Welcome to Wednesday everyone! Some interesting news stories yesterday, so let’s get right to it:
USMNT roster for Portugal friendly announced | Stars & Stripes FC
Bill Hamid makes the 21-man roster for the United States and is off to face Portugal next week. Some young talent and veterans with minimal experience on the international level also get the call up. Paul Arriola does not make the squad due to minor procedures he had done recently (Lasik, deviated septum).
Julian Buescher says goodbye to D.C. United | Black & Red United
In an Instagram post, Julian Buescher appears to draw to a close his time with D.C. United. It will be interesting to see where the German midfielder lands.
Orlando City decline contract options on Nocerino, Barnes, Powers | MLS
Antonio Nocerino and Giles Barnes are among the several cut by Orlando City.
Spain’s World Cup jersey sparks controversy | NBC Sports
Spain was one of several Adidas-sponsored teams that released their 2018 World Cup jersey yesterday, but their home jersey drew the ire of some folks because the blue on the jersey was too similar to the purple used in an old Spanish Republican flag that signifies opposition to the monarchy.
VAR problems causing major headache for Bundesliga | NBC Sports
Et tu, Bundesliga? Seems like everyone’s having issues with VAR.
Keep the profit: Proposed transfer-fee changes give MLS teams incentive to sell | FourFourTwo
A proposed rule change would see MLS teams keep 100% of the transfer fees from Homegrown Players. This rule would most likely lead to more investment in youth development, but would undoubtedly mean teams sell their players to teams abroad earlier.
Robbie Rogers announces retirement | LAG Confidential
Robbie Rogers, the LA Galaxy midfielder who was first openly gay player in U.S. sports history, hangs up his cleats.
FIFA demands visa, work permit and tax exemptions for 2026 World Cup | Reuters
FIFA has insisted on visa exemptions, among other things, for the 2026 World Cup. It will be interesting to see whether the governments for the United Bid, especially the current U.S. administration, will allow free entry for players and fans for the tournament.
Christian Gomez y un cumple a pura emoción: inauguraron su estatua en Nueva Chicago | Clarín
The article is in Spanish, but former D.C. United star Christian Gomez had a statue unveiled in his honor at his long-time Argentine club, Nueva Chicago
What drives a Socceroos fan to travel 14,000km to watch their team play? | The Guardian
As Australia heads to San Pedro Sula to take on Honduras in the AFC-CONCACAF World Cup playoff, fans of the Socceroos describe what motivated them to travel to the other side of the world to support their team.
That’ll do for now. Hit the comments and let us know the stories that hit your radar!