Somehow, in recent days I got it in my head that the heat and humidity we’ve been dealing with lately would break today. However, earlier tonight I caught the seven-day forecast on the news, and saw 90+ over and over again, on into the future. It’s 83 and muggy as hell out here in the ‘burbs, and that means I’m getting off easy.
In the midst of this heat madness, here are some things to read.
Ben Olsen says of possible D.C. United roster additions: ‘You can expect an attacking piece’ | Washington Post
Ben Olsen indicated to Steve Goff here that the money is there to do something more than just get a veteran with one or two years left in his legs. That’s good news, and D.C. United surely needs to continue boosting an attack that has produced so little on the year.
However, if this transfer window passes by without any additions at defensive midfield, this team’s very dim chances of a playoff spot pretty much blink out of existence in my book. Part of the reason United has been shut out so often is that they fall behind, which results in more time spent trying to break down defense-first play from their opponents. Throw in an inability to control the tempo on a regular basis, and it’s hard for even an improved front four to put goals on the board.
Washington Spirit lose Francisca Ordega to knee injury | Black and Red United
I wrote this up last night. Ordega is the Spirit’s leader in goals and assists, so this is obviously bad news. However, at the same time, they get to welcome back Cali Farquharson after she was cleared to play following last year’s ACL tear.
Sam Kerr, Australian For Baller | Backline Soccer
Elsewhere in the NWSL, Australia striker Sam Kerr is on an incredible run right now, and would probably get my MVP vote if we had to turn ballots in today.
RBNY 1, New England 0: Late BWP Goal Outs Revs from USOC Quarterfinals | The Bent Musket
"I think we out-battled them": Ryan Meara reflects on New York Red Bulls' US Open Cup win over New England Revolution | Once a Metro
The US Open Cup carried on last night, with the New York Red Bulls unfortunately managing to defeat the New England Revolution. Benjamin Angoua was sent off for...well, something in the 75th minute, and Bradley Wright-Phillips bagged an 87th minute game-winner.
U.S. Soccer to broadcast 2017 Open Cup draw that determines semifinal, final hosting scenarios | USsoccer.com
The hosts for the semifinal will be determined later this morning, though it’s worth noting that US Soccer spent all day guaranteeing that they’d say when the postponed Miami FC-FC Cincinnati game would be made up, only to not do so. This is an organization with a $100 million surplus.
Toronto FC move swiftly to sign wing-back Nicolas Hasler | Waking the Red
The MLS transfer window activity is probably going to feature at least one signing per day from now until August 9th. Here, Toronto FC added an experienced reinforcement to back up the injured Steven Beitashour on the right side of their 352. Hasler is not exactly an impressive name - sorry, fans of FC Vaduz and the Liechtenstein national team, but you know I’m right - but as is pointed out in the piece, Orlando City and Minnesota United have turned to the Swiss top flight and gotten good right backs this year.
Galaxy reportedly close to record deal with Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Los Angeles Times
So I guess this could be kind of a big deal. Anyway, I am already prepared to fully discard any positive thoughts I ever had about Zlatan, because playing for the Galaxy means you are a bad person (note: Kofi Opare redeemed himself by leaving LA to come to the one Good and True MLS team).
The Fire are the best team in MLS— thanks to João Meira | Hot Time in Old Town
Back in the offseason, if you had told me Joao Meira would be anything other than a serious liability for Chicago at this point in 2017, I’d have assumed you were working for his agent or had lost your mind. He’s been a big part of what Chicago does, though, especially as they try to possess the ball.
Alright, that’ll do it. What are you doing to avoid being melted into a human puddle by the angry, hostile sun?