Friday Freedom Kicks: D.C. United (not) on TV, Andi Sullivan on USWNT, and more – Black And Red United

Sometimes you just get lucky and have a good day, and I got one yesterday. Outside of my dad getting his second vaccination done, there wasnt anything special involved: slept in by an extra 20 minutes, meals coming together timing-wise without intricate planning, enjoyed an album that is new to me (The Seduction of Kansas by Priests), bought some beers. No one in my general circle of people and organizations did a terrible April Fools joke, which I am very thankful for. I highly recommend all of these things.

To the soccer!

Kaku arbitration ruling expected soon; MLS national TV broadcast breakdown: Notebook | The AthleticNormally we dont start things off with a story whose headline leads with Kaku, but the breakdown of national TV games in MLS this season leaves D.C. United dead last among American teams, with one single national broadcast (on Univision) all season long.

On the other hand, that means more of Dave Johnson and Devon McTavish, and fewer weird broadcast windows for ESPN or FS1, so honestly? Ill take it. The networks are going to miss out if this team becomes the goal bonanza (in both directions) that Hernn Losadas history points to it being.

Philly MLS 25: Stephen King was the original Medford Messi | Brotherly GameOur longtime readers remember The Standard, a loose concept where a specific player served as an indicator of roster strength. If youre starting players who arent as good as The Standard, youre gonna have a tough go of it; if The Standard cant find minutes because the team is too good, youre a contender.

Im not sure who the current standard-holder (this was intentional!) is. Joseph Mora, maybe? Take it to the comments!

P.S. that isnt actually post-script because its in the middle of the piece: were trying to arrange for in-person coverage of Sundays preseason game against NYCFC. If Im allowed to be there, Ill be making the drive up to get some in-person observations.

Washington Spirit captain Andi Sullivan added to USWNT roster for Sweden, France friendlies | Black and Red UnitedAndi Sullivan was added to the USWNT squad, and shortly after we put this piece about the news out, Saori Takarada was called up by Japan. So, this piece has an update about the impact both call-ups will have on the Washington Spirit at the start of the Challenge Cup.

Couples love of soccer leads to Washington Spirit investment | Washington BladeEnjoyed this interview with married Spirit investors Bri Scurry and Chryssa Zizos, which also has some new notes about the Spirits plan for the gameday experience at Audi Field.

The NWSL is making progress by adding sponsors, but not every deal has to be billed as a game-changer | The AthleticA sponsor logo on a sleeve being called an activation is not my favorite thing, so Im very on board with this piece. Glad the league is getting these needed and significant sponsors, but teaser announcements that could be construed as something as big as expansion news are going to get old really fast.

Yall wanna talk jerseys?

This is a wild idea, and I think Im into it.

Welcome everyone, to Emma Hayes Orchestra! | We Aint Got No HistoryOur own Andr Carlisle provided some great context for this excellent video featuring Chelsea womens head coach Emma Hayes and her in-game instructions on team shape and how/when to press. The video is in the piece, and if you want to know whats going on with all the team shape stuff you hear about now, this will give you good insight into what coaches are doing, and why theyre doing it.

And now that Im out of stories, lets finish up with an unreal goal from college woso:

The long run-up, the fact that you get more than enough time to know what shes gonna do, the bench also knowing whats coming and freaking out even before the hit...just A+ all around.

Alright folks thats all Ive got. Enjoy your Friday!

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Friday Freedom Kicks: D.C. United (not) on TV, Andi Sullivan on USWNT, and more - Black And Red United