So much stuff happened yesterday: D.C. United got their first preseason win, the MLS Players Association reached an agreement over a new CBA that will mean major changes, there were further major changes at US Soccer, and probably some other things also occurred! Just playing the numbers on that last one, I figure the effectively infinite cosmos generated more than three things in one day.
D.C. United notches first preseason win, defeating Louisville City FC 1-0 | Black and Red United
Let’s start with United’s win. They come back up here today for a short break from camp (and for newcomers to settle into their new places and handle that sort of off-field stuff) before going back to Florida for the rest of preseason in the middle of next week.
Ben Olsen is looking forward to getting everyone back together:
Post-game thoughts from Head Coach Ben Olsen after today's 1-0 victory over @LoucityFC#DCU pic.twitter.com/hyfZyH7K2r
— D.C. United (@dcunited) February 7, 2020
USWNT roster is full of World Cup all-stars — and two others fueled by missing out | Washington Post
Ahead of tonight’s all-or-nothing Olympic qualifying semifinal against Mexico, Steve Goff talked to the USWNT’s (relative) newcomers, Lynn Williams and the Washington Spirit’s Andi Sullivan.
Over at Segra Field, Loudoun United is getting into gear for the USL Championship season:
Nothing but excitement from Head Coach @rpmartin10 as he gets ready for the upcoming season! #2020Vision #LetsRide pic.twitter.com/vL4eVNMCG3
— Loudoun United FC (@LoudounUnitedFC) February 6, 2020
MLS, MLSPA agree on new CBA to run through 2024 season | MLSsoccer.com
Provided the MLSPA membership and the MLS Board of Governors ratify the agreement struck at the negotiating table, we’re going to have an MLS season after all!
There’s a lot going on here: the salary budget and minimum salaries are going up, the balance between TAM and GAM is going to shift towards teams getting more GAM and less TAM, free agency has expanded, teams are being obliged to take eight charter flights during the season, and the league has added rules that encourage using a team’s third Designated Player spot on players under the age of 23.
MLS owners and players agrees to new CBA, avoid work stoppage | Sounder at Heart
This has plenty of handy year-by-year breakdowns of how things will change.
Breaking: MLS, players agree on new CBA | The Athletic
More details! Gorge on the details!
Armchair Analyst: Each team’s most important player for the 2020 season | MLSsoccer.com
I can’t come up with a reason to disagree with the evaluation here, though I will say that we should be mindful that United over-performed their expected goals by enough that we should expect a bit of a regression towards the mean.
U.S. Soccer leadership shake-ups continue, Jay Berhalter resigns as commercial officer | Pro Soccer USA
Jay Berhalter raised plenty of ire over some (very reasonable) perceptions of a conflict of interest with his post at the USSF while his brother Gregg was hired to head up the USMNT. It seemed like he was poised to take over as CEO, but within a short few months, he’s now opted to step away from the federation entirely.
SIGNINGS: Martin Leads Midfield Trio Joining San Diego | USLChampionship.com
Former United homegrown signing Collin Martin will be playing for Landon Donovan with San Diego Loyal SC, the moderately awkwardly-named USL expansion side.
What comes next for the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica? | All for XI
There’s deep uncertainty surrounding the future of Jamaica’s women’s national team, with some reports saying the JFF could just shut it down.
Black History Month: Versatile Crystal always gets it Dunn | Stars and Stripes FC
Let’s not over-complicate things: Crystal Dunn is friggin’ awesome.
I don’t have anything else to say, so I’ll shut up now.