D.C. United preseason, Julian Gressel, and college soccer: Freedom Kicks for 23 January 2019

We are getting back into the swing of things now, with actual reports and pictures from D.C. United’s preseason training! Starting next week, there will be games to talk about, all as we swing towards the opening of the MLS season at the end of February. I’m excited.

To the links!

D.C. United getting “back to work” ahead of Julian Gressel’s arrival - Black And Red United

Jason reports from D.C. United’s first open practice of the year, as the team sets its sights high for the 2020 season.

‘It’s been a difficult process’: Julian Gressel says goodbye to Atlanta as D.C. United preps for his arrival -The Athletic

Reported from both Atlanta and DC, The Athletic takes a look at the process of D.C. United acquiring Julian Gressel, and Atlanta United finding a place to which to trade him.

Given the teases and leaks of other teams’ jerseys at this point, I think we have a fairly solid idea of what it will look like. Based on leaks, this would seem to be the right shoulder.

Julian Gressel and Julian Gressel’s Trade Value in MLS - Dirty South Soccer

If you like detailed accounting-based analyses, this is the post for you.

College soccer reform led by Maryland’s Sasho Cirovski, Stanford’s Jeremy Gunn nears NCAA vote - Philadelphia Inquirer

Sasho Cirovski has been leading the charge to change college soccer’s season from 3 months to spanning both semesters, which would make it feel more like a regular soccer league season. It will be coming up for a vote soon.

Thirty-Eight Open Division Teams Learn First Round Opponent for 2020 U.S. Open Cup - US Soccer

If you want to watch Christos FC face off against Virginia United, get yourself to Woodbridge (ugh) in March.

Sophia Smith is the 19-year-old future of NWSL and the USWNT - SBNation.com

Kim McCauley profiles the number 1 pick in last week’s NWSL draft, who has the potential to change the league and the national team.

That’s all I’ve got today, what’s up?