Christen Press to Angel City FC, Andy Najar called up by Honduras, and more: Freedom Kicks for 8/24/2021

Good morning! Before I pass out, here’s what happened yesterday:

Four things about D.C. United somehow not beating Atlanta United | Black and Red United
This piece will go live at 8am, which is an hour from now, but through the magic of blogging platforms I can put a link on it now that will work once it publishes.

A few of us got into whether United has hit its ceiling or not, the ongoing goalkeeper debate, and how being aggressive in the middle eventually exposes United at the back.

Coming soon, the international window, which includes a call-up for Andy Najar:

The frankly unforgiveable FIFA international calendar includes three gamedays during a window that runs from 8/30 to 9/8, with Honduras playing 9/2 (at Canada), 9/5 (at El Salvador), and 9/8 (vs. USA).

Here’s an interview Erik Sorga interview from his new club VVV Venlo:

If you notice something new outside Audi Field the next time you’re over there, the Japanese ambassador was on hand for the donation of a cherry blossom statue that will reside outside Gate A:

Recap: Loudoun lose 2-0 to Tampa Bay | Black and Red United
Loudoun United dropped a rare Monday night game to the Tampa Bay Rowdies last night.

USWNT star Christen Press becomes first player to sign with Angel City FC | LA Times
The big news in the soccer world yesterday saw a long-rumored move come to pass. Christen Press is now Angel City’s first player after a trade with Racing Louisville for her rights.

I’ve seen a bunch of thoughts saying that it’s a great deal for Louisville, and I’m...not as sure. It could be that, but if the top players coming out of college opt for Europe and reduce the value of that first round pick? Not so much! I think the idea of expansion draft protection in this case is a bit overrated (the best available Louisville player is very likely not going to be better than the third or fourth-best player from a few other teams, including the Spirit). So really, a ton hinges on Louisville’s ability to be perceived by top NCAA players as a better place to go than (insert European team offering a less competitive schedule but more money and the prestige of the Champions League).

Christen Press on signing with Angel City: ‘The timing kind of seems a little magical’ | The Athletic
Press spoke about the move in this interview, noting that she’s been wanting to play in LA for her entire pro career.

Angel City FC announce Freya Coombe as first head coach | Angels on Parade
In case all the Press news wasn’t enough, Angel City also announced that they’ve signed Gotham FC coach Freya Coombe as their first head coach. What’s not clear: when she’ll start. Angel City’s releases haven’t said, and Gotham so far has just some cryptic tweets that include past tense, but also talk about how Coombe will be around to “ensure a smooth coaching transition.”

Gotham, by the way, has a game tomorrow night, and while they’re in a playoff position right now, it’s only via tiebreaker.

Ninety-two amateur teams approved for 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifying | USSoccer.com
That list includes 12 teams from the DMV, and it also includes a team whose badge is equal parts Frankenstein, Misfits logo, and the monster truck Grave Digger.

Inter Miami forward Robbie Robinson called up by Chile for World Cup qualifying games | Miami Herald
Not sure how hard US Soccer recruited Robbie Robinson, but if he plays a second in any of these games for Chile, that’ll be a wrap on him being an option for the USMNT.

Alright, that’s all I’ve got, and my teeth do need brushing before I go to sleep, so enjoy your Tuesday!