Monday Freedom Kicks: Playoff homecoming

Happy Monday folks! I’m here this morning filling in for our very own Ryan Keefer, who over the weekend welcomed a new baby son into the world. From the entire Black & Red United community, congratulations Ryan!! While he’s getting to know the future USMNT right back and catching up on some sleep, we recap D.C. United’s loss to Orlando City yesterday. Yet, due to the Montreal Impact’s loss, RFK Stadium will host the knockout round match Thursday evening at 7:30pm against L’Impact. Okay, now onto the news:

Armchair Analyst: FCD claim the Shield and put a bow on 2016 regular season | MLS

Congratulations to FC Dallas, who won the Supporters Shield yesterday with their draw against the LA Galaxy. On the other end, defending MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers suffered a disastrous 4-1 loss in Vancouver and will be sitting at home watching the postseason.

Lloyd leads USA to 5-1 win vs. Switzerland on record-setting day in Minneapolis | U.S. Soccer

Captain Carli Lloyd had 2 goals for the USWNT, and Christen Press, Kealia Ohai and Washington Spirit star Crystal Dunn each added one as the United States recovered to beat Switzerland 5-1.

Late Morata goal sends Real Madrid top of La Liga | BBC

Alvaro Morata, you are the man. On his 24th birthday, he nabs a goal late as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao to move to first in La Liga.

José Mourinho accuses Antonio Conte of humiliating him after Chelsea defeat | The Guardian

Chelsea absolutely curbstomped Manchester United today at home, 4-0. Naturally, the Special One isn’t pleased about getting played and is taking it out on Chelsea coach Antonio Conte.

Allen’s Hat Trick Leads Red Bulls II to USL Cup | USL

Brandon Allen was the hero for Red Bulls II as they beat Swope Park Rangers 5-1 to claim their first ever USL Cup. Congrats to them, but hang on, New York Red Bulls fans. This doesn’t mean you can claim this as a MLS trophy.

Watch Las Palmas score the most amazing team goal of the year | Fox Soccer

Yooooooo....this goal was simply brilliant. Most of you probably don’t know where Las Palmas is (Canary Islands) or that they’re in La Liga, but know that the beauty of this team goal will be hard to top over the course of the season.

And there you have it. It’s 7:00am and the comments are open for business. Let’s carpe that diem, everyone!