As always, I left this very late and the result is no intro anecdote.
With Bill Hamid injured, Woodbridge’s Andrew Dykstra gets D.C. United chance | Washington Times
Thomas Floyd talks to various United players about Andrew Dykstra, who is probably going to start a soccer game in less than a week. The season is that close you guys.
Tuesday kickaround | Soccer Insider
Speaking of how close the season is, Steve Goff notes that United will probably be using today's preseason game against the Philadelphia Union as the dress rehearsal for the first leg against Queretaro, at least for the main starters.
Match Preview: Philadelphia Union vs D.C. United | The Brotherly Game
TBG is ready for today's game, and they expect a pretty strong team from the Union.
Vincent Getting ‘Good Look’ In Preseason Trial With United | Pittsburgh Soccer Report
United trialist Rob Vincent is a big part of what the Riverhounds do in the USL, and it sounds like they're prepping for life without him.
Harry Shipp discusses "shocking and surprising" trade from Chicago Fire on ExtraTime Radio | MLSsoccer.com
The Chicago Fire threw out their old decision-makers, but the new ones appear to be just as bad so far.
Institutional Lobotomy: Shipp trade just latest divorce from Fire's history | Hot Time in Old Town
Our friend Sean Spence has some thoughts on the matter. He's not just upset that a Chicago local who grew up loving the Fire has been traded to a conference rival, either. The other sides of this deal - soccer and asset valuation - were also mistakes.
FC Dallas pick up Mauro Rosales in trade with Vancouver | Big D Soccer
Mauro Rosales joins Mauro Diaz in Dallas. Rosales won't be a starter on a team with Diaz, Fabian Castillo, and Michael Barrios, but he will probably play a lot as a super-sub for Oscar Pareja.
Meanwhile, going the other way, Blas Perez is with Vancouver and has been listed as an attacking midfielder in 2 preseason games. That's a little more odd, but most likely it's just to get him minutes for fitness. It's an interesting development for both sides.
You've got to see this spectacular finish by Kelley O'Hara | Dirty South Soccer
We talked about the USWNT's win yesterday, but if there's a chance to talk about Kelley O'Hara, master of joy and fun times, I will talk about Kelley O'Hara.
USWNT to play Colombia in another pre-Olympic friendly | Stars and Stripes FC
Anyone up for a trip to Hartford in early April? How about possibly Philly a few days later?
3 things we learned from Paris Saint-Germain's 2-1 win over Chelsea | SB Nation
The Champions League knockout round game that got all the attention ended with PSG, under pressure to get a win at home, getting a 2-1 victory that will probably lead to a pretty exciting 2nd leg. On the other hand, it's not great news that PSG, sitting unbeaten in their Ligue 1 season and 24 points ahead of everyone else in France, is in danger against the 12th best team in the Premier League.
Benfica vs. Zenit, Champions League 2016: Final score 1-0, Benfica win with late dramatics
In all likelihood, this pairing will produce the most credible quarterfinal underdog. We all like underdogs, right?
Well, not so much Zenit once you read about their fans.
The FBI vs. FIFA | ESPN
If you have some time, here's a deep dive into the corruption case that has been a talking point in world soccer for months now.
Failure to reform could force CONCACAF to disband | Stars and Stripes FC
Here's the chaser for that oversized corruption shot.
This swerving soccer goal shouldn't be possible and is probably magic | SBNation.com
I guarantee you this guy's thought process was "run up and kick this dang ball as hard as I can!"
Alright, have at it! Don't burn the place down.