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Good morning everyone! It’s Saturday, and you know...wait, what are we doing here? Saturday Freedom Kicks? What kind of perverse nonsense is this?
Well, here’s what happened: I assembled some links for Friday, then had an absolutely miserable night of sleep that left me with a major headache thanks to jaw and neck tension, so instead of getting up as planned and writing it up, I stayed in bed in the dark for the entire morning, and didn’t really start doing anything of note until after 3pm.
But you know, we’ve still got these links, and a few more, so why the hell not?
Here’s your social media pressure campaign of the day:
We won’t stop saying their names.
— BailiwickClothingCo. (@BailiwickCrewDC) July 30, 2020
Shout out to Kiara & DC United for working with us on this custom #SayTheirNames shirt ✊
It’s not available to the public, so if you like it, let the ⚽️ club know how you feel!#BlackLivesMatter #VamosUnited pic.twitter.com/oWCQHbNLqL
D.C. United could sell a ton of these, and donate the proceeds to some important local causes. If you’re interested, let them know.
Two Years After Audi Field Accident, Lindsay Simpson Wants to Help Others Suffering Traumatic Brain Injuries | Washington City Paper
Definitely take the time to read this from Kelyn Soong on Lindsay Simpson. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone at B&RU in saying that we hope her recovery is as easy as it can be, and that she gets some level of justice from her suit.
The Washington Spirit have some work to do, as assistant coach Tom Torres is moving on:
This is now official:
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) July 31, 2020
“We thank Tom for his contribution to the organization,” owner Steve Baldwin says. “As he embarks on his next chapter, we wish him the very best.”
Torres calls it "a special organization and I can’t thank them enough for including me in this process.”
Torres was a big factor as an assistant coach, and as assistant GM played a huge role in identifying college talent for a team that has routinely added excellent players in the draft. It’s going to be tough to find a replacement.
How Steve Clark centered himself and emerged anew | The Athletic
Not that there’s a lot on his time with United in here, but Steve Clark has always been an interesting guy.
Why MLS deserves credit for its bubble, skepticism for its regular season plans | The Athletic
I’ll cop to being incorrect about MLS being able to pull off MLS is Back. It hasn’t been perfect, but as Sam Stejskal points out here, they’ve gone over 8,000 consecutive tests without a positive.
That said, moving on to playing in markets all over the country is a whole different thing.
Union defeat Sporting Kansas City to reach semifinals of MLS is Back Tournament | Brotherly Game
Pulido goal not enough to stop Sporting Kansas City freefall in Quarterfinal | The Blue Testament
Recaps from the Philadelphia Union’s 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City in the first MLS is Back quarterfinal. If the Union don’t run out of gas (they’re playing a very physically demanding style, with little rotation), they might actually be able to win this thing.
Joao’s revenge: LAFC 1 (4), Orlando City 1 (5) | Angels on Parade
Orlando City vs. Los Angeles FC: Final Score 1-1 as the Lions Go Through on Penalties | The Mane Land
On paper, Orlando City knocking out LAFC is a big upset, but the two extra days of rest Orlando had really showed. That said, it still took a first pro goal from Joao Moutinho and penalty kicks to make it happen, both because Orlando hasn’t been quite as good as people are saying and because LAFC is still pretty good even when they’re running on fumes.
San Jose Earthquakes still need to crack Minnesota United, but they’re staying loose | Center Line Soccer
San Jose and Minnesota figures to be pretty wild, as the Quakes have guaranteed a drama show in their last few games.
NYCFC to face Portland Timbers in MLS is Back Quarterfinals | Hudson River Blue
For the late-night crowd, NYCFC and Portland face off at 10:30 tonight. There’s possibly a lot of fun to be had in this game too, but it’s also possible that the Timbers opt for organization and the Pigeons struggle to figure it out.
Atlanta United sign Erick “Cubo” Torres | Dirty South Soccer
It’s hard to figure out what Atlanta has in mind here beyond throwing up a prayer. Cubo does have 2.5 very good MLS seasons under his belt, but they came in 2013, 2014, and 2017. Since leaving the Dynamo for Liga MX after the 2017 season, Torres has mostly been an afterthought, scoring 4 goals in 30 (mostly very short) appearances.
FIFA president facing criminal investigation in Switzerland | Washington Post
lol
11 LA Galaxy II players reportedly test positive for coronavirus | LAG Confidential
This is why MLS’s plans about playing in home stadiums — even with regional bubbles — stands out as something that just doesn’t appear viable.
Iggy Pop is leading a small Detroit pro soccer club’s ownership sale campaign | The Athletic
You read that correctly: Iggy Pop is helping boost Detroit City’s campaign to sell shares to fans. It’s a great story and hopefully it gives the club the financial footing to survive the pandemic.
Alright that’ll do it. We’ll have a Loudoun United preview for you later today (they kick off at 7pm against Hartford Athletic), Loudoun plays tomorrow, which is not Saturday Jason!!!, but until then try to have fun without going near other people.