Ho Ho Ho Merry Soccer News. Happy 2nd day of Hanukkah and Merry Christmas Eve everyone. You know who isn’t having a great one, Zlatan because his statute is nose-less. Also Qatar hosted one of their warm-up tournaments for the World Cup and it went, well enough. A former Tacoma Defiance player has signed with David Beckham FC as well.

Seattle

From kitschy pop-ups to the best bakeries, and more. Holidays in Seattle 2019: Where to Eat and Drink - Eater Seattle

MLS/USL/CPL

Greenspan was the top defender last year in the USL and has some MLS experience prior to that. San Diego Loyal Signs Lieutenant in the United States Navy, Joseph Greenspan

United’s quest for attacking reinforcements is starting to heat up. Report: D.C. United pursuing Venezuelan striker Gelmin Rivas - Black And Red United

Rangers have announced a new partnership with American USL side Orange County SC. Rangers announce new football partnership with Orange County - The Scotsman

MLS might not be in Indy Eleven’s future, but a new stadium and an NWSL team may be. MLS in Indianapolis a longshot, Indy Eleven focusing on USL future, new stadium | Indy Star

The more the merrier, or something. But hey, at least you can run a non-MLS team to the norht. Football Manager adds CPL as playable league for FM20 – Canadian Premier League

The Tacoma Defiance defender is heading to the MLS expansion side. Inter Miami CF acquires Denso Ulysse, Signs Homegrown Drake Callender | Inter Miami CF

Zlatan looks like Voldemort now. Zlatan Ibrahimovic statue has nose cut off by vandals - BBC Sport

Women’s Soccer

“When you’ve got mortgages and bills football is not financially sustainable.” 'A pro contract was not financially sustainable': The women who chose career over football | The Telegraph

Away from the world of trying to monetize the growing women’s game whilst neglecting those lower down the rungs, FIFA are forcing the hands of those around the world with their updated international calendar. FIFA continue to change the women’s football landscape - All For XI

Women’s soccer is politically progressive, but conservative in almost every other respect. It’s time to embrace the future. Women’s Soccer is Too Conservative - Backline Soccer

World

The Club World Cup, won by Liverpool, went off smoothly, but with three years until the actual World Cup, is Qatar going to be ready? If they are ready, what’s the cost? Qatar's hosting of Club World Cup was smooth, but will it be ready for bigger size and scale of 2022 World Cup?

Yes, walking off really should be the answer, in my opinion. Racist abuse at Spurs vs. Chelsea should cause a protocol review.

Farkas revealed he suffered a stroke in the build up to their Champions league match against Napoli in October. FC Salzburg defender Patrick Farkas suffered stroke in training

This concerns me...if the issue was that prevalent and noticeable, they should’ve been able to find some answers. So what are they doing as an investigation if they found nothing yet Antonio Rudiger: Tottenham say investigation into alleged racist abuse 'inconclusive' - BBC Sport

Heavy pollution across the south-east of the country is forcing sport administrators to rethink match schedules. US baseball star Gavin Cecchini quits Canberra Cavalry as bushfire smoke wreaks havoc on sporting events

What’s on TV?

Nothing. No Christmas Eve soccer. I am sad to report this. So go watch the MLS Cup Final again, I am sure there is a replay somewhere you can watch.