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Good morning! Hope you all got through the snow without any issues, though I guess I’m seeing that there is still snow in the area, so I guess it’s “getting through” if you’re here for correct tenses. We also have about a billion things to talk about after a wildly busy Monday in soccer news, with D.C. United and the Washington Spirit in the thick of it, so here we go:
Official: D.C. United midfielder Paul Arriola joins Swansea City on loan | Black and Red United
The on/off/on pattern on this deal was not a surprise, because that’s how Deadline Day goes. But in the end, Paul Arriola is on loan with Swansea City through “the end” of the Championship season. If the Swans get promoted or miss the playoffs entirely, that’s May 8; if they end up in the playoffs, that’s potentially not until the end of May.
D.C. United loans Paul Arriola to Swansea City | Washington Post
As Steve Goff says, there are conditions that would allow United to recall United during MLS’s transfer window, but it’s pretty unlikely that they’ll come up.
In sad news, we lost a member of the United family:
D.C. United are saddened to learn of the passing of longtime employee Boris Flores. In 12 years with #DCU, Boris’ passion for soccer and his ability to form relationships made him loved by many.
— dcunited (@dcunited) February 1, 2021
Our thoughts and condolences are with Boris’ family at such a difficult time. pic.twitter.com/qbo91K54Ie
On behalf of everyone at Black and Red United, my condolences to Boris Flores’s family and friends.
Let them play! | Screaming-Eagles.com
The Screaming Eagles released a statement calling on United’s owners, and MLS owners as a group, to turn back from locking out the players, which if we take the league at its word, looms on Friday. I’m firmly in agreement, and the stance of the owners is both morally indefensible and also destructive for the league itself.
ISC Statement Regarding the 2021 CBA Negotiations | OfficialISC.com
The Independent Supporters Council released a similar statement.
Washington Spirit announce 2021 preseason roster | Black and Red United
The Spirit started preseason yesterday, so it’s time for sorting through their preseason roster.
Here are some more details on preseason roster rules, including a note that the NWSL is probably going to expand actual team rosters from 26 to 28:
#NWSL preseason roster limit is 40 to start with; clubs must reduce to 32 by March 1 and 22-28 for final rosters April 2.
— Dan Lauletta (@TheDanLauletta) February 2, 2021
Washington Spirit duo Kelley O’Hara, Emily Sonnett named to USWNT 2021 SheBelieves Cup roster | Black and Red United
It was also USWNT roster day for the SheBelieves Cup, and the Spirit have two players heading to Florida starting this coming Monday.
Trinity Rodman has a new life in a new city. A former USWNT star will help her find her way. | Washington Post
The Spirit are also taking a different, more comprehensive approach to making sure Trinity Rodman is given a platform to develop, and it includes USWNT legend Briana Scurry. Full credit to the team for learning from where things went wrong during Mal Pugh’s time with the club and coming up with an innovative way to not repeat those mistakes.
Orlando City loans striker Daryl Dike to Barnsley with option to buy | Orlando Sentinel
Daryl Dike to Barnsley? I get it. He’s done well, there’s gonna be interest. However, the price tag on the purchase clause being $20 million? Twenty???
Official: DeAndre Yedlin transfers to Galatasaray | Stars and Stripes FC
Another deal that seemed to go back and forth repeatedly, but eventually DeAndre Yedlin left Newcastle for Galatasaray.
Maryland Bobcats FC Sign Forward Kay Banjo as First Professional Signing In Club History | MarylandBobcatsFC.com
Former UMBC star Kay Banjo, after a few years playing with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, is the first player to sign a pro deal with the Maryland Bobcats, who will play their first season in NISA this year.
MLS legend Roy Lassiter named Gulf Coast soccer Director of Coaching and Methodology | 12NewsNow
Status update for one of the great goalscorers in DCU history, as Roy Lassiter is working in the youth game in Texas.
Let’s talk about a ball:
The for 2021 is here. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/h3slWOGilM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 1, 2021
Normally I have no real opinion on what a ball looks like but this one...oof. It’s ugly. But whatever, if it does what it’s supposed to do when players kick it, and mysteriously never enters D.C. United’s goal, I’ll get over it.
USL, USLBPA to Collaborate on Black History Month Initiatives | USLsoccer.com
Looking forward to seeing what the USL Black Players Alliance and the USL put out this month, and also hoping it’s not just a one-month thing.
With the Di Rosa twins off to the MLS, Maryland men’s soccer is left to fill a void as season approaches | Testudo Times
Maryland men’s team is going to have to come up with a new look in the back after both Matt and Ben DiRosa were drafted last month. Also, the Terps start playing in 17 days! It’s so soon.
D.C. Claims Eminent Domain To Seize Infamous NoMa Wendy’s Site | Bisnow.com
I never thought anything would actually happen with Dave Thomas Circle, and that decades from now I’d still be reading articles about theoretical plans that went nowhere.
Well that’s it for me. Hopefully today will be a little more calm, but between Filibuster and Plex Weather I’ll be involved in talking to two capital-B Big podcast guests coming up in the next 48 hours, so I guess not. Have a good Tuesday!