2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, featuring D.C. United, NYCFC, Portland, and more! Freedom Kicks for 1 November 2018

Welcome to November! Now that we are past Halloween, and I hope you hallow’d well, we are into my favorite part of fall: the harvest, the apples, the food, and Thanksgiving. Speaking of thanks, I am thankful that we have a playoff game to watch tonight, and so this Freedom Kicks is basically all about those playoffs. Let’s go!

D.C. United hot streak is making MLS history and recalling club history - The Washington Post: Steve Goff takes us all down memory lane, making comparisons to another foreign striker who joined a D.C. United team midseason.

D.C. United share belief that team is an MLS Cup contender | MLSsoccer.com: I don’t want to even speak the words for fear of jinxing it, but D.C. United have their eyes set on the biggest prize.

MLS Playoffs 2018: What to watch for in every knockout round game - SBNation.com: Half of this is moot at this point, but it gives some good keys to watch for in tonight’s games.

10-man Portland Timbers advance to Conference Semifinal with 2-1 win over FC Dallas - Stumptown Footy: Oh, Dallas.

NYCFC vs. Union, 2018 MLS Playoffs: Final score 3-1, David Villa exposes Philly defenders - SBNation.com: I guess NYCFC finally remembered that they have some pretty good talent.

Vancouver Whitecaps End 2018 Season with a Flame War at Final Media Presser - Eighty Six Forever: You have got to see all of the quotes - from a team event! - that Whitecaps players launched at each other.

That’s all I’ve got; happy United day!