We haven’t been this excited about Friday since last Friday. It’s a great weekend to put your newfound sports knowledge to the test.
Show them what you’ve got,
The Last Night’s Game Team
MLS (Major League Soccer)
- Here we go. The MLS season begins today and runs through December. (MLS is the league David Beckham played for when he played in the U.S.). Here are a few MLS pointers for your Friday night happy hour.
- There are two new teams this season. Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC bringing the total to 22 teams in the league.
- Unlike most professional sports, MLS teams are only allowed four charter flights in a season. That means you’ll see them standing in line with their A-17 boarding pass just like you and me.
- Many of the teams have “FC” in their name which stands for football club. Yes, the U.S. is the only place that doesn’t call the game of soccer “football.”
NFL (National Football League)
- Take a knee. Controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick has opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers, becoming a free agent. Kaepernick also announced that he will now stand for the national anthem, citing major progress in the issues he took a knee for.
Overtime
- Northwestern has never made the NCAA March Madness tournament but a last second win over Michigan all but guaranteed their first tournament appearance. Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ son plays for Northwestern and her reaction to the dramatic win is priceless.
Sideline stat
- Get your sequins and spray tans because it’s time for another season of Dancing with the Stars. Season 24 premieres on March 20th and will feature some of America’s favorite faces in sports.
- Olympic gold medal gymnast, Simone Biles
- Retired Chicago Cubs catcher and the first baseball player ever on the show, David Ross
- Free agent football player, Rashad Jennings
- Former Olympic ice skater, Nancy Kerrigan
Coaches’ corner
- What is a free agent in sports? A free agent means that the player is on the market and available, they do not have ties to a team. Free agent is the sports word for “being in between jobs.”
