Soccer Makes Your Heart Burst: D.C. United & Sundry Soccer Links for 15 July 2016

You look like you need some Freedom Kicks.

D.C. United's Patrick Nyarko returns from another concussion - Washington Post: We can expect Patrick Nyarko back on the field in Columbus -- but probably only as a late sub.

Player rating results: One more look at the thrashing of DC United - Brotherly Game: Not that we want to take another look at our humiliation in Philly, but this piece from the Brotherly Game features a little nugget from Saturday. Apparently, Ben Olsen got into it with a Philly heckler, a little bit. He had a zinger.

MLS Preview and Prediction: Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United - MLSGB: The prognosticators from across the pond say this weekend's match will be a draw, and they lament there's "so little to choose between the two." Alas.

Worra, Mishu and Durkin to join Richmond Kickers on loan | D.C. United: Off to Richmond with these guys.

Discomfort and Delight - The Homeless World Cup - Game of the People: Yes, it's a full-on World Cup taking place in Scotland, with countries fielding teams consisting of their dispossessed:  the desperately poor, the formerly imprisoned, the recovering drug addicts. And this report makes your heart burst:

Notwithstanding that some of these footballers have tales of deprivation, drug addiction, crime, neglect and abuse somewhere in there, they play with a sense of joy that we've long forgotten existed in some corners of top level football. I saw one women in tears as the opening ceremony unfolded before our eyes and I went away from day one with my faith in human nature strengthened.

All-Girls Soccer Team Provides Community For Undocumented Immigrants - Huffington Post:  And here's another story (mainly the video) of soccer's ability to help teenage asylum seekers overcome trauma, build confidence, open up, and experience joy.

Negative stereotypes affect female soccer performance - Phys.Org:  A study has found that exposing women to negative stereotypes about female soccer ability caused them to dribble more slowly.

Mexican Soccer Mogul Sorry for ‘Jewish Blood’ and Money Jibe – Forward.com: Don't worry. Some of his best friends are Jewish.

Chinese billions flood soccer | www.myajc.com: If any soccer asset is for sale, you can bet on a Chinese business showing up to make a bid.

The Tactical Trends of EURO 2016 | Spielverlagerung.com:  This blogger took an indepth look at some tactics in use at Euro 2016, including man-oriented defending and situational man-marking.

Rio Olympics 2016: History of Olympic football - Sportskeeda:  Everything you need to know about the history of soccer at the Olympic games.

And your Friday Freedom Kicks treat is this story: Muskegon River tubing trip turns into overnight nightmare for three women. Now, you might be thinking, that doesn't sound like a "treat." And I agree. It's really just this kicker:

"They were informed by somebody at the bridge that the river goes in a circle and if they put in there they would come back to their car," he said. "Not knowing anything, they set off on their little adventure."

Commentariat, discuss.