Freedom Kicks: Giles Barnes, Stephen Colbert, and FIFA 15

We are in the home stretch of this week, but not even halfway through the group stages of the World Cup yet. It feels like all I have been doing is watching soccer, and that feels good. But, as your appetizer for the day, have some soccer links from around the internet.

D.C. Council wants its own review of D.C. United stadium deal - Washington Business Journal: The D.C. Council will hire a consultant to review Vincent Gray's proposed D.C. United stadium deal. If the consultant comes back and says it is a good deal, that could go a long way towards getting it through the Council. If not, though...

Houston Dynamo's Giles Barnes will file one-time switch from England to Jamaica national team | MLSsoccer.com: A front line of Giles Barnes and Michael Seaton will be exciting to watch throughout the next Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying.

Stephen Colbert has "soccer fever" - Salon.com: Stephen Colbert: always funny.

Video game: FIFA 15 producer talks MLS growth ahead of this year's game: EA Sports may finally put a little more effort into their MLS production.

VIDEO: Wind. Driving rain. Lightning.: In case you didn't watch D.C. United's US Open Cup match, this is what they had to play through. (Still doesn't excuse their performance, though)

2014 US Open Cup Round 4 review: MLS suffers upsets early, regains control of tournament in last 2 days (video) | The Cup: Your review of everything 4th round of the US Open Cup.

¡Puto! Mexican soccer fans chant gay slur during World Cup - Outsports: While their are many dark sides to the World Cup outside the stadium, here is one that is all too common inside the stadium.

As always, this is your place for all-day soccer talk.