D.C. United rumors, Funes Mori golazo in Liga MX final, and more: Freedom Kicks for 12/27/2019

Folks, I spent just about my entire Thursday watching old Iron Chef episodes (the original Japanese version). Among the other things I learned was the difference between green and white asparagus — the white version stays buried, preventing photosynthesis — and that the Iron Chef Italian does actually, on extremely rare occasions, get out there and cook.

Let’s start with some late-night D.C. United news:

The issue here, beyond United probably valuing Russell Canouse above that Transfermarkt figure, is that clubs in the former East Germany (that includes Dresden) have major financial issues. It’s probably a major stretch for a club that’s 7 points from safety at the halfway point to spend big.

That said, soccer is crazy, so keep an eye on this one for sure.

Richie Burke: NWSL allocation money should reward American players, too | Equalizer Soccer
We’ll have more from Richie Burke’s recent conference call later this morning, but until then, whet your appetite on Washington Spirit news here.

Report: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez move to Club Tijuana “about to close”
I’m sure Atlanta United wouldn’t opt to sell their best defender (Miles Robinson is going to get there, but the hype train left the station too early last year) without having a replacement in mind, but as of now at least, selling Leandro Gonzalez Pirez is an instance of a team in the East getting weaker rather than stronger.

Anyway, I will continue to insist that Atlanta should trade Hector Villalba to our favorite MLS team.

A U.S. squad filled with FC Dallas homegrown players? That’s Luchi Gonzalez’s dream | The Athletic
I don’t know if FC Dallas is ever going to make this dream work, but the clarity of the vision, and the intensity that they’ve pursued it with, is enviable. United doesn’t have to follow Dallas exactly, but they could learn something in terms of how defined the plan is, and how committed the organization is to it.

Funes Mori magic helps Monterrey take 2-1 lead over Club América in Liga MX Final | FMF State of Mind
The first leg of the Liga MX final was last night, and while it wasn’t a non-stop thriller, it did bring the requisite amount of controversy, surprise, and animosity. Plus, it was settled by an utterly spectacular goal from Rogelio Funes Mori:

I mean...whew.

Leicester City 0, Liverpool 4 - Match Recap: Boxing Day Masterclass | The Liverpool Offside
Liverpool completely destroyed Leicester City to go 13 points clear. I propose that Liverpool have to field me in each of the rest of their games, just to make the rest of this season interesting.