As longtime readers know, I desperately want D.C. United to win the CONCACAF Champions League. I love the CCL, even though it is bizarre and sometimes - OK, often - farcical. I don't care. I want United to win the CCL badly, and even though I had 86 minutes to digest that it would be at least 2 more years (probably more) until that happens, I'm still bummed out.
One of these days, man.
Let's get to the links.
D.C. United exits CONCACAF Champions League | Washington Post
DC United eliminated after 1-1 draw to Queretaro | Washington Times
D.C. United bows out meekly for second straight season in CCL | Goal.com
New year, same fate for D.C. United | Soccer America
SIGH!!!!!!! I feel like Charlie here. The world has chased me into the crevice.
Also, within these pieces there's the note that Luciano Acosta didn't start tonight because he and United had agreed that, during this past week, he'd go back to Argentina to move his young family to the US. That might seem like bad timing, but a) this is the kind of thing you need to do sometimes to land a potentially big piece of the puzzle and b) let's not get mad at a player for wanting his family to live with him, or at DC for letting that happen. It's not why United is out of the CCL.
Armchair Analyst: DC United and LA Galaxy crash out of Champions League with a thud | MLSsoccer.com
This is probably worth reading both because of the United section and because the Black-and-Red face LA next. Matt Doyle comes out pretty strongly in favor of more minutes for Julian Buescher, and that's based on more than just that goal. It's an intriguing argument, especially since Nick DeLeon still has a lot to learn to play central midfield full time (particularly in terms of playing quickly when he has to).
Report: Perry Kitchen to sign with Scotland club Hearts | Black and Red United
This news broke either during or just before kickoff last night. The Scottish Premier League is not a step up from MLS, but Hearts are currently in position to qualify for the Europa League (they're 11 points clear of the closest team that could take that spot). If Kitchen has moved to Europe to put himself in the shop window for a quick jump further up the ladder, this sideways - maybe even a touch backward - step makes some sense.
Santos Laguna routs LA Galaxy in 2nd leg | LAG Confidential
I guess things could have gone worse last night.
LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena: "I didn't see any superstars on our team" in loss to Santos Laguna | MLSsoccer.com
Yeah, if you play for Bruce Arena and lose 4-0, you are probably going to get roasted in the press.
Porter has sought Mattocks since he was in @MLS....this would be interesting to say the least. #MLS #PORvCLB https://t.co/Cg18tpgBLU
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) March 1, 2016
This rumor was not met well in B&RU's internal Slack channel. Safe to say a few of us would roll the dice on Mattocks being worth the hassle.
Toronto FC part ways with Herculez Gomez | Waking the Red
This came as a surprise. Gomez isn't exactly what United needs, but they could maybe use another forward (unless Lamar Neagle ends up playing up front more often than expected).
Kit Nerd Corner : Toronto away | Vocal Minority
Sticking with TFC, here's their new away kit. I agree with this piece: Pretty shrug-worthy. Not bad, but not really anything notable either.
Sounders sign St. Vincent and the Grenadines international Oalex Anderson | Sounder at Heart
Seattle signed the guy who scored for the Vincy Heat against the USMNT, who spent last year with their Sounders 2 USL team.
Revolution Transfers 2016: Scott Caldwell Signs a Contract Extention | The Bent Musket
Smart move by the Revs. Caldwell has been a model Homegrown signing. He might not fetch a seven figure transfer fee, but he's very good and will probably start in New England for years.