D.C. United vs. New England Revolution, Spirit expand coaching staff, and more: Freedom Kicks for 8/25/2020

Let’s just get started, shall we? First up, some very serious work going on at training to develop a fourth goalkeeper within the existing D.C. United roster:

Look, I think Junior Moreno should take the “use your hands” advice from Bill Hamid, but he does make at least one save in here. It’s a start.

D.C. United’s move to a 352, explained | Black and Red United
Here’s some shameless self-promotion: I couldn’t stop thinking about United’s formation change, so I sat down on Sunday and started writing, and as a result this came out yesterday.

Filibuster previews D.C. United versus the New England Revolution | Black and Red United
We also sat down Sunday night and talked about the Cincy draw, and then moved on to preview tonight’s clash with the New England Revolution. Our normal preview is coming out later this morning, too.

Speaking of today’s game, Bruce Arena will not be involved. He’s been suspended two more games by MLS, after missing last week’s game against the Union for being given a red card following the end of their final MLS is Back (also against the Union):

DC United’s Ola Kamara will find goals eventually if he stays healthy, Ben Olsen says | MLSsoccer.com
Goals? Sounds good to me.

D.C. United hasn’t played at home since March. It hopes to find its offense there. | Washington Post
More on the attacking struggles from Steve Goff, plus some injury updates.

Former United winger Patrick Nyarko has joined VCU’s coaching staff:

Kris Ward joins Spirit Technical Staff as Assistant Coach | WashingtonSpirit.com
Speaking of coaching, the Washington Spirit have added Kris Ward to their coaching staff, making it two new coaching staff hires in under two weeks.

Why Austin FC made Cecilio Dominguez their first ever Designated Player | MLSsoccer.com
2020 has been weird enough that I find the idea of Austin FC to be a far-off fiction rather than a team making moves.

Utah Royals player from Kenosha, Wisconsin, is appalled by police shooting of Black man | The Salt Lake Tribune
For all of us, the video of yet another Black person being shot by police (this time in the back) is infuriating and heartbreaking at the same time. For Utah Royals FC defender Katie Del Fava, a Kenosha native, the police violence and the protests that have followed are literally close to home.

Ronaldinho set for release after bizarre six-month stay in Paraguay penal system | The Guardian
The bizarre saga of Ronaldinho’s time in prison appears to be over after Paraguayan prosecutors and his legal team agreed to a plea bargain.