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Tuesday Freedom Kicks: There's a new headband in town

Markus Halsti and his headband join the Black-and-Red, and FIFA gave out some awards.

By leanneelston
EuroFootball/Getty Images

I'm ready for links. Are you ready for links?

D.C. United officially announces the signing of Markus Halsti - Black And Red United
Hair? Headband? Halsti, I already like you.

MLS Wrap: The latest on Altidore, multiple teams targeting Kljestan, and more - Goal.com
Just in case you've forgotten about Jozy, Sacha, and Mix looking to join MLS. I am distraught over Mix going to NYCFC. Distraught, I tell you.

Embrace the chaos? One weekend gives a snapshot of American soccer | US Soccer Players
Interesting read about the challenges of player development in the U.S.

USMNT 2018 World Cup qualifying schedule - Stars and Stripes FC
ONLY 1247 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE WORLD CUP, YOU GUYS.

USMNT balances short- and long-term priorities as January camp opens | FOX Sports
Camp Cupcake is an interesting one this year, for sure. Right now I'm just crossing my fingers that Klinsmann doesn't actually think Kitchen is a defender. Please, oh please.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Ballon d'Or for second straight year - ESPN FC
Whatever. Manuel Neuer, you will always be a winner to me. Other award winners yesterday were Nadine Kessler for Women's Player of the Year (beating out Marta and Abby Wambach), Joachin Loew for Coach of the Year (beating out Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone), and James Rodriguez for the Puskas Award a.k.a Awesome Goal Award (beating out Robin van Persie and Stephanie Roche). Oh, and here's the World XI team as well. Special Freedom Kicks shout out to one of my faves, Toni Kroos.

Ballon d'Or ballots: Klinsmann includes Ronaldo; Messi, Ronaldo don't vote for each other - Planet Futbol - SI.com
Always kind of fun to look at the votes. Also, how do they decide who gets to have the media vote? Because next year I want to lobby that person for whoever my pick is.

Curtis, De Grandpre discuss the firing of Mike Petke - Empire of Soccer
Still completely don't get this.

ASN article: Nick Besler Looks to 'Carve a Different Path' in MLS
Baby Bes!

Florida Cup 2015: The Bundesliga arrives to Disney World | Bundesliga Fanatic
I'm honestly only sharing this because, adorable: "Captains Miso Brecko (1. FC Köln) and Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen) will receive the honor of an audience with Mickey Mouse for a photo opportunity in front of the iconic Cinderella's Castle Tuesday afternoon."

And, finally:

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