La Liga says Saudi Arabia is trying “whitewash” their reputation with sports, a list of MLS trialists, Barcelona is making an ultimatum to a USYNT player, questions about Marcus Rashford’s health came out before the match, and much more.

Seattle

In 2019 the Ballard star Sam Rogers solidified his fit within the Tacoma Defiance squad. Sam Rogers - Tacoma Defiance

“On the Field with Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, and Mallory Pugh” does not hide the fact Rapinoe is gay, it celebrates her coming out. Megan Rapinoe is out and proud in new kids book about USWNT stars - Outsports

Foster stayed long after the final whistle to watch the trophy lift and on-field celebrations. “I take the bus down to Puyallup and I was thinking that it was getting close to the time I’d have to leave,” recalled Foster. “So, I went to go get my flag. Nico was just running by on the field. He asked if he could borrow the flag and I was like ‘of course!’” Sounders Family: Supporter Sean Foster let Nicolás Lodeiro borrow his Uruguay flag after MLS Cup | Seattle Sounders FC

MLS/CPL

He’s baaaaaaaack. The veteran RSL player returns for a 14th season. Kyle Beckerman re-ups for 2020, signs new RSL contract - RSL Soapbox

Here’s where some familiar and not so familiar faces are on trial with preseason camps opening this month. 2020 MLS Trialists: Your rundown of where players are auditioning for new contracts | MLSsoccer.com

Inside MLS, GM Mike Jacobs has sought out players who — for one reason or another — he believes were undervalued at previous clubs. MLS veterans appreciate being part of Nashville SC expansion project | MLSsoccer.com

In the past several days, there’s been plenty of speculation about a local businessman’s involvement with a bid to bring back professional soccer to Ottawa.And the mystery man is, Jeff Hunt. LOCAL HERO: Jeff Hunt could add Ottawa touch for new pro soccer team | Ottawa Sun

The Canadian Premier League is partnering up with the 21st Club, a world class data and analytics group, to recruit young international players who are interested in plying their trade in Canada’s top domestic league. CPL takes unique approach to scouting international players – Canadian Premier League

Nine players moved across the border, mostly strikers, but the question is why? Why now? And some former players answered that question. Former Liga MX players weigh in on unprecedented shift of interest in MLS | Pro Soccer USA

NWSL

McCaffrey’s plan is “to make sports ownership-type money and give it back to the sport that gave me everything.” Stephanie McCaffrey goes from NWSL and USWNT to Wharton to buy a women's soccer team

Teams may purchase up to $300,000 of allocation to go above the salary cap but is it really helping teams? NWSL allocation money: A bait and switch, or just good business? – Equalizer Soccer

USA

Barcelona have made U.S. youth international Konrad de la Fuente an ultimatum, sources have told ESPN, as negotiations continue over a new contract. Barcelona make U.S. youth Konrad ultimatum over new deal - sources

“He used to say all the time, ‘If you give respect, you get respect.’ And we definitely took that and ran with it. That built confidence in our character to move forward in life.” Remembering The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Banks

World

The pointed criticism from Javier Tebas came days after four Spanish teams played a tournament in the kingdom, which has been accused of allowing the piracy of La Liga’s broadcast rights. La Liga Chief Claims Saudi Arabia Is Using Sports to ‘Whitewash’ Reputation - The New York Times

The onus is on W-Leagues decision-makers to be ambitious, to catch the heaving European wave or watch it roll onwards without them. Matildas' European migration exciting but fanning W-League anxiety | Football | The Guardian

Atlas will play its next home game behind closed doors as punishment after fans repeatedly used an anti-gay chant in a match against Puebla. Liga MX's Atlas to play next match with no fans for anti-gay GK chant

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “has to take some blame” for Marcus Rashford’s back injury, says ex-England striker Ian Wright. Marcus Rashford: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'has to take some blame', says Ian Wright - BBC Sport

Javier Tebas has hit out at Fifa’s Club World Cup expansion plans and mega-clubs overpaying their players, saying: ‘One of the major issues is financial doping.’ La Liga president criticises Fifa and says richest clubs are ‘danger’ to game | Football | The Guardian

The head coach of Hamilton Academical, Brian Rice, has reported himself to the Scottish FA for a breach of its betting rules. ‘The reality is I am an addict’ – Hamilton Academical manager opens up on gambling problem | Football | The Guardian

Patrice Evra has said he recently received a letter from Liverpool CEO Peter Moore, apologizing for racist abuse received from Luis Suarez in 2011. Ex Man Utd ace Evra: Liverpool recently apologised for Suarez racism

Liverpool women’s goalkeeper Fran Kitching has said she is feeling better after suffering a horror facial injury in training last week. Liverpool women's GK Kitching suffers horror facial injury in training

Study of footballers in Brazil shows spending time on a smartphone or console before a game causes mental fatigue. Yes, social media and video games really can hurt footballers' decision-making | Sean Ingle | Football | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

9:30 AM - Oss v. AZ Alkmaar - KNVB Beker - FS2

10:00 AM - FIFA World Cup Qualifying AFRICA Draw - FIFA.com

10:00 AM - Real Zaragoza v. Mallorca - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

10:00 AM - Recreativo Huelva v. Osasuna - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Napoli v. Lazio - Coppa Italia - ESPN+

11:45 AM - FC Eindhoven v. FC Utrecht - KNVB Beker - FS2

12:00 PM - Sevilla v. Levante - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

12:15 PM - Chelsea v. Arsenal - Premier League - NBCSN

5:00 PM - Queretaro v. Juarez - Copa MX - TUDN

5:00 PM - Venados v. Pachuca - Copa MX - ESPN Deportes