Seattle

The Sounders play at the Colorado Rapids today at 6:00 PM, in what has become an MLS Fourth of July tradition. Watch on JOEtv, YouTubeTV or listen on KJR-AM, El Rey. This is one of five MLS games today.

S2 hosts Swope Park Rangers at 7:00 PM on Thursday. This should be a frenetic affair with two teams that like to press playing on a small field.

Houston hosts Seattle Reign at 7:00 PM on Saturday. It’s only going to be in the 90s with thundershowers that day.

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MLS

A tale of two Portlands - Stumptown Footy
How the Sounders rivalry campaign backfired

Hybrid grass, Toronto FC, and the World Cup: BMO Field Groundskeeper Rob Heggie - Waking The Red
WTR’s Jeffrey P. Nesker spoke about all things turf, BMO Field, and the 2026 World Cup with the man in charge of TFC’s pitch.

What's been good and what needs work for each MLS team at midseason | MLSsoccer.com
TL;DR is that the Sounders possession has been good at times but they don't seem to know what they want to be.

'Is he related to Mickey?': DC sports fans struggle to identify Wayne Rooney | Football | The Guardian
A survey conducted at a Washington Nationals games showed the former England captain is not quite at Beckham levels of fame in his new home

MLS working with local bidders to bring professional soccer to Ford Field
Tom Gores, Dan Gilbert and Martha Firestone Ford are still nurturing local soccer dreams, as MLS officials continue to work with expansion bidders on Ford Field proposal.

#VANvCOL Takeaways (7.1.2018): Burgundy hope springs eternal - Burgundy Wave
A three-game non-losing, two game winning streak is upon us.

Why was Collin Martin benched on the night he came out as gay? - Outsports
That ‘distraction’ word may have been at play for Minnesota United’s out player.

World Cup

Mikel John Obi told father had been kidnapped hours before World Cup match
Mikel John Obi was told that his father had been kidnapped and would be killed if he reported anything – just hours before he led Nigeria into their final World Cup group phase tie against Argentina

World Cup 2018: Mexico can’t lose in the Round of 16 forever - SBNation.com
Mexico has been knocked out in the Round of 16 of every World cup since 1994. As sad as that is, El Tri shouldn’t give up hope.

Carlos Salcedo considering international retirement - FMF State Of Mind
He's 24!

Japan’s World Cup team cleaned their own locker room and left a thank you note after losing to Belgium - SBNation.com
Pure class.

Germany news: Joachim Löw to remain Germany coach through 2022 - Bavarian Football Works
In a move that was in doubt after Germany’s horrific World Cup showing, the veteran coach will return to Die Mannschaft.

Sweden vs. Switzerland result: Final score 1-0, Swedes progress to World Cup quarerterfinal - SBNation.com
Neither team brought their shooting boots, but a fortunate deflection helped Sweden into the World Cup quarterfinal.

England vs. Colombia result: Final score 4-3 on penalties, Jordan Pickford the hero - SBNation.com
Jordan Pickford and Eric Dier were the heroes of the shootout.

World Cup 2018: England penalty shootout win over Colombia erases decades of history - SBNation.com
Erik Dier’s finish lifted his side in England vs. Colombia.

Jordan Pickford only had 3 caps before the 2018 World Cup, and now he’s England’s hero - SBNation.com
Gareth Southgate didn’t have an easy choice at goalkeeper, but he picked the right one.

Things that aren’t soccer but I link anyway

king5.com | Boeing program aims to reduce environmental impact
New Boeing technologies could make a difference in its environmental footprint.

8 SFF books to get you through the month of July | SYFY WIRE
If you need some out-of-this-world entertainment in July, these books can help.

Fermi paradox: why haven’t we found aliens yet? - Vox
A new paper on the Fermi paradox convincingly shows why we will probably never find aliens.

Does the USA need a new national anthem? - Vox
A debate on the merits of "The Star-Spangled Banner."