Major Link Soccer: November-December World Cup is official

Seattle

Seattle Reign owner Bill Predmore has a rather nice Mt. Baker home, but his reign over that property is over. He'd like you to come kick around the idea of owning the place.  It might require quite an assist from the bank to net this 4,377 sq. ft. home, though, at $2.5 million. You could always pitch a lower figure and try to strike a deal, but I have a feeling that scoring top dollar is Predmore's goal. I'm just pointing out the Curbed missed a lot of opportunities for dumb soccer puns is all.

San Diego Flash need your help getting to Seattle! The passing of the head of their club has unexpectedly made their financial situation very tenuous as they begin their USOC campaign. If they don't travel here, FC Tacoma 253 can't beat them at Memorial Stadium for some Northwest Pride. Advancing due to a forfeit by another club is no way to win in a tournament. I say we band together and chip in to support US Open Cup soccer and bring these guys to Seattle so they can give it a shot. Go fund me link.

Former MLS All Star and Chivas USA coach Preki actually began his US career with the Tacoma Stars, and has fond memories of his time here. Now managing Sacramento Republic FC who are set to take on Sounders FC 2 to start the season, he talks about returning to the Seattle area and the changes in USL.

Speaking of S2, their roster is slowly but surely taking shape. Don't forget to head to their inaugural match tomorrow!

Major League Soccer

Power rankings power rankings something something. Dallas is above Seattle! Time to change that (But I mean who cares, right? Secretly we all do).

Is it time for MLS to cut off David Beckham and the pursuit of Miami? Beckham's seemingly endless leash with the league is stretched out pretty far, after failing to secure a stadium multiple times. Is it even worth it at this point?

Diego Valeri's long absence is bad news for Portland, but it could be good news for Darlington Nagbe as he grows into more of a central playmaking role. Check out Stumptown Footy's breakdown of a particularly fine instance of "Nagbe being Nagbe." Know thine enemy.

MLS is on a bit of a marketing partnership spree, after landing a deal with Audi (frankly I could watch Audis speed across a desert or down a mountain road all day, so I won't be minding those commercials). Now comes an agreement with a very different brand: Johnson & Johnson, the personal care/first aid giant. US Soccer is also in on the deal. I'm predicting medics running onto the pitch with giant band-aids full of "magic spray" to put on players' ankles after rough tackles.

Burgundy Wave asks (and answers): What is the ideal number of teams for MLS? 24? 28? 63?

PRO says Justin Morrow was correctly red carded for a DOGSO in his tackle in last weeks match against Columbus Crew SC. If you haven't seen it yet, you can judge for yourself here.

US Soccer

It's really happening. World Cup Qatar 2022 will be held in November and December, throwing a massive wrench into the schedule of just about every league in the World. Money, man, it's a powerful thing.

The U17s are going to their World Cup (but they barely pulled it out). Fox Sports commentator Keith Costigan shares some insight on how they got there and where they're going.

Is the aging core of the USWNT going to follow Abby Wambach's lead and sit out most or all of the NWSL season?

World

The venerable manager Louis Van Gaal, at 63, promises that Manchester United will be his last gig, retiring from the soccer world after his time there is done.

Former Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz is stepping down from his role heading the Iranian national team.