It’s already midweek! That means a bunch of MLS, NWSL and USL action, plus stories about women’s soccer players thinking about brains, yet another USSF lawsuit, and the tragic story of an Iranian football fan who died after setting herself on fire to protest a ridiculous gender-based stadium ban.

MLS / USL

If that player-coach gig at Derby County doesn’t work out, maybe he has a future on the Vegas circuit. Watch Wayne Rooney Sing “Folsom Prison Blues” at a DC Bar | Washingtonian
The soon-to-be-former D.C. United star enjoys singing piano karaoke in Georgetown. And we’ve got video!

NWSL / Women’s soccer

Why Women’s Soccer Players Are Worried About Their Brains | Bleacher Report
The biggest stars in the world are pledging their brains.

It’s not a huge amount of money, but every club that had players at the Women’s World Cup will be receiving compensation for the first time, which they can use for things like player salaries, facilities, and more. FIFA sees club benefits program as a path forward for women’s game – Equalizer Soccer

USA

USA 1-1 Uruguay: If they don’t win it’s a shame - Stars and Stripes FC
The US earns a draw in a friendly while their best players were somewhere else because they didn’t want to play soccer in a baseball stadium because if they did they’d just come to MLS.

At this rate USSF might end up with more lawyers than players on their payroll this year. Promoter Sues U.S. Soccer for Blocking Foreign-Club Matches | WSJ ($)
A promotions company owned by New York developer Stephen Ross is suing USSF for allegedly conspiring with FIFA and SUM to block foreign-club matches from being held in the USA.

Staying in the Game: Progress and Challenges in Youth Sports - The Aspen Institute

World

The local side will play their home games in a nearby stadium for the duration of the event. Forest grows in the middle of an Austrian football stadium | CNN Travel
Wörthersee Football Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria, has been transformed into a magnificent forest for a new project by Swiss artist Klaus Littmann.

Neymar accuser indicted for extortion, fraud in Brazil
Sao Paulo police say they are indicting Brazilian model Najila Trindade and her former partner over a rape allegation against football star Neymar.

She was on trial for entering a football stadium disguised as a man. Iran’s ‘blue girl’ dies after setting herself on fire - BBC News

Iran’s woman ban in focus after fan set self afire | ESPN
An Iranian female football fan has died after setting herself on fire outside a court after learning she might have to serve a six-month sentence.

Hong Kong fans turn back on Chinese anthem
Thousands of Hong Kong soccer fans booed loudly and turned their backs when the Chinese national anthem was played before a World Cup qualifier.

A language barrier was cited as part of the reason Mina didn’t know not to participate in the ad campaign. Yerry Mina: Everton defender fined £10,000 for breaking FA betting rules - BBC Sport
Everton defender Yerry Mina is warned as to his future conduct and fined £10,000 after admitting breaching FA betting rules.

What’s on TV?

4:00 PM: Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars (NWSL) - ESPNews

4:00 PM: Indy Eleven vs. Ottawa Fury (USL Championship) - ESPN+

4:00 PM: NYCFC vs. Toronto FC (MLS) - ESPN+

5:00 PM: Swope Park Rangers vs. Charleston Battery (USL Championship) - ESPN+

5:30 PM: Austin Bold vs. Sacramento Republic (USL Championship) - ESPN+

5:30 PM: Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United (MLS) - ESPN+

6:00 PM: Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy (MLS) - ESPN+

6:30 PM: Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) - ESPN+

7:30 PM: Portland Thorns vs. North Carolina Courage (NWSL) - Yahoo Sports

7:30 PM: Las Vegas Lights vs. Phoenix Rising (USL Championship) - ESPN3

Plus a plethora of NCAA soccer on ESPN+ starting at 1 PM