DC United, MLS, World Cup Links for 16 May 2014: The Haves and the Have-Nots in the Beautiful Game

This game.  I tell ya.  Or better yet, let the Freedom Kicks tell ya.

Celebrate Armed Forces Night When D.C. United Takes On Montreal Impact: DCist:  Welcome home one of our own.  Also, there will be tanks at the tailgate.

Montreal Impact amazed at USMNT's snub of Justin Mapp: "He's one of the best players in the league" | MLSsoccer.com:  Montreal has its own Eddie Johnson, apparently.  Battle of the snubs?

Are There Indonesian Coal Millions in D.C. United? Wouldn’t You Like to Know! | 100 Reporters:  This piece is a complicated story involving a $201 million "black hole" at an Indonesian coal mining outfit, the guy accused of creating it, and the question of whether some of that money might be invested in DC United.  "We decline to comment at this time," emailed DCU's press guy.  Huh?

In shadows of World Cup stadium, neighbours left empty-handed | Features | The Malay Mail Online: "Last year, the rent jumped from 200 reals to 350 reals -- half of what her daughter earns at a diner while she takes care of four grandchildren.  So they moved out of the two-bedroom home the family shared with three others and into a tent with just as much space to themselves."  Could you keep your place if your rent went up 75 percent?

2014 World Cup: Nike, Adidas Gear Up for Soccer Duel's Next Round - Businessweek:  "Nike will sponsor 10 national teams, more than it ever has before -- and one more than Adidas.  Nike has Brazil, Portugal, and Ronaldo.  Adidas has Spain, Germany, and Lionel Messi..."  The total cost of these sponsorships?  $400 million.

Low-income soccer team needs help getting to regionals | azfamily.com Phoenix :  This team of 13- and 14-year-olds practices two hours each evening, three days per week.  And they've gotten good.  So good they've won Arizona's President's Cup, and now they're supposed to head to California to represent Arizona in youth soccer regional finals.  The problem?  Most of them come from very disadvantaged families.  No money to cover the trip costs.  They're trying to raise $15,000 fast so they can pay for hotels, transportation, and food.  Video here.  You can help fund their trip here.

Report: Las Vegas in talks with MLS to bring expansion club to city, build soccer-specific stadium | MLSsoccer.com:  All the games in the summer better be after sunset.

Inside The American Outlaws | For Love of the Crest Episode 1 | MLSsoccer.com:  A nice little video about the Outlaws who will need to be extra loud and spirited in Brazil, what with Schalke's Kevin-Prince Boateng teaming up with Chelsea's Michael Essien for Ghana, Ronaldo expected to be fully fit for Portugal, and Germany's youngish team making last-minute adjustments to their preliminary roster.

American Exports: Aron Johannsson returns from injury as AZ Alkmaar held at home in playoff | MLSsoccer.com:  No goal, but he's back on the field.

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