Mal Pugh’s debut, D.C.’s offense? Whew, and more: Monday Freedom Kicks

Hi. I’m amongst you in D.C. at a conference for work. I’ve been up for a couple hours, working out of one bloodshot eye, so have a heart.

Recaps of D.C. United’s 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire by us, MLS (with more from them here) and WaPo. Hot Time in Old Town has the Fie-Yur side of things.

Pugh’s debut not enough as the Spirit lose (us): Mallory Pugh came on in the second half, but another D.C. soccer team dropped a 1-0 home result to another midwestern soccer team in FC Kansas City.

Global soccer power FC Barcelona plants its flag in the U.S. youth market (WaPo): Goff looks at Barcelona’s effort to put a stake in the youth soccer grounds near Dulles.

There’s one team the D.C. Sports Troll has failed to curse (WaPo): Hey, good on you, anonymous letter writer!

Lori Lindsey climbs mountains to level the playing field (Equalizer): The former Washington Spirit star is undergoing a quest later this week, and we wish her the best.

Pazza Inter take home a scrappy win (Serpents of Madonnina): In partner club news, days after Inter Milan Sporting Director Piero Ausilio discussed the team in good candor (and called Erick Thohir a “gentleman from Indonesia,” Inter kept pace with Fiorentina in 7th place by defeating Lazio 3-1. With one game to go, Inter’s only interest is to sort out 7th.

Paul Clement's men come from behind to end Premier League campaign with 2-1 victory (WalesOnline): In more partner club news, Swansea City had to rally on a late Fernando Llorente goal to defeat West Brom in their last match of the Premier League campaign. Combined with losses by Watford and Burnley, Swans finished 15th in the Premier League. Now, the Premier League pays out to teams based on how they finish, so this last minute stroke of luck netted them an extra $5 million (for a $14.8 million payout). Hey Jason Levien, I have thoughts on how to use this money...

Christos FC Us Open Cup (GoFundMe): The vanquisher of the Richmond Kickers needs a hand to get to Chicago. So let’s give them some, shall we?

The Ultimate Video Essay Guide to Paul Thomas Anderson (Film School Rejects): I don’t think it’s a surprise I’m a mark for PTA, and ahead of his next film scheduled for early next year, this look at his various choices in audio and video.

I’ll be in a room with radiologists so I hope your day is just as good.