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Good (late) morning! Your Freedom Kicks are a little late because sometimes you just gotta go to sleep, and that’s what I ran into last night. And that’s a boring topic, so let’s push past it and get to the dang soccer.
Ben Olsen, D.C. United’s now-former coach, finds himself with something new: Free time | Washington Post
Ben Olsen spoke to Steve Goff about the adaptation to watching D.C. United from home, which is probably even weirder for him than it is for us.
New mural pays tribute to DC icons | Most DC Thing | WUSA9
When you folks are allowed back into Audi Field, wander over towards Gate B and you’ll see a new mural that has been in the works for a little while now.
Jaap Stam, Nick Hagglund respond to FC Cincinnati fan criticism | MLSsoccer.com
There isn’t a lot of D.C. United news (we’ll have the team’s pre-game press conference later today, so hopefully there’s more to report on.), but over with FC Cincinnati, they’re having to talk about fan criticism that got heated enough that supporters removed banners at Nippert Stadium. However, given that they then beat Columbus mid-week, maybe they’re turning a corner to some extent.
There was some fairly big Washington Spirit news yesterday afternoon:
Getting word Washington Spirit has signed several regulars to multi-year contracts (including Hatch, Staab, Nielsen, McGrady, DiBiasi). Expecting announcement in coming days. O'Hara trade talks have gone nowhere. #nwsl
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) October 15, 2020
The five players named constitute nearly half of the starting lineup, and include two players (Ashley Hatch and Tegan McGrady) that were at one point being mentioned as part of those Kelley O’Hara trade talks. It looks like the Spirit have decided to go forward for the coming years with the core of their roster intact.
USWNT’s Vlatko Andonovski on how scouting, preparation led to October’s call-ups | The Athletic
Vlatko Andonovski spoke to Meg Linehan about the status of the entire USWNT player pool, including specific notes about Andi Sullivan and Ashley Sanchez.
SBJ Unpacks: Orlando City Close To Being Sold | Sports Business Journal
Apparently Orlando City and Orlando Pride owner Flavio Augusto da Silva is close to selling the team, which he viewed along the lines of how Erick Thohir seems to have viewed United.
No word yet on whether this means breaking up an org that currently runs three teams, or if they’ll all be sold together, or what.
Landon Donovan on an eventful conclusion to his first season at San Diego Loyal | USSoccerPlayers.com
Some interesting thoughts from Landon Donovan on his first year as a coach, and on how making societal change can be something that starts small.
Philadelphia Union announces Brenden Aaronson transfer to RB Salzburg | The Brotherly Game
Brenden Aaronson will finish up this season with the Philadelphia Union before heading off to Red Bull Salzburg in a deal worth around $9 million.
Remember the CONCACAF Champions League?
Hearing 2020 Scotiabank @Concacaf Champions League will resume most likely in 3rd week of December. Quarters, Semis & Final, will all be 1 game knockout. Teams will be in same location. Games will most likely be either in: California, Texas, Florida or Mexico #TSN690 #Concacaf
— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) October 15, 2020
It’d be nice to get the tournament underway, but this seems like a pretty bad idea as far as Covid-19 goes. Staging an international tournament is not a smart move right now (see also: CONMEBOL and UEFA both having numerous players test positive in this international window), nor is playing in hot spots like Texas or Florida.
Alright that’s what I’ve got for you. Make sure you stop everything and listen to this song before you head off to deal with the rest of your day.