D.C. United considering fans at Audi Field, MLS finalizes schedule, and more: Freedom Kicks for 8/7/2020

It’s Friday, I meant to watch a movie after MLS is Back last night, but instead it got delayed, and it became too late to do that and also this round of Freedom Kicks. And now that I’ve whined, here’s what’s going on:

D.C. United’s Neighbors Blast Team’s Plan to Host Fans at Audi Field | Washington City Paper
As I said on Twitter yesterday, I can’t blame the folks in ANC-6D for being really wary about D.C. United games in front of fans, because I’m really wary about it too. The team understandably wants to make money to pay bills, but the risk just isn’t worth it (and the same goes for Segra Field, Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, or anywhere else).

Speaking of United, it sounds like we’re getting pretty close to a schedule for the in-market return to play (which, since we’re on the topic, also seems like a really risky move from the league):

MLS’s Black Players for Change Are Just Getting Started | Sports Illustrated
Earl Edwards Jr. is among the players to talk about what the BPC’s goals are, including adding a diversity officer and increasing the number of Black coaches from the academy level up to first team head coach positions.

Andy Najar’s story is one we’re all probably familiar with, but it’s still a good one:

US internationals heading for Europe and the non-seismic shift | Prost International
The reality of how the USWNT works means that, for now at least, the rumored moves of star players to European clubs (most specifically for us, the reported Man City offer for Rose Lavelle) are more about temporarily finding a good spot to stay sharp rather than a long-term exodus.

FC Dallas, Nashville SC to resume MLS regular season on August 12th | The Athletic
MLS hasn’t even announced what they’re doing in terms of playing more games, but apparently that’s coming very soon, as FC Dallas and Nashville SC are reportedly just 5 days from playing in front of fans in Texas, where positive test rates were near record highs just two days ago.

Here’s more on how MLS plans on handling the playoffs:

That would mean that as of right now, 1W-2D-2L D.C. United is in a playoff spot.

Orlando City vs. Minnesota United FC: Final Score 3-1 as Nani’s Brace Leads Lions into Final | The Mane Land
Recap: MNUFC handed their first loss of 2020 by Orlando City | E Pluribus Loonum
If that last fact isn’t strange enough, try this one on for size: Orlando City has made it to the MLS is Back final.

Carles Gil out for 3-5 months after Achilles surgery | The Bent Musket
The New England Revolution minus Carles Gil haven’t looked very good, and after trying to play through some issues at MLS is Back, he’s more or less done for the year.

Sources: MLS terminates Jesse Gonzalez’s contract | The Athletic
Jesse Gonzalez, who was a starter coming into 2020, is no longer on the roster for FC Dallas after MLS concluded its investigation into domestic violence accusations made by his wife.

My CBS All Access subscription just renewed, which may end up being important as a soccer watcher in the very near future:

Orlando Pride star Ali Krieger joins Orlando City broadcast team | Orlando Sentinel
Ali Krieger has had interest in broadcasting in the past, and is going to be part of Orlando City broadcasts for the rest of this season (provided there aren’t games to play for the Pride, with NWSL’s plans still unclear).

Get the Henny! Soccer and a Celebration of Black Culture | USLLeagueOne.com
The story of how the Richmond Kickers and Forward Madison ended up with an extremely cool rivalry trophy is definitely worth your time.

‘We’re just getting started’: Capitals create broad plans to combat racism | The Athletic
The Washington Capitals haven’t started the NHL playoff process that well, but these are some reasonable ideas on how the org can work towards being more fully anti-racist.

Alright, let’s end on a positive note. Here’s a Liga MX medical golf cart that is also a Millennium Falcon: