Hello, it’s been a 24 hours of news stories, and I’m relieved to post some of them in order to take a subsequent break.

On to the news!

While the question of whether Rene Weiler will continue his DC United coaching tenure remains unanswered, it does seem that the ownership group has taken steps to evaluate replacements. Sources have told Tom Bogert that Oscar Pareja is their top choice to potentially replace the Swiss manager. Pareja has considerable MLS coaching experience, and is widely respected within league circles. We’ll see how this goes.

DC Power FC have clinched their first ever playoff appearance in club history, following a 4-0 drubbing of Brooklyn FC. Congratulations, and all power to their run at the postseason!

This Instagram video breakdown from Lesley Ryder pulls sourcing from articles that have featured in previous freedom kicks, but it’s an engaging telling in its own right. The subject of the post is the successful (and astonishingly quick) negotiation to secure a semifinal at Rowdy Audi. Worth a watch.

Michael Carrick sacked by Manchester United with Pochettino poised to take over- The Guardian

USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino reportedly reaches verbal agreement with Manchester United: What’s next?- NBC

Mauricio Pochettino ‘to Stay’ for USMNT Matches vs. Haiti Despite Man Utd Ties- Sports Illustrated

It’s a bit of an ugly mess. Two managers leading training with their the respective squads, one of them knowing that his replacement is being courted and his own sacking is imminent, the other eagerly and rapidly accepting terms to be the next hire. Mauricio Pochettino will reportedly be in charge of the USMNT’s two-legged Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti, but it’s clear that his departure to Manchester is all but inevitable. The situation has drawn condemnation from much of the English press, who believe that the Manchester United ownership figures have failed to show sufficient respect to the outgoing Michael Carrick. Pochettino’s desire to compete for the Manchester United position is nothing new, but the way he is making for the exit will earn him few American plaudits.

U.S. Soccer ‘Targets’ the Legendary Pep Guardiola As Mauricio Pochettino’s Successor- Sports Illustrated

This one is a bit of a Rorschach test for those interacting with the narrative. It’s quite possible that approaching such a figure is an attempt by U.S. Soccer to elevate the prestige of their manager search with the splashiest of names. The likelihood that someone of Pep’s caliber would sign on to the project is certainly doubtful. It’s also the case that Pep himself has made public statements that suggest he may want to be considered for such a position (the article presents a notable quote about his interest in the sports’ development here and his general appreciation for the culture). Guardiola made it clear when he departed Manchester City that he would prefer to manage a national team after taking some time off from the sport. We’ll find out soon enough how much weight this connection deserves, but I for one am raising a curious, noncommittal eyebrow.

Three things we want to see from USMNT’s Nations League tie with Haiti- NBC Sports

It should also be remembered that this sport is, in fact, a matter of playing soccer matches.

Will MLS teams’ regular-season momentum last the two weeks before the playoffs start?- ESPN

A question for other MLS clubs to tackle, I’m afraid.

MLS attendance essentially flat in World Cup year- Sports Business Journal

Sounds about right.

U.S. Soccer pulls team out of FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns: Sources- The Athletic

In lieu of a “fun one,” a reminder that lovers of international football cannot segregate geopolitical realities from their sports watching. Moments like this are a reminder that this world we inhabit requires stability so that we can enjoy the rest.

That’s all I’ve got! One-up me int he comments, and have a great sporting day!