D.C. United coaching search, MLS playoffs, and oysters: Freedom Kicks for 19 November 2020

Good morning! I hope everyone is honing their recipes for their (small, socially distanced) Thanksgivings! My favorite dish is oyster dressing, which I have been the one to make for the past couple of years. My grandmother wrote down her recipe on a note card, and while we don’t really use her methods anymore, it is still nice to get it out and look at it.

It is a very simple dish: crushed saltines, butter, half and half, pepper, and a crap ton of oysters. Being able to get them from the Chesapeake Bay instead of from ???? in a Kroger in the Midwest makes it even better.

Now I’ve just gotten myself worked up about oyster dressing. Anyways, to the links!

Ezra Hendrickson and Chris Armas interview with D.C. United executives - The Washington Post

I am sad that rumors of coaches from South America have basically fallen off the map, and these two mentioned in the headlines do not fill me with any great excitement. Especially Armas, who failed at New York.

Now, if we have to go with an MLS assistant, give me someone more like Gonzalo Pineda (also mentioned in the article above), or Pat Noonan, an assistant with this year’s Supporters’ Shield winners. Given how much success Seattle has had in the Schmetzer era, Pineda looks the most enticing to me, though.

Armchair Analyst: What 2020 meant in MLS, club-by-club | MLSsoccer.com

Matt Doyle breaks down every team in MLS with his characteristic depth, and points out what we all already know about D.C. United’s season.

MLS Cup playoff teams could forfeit if COVID outbreaks occur - sources

If they’re not going to do a bubble (which they should have), MLS may force teams out of the playoffs if they have an outbreak on their team. Hopefully this doesn’t end up the same way as USL, which had to cancel its finals.

Speaking of the global pandemic, LAFC may be without some of their best players as they are dealing with the consequences of the interational break.

Inaugural Austin FC 2021-22 MLS Home Kit Released - Footy Headlines

Green and black? Sure, why not, and it matches the Tree of Gondor on their badge.

Speaking of badges, everyone hated the new Chicago one so much that they’re going to have to rebrand again.

Jaelin Howell Replaces Lindsey Horan on U.S. Women’s National Team Training Camp Roster for Trip to Netherlands Due to Positive Covid-19 Test

I hope Lindsey Horan gets well soon, but great opportunity for Howell!

MLS to trim SuperDraft to three rounds in 2021 – The Athletic

Makes sense, the fourth round has been basically useless for awhile now.

That’s all I have, what’s up?