Puget Sound

Defiantly Tacoma Gift Guide

MLS / USL

Both Columbus and Austin are currently building new professional soccer stadiums, but taxpayers in Columbus ended up paying way more for theirs. Columbus wanted soccer more than Austin did — and paid for it - News - The Columbus Dispatch - Columbus, OH

In an interview, Rockwell talks about his path to becoming a professional referee and the ongoing evolution of the job. An Interview With World-Renowned Referee Corey Rockwell – The Ωmega

Things will be changing for the SBNation sites focused on California teams, including the ones covering the Galaxy, LAFC, Earthquakes, and Republic. Thank You, California - SBNation.com

NWSL / women’s leagues

Viv Miedema just keeps scoring and Reading come from behind again but the WSL pitches simply are not good enough. Women’s Super League: talking points from the weekend’s action | Football | The Guardian

She feuded with a head of state, led a fight for equal pay against her own federation and owned the World Cup. Megan Rapinoe: Her incredible year was a decade in the making – The Athletic ($)

US soccer

The federation’s audited financial statements for fiscal year 2019 provide new data, but need more context. Newly-released USSF financial data illustrates the challenges in comparing men’s, women’s team economics – The Athletic ($)

Now that president Carlos Cordeiro and the top brass at U.S. Soccer have admitted that there’s a problem, they have to prove they are actually fixing it, which should start next year. U.S. Soccer admits work-culture problem, outlines reforms

It’s not a very exciting time to be a fan of the US women’s youth national teams. Things feel very incoherent at the moment, from lackluster performances to losing faith in the coaching system, but there are bright spots. Brianna Pinto is USSF’s young female player of the year - Stars and Stripes FC

World

Black footballers are dealing with a rise in vicious abuse on social media. Foul play: how racism towards black footballers is moving online | Football | The Guardian

A second division match in Spain between Rayo Vallecano and Albacete was suspended at half-time on Sunday after Rayo fans sang songs calling Albacete’s Roman Zozulya a “Nazi”. Spanish football match suspended amid ‘Nazi’ chanting - The Local

The Y-word has been used as a means of deflecting anti-semitic abuse from other football fans over the past few decades, but times are changing and it appears opinions on the use of the word are as well. Tottenham’s report on the Y-word reveal changing attitudes about its use in football - Cartilage Free Captain

Manchester City will not stand in Mikel Arteta’s way if, as expected, he becomes the Arsenal manager this week. Manchester City unhappy with Arsenal tactics but won’t stop Mikel Arteta move | The Guardian

Özil, who has 4 million followers on Chinese microblog Weibo, is being called a ‘dirty ant’ for attacking China. Mesut Özil row: China’s Arsenal fans burn shirts in anger at Xinjiang post | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

6:30 AM: Al Sadd vs. ES Tunis (Club World Cup) — FS2

9:30 AM: Flamengo vs. Al Hilal (Club World Cup) — FS2

11:30 AM: Borussia Dortmund vs. RB Leipzig (Bundesliga) — FS2

11:30 AM: Union Berlin vs. Hoffenheim (Bundesliga) — TUDN

11:30 AM: Plymouth Argyle vs. Bristol Rovers (FA Cup) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Aston Villa vs. Liverpool (League Cup) — ESPN+

12:05 PM: Monaco vs. Lille (Coupe de la Ligue) — beIN Sports