Weston McKennie out, USMNT, and more: Freedom Kicks for 8 September 2021

Good morning! I’m here on a Wednesday because Donald is hopefully willing the USMNT to victory tonight. Speaking of the USMNT...

McKennie dismissed by USMNT for two COVID protocol violations, including bringing unauthorized individual into bubble - sources

Weston McKennie was apparently dismissed from the USMNT camp for two violations of the Covid protocols, including bringing an “unauthorized person” into the bubble. There are team rules before games in every professional sport, and violating team rules usually ends up with a punishment. Hopefully McKennie will be back in the team soon and hopefully the team can get itself together and get three points.

USA vs.Honduras, 2022 World Cup qualifying: What to watch for

Speaking of Honduras, Donald has everything that you need to be ready for tonight’s game.

How is Gerhard Struber being linked to the Premier League?

A middling MLS coach is being linked to the Premier League because this is how things apparently work. I mean, I guess you’ve got to have new fodder for the PL to chew through.

Q&A: Ben Olsen on how and why he became president of the Washington Spirit

A power struggle in the ownership group is not a place I’d want to step into, but Ben Olsen is bringing his characteristic honesty to the interview.

Two players from the Washington Spirit will be going to World Cup Qualifiers this month, but hopefully will not miss any games. Unless, you know, the match that was delayed because of Covid is rescheduled.

And finally, speaking of Covid, D.C. United will mandate the vaccine for all employees. Good!

That’s all I have, what’s up?