Happy Wednesday, friends! There was a lot of soccer news yesterday, so enough with the intro...let’s get right to it:
D.C. United releases transportation plan for Buzzard Point stadium | Black & Red United
More D.C. United stadium news as the transportation plan was released by the team. This is hopefully the final piece of the puzzle in getting final approval next month.
Clint Dempsey medically cleared for training as comeback from heart problem continues | Fox Soccer
Deuce is back! Clint Dempsey has a long way to go, but he has been cleared to resume training with the Seattle Sounders. Great news both for him, Seattle and for the USMNT.
The Pro/Rel Manifesto | Howler
Former Chicago Fire president Peter Wilt breaks down the potential for promotion/relegation in the United States, and all the pros and cons of the system in a long but brilliant read.
How have MAC Hermann Trophy winners fared in the pros? | MLS
MLS discusses the MAC Hermann Trophy winners who have gone on to play in the league. Of course, we’re waiting to see what the 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy winner can do as Ian Harkes begins training camp with the Black-and-Red.
D.C. United officially signs Sebastien Le Toux | Black & Red United
Welcome to the team, Sebastien Le Toux!
Ranking all of the Africa Cup of Nations teams’ kits | Fox Soccer
Y’all know I love jerseys. Here, Fox Soccer ranks the quality of the jerseys that are being worn by participants in the Africa Cup of Nations. I think they got it right: Mali, Senegal and Ivory Coast all have sported some incredible kits during the tournament.
Holders Ivory Coast knocked out of Afcon | BBC
The defending Africa Cup of Nations champions? Done, as Morocco beats Ivory Coast 1-0 in their last group stage match. Morocco joins Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, and DR Congo in the knockout stage. Today, the final two teams will be determined as Egypt takes on Ghana and Uganda (already eliminated) takes on long shots Mali in the final matches of the group stage.
Birthday celebration a regular thing for Steve Birnbaum in January Camp | U.S. Soccer
Our very own Steve Birnbaum talks about celebrating his 26th birthday in the USMNT January Camp (happy birthday!) and how he’s hoping to be more of a leader on the team this year.
Report: China tempting TFC’s Giovinco with big offer | NBC Sports
The Chinese Super League is not done throwing around the Renminbi. This time, Toronto FC’s star Sebastian Giovinco is in the crosshairs, with a substantial offer from a Chinese team. Will he take it?
And there you have it. Hit the comments and have a good day at work work work work work everyone!