris Ryan explores the six-minute tracking shot in HBO's True Detective and its possible cinematic influences. Also well worth the time.

An early happy birthday to Ethan White, who turns 24 on Thursday.

Finally, best wishes to Michael Seaton, who is training with the Jamaican team ahead of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship due to begin a week from Friday. The Reggae Boyz are also the host nation, with first place teams from the two groups and the runners-up and third place teams play for berths three and four in the U-20 World Cup.

As always, post 'em if ya got 'em.