Chris Odoi-Atsem rings the bell, Miguel Almiron to Newcastle, and more: Freedom Kicks for January 30, 2019

Happy Wednesday, everyone. The government may be on a 3 hour delay and some schools may be delayed or canceled, but the Freedom Kicks is right on time. Stay safe out there this morning.

We start out today’s Freedom Kicks with the best story. Chris Odoi-Atsem finished his chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma yesterday, and he got to ring the bell, as is tradition for patients who finish chemo:

To that, I think we all say, congratulations Chris! This is some awesome news, and I’m incredibly happy for him. And I don’t normally curse on here, but you all will understand: fuck cancer.

Now, to the rest of the news:

Reports: Atlanta United, Newcastle United reach deal for Miguel Almiron | MLS

Atlanta United appears on the verge of sending star midfielder Miguel Almiron to Newcastle in a $27 million deal.

Gregg Berhalter may not make drastic squad changes for USMNT on Saturday | MLS

The United States Men’s National Team play Costa Rica on Saturday in their 2nd of 2 January Camp matches. Head coach Gregg Berhalter may not make a lot of changes from the team that beat Panama Sunday evening. Let’s all hope that he finally lets Russell Canouse get some playing time alongside Paul Arriola.

UAE fans throw shoes at players in Asian Cup loss to Qatar | BBC

Qatar beat hosts United Arab Emirates in the semifinals of the Asian Cup, and UAE fans didn’t take it too well. They threw shoes at players, and now there are questions about the eligibility of a Qatari player. Qatar will face Japan in the Asian Cup final.

Why has the USMNT struggled? Start with how it selects players | SB Nation

A great article about the makeup of the USMNT and how it could have something to do with its recent struggles.

Despised former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is now making enemies as owner of Marseille | The Athletic

No one should be surprised that former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has messed up another team. This time, it’s Marseille.

Megan Rapinoe: ‘Maybe men should just take a few hundred years off’ | The Guardian

Megan Rapinoe speaks on how kneeling for the anthem almost cost her career and how she and other women athletes continue to fight for the rights they deserve.

That’s all for today, everyone. Do work in the comments, and once again, stay safe on the roads out there today.