Monday Freedom Kicks: Bring on the Offseason

The MLS 2016 season is in the books, protected lists for the Expansion Draft comes out today, so all the footy Hot Stove you can consume begins in earnest.

City Stadium Upgrades Planned (Richmond Kickers): The Richmond City Council will consider a lease by the Kickers and stadium upgrades they will invest in. Council hearing is today, and combined with D.C.’s Zoning Commission follow-up hearing Wednesday, is a sneaky newsworthy week for soccer teams and stadia. Good luck RVA fam.

Toronto FC vs. Sounders, MLS Cup Final Recap: MLS CHAMPS (Sounder at Heart): It may not have been pretty at time, but I liked watching it. Huzzah to our friends at Seattle Sounders blog Sounder at Heart, comfort to our friends at Waking the Red, Toronto FC’s SBN blog.

In weekend happenings surrounding potential D.C. United acquisition Jose Guillermo Ortiz, Ortiz, who signed a contract with Herediano, played one more game with Alajuelense...at Herediano. Alajuelense lost 5-1, Herediano fans serenaded Ortiz and welcomed him with open arms, even as news of him leaving for America and D.C. to sign a contract (as early as this Thursday) was speculated on.

Sources: Joe Corona turns down MLS move to re-sign with Club Tijuana (Goal): The nugget at the end about DCU holding his rights (and having no plans to sign him), obviously.

Ian Harkes makes a name for himself in the College Cup semifinals (Howler): John’s son gets some more pub of his own.

Manassas resident Jose Carranza generates interest from European soccer clubs (Inside NoVa): Another DCU Academy grad (who eschewed MLS) gets some nibbles.

The Strange World of Americans Trying to Emulate English Football Culture: You mean, fan violence, bad tans and a sense of self-entitlement? I'll be here all week everyone!

Swansea City climbs out of the relegation zone (South Wales Evening Post): In sorta partner club news, Bob Bradley’s squad has won 2 of their last three as Fernando Llorente’s double helps Swansea City down Sunderland, lifting them out of last in the Premier League table into 18th, one point behind West Ham to get out of relegation.

Defender Greg Janicki Announces Retirement from Professional Soccer: Hey, remember him? Well, he leaves Indy Eleven after MLS seasons with D.C. United and Vancouver Whitecaps back in the day. God speed Greg.

Vaudreuil Named as Roughnecks’ Head Coach: News of former D.C. players continues as the inaugural Black-and-Red member lands in the USL.

I don’t have anything witty to end with, so be well today.