Arsene Wenger, D.C. United vs. Orlando City, and more: Freedom Kicks for 6/1/2026

Good morning! It’s the type of Thursday where we’re coming off a frustrating D.C. United game. The Black-and-Red lost 2-0 to Orlando City last night in a pretty frustrating loss given the quality of play versus the actual result.

D.C. United squander chances, falter in second half in 2-0 defeat to Orlando City - Black And Red United
Our own Steven Streff was in Orlando for United's game. Here's his recap.

Orlando City vs. D.C. United: Final Score 2-0 as Lions Break Six-Match Winless Run - The Mane Land
And here’s the view from the Orlando side.

Arsène Wenger got a new contract from Arsenal because the club is dominated by fear - SBNation.com
This is a really good take on Wenger's contract extension.

The artist behind the Cristiano Ronaldo sculpture made an equally horrific one of Gareth Bale - SBNation.com
The internet encourages terrible/awesome things.

Yael Averbuch: How the backline's become the new home for FC Kansas City's No. 10 -FourFourTwo
Former Spirit midfielder Yael Averbuch is now excelling for FC Kansas City at center back.

Acting Dash coach Omar Morales aims to win Saturday - Houston Chronicle
Omar Morales, who is his first year as a Houston Dash assistant coach, will be the Dash's acting coach this weekend when the Dash travel to the Maryland Soccerplex. Dash head coach Randy Waldrum was fired on Monday. Before Morales’ role as Dash assistant coach he was head coach at a D2 school.

Treading water: Why the Houston Dash moved on from Randy Waldrum - FourFourTwo
For more on why Houston Dash head coach Randy Waldrum was fired, this is a good overview.

Christos FC: Story behind 2017 U.S. Open Cup Cinderella - SI.com
Christos beat Chicago FC United last night and the team will face D.C. United on June 13.

Results later in the night meant that they got a nice prize to go along with it:

Come to the Black and Red United tailgate on June 3! - Black And Red United
This Saturday!