DC United, MLS, World Cup, FA links for 9 May 2014

Woo boy, we've got a lot of ground to cover.  We're going to hit the preview circuit, shoot up to Canada, drop down to Brazil, and end on a sarcastic note by Jose Mourinho across the pond.  So put your seat back and your tray in an upright position.  These are your Friday Freedom Kicks.

D.C. United’s offense is starting to click - Washington Post Express:  More than 30% of DCU's goals so far this season are thanks to the work of either Bobby Boswell or Fabian Espindola during set pieces.

Preview: Union vs. DC United - Philly Soccer Page:  Here's a very astute analysis of the DC v. Philly matchup tomorrow.  A good read.  But the very best part is the comments, wherein Union fans vocally miss Carlos Ruiz.

Philadelphia Union vs. DC United | MLS Match Preview | MLSsoccer.com:  Here's your usual MLSsoccer.com rundown ahead of the DC v. Philly game.  It does not describe the silver platter upon which the midfield will serve EJ the ball during this match.  But if you really want to know, it's oval, silver, and features some very tasteful sprigs of rosemary garnishes.  And apparently the entire midfield is going to refer to itself as Jeeves.

SJ Earthquakes Defender Gorlitz to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery | Soccerly:  Tough news for the Quakes.

Interview: Brad Evans on Possibly Making World Cup Roster | Seattle Sounders FC:  I just like Brad Evans.  He's a nice guy who hasn't been shy about talking publicly about his World Cup dream.  He would be a real threat in Brazil.  A humble and true believer.

American Exports: DaMarcus Beasley reportedly contemplating move back to MLS | MLSsoccer.com:  Beasley reportedly wants out of Puebla.  Could we use a left back?

Canada ties U.S. 1-1 in women's soccer - The Record:  Hope Solo's bid to tie the USWNT shutout record (71 shutouts currently held by Brianna Scurry) will have to wait for another game.  Canada got one on her last night.

Brazil climb to fourth in FIFA rankings - ESPN FC:  USMNT falls from 13th to 14th in the world.  Germany and Portugal, the pistol and the noose, respectively, still occupy spots 2 and 3, respectively, in our Group of Death, respectfully.

Germany coach Joachim Loew leaves Mario Gomez out of 2014 World Cup squad as he opts for youth again - Telegraph:  Germany is going for a younger WC squad with lesser known players.  Maybe we have a shot.

World Cup 2014: Brazil putting FIFA ‘through hell,’ official says | SI Wire:  Cry me a river, FIFA.

Eighth World Cup Construction Worker Dies Just Weeks Before Opening Match - The Wire:  As Brazil scrambles to meet FIFA's stadium standards, workers keep dying.  I wonder what FIFA does for the families of these workers.

Brazilian Police Stage Strike in World cup Cities  | Soccerly:   The cops are as ticked as many other Brazilians about the lavish investments in the World Cup preparations while other public needs have gone unmet.  And they're threatening job actions during the World Cup itself.

Brazilian soccer fan is killed instantly by TOILET BOWL hurled rival supporters | Mail Online:  Horrible.

FIFA 15: 10 Under-Rated Players Who Need Upgrading - WhatCulture.com:  Yes!  Raheem Sterling is indeed way underrated.

Chelsea's Jose Mourinho fined 10,000 pounds for comments about referee Mike Dean - ESPN FC:  And he's soooo sorry, too.  He just feels absolutely awful about it.  Pleeeeease forgive him.  How will he ever go on?

Do your best Jose Mourinho impression below.