Puget Sound soccer

New Whitecap Andy Rose pays tribute to former boss and mentor Sigi Schmid as he gets set to be on another side of the Cascadia rivalry – AFTN

Plant-powered Lauren Barnes still loving her football at Melbourne City | Daily Football Show
Amid her third off-season loan in Australia, the 29-year-old Reign FC centerback admits that while she’s has had discussions about her playing future, she’s enjoying her football too much to give it up just yet.

culture & news

Finally. Edgar Martinez is Officially a Hall of Famer - Lookout Landing
The tenth time’s the charm — #EdgarHOF is a reality

Black Panther is the first superhero movie to earn an Oscars Best Picture nomination - The Verge
Black Panther’s Oscar nomination is well deserved, and it occurs 10 years after The Dark Knight was snubbed. The nomination is a watershed moment for superhero movies.

Exclusive: Vox Media is acquiring The Coral Project - Axios
As the news climate has grown more contentious and troll-ridden, commenting platforms have become more difficult for publishers to manage.

MLS

Report: Rafa Benitez threatens to leave Newcastle United if Miguel Almiron isn’t bought - Dirty South Soccer
Rafa wants his top target.

LAFC away kit for 2019 leaked? - Angels on Parade
And, trust me, it looks pretty sweet.

Thank You, Tim: Rapids Goalkeeper Tim Howard Announces Retirement After 2019 Season - Burgundy Wave
Let the eulogizing begin—former Everton, USMNT, current Rapids goalkeeper will hang up his boots after the 2019 season.

By The Numbers: How far will each MLS team travel in 2019 - Big D Soccer
Hope the players have all opened accounts to accumulate those miles!

Caleb Porter eyeing smooth on-the-field transition for Columbus Crew - Massive Report
The new head coach indicated he will pick up where Gregg Berhalter left off and slowly implement his style.

USL and other lower men’s leagues

Billionaire Burkle to buy Sacramento Republic FC soccer team | The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento Republic FC is a step closer to expansion in Major League Soccer as billionaire Ron Burkle has agreed to be an investor in the team. The Southern California financier co-owns hockey’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sacramento Republic's MLS hopes get boost as Ron Burkle agrees to take over team
Sacramento Republic announces that billionaire investor Ron Burkle has agreed to acquire a controlling interest in the club.

USL Squad Slated for Proposed Hawks Ballpark | Ballpark Digest
If built, a proposed new ballpark for the Boise Hawks (Short Season A; Northwest League) will also house a professional soccer club in USL Championship.

United States national team

Press goal leads USA to 1-0 win over Spain - Stars and Stripes FC
In a clash of styles, the US managed to edge Spain through an imPressive effort on the ball.

What’s Plan B? European jaunt shows Ellis what works — and what doesn’t – Equalizer Soccer

Tyler Adams is the model of the new U.S. soccer star - SBNation.com
One of the USMNT’s brightest players on the animals he’d fight, and life as a face of American soccer’s new generation.

Union may try to stop Mark McKenzie from playing for U.S. national team at Under-20 World Cup
The centerback's outstanding rookie season has led the Union to try to keep him away from the squad for the Under-20 World Cup in May and June.

Roldan among the 23 players to make USMNT cut - Stars and Stripes FC
Berhalter cuts the roster down for the matches against Panama and Costa Rica

Berhalter Selects Final 23-Player Travel Roster for U.S. MNT Matches Against Panama and Costa Rica - U.S. Soccer
U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter has selected the final 23-player travel roster that will prepare to face regional foes Panama and Costa Rica in the team’s opening matches of 2019.

World soccer

Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala missing after suspected plane crash
Premier League club Cardiff City's record new signing, Argentine striker Emiliano Sala, was missing on Tuesday after a light aircraft he was travelling in disappeared over the English Channel.

Arsenal beat Chelsea to hold off Premier League crisis ... for now - SBNation.com
In the Premier League, crisis comes for everyone eventually.