Phoenix Rising gives up USL Championship final hosting rights, Angel City FC name official, and more: Freedom Kicks for October 21, 2020

Happy Wednesday, everyone. We got Champions League on the television again today, so before we get into that, the news from yesterday.

Phoenix Rising won’t host USL Championship, essentially vacating ‘win’ against San Diego - Outsports

Phoenix Rising has decided to relinquish their right to host the USL Championship final after only gaining that “right” by gaining the 3 points from San Diego Loyal’s forfeit to them for a Phoenix player directing a homophobic slur at Collin Martin. Finally, someone steps up and does the right thing, but it shouldn’t have taken this long.

Los Angeles’ NWSL team officially has a name: Angel City FC - LA Times

The new Angel City NWSL franchise has a “new” name...Angel City Football Club. Sounds like another Los Angeles Football Club we know.

European Premier League plans could face UEFA, associations opposition - ESPNFC

The proposed European super league is hitting some snags, and UEFA may now oppose the idea.

Gregg Berhalter: The United States national team can shock the world in 2026 - MLS

United States Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter is hoping that the team will be ready to “shock the world” in 2026. I love the enthusiasm! Let’s start with shocking the world in 2022.

Chelsea name Petr Cech in Premier League squad as emergency keeper - ESPNFC

Petr Cech is retired, but he’s on Chelsea’s Premier League roster as an emergency keeper. That’s crazy, but looking at Chelsea’s goalkeeping group, they may need him.

Disconnect: As MLS teams back social causes, owners’ money often fights them - The Athletic

The Athletic does a deep dive into the social causes fans support and the MLS owners push back against with their wallets.

Spirit to Match Community Shield Grant, Donate $10,000 to Additional Community Partners - Washington Spirit

Good on the Washington Spirit for matching the donation that they won by placing 3rd in the NWSL Fall Series.

Korea move off the cards for Socceroos coach Arnold - Sydney Morning Herald

The head coach of Australia is noted as being a possible candidate for a MLS job. The article specifically mentions the only two coaching jobs available: D.C. United and Atlanta United.

Speaking of the coaching search, FC Tulsa released a statement on their head coach, Michael Nsien, meeting with the Black-and-Red.

Enjoy the day, folks!