D.C. United hire GM, LaLiga chief resigns, and more: Thanksgiving Freedom Kicks
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope everyone’s day is off to a great start, so before you go HAM on the turkey, here’s some of the news from this week:
D.C. United Hire Ally Mackay as General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer (DCU)
We finally have a new GM! Ally Mackay comes to us from Nashville SC and will serve as general manager and chief soccer officer. Dave Kasper is supposed to move into an advisory role (why??) and Mackay will report directly to ownership. Next…let’s get a coach.
LaLiga chief Tebas resigns to call new elections, seeks 4th term (ESPN)
Javier Tebas has stepped down as head of LaLiga, but it’s only to call new elections. He is seeking a 4th term…let’s hope he doesn’t get it.
Nations League semifinals, play-ins set as USA faces Jamaica (ESPN)
The Concacaf Nations League Finals have been confirmed, as the USMNT will face Jamaica and Panama will face Mexico.
USWNT December roster announced (SSFC)
Announced on Monday, the USWNT roster will meet up in Florida next week ahead of 2 friendlies against China. Ashley Hatch, Trinity Rodman, and Aubrey Kingsbury make the roster from the Washington Spirit, but Ashley Sanchez and Andi Sullivan are two of the notable omissions.
Euro 2024: Who has qualified? Who is in the play-offs? Who has failed to qualify? (BBC)
A nice breakdown of who is in Euro 2024 and who still has a chance to make it via the playoffs. Their convoluted system has created much confusion.
Copa América 2024 opener, final venues announced (SSFC)
Atlanta will host the opener of Copa América next summer, while Miami will serve as the site of the final. It’s still unclear whether the USMNT will participate in the opener.
Lionel Scaloni: Argentina’s World Cup-winning boss says he may resign (BBC)
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted this week he may not have the energy to continue in his role. It will be interesting to see if he decides to hang them up after Copa América.
City’s Haaland to cover travel costs for fans of former club (ESPN)
Erling Haaland’s boyhood club, Bryne, have a chance to be promoted to the Eliteserien, so Haaland paid for 200 fans to travel by train to the playoff match. Pretty cool gesture by one of the best players in the world.
As we close, it’s our first Thanksgiving as The District Press. I know I speak for all of us on the staff here when I say we are incredibly thankful for the community that exists here and to each and every one of you who read, share, or comment on our articles on a daily basis. We wouldn’t have this without you! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and enjoys the weekend!
Thanks, Donald, after a two day Freedom Kicks drought.
Argentina-Brazil was a total travesty. Disgraceful fan behavior and even more disgraceful Brazilian police behavior (especially one big, burley cop swinging his long baton with both hands, clearly trying to injure Argentine fans). No wonder Martinez tried to stop the cops and Messi lead La Selección off the field.
And the match? Another disgraceful exhibition. 26 fouls called against the Brazilians. Three yellow cards one red. Only eight shots by each. Great header by Otamendi, though.
Kudos to all the staff on the District Press. I have much to be grateful for. The DP is part of that long list.
I second that.
This is DC United speak for they’ll no longer have a role or a job, but we still have them under contract and it’s cheaper to keep paying them then try and terminate the contract. So we’ll let it run until it naturally expires. They used the same language with Olsen and Ashton when they were terminated, but not with Kasper when Ruston was hired.
Am I weird to think it’s wrong that the MLS playoffs are still going on? It’s been like a month now.
Plus with United not playing the final week of the season, and there being an international break before that, our season has been over for darn near two months.
The MLS Cup final is scheduled over two months out from D.C. United’s final match this year.