Normally I open Freedom Kicks with some odd statement about something totally unrelated to anything. Today, though, I’d like to take a second to note the job everyone on our staff did in covering the byzantine process of getting a stadium from concept to where it is today. It’s been a real source of pride for this tyrannical editor.
In particular, the efforts of Adam, Ben, Ryan, and Steven in digging through public filings, looking into city council procedures, and attending numerous votes and hearings was crucial. I’d also like to note the work Douglas Barnes, Tod Lindberg, and David Rusk did voluntarily, bringing some expertise to the site that we couldn’t possibly have mustered otherwise.
Now, if you don’t know what I’m talking about:
D.C. United stadium gets final zoning approval | Black and Red United
See you folks at Buzzard Point in less than two weeks! That is, assuming I don’t lead a staff expedition with all the bricks and shovels we can carry to try to start building before then, which would probably end with all of B&RU’s writers in jail. If that happens, look out for our call for bail money.
Rowdies Suncoast Invitational matches at Al Lang Stadium to be streamed live | DCUnited.com
This confirms that two of D.C. United’s three remaining preseason games will be streamed live on Youtube. The third game, against St. Louis FC, is still up in the air (it’s at a different venue).
New York Red Bulls and Ali Curtis mutually agree to part ways | NewYorkRedBulls.com
Theory: Ali Curtis was just tired of doing Satan’s handiwork by helping out the Red Bulls, and will now move on to try and undo all the harm he did to the world by building a top-tier team.
Minnesota United Kit Design Leaked Ahead of Friday Debut | E Pluribus Loonum
The Loons appear to have landed a pretty excellent home jersey for 2017. I think I like this more than any of the new shirts to be released thus far.
Insane FC Dallas 2017 Away Kit Leaked | Footy Headlines
I really dig this unusual take from FC Dallas. Also, it’s extremely weird for Dallas to get a jersey that says anything other than “also, we created FC Dallas this jersey because they have to have uniforms to play soccer in this league.”
Speaking of new clothing items, here’s what you season ticket holders got from D.C. United recently:
If you’re curious about the #DCU season ticket holder gift: pic.twitter.com/Ghw4cPyDB1
— Ryan Keefer (@reefa_k) February 16, 2017
How Fredy Montero landed in Vancouver, Dallas target CCL glory | MLSsoccer.com
Sam Stejskal’s weekly piece gives us more details on the Fredy Montero deal, and looks at FC Dallas and their unconventional CCL preparations.
Remember me? 8 former MLS players still kicking around in obscure places | FourFourTwo USA
Two former United players are on this list, playing for clubs in their native countries, while a one-time Whitecaps DP is now playing in what is technically an amateur league despite only being 30.
Orlando Pride Re-Sign Four Players from 2016’s Inaugural Squad | The Mane Land
Reminder that the NWSL’s preseason is not far off. Orlando just made sure to lock down three starters and a backup GK for the year.
NWSL clubs investing in academy infrastructure | Soccer Nation
NWSL teams don’t have an equivalent of the homegrown mechanism for signing players, but hopefully league-wide investment in Development Academy teams is a step towards that end goal.
Rollin’ for tomorrow | Huck Magazine
I really enjoyed this piece on the first-ever women’s roller derby team in Lebanon.
Review’s final season will premiere next month | AV Club
Review has been one of the best things on TV, so this is delightful news. There all is aching.
Alright folks. Ten days until we get to see some dirt moving.