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Good morning! It’s cold enough that it’s all I can think about. In a normal year I’m just fine with having four seasons, but this year I feel like I could do without a winter. Just an extended October-November vibe until all the sudden it’s late April, that’s what I’d be into.
So hopefully that completely unprecedented and inexplicable weather change happens now that I’ve spoken it into the world. In the meantime, got some things to talk about:
Chris Seitz, who was out of contract, signs one-year contract extension with D.C. United to remain the second-choice goalkeeper, I'm hearing. He was 2-2-2 as a starter last year, strong locker-room presence. Entering 15th MLS season. #dcu #mls #terps
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) December 17, 2020
D.C. United and Chris Seitz appear to have reached a deal, bringing the veteran goalkeeper back. That leaves four players (Chris Odoi-Atsem, Felipe Martins, Gelmin Rivas, and Earl Edwards Jr.) in talks to return.
Three players selected in Stage One of 2020 MLS Re-Entry Draft | MLSsoccer.com
United also passed on the first stage of the Re-Entry Draft, which is not a major surprise. Atlanta took Andrew Gutman from FC Cincinnati, with rumors pointing to them intending to trade him elsewhere.
The next round is on Tuesday, and we just might have a little look at the list over the weekend.
NCAA Waiver: ✅
— NWSL (@NWSL) December 17, 2020
Division I student-athletes will be allowed to enter the 2021 NWSL Draft and choose whether they will report to their NWSL club immediately or at the conclusion of the spring collegiate season.
More at the link: https://t.co/Xixd8jez4C https://t.co/IGFhyY9zWD
The NCAA took a while to sort it out, but NWSL draftees will be able to choose between reporting to their pro team or finishing up their collegiate careers without losing the last bit of their eligibility. Good call for the players, and this probably results in a boost for the overall quality of the draft class.
Alex Ring traded to Austin FC in exchange for $1.25 million in General Allocation Money | Hudson River Blue
Austin FC continues to move GAM aggressively to get proven MLS players, with Alex Ring the biggest name yet.
Austin FC’s MLS identity is coming together, on the field and off of it | The Athletic
Mesh seats! Alright I get this idea, save for one little aspect: how do we get these mesh seats fully clean and dry if it rains? Or if we’re just talking about spilled beer?
How Klopp, Arteta, Guardiola, Mourinho coached their teams through the silence in the stands | ESPN
This year has been strange, so now we know what obscenities people are bellowing at each other during games.
Henrik Lundqvist Will Not Join Capitals This Season | Japers’ Rink
This is unambiguously a bummer. Henrik Lundqvist has a heart condition, making it medically unsafe for him to play for the Caps this season. Here’s hoping there’s something that doctors can do to eventually cure the issue.