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Well it’s a toe-tapping Tuesday, and you’re reading Freedom Kicks. I want to get back to playing video games, so let’s jump right in with Chris Odoi-Atsem talking about #KickChildhoodCancer month:
Alright I know that looks like a video about Gonzalo Higuain in some kind of skirmish with the Philadelphia Union, but the full episode of Extratime Radio includes Odoi-Atsem talking about his own battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his involvement in MLS’s push to help the battle against childhood cancer.
Staying with D.C. United players who came up in the DMV, Gregg Berhalter name-checked Moses Nyeman, Kevin Paredes, and Griffin Yow:
On a press call, #USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter specially singles out #DCU youth Moses Nyeman, Kevin Paredes and Griffin Yow for their current run of form and says they are keeping their eye on young players like the DC trio.
— Emily Olsen (@EmilyTOlsen) September 29, 2020
Times are tough for United, but the three youngsters are a pretty big positive. Here’s hoping they stay in the lineup.
If you have the means, think about contributing to the Ambassadors Ball (which benefits the fight against multiple sclerosis), which Dave Johnson is going to host:
It's free to register and hope you join me for Ambassadors Ball @mssociety @WTOP @dcunited @WashWizards https://t.co/7D3M0v8Fuk#EndMS #ambassadorsballms pic.twitter.com/1J6wR1N1CJ
— Dave Johnson (@davejsports) September 28, 2020
Firing Ben Olsen Alone Won’t Solve D.C. United’s Problems | Forbes
This is where we’re at with United, with discussions about a coaching change popping up more than once. I don’t agree with every single point here, but overall it’s a fair look at a situation that just isn’t getting better this season.
Not to look back much on a miserable Sunday on Buzzard Point, but we do have one piece of (sort of) good news:
Scary moment on the pitch last night.
— Matthew Ryan Polster (@MattPolster) September 28, 2020
Diagnosed with a concussion.
Can’t say I remember much, but feeling better today. Thank you to both team medical staff for acting quickly and taking care of me.
Glad the boys got the 3 points!
Thank you for all the messages
#NERevs pic.twitter.com/TTHsEbQ6QE
I say “sort of” because Matt Polster has a concussion, which is still a major injury. However, being in the building and hearing the contact that caused his scary-looking injury just before halftime, I know I was fearing worse. Glad to hear that wasn’t the case.
Two players, nine staff on Colorado Rapids test positive for COVID-19 | The Athletic
The Colorado Rapids have shut down training, with every player and staffer quarantining after an outbreak of confirmed positive Covid-19 tests. This impacts them obviously, but it’s also a significant worry for the San Jose Earthquakes (who played Colorado two days before the positives started showing up).
One game has already been cancelled, another essentially has to be as the Rapids won’t be out of quarantine in time to play this weekend, and the tightly-packed schedule league-wide might crumble once you start having a rash of cancelled games. Makes you wonder if this whole thing was even a good idea!
USMNT learns Gold Cup draw | Stars and Stripes FC
The Gold Cup is so far in the future that it might as well be a fever dream, but nonetheless we have a draw nearly ten months before play begins.
Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United Form a Perfect Union | The Ringer
Brian Phillips is writing about soccer here, so that’s an automatic recommendation. I did read the piece, it is as good as you’d expect.
What Football Will Look Like In The Future | Secret Base
Speaking of automatic recommendations, Jon Bois revealed the first chapter of what is apparently a sequel to 17776 yesterday. I damn near jumped up out of my chair when the satellites appeared.
Alright, like I said, back to video games. Enjoy your Tuesday!