Seattle

The Supporters Groups haven’t released a statement other than the tweet below. MLS releases statement after meeting with supporter group leaders regarding political signage | MLSsoccer.com
“We look forward to this next step in the process and continuing a dialogue with the Independent Supporters Council and other supporter group representatives.”

If you didn’t know Frei did art, well you probably did. Sounder Stefan Frei reveals his other passion | king5.com
Swiss goalie makes his art available to the public

Haiti Olympic Qualifying is a Friendly Affair - Denso Ulysse
Denso Ulysse is back from Olympic Qualifying after helping Haiti go 1-0-1 to make the final round of Caribbean qualifying.

MLS/USL

Only one Sounder is on the shortlist, Jordan Morris, and he should be a favorite. Also, Defender of the Year needs to be named after Chad Marshall. Bogert: Handicapping the 2019 MLS awards races | MLSsoccer.com
It's award season time. What's it look like? Here's your primer, along with my ballot.

Is Josef Martinez on the move? Miguel Almiron's former strike partner is tearing it up in the MLS, and clubs in Europe are taking notice - Chronicle Live
Newcastle United have been back to the US to take a look at Miguel Almiron's old team-mate.

The DP who hasn’t seen time or been really a DP this year, for accounting purposes, is finally almost back. Romain Alessandrini returns to training for LA Galaxy after long injury layoff | MLSsoccer.com
As the LA Galaxy look to lock down a spot in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, they could be regaining the services of one of their most vital contributors. Midfielder Romain Alessandrini reportedly returned to the training ground on Thursday, five months after he suffered a meniscus injury in a match against the Houston Dynamo on April 19, according to Megan Reza Kazemi of Spectrum Sportsnet.

The MLS likely will deny this until announcing it officially. MLS denies Sacramento expansion bid finalized
Major League Soccer has denied a report on Thursday that Sacramento, California is set to land the eventual 29th team in the league.

Protecting players finances is a great step forward for MLSPA. MLSPA Expands Partnership with Financial Finesse
The MLSPA announced today an expanded partnership with Financial Finesse to help players protect and master their money.

He would be 34 by the time he stepped foot on the field. Report: Inter Miami set to sign Manchester City star David Silva | MLSsoccer.com
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report After countless rumors and players interested, Inter Miami are reportedly set to sign their first superstar. Miami will sign Manchester City attacking midfielder David Silva this summer after his contract expires, according to Tony Evans of The Independent.

Seattle will be at risk in the draft, the player protects are similar to years past with an additional general protection. New expansion draft rules announced | MLSsoccer.com
Nashville and Inter Miami will each select five players, of which one can be from the Sounders. Teams will be allowed to protect 12 players, one more than they could in previous drafts.

MNUFC Defender Brent Kallman suspended after violating MLS Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Policy - E Pluribus Loonum
Major League Soccer has suspended and fined Minnesota United defender for 10 MLS league matches.

New owner, will they be a new club? Hauptman Is Out. Now What? - Hot Time In Old Town
Now that he owns a controlling share of the club, Joe Mansueto has a big job ahead of him.

If I were an alien, I would go to Vegas. Leagues Cup Soccer Parachuters Cause Freak-Out In Vegas, Aliens?!?!
ALIENS?!?!?!

ORANGE COUNTY SC SIGNS U.S. U17 INTERNATIONAL BRYANG KAYO The US youth international was part of the DC United Academy.

NWSL

Reflection, balance key as Thorns move forward | Portland Timbers
PORTLAND, Ore. – Practices at Providence Park on Tuesday and Wednesday have marked the first time Portland Thorns FC coaches and players have spoken publicly since last week’s loss, one that ignominiously went down in the team’s record books. In the wake of that 6-0 defeat to the North Carolina Courage, “reflection” was a keyword in head coach Mark Parsons’ assessment, with “balance” defining what he wants in his team’s response.

USA

Sorry about the paywall but here are the updates on the USWNT pay dispute. The players filed to make it a class action suit for any player that has been called up to the senior national team. The trial is scheduled to start May 5th, 2020. What we know about the U.S. women’s national team’s fight for equal pay – The Athletic
The U.S. womens' equal pay lawsuit is scheduled for a trial, and new filings reveal more about the arguments that will be made

If it happened as soccer grew in the U.S., Tony Quinn likely photographed it – The Athletic
The Hall of Fame inductee reflects on 50 years photographing some of American soccer's biggest moments.

World

Kelvin Maynard was playing for an amateur side in Holland. Footballer shot dead in Amsterdam attack
A former Dutch professional footballer who played for clubs in Portugal, Hungary and England has been shot dead in Amsterdam, police said.

This is a take. Sheffield Utd owner: I'd do business with Bin Ladens
Sheffield United's owner says he would be happy to do business with the family of Osama bin Laden, insisting it "is not a disgraced name."

Berbatov had a great career. Ex-Man United Tottenham striker Berbatov retires
Former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov announced his retirement from football on Thursday.

He was charged with 147 different offenses in Portugal. He is arguing for no trial as this was on behalf of the public interest. Football Leaks: Suspected hacker charged in Portugal - BBC News
Rui Pinto is accused of illegally publishing confidential files belonging to leading football clubs.

FIFA is doing something finally! Iran must let women into football grounds, says Fifa president Gianni Infantino - BBC Sport
Fifa president Gianni Infantino says Iran must allow women into football stadiums and hopes to see a change for the country's World Cup qualifier with Cambodia next month.

The former English striker was a Newcastle United U-23 coach when the incidents occurred. Peter Beardsley barred from football for seven months over racist language | Football | The Guardian
Peter Beardsley has been suspended from football for seven months after an FA disciplinary committee found him guilty of three counts of racist or abusive language.

My life of WhatsApp and existential crises in the world of amateur football | Max Rushden | Football | The Guardian
That desperate search for players, the tireless cliches and smell of Deep Heat is part of the scene played out every Saturday

Turns out nothing is getting better in Qatar. Investigation: Migrant workers still being exploited on Qatar World Cup jobs – ProSoccerTalk
"Despite the significant promises of reform which Qatar has made ahead of the 2022 World Cup, it remains a playground for unscrupulous employers."

What’s on Today?

11:00 AM - Twente v. Heracles - Eredivisie - ESPN+

11:30 AM - Schalke 04 v. Mainz 05 - Bundesliga - FS2

11:45 AM - Cagliari v. Genoa - Serie A - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Southampton v. Bournemouth - English Premier League - NBCSN

4:00 PM - Greenville Triumph v. Toronto FC II - USL League One - ESPN+

5:00 PM - Birmingham Legion v. Indy Eleven - USL Championship - ESPN+

6:30 PM - New Mexico United v. Reno 1868 - USL Championship - ESPN+

7:30 PM - LA Galaxy II v. San Antonio - USL Championship - ESPN+

7:30 PM - Portland Timbers II v. Tacoma Defiance - USL Championship - ESPN+

NCAA Men’s Soccer - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - ESPN+, ACC Network

NCAA Women’s Soccer - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM - ESPN+, ACC Network, SEC Network