Kickers lose in Open Cup, Diving fines, MLS concussion protocol and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks

Good morning! Or bonjour if you’re BlasianSays and this is your first morning in Belgium. Most of the soccer news yesterday was overshadowed by an onslaught of Trump and politics news but here’s some soccer news you might have missed.

Watch a fan steal a match ball and sprint out of the stadium during a Scottish Premiership game | FOX Sports
Take your opportunities and run with them! Maybe not literally.

Retrospective bans for diving set to be introduced by Football Association | ESPN FC
The FA hopes diving will take a plunge.

Christos FC- Baltimore’s Sunday-league superstars | US Soccer

Here is a good read on the team that beat the Richmond Kickers yesterday.

MLS concussion protocol in focus after pair of weekend incidents | ESPN FC
Two head injury incidents this weekend have strengthened criticism against MLS concussion protocol and its enforcement.

Atlanta United’s tactics are evolving and taking shape - Dirty South Soccer
This is a great look at Atlanta’s tactics. DC will play them in a month.

MLS Disciplinary Committee fines Kljestan, Blessing, Acosta after Week 11 | MLS Soccer

Luciano Acosta was fined for “excessive dissent and failure to leave the field in an orderly manner” after his red card this Saturday.

Nahomi Kawasumi and the Seattle Reign suddenly look excellent | SB Nation

In case you missed the Washington Spirit’s game on Saturday, here’s a look at the team they lost to by four goals.

That’s all I’ve got. Let me know in the comments what you’re reading.