Puget Sound

In 2019, the Bakersfield-raised winger started to show signs he was ready to be the star of his own film. Heroic Sidekick – Marlon Vargas - Tacoma Defiance

MLS / USL

MLS and its players union are making progress on a new collective bargaining agreement, according to at least one league veteran. But with the regular season set to begin next month, a work stoppage remains possible. MLS CBA update: ‘Positive movement’ between players, owners

Sources say Beckerman and RSL have mutual interest in the club legend returning for another year. Real Salt Lake, Kyle Beckerman both interested in him staying for 2020 - The Salt Lake Tribune

The team originally planned to continue training at RFK through the summer while construction of their new training facility wraps up. Amid environmental concerns, D.C. United players and staff vacate RFK Stadium facilities ahead of schedule – The Athletic ($)

It took a club record fee, but United has landed the Peruvian international. Official: D.C. United signs Morelia midfielder Edison Flores - Black And Red United

One week after signing right back Anton Walkes from League One side Portsmouth, Atlanta United could be set to add a left back in Edgar Castillo. Report: Edgar Castillo joins Atlanta United preseason camp, could sign deal | MLSsoccer.com

The tumultuous Atlanta United career of Andrew Carleton appears set for another twist. Report: Atlanta United to send Andrew Carleton on loan to Indy Eleven - Dirty South Soccer

NWSL / women’s soccer

The Jets’ call comes at a time of wider questions about how clubs and club-owning entities view the relationship between the male and female components of their operations. Newwcastle Jets’ interim appointment of W-League coach for men’s team should not escape scrutiny | The Guardian

Last year, two of the top six picks opted to play abroad. Thanks to offseason moves by the NWSL and its clubs, that won’t happen again. This week’s NWSL draft is both an indicator and a catalyst for the transformation ahead | Yahoo Sports

Ten years after a memorable Women’s Professional Soccer draft produced what many still believe is the best draft class in the history of women’s soccer, the eighth NWSL College Draft could take us to the other extreme. The Lowdown: Draft marks another NWSL silly season – Equalizer Soccer

Dash head coach James Clarkson sees a natural place to build his roster and find competition for his players, and it’s nearby: Mexico. Houston Dash see untapped potential in Mexico – Equalizer Soccer

England will launch their defence of the SheBelieves Cup against the world champions, the USA, on 5 March. Phil Neville and England relishing tough task of SheBelieves Cup title defence | The Guardian

World soccer

Dest said he was surprised by the reaction caused by his decision to leave Ajax’s camp in Qatar last week over regional tensions. USMNT’s Sergino Dest surprised over reaction for early exit from Ajax’s Qatar camp

Former Atlanta United attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron has scored in three straight games for Newcastle United, with his latest coming in an FA Cup third-round replay. Miguel Almiron, Atlanta United export, scores in third straight Newcastle United match | MLSsoccer.com

Quique Setien said he is struggling to comprehend being handed the top job at Barcelona after spending Monday with the cows in his home village. Setien on Barcelona job: beyond my ‘wildest dreams’ to go from cows to Camp Nou

To casual soccer fans, the rise of RB Leipzig is a remarkable, rags-to-riches story. But if you ask around Germany, they’re seen as the enemy. Why RB Leipzig is the most hated soccer team in the Bundesliga

The red card shown to Valverde in the Spanish Supercup can be traced back to a foul in the FA Cup final 40 years ago. The story of professional fouls: from Willie Young to Federico Valverde | The Guardian

The days when John Terry was the only academy graduate in the Chelsea team are starting to feel like ancient history. The Chelsea academy has a new generation of talent on the way | The Guardian

Watford are facing the prospect of playing four games in nine days following the postponement of their FA Cup third-round replay at Tranmere due to heavy rainfall. Watford face four games in nine days after FA Cup replay postponement | The Guardian

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has advised caution regarding Mason Greenwood potentially receiving an England call-up. Solskjær warns Mason Greenwood will put Manchester United before England | The Guardian

United are ready to offer £60m for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder. Manchester United ready to firm up interest in Sporting’s Bruno Fernandes | The Guardian

“It was a big disappointment and a sadness, because we never expected a reaction like that from a son of this land.” ‘Derby of the heart’: When Antonio Conte joined Juventus, his hometown saw him as a hero. Then he did something unforgivable. – The Athletic ($)

The 2010s were a tough decade for local soccer stores. This is the story of why so many closed down, and how the hangers-on have survived. How Nike, Adidas and E-commerce threaten the survival of mom-and-pop soccer shops – The Athletic ($)

What’s on TV?

9:00 AM: Milan vs. SPAL (Coppa Italia) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Juventus vs. Udinese (Coppa Italia) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Manchester United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (FA Cup) — ESPN+

12:00 PM: Monaco vs. PSG (Ligue 1) — beIN Sports

4:00 PM: Millonarios vs. Santa Fe (club friendly) — ESPN3