Last night, the San Diego Loyal walked off the field in their match against the Phoenix Rising after a Phoenix player used a homophobic slur against Collin Martin. This comes on the heels of a racial slur being used by (now former) Los Dos player Omar Ontiveros against a San Diego Loyal player. Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all kinds of hate and discrimination have no place in this sport, in any sport, or in society at all. I applaud Collin Martin, his teammates, Landon Donovan, and the entire San Diego Loyal organization for walking off the pitch to stand up for their teammate and for what is right.

Seattle

In case you aren’t on Twitter or haven’t checked the last couple days, English Championship club Preston North End expressed interest in Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris but no official bid was made and it became clear the US international would be well out of Preston’s budget. Sources: Preston showed interest in Seattle Sounders' Jordan Morris, but no deal will happen | Tom Bogert | MLSsoccer.com

MLS/USL

The league is aware and is investigating the usage of a homophobic slur used in the game last night. USL Championship Statement – San Diego Loyal SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC

“I think if everybody tends to that mindset of ‘OK, my vote does matter,’ you actually get to hear the collective voice of the nation,” said Warren Creavalle. 2020 election: MLS players and clubs making unprecedented effort to boost participation in November | MLSsoccer.com

New records shed light on the push to finalize development details before NYCFC’s stadium proposal begins public review. Is NYCFC’s Stadium Ready to Ramp Up? – The Outfield

Which team could win the Supporters’ Shield in 2020? Greg Seltzer runs through his top six options. Handicapping how the 2020 MLS Supporters' Shield race could unfold | Greg Seltzer | MLSsoccer.com

While things could turn around for LAFC, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle isn’t so confident. Matt Doyle: Why things won't get better for LAFC anytime soon this season | MLSsoccer.com

New reports indicate that D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen is on the hot seat as the club sits in last place in the overall table. While injuries to star players have left a mark in 2020, club leadership is faced with some challenging questions. Boehm: DC United's Ben Olsen on the "scalding hot seat"? It's complicated | MLSsoccer.com

And here is one great goal.

WoSo

The youth national team standout has been coaching at the University of Washington. Nikki Washington joining Utah Royals as interim assistant coach - RSL Soapbox

Kaiya McCullough has joined a German club after leaving the US because of “racism and coronavirus”. Kaiya McCullough: Washington Spirit defender leaves US because of racism & coronavirus - BBC Sport

Sam Staab plays as a defender for the Washington Spirit of the NWSL and the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s W-League. Sam Staab on the NWSL Fall Series and Rose Lavelle's departure — Just Women's Sports

USA

Soccer’s growth in America has increased the value of its TV rights, but that creates higher barriers of entry for fans. The mounting difficulty of watching soccer stateside is a problem with no clear solution | Yahoo Sports

Only Trey Muse is on the broader list, for now. ASN article: A look at the changing U.S. U-23 player pool and possible Olympic qualifying team

World

Three first half goals saw Mexico men’s national team coast to a 3-0 victory over Guatemala on Wednesday in El Tri’s first game since last November. Mexico vs. Guatemala - Football Match Report - September 30, 2020 - ESPN

The 32 teams in this season’s Champions League will discover their fate on Thursday, with the seeding pots for the group-stage draw now set. Champions League group-stage draw pots finalised

Marseille centre-back Alvaro Gonzalez has not been punished after being accused of racial abuse towards PSG star Neymar. Marseille defender Alvaro not punished for alleged racist abuse of Neymar

With Gary Neville weighing in on the situation, Simon Stone looks at why Manchester United are finding it so hard to sign new players. Why are Manchester United finding it so hard to sign players? - BBC Sport

The Faroe Islands have had little to cheer on the European footballing stage but that could be about to change. Klaksvik: The tiny Faroe Islands team on brink of Europa League group stages - BBC Sport

The Bundesliga side’s recruitment policy is held up as a model – but they have won only one trophy since 2012, so are they just a feeder? Borussia Dortmund: where dreams are made or a glorified feeder club? | Jonathan Liew | Football | The Guardian

Big refereeing news: Bibiana Steinhaus is the first female referee in the Bundesliga. “It has always been my dream to be active in the Bundesliga. Bibiana Steinhaus - first female referee in Bundesliga - quits her career - Dutch Referee Blog

The pioneering referee has sadly decided to end her illustrious officiating career after calling the DFL-Supercup between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Bibiana Steinhaus announces sudden retirement after DFL Supercup - Bavarian Football Works

This is a family friendly blog. Maccabi Haifa CEO apologizes after player insults Harry Kane in video - Cartilage Free Captain

What’s on TV?

9:00 AM - UEFA Champions League Draw - TUDN

9:30 AM - Brentford v. Fulham - Carabao Cup - ESPN+

10:00 AM - Ararat-Armenia vs Crvena Zvezda - UEFA Europa League - B/R Live

10:00 AM - Malmö FF vs Granada - UEFA Europa League - B/R Live

11:00 AM - Aston Villa v. Stoke City - Carabao Cup - ESPN+

11:30 AM - FC Basel vs CSKA Sofia - UEFA Europa League - B/R Live

11:45 AM - Liverpool v. Arsenal - UEFA Europa League - ESPN+

11:45 AM - AEK Athens vs Wolfsburg - UEFA Europa League - B/R Live

1:00 PM - University of North Carolina v. Clemson - NCAA Women’s Soccer - ESPN+

3:00 PM - Norte Dame v. Boston College - NCAA Women’s Soccer - ESPN+

4:00 PM - Virginia v. Pittsburgh - NCAA Women’s Soccer - ESPN+

4:00 PM - Wake Forest v. Miami - NCAA Women’s Soccer - ESPN+

5:00 PM - Virginia Tech v. Florida State - NCAA Women’s Soccer - ESPN+

5:00 PM - Celaya vs Leones Negros UdeG - Liga de Expansion MX - TUDN

7:00 PM - Tampico Madero vs Alebrijes de Oaxaca - Liga de Expansion MX - TUDN