Sporting KC lifts U.S. Open Cup, Real Madrid loses, and more: Freedom Kicks for September 21, 2017

Happy Thursday folks! I’m completing the switch with Caitlin, who covered my shift yesterday as I returned from the USWNT match in Cincinnati. Thanks to her for picking up the slack for me yesterday, and I’m happy to carry the torch today. Here we go, to the news!

SKC 2, NY 1: Sporting raise third Dewar Cup in six years | MLS
Congratulations to Sporting Kansas City, who got goals from Latif Blessing and Daniel Salloi to win its 4th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup over the New York Red Bulls. Red Bull, who still have yet to win a major trophy in their 21-year history, kept it close late with a Bradley Wright-Phillips goal, but it was not enough, and the #ThatsSoMetro hashtag lives on.

However, even when trying to go for their first-ever major trophy, it seems the traveling New York Red Bulls supporters still had D.C. United’s name in their mouths:

Aww, so sweet. And then they lost. But, continue to think of us during a match where you’re going for things you’ve never won. We’re happy to give you a tour of the trophy case when you come next month.

Immediate Reaction: Real Madrid 0-1 Real Betis | Managing Madrid
Real Madrid loses to Real Betis. At home. I’m going to let Vince Lombardi take it from here.

Watch: Christian Pulisic gets belated birthday goal | Fear The Wall
Borussia Dortmund beat Hamburger SV 3-0 today in Bundesliga play, and United States international phenom Christian Pulisic found the back of the net once again. It was a nice way to belatedly celebrate his 19th birthday, which was Monday.

Heroes to zeroes: the 7 worst year-to-year collapses in MLS history | FourFourTwo
The seven worst year-to-year collapses in MLS history, and I’m already going to say no one here will like #1 on that list: the 2000 D.C. United team.

Josh Sargent to join Werder Bremen in 2018 | Stars & Stripes FC
The 17-year-old American starlet who burst onto the scene during this summer’s U-20 World Cup will join Werder Bremen in February when he turns 18. Next up for him: the U-17 World Cup in a couple weeks in India.

Atletico Madrid to host 2018-19 UEFA Champions League final | NBC Sports
Atletico Madrid has a new stadium, and that stadium will be the site of the 2018-18 UEFA Champions League final. I pray that it’s Real Madrid in the final to win the thing in their rival’s stadium.

FIFA 18 player ratings for D.C. United revealed | Black & Red United
FIFA 18 player ratings are out, and our very own Steven Streff breaks down the ratings for D.C. United. Leading the pack: Bill Hamid, of course, followed by Marcelo Sarvas, Luciano Acosta, Zoltan Stieber, Paul Arriola, and Steven Birnbaum.

Is Tab Ramos the favorite to replace Bruce Arena? | Stars & Stripes FC
Interesting question on whether Tab Ramos should be the man to replace Bruce Arena as coach of the USMNT.

That’s what I got for now. But before we go, Jose Andres wants to reassure us of a popular RFK Stadium tradition that will continue to make Audi Field feel like home:

THE PUPUSA STAND LIVES! Hit the comments and let us know how you feel!