USMNT win Gold Cup opener, Marta breaks World Cup scoring record, and more: Freedom Kicks for June 19, 2019

Hey everyone, happy D.C. United Day as they play in the U.S. Open Cup tonight, and happy Juneteeth to us all. Juneteenth is a very important day in the history of this country, so if you’re not familiar with it, I encourage you to read up and learn about the day’s importance and what it means for all Americans.

I’m reporting live from Paris where I woke up at 4:00am local time for the United States’ Gold Cup opener and am very tired. Let’s catch you up on the news of the day:

2019 Gold Cup Recap: USA 4-0 Guyana - USMNT scores 1,002 goals | Stars & Stripes FC

Our very own Paul Arriola scored the first goal for the United States Men’s National Team last night in their 4-0 victory over Guyana in the Gold Cup. Tyler Boyd added a brace and Gyasi Zardes had the most Zardes goal ever (in which somehow Arriola’s shot deflected off a Guyana defender and off Zardes’ head and he doesn’t get credit for the assist). Also, the USMNT scored their 1000th goal when Boyd banged home the game’s second goal in the 51st minute.

Women’s World Cup: Brazil forward Marta breaks men’s and women’s tournament goal record | BBC

Marta scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Brazil to advance to the Round of 16 and, in the process, become the all-time World Cup goal scoring champion. Her 17th World Cup goal surpassed Miroslav Klose for the most by a man or woman in the history of World Cups. Congrats to Marta!

Kerr has 4 goals and Australia beats Jamaica 4-1 | Washington Post

Samantha Kerr singlehandedly lifted Australia to the Round of 16, scoring all 4 goals for the Matildas in a 4-1 win over Jamaica. Australia qualified in 2nd place, while Italy won the group based on goal differential and Brazil also making the knockout stage in 3rd place.

Sources: PSG open to Neymar sale this summer | ESPNFC

The Neymar saga continues, with Paris Saint-Germain apparently open to selling him. Will he return to Barcelona or is Real Madrid still trying to step up and get him?

Michel Platini questioned over awarding of World Cup to Qatar | BBC

Michel Platini was detained yesterday and questioned here in France about the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Meanwhile, there was also this:

Could they really be trying to move the 2022 World Cup? We’ve heard this before, so I’m not getting my hopes up.

D.C. United in the Open Cup, and USWNT at the World Cup: Filibuster! | Black & Red United

Filibuster is back to discuss D.C. United’s upcoming U.S. Open Cup match tonight against New York City FC, and they also give some analysis on the USWNT here at the World Cup. Check it out this morning!

Mbappe: I could play in MLS later in career | ESPNFC

Could Kylian Mbappe head to MLS in his career? It’s possible! I certainly hope he first heads to Real Madrid...like today, preferably.

That’s it for today everyone. Hit the comments and Vamos United!