D.C. United’s new stadium breaks ground, in Monday Freedom Kicks

Hi there. Anything going on today? Oh yeah, this I guess. It’s a good thing a crap ton of links are here to tide you over until 3.

A sleeping giant stirs as DC United finally build their own home (MLS): Charlie Boehm with the must-read of the day. The team’s stadium helps them in a myriad of ways, with getting them closer to a level playing field chief among them.

D.C. United wrap up preseason with win over Philadelphia Union (us): Steven Streff was down there and gives you the gamer and the reactions of the Black-and-Red. Brotherly Game looks at it for the Doopsters.

After offseason surgery, Bill Hamid is ready to return for D.C. United (us): Streff sat down with the big man to get his thoughts on where things are.

D.C. United sign Maxim Tissot (us): Further still, Streff has been a content machine while in Florida.

Why D.C. United are the Arsenal of MLS (Football Whispers): I have nothing to add to this, but eagerly await your reactions.

Details on Mullins' extension (MLS): This is a little buried, but it appears Patrick Mullins didn't have to give back 2017 on his contract in order to sign an extension, and is potentially here until 2020. After that goal Saturday, I have no objections to this.

If you’d like some previews, Jason’s been doing them for the other teams in the Eastern Conference, but if you’re looking for a Black-and-Red bent, American Soccer Analysis and MLS Multiplex have tackled them.

PRO's Peter Walton reveals four new points of emphasis for 2017 MLS season (MLS): Keep an eye on these, because if we know anything about PRO, they will get called.

MLS goes big time: big banks are financing new soccer stadiums like never before (us): Ben shows us an encouraging sign about the Lig’s financials.

Galaxy's Aguilar unsure of his place on the team — and in the country (LA Times): More on the Miguel Aguilar saga from the Galaxy’s beat writer Kevin Baxter.

Rodney Wallace says joining NYCFC was “a no-brainer” (Hudson River Blue): Love RodWall, HATE that he’s going to play with them.

Samuel Inkoom Joins Bulgarian Club FC Vereya (Peace FM Online): I have nothing to add to this alumni update, other than his Instagram pictures of his kids dressed up in very fancy gear are amazing.

Michael Farfan announces retirement (Brotherly Game): Marfan seemed like a nice guy and I’m sorry to see him go, but hope he does well in the next life.

Best of D.C. Poll (City Paper): Hey look, there's a spot to write in Dock FC as Best Sports Bar in D.C.! On a related note, join our Watch Party there on March 12 when D.C. goes to play the Pigeons.

Inter 1-3 Roma: Still not there yet (Serpents of Madonnina): In partner club news, Inter Milan lose to Roma in what could be described as an expected result, dropping to 6th in Serie A, one point ahead of AC Milan and two behind Lazio.

Plucky manner of Chelsea defeat offers hope for Swansea City (Wales Online): In more partner club news, Swansea lose to Chelsea in what could be described as an expected result. Swans remain in 15th, 3 points clear of relegation.

No Comment (Tedium): As a DVD nerd I adore commentaries on films because they sometimes include a wealth of information. Everyone adores Ben Afflecks’s for Armageddon but his turn on Criterion’s edition of Chasing Amy is far better, for instance. Anyway, as physical media goes digital, this piece on the declining art form that is DVD commentary tracks is a good read.

Now go forth and enjoy today. Mock anyone who ever gave you Baltimore United, or wanted to wait for shovels to hit the ground (even after the deal was done). Shovels hit the ground. Today. Be excited.