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I'm late getting today's Freedom Kicks up, so let's jump right into them:
D.C. United drops to #8 in ESPN's power ranking | ESPN FC
Yes, I said "drops." Unlike most other nonpartisan power rankings out there, ESPN hasn't been sleeping on the Black-and-Red. Look for Ben Bromley's power rankings later this week.
USMNT's Omar González, Eddie Johnson miss MLS action due to recent injuries | Planet Futbol
Eddie Johnson wasn't the only USA Brazil hopeful to miss time this weekend for an injury. Projected starting CB Omar Gonzalez came out of the LA Galaxy's game against the Colorado Rapids at halftime for "precautionary" reasons. Meanwhile, Matt Besler gave us a little scare as his legs cramped up in the second half of Sporting Kansas City's win over the Columbus Crew.
Andy Najar is going to Brazil | MLSsoccer.com
Honduras named their 23-man World Cup roster yesterday, and the former D.C. United homegrown player made the cut. Current MLSers Victor Bernardez, Oscar Boniek Garcia, Marvin Chavez and Jerry Bengston also made the roster. Click through for the full roster.
Kenny Miller and Vancouver Whitecaps Agree to Part Ways | Eighty Six Forever
The Scottish striker and Canadian club have mutually agreed to end Miller's contract. Miller had been looking for a contract extension, but when MLS and Vancouver wouldn't commit to anything long term or without a semi-guaranteed team-held option, they hit an impasse. Rather than see out the rest of his contract, he and the Whitecaps agreed to end it early.
Big Ten tournament moving to Washington D.C.'s Verizon Center in 2017 | SI.com
And finally, in non-soccer news,the B1G is coming to the Phone Booth in just a few years' time. It's all part of the conference's push into east coast markets like our own, which also included adding the likes of Maryland and Rutgers. Mostly I'm happy that I'll have a chance to watch my Boilermakers on the court. To spin this back toward soccer, though, I suppose this could also mean that the Big Ten men's and women's soccer tournaments could eventually find a home if/when a certain stadium gets build on Buzzard Point.
Welcome to your open thread for the day. Do with it what you will.