Buffon & Iniesta call time, the weekend in D.C. soccer & more: Freedom Kicks for 5/21/18

Hello. You are reading this at a time where I’ve been up for a couple hours at an offsite meeting. Cretins, who can do this with a bloodshot eye, let alone two?

We recap D.C. United’s 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes here, with more from WaPo, MLS and ProSoccer USA.

We also recap the Washington Spirit’s 1-0 loss to the Portland Thorns here, with more from Stumptown Footy and ProSoccer USA.

Ed. Ryan’s dumb Rooney things are going to continue until something happens so, PLEASE something happen!

So after Everton got rid of Sam Allardyce and assorted staff, thoughts appeared to be that Rooney either has/had second thoughts, or at least wanted to wait until he could talk to the new manager, whomever that may be (Watford’s Marco Silva is the hot rumor). Then there were reasons Everton would want Rooney to go (but would welcome him back in a future role with the club), and more reasons analytically why Rooney to DC would be good as they pick out a spot in Kalorama.

And also this:

Ed. That’s it. We think.

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad, La Liga: Final Score 1-0 (Barca Blaugranes): Andres Iniesta put an end to his Barca career Sunday after winning, well, damn near anything a player can win with club and country. Going to be hard to see him go.

Juventus 2 - Hellas Verona 1: Initial reaction and random observations (Black and White and Read All Over): Gigi Buffon called it quits on a magical career at Juventus Saturday. I’d encourage you to check out our Juve SB Natio blog for more.

USMNT 22-man roster named for Bolivia friendly (Stars and Stripes FC): Spoiler alert, Bill Hamid made the roster. And since we're keeping tabs of National Team call-ups that are DCU related:

King in the land of the Pharaohs (The Times): I’m a sucker for anything Mohamed Salah does (as a Liverpool FC fan I should), but I liked this read a lot.

Swansea City part company with manager after relegation (BBC): Not that this was a surprise, but Carlos Carvalhal was shown the door at DC’s partner club.

Parma Calcio 1913: Rising from the ashes (Gentleman Ultra): Remember Parma, who were demoted to Serie D and went bankrupt at one point? They’ll be back in Serie A next year after 3 years and change in the lower leagues.

Pet dog raised by a Chinese family for two years turns out to be a black bear (The Independent): I have every reason to think China is the new Florida.

Anyway it shouldn’t be as hot today so I’m going to hope my day gets done quickly and without delay and hope yours does too.