Atlanta United players win grievance, Bayern Munich wins German Supercup, and more: Freedom Kicks for August 18, 2021

Happy Wednesday, everyone. And it’s a D.C. United day as the Black-and-Red are in Foxborough to take on the New England Revolution (7:00pm, NBC Sports Washington/TeleXitos/dcunited.com/ESPN+). Let’s get 3 points out of there, but it will be a huge test against the top team in the East. Before that, the news from yesterday:

Sources: Atlanta United grievance affirmed by MLS, players to be compensated - ESPNFC

The grievance filed by Atlanta United players on the practice habits of former manager Gabriel Heinze was found to be true, and Atlanta United will have to compensate the players for those days by adding money to the end-of-season bonus pool.

Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund to retain German Super Cup title - BBC

It was the Robert Lewandowski show as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund to win the DFL-Supercup.

USWNT’s Megan Rapinoe ‘needs to take some time’ to think about future - ESPNFC

Megan Rapinoe is considering her future, but will not move quickly in making a decision. She will take some time before deciding when she will hang up her boots for the USWNT and OL Reign.

‘We launched a brand, not a team’: Inside Inter Miami’s disastrous start in MLS - The Athletic

The story behind how Inter Miami has put their branding ahead of their on-field success. Note to teams: focus on the soccer first, that will help the brand.

Ronaldo-to-Real Madrid transfer rumour: Carlo Ancelotti says he ‘never considered’ shock return - ESPNFC

There have been tons of rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo may leave Juventus for Real Madrid before the close of the transfer window. Both Ronaldo and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti say that’s not going to happen.

Raúl Jiménez: ‘The doctors told me it was a miracle to still be there’ - The Guardian

Raul Jimenez is back with Wolverhampton Wanderers after a gruesome head injury that was life- and career-threatening. He opens up about his injury and what it took to get back on the field.

Football was right to call out social media companies. But what happens now abuse is back in grounds? - The Athletic

Now that fans are back in the stands in England, teams now have to do more to combat racism towards players coming from the stands. Let’s see if they take the steps they have promised they will take.

Afghanistan: Former football captain fears for players left behind - BBC

The former captain of the Afghanistan women’s national team fears for her players who are still in the country as the Taliban has taken over the government. She discusses what it’s like for them as the situation continues to escalate.

That’s it for now. Vamos!