MLS / USL

If anyone is fully versed in the delicate nature of sport in a pandemic, it is the people in and around FC Dallas. Coach Gonzalez looks towards a potential points per game standings shake-up - 3rd Degree

According to multiple sources, three MLS “2” sides will be leaving the USL Championship and USL League One following this season. Report: Multiple MLS “2” Sides to Leave USL Championship & League 1 - Beautiful Game Network

The new league will have big impacts on the USL and will consolidate MLS’s role in its clubs’ player development pathways. MLS to launch reserves league beginning play in 2021, sources say – The Athletic ($)

NWSL / women’s soccer

Never ever play poker with Ann-Katrin Berger. Chelsea FCW’s second goal vs. Manchester City requires your immediate attention! - We Ain’t Got No History

Liverpool and Manchester United have lagged behind other big clubs in support of their women’s teams and their interest now reeks of financial opportunism. Project Big Picture’s little nod to women’s game not wanted or needed | The Guardian

World soccer

A breakaway league was suggested “as a threat” by the organisers of Project Big Picture, says FA chairman Greg Clarke. Project Big Picture: ‘Breakaway league’ threatened, says Football Association chairman - BBC Sport

The suspicion that American owners moving into football was always going to lead to something like this happening is beginning to prove true. The Americanisation of English football: Project Big Picture is about money and control and will hasten end of our game as we know it | The Telegraph

The Manchester City forward looks to be recovered from a hamstring injury. Raheem Sterling likely to be fit to face Arsenal despite England withdrawal | The Guardian

We glean a lot from a little as we look at two new job adverts. Are Man City muscling in on Liverpool’s analytics crown? - Get Goalside!

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani miss Saturday’s game at Newcastle because he is isolating after arriving at the club. Edinson Cavani: Man Utd’s new signing to miss Newcastle game - BBC Sport

Southgate denies that captain Harry Kane has not had an injury. England boss Gareth Southgate says ‘we do not risk players’ - BBC Sport

Spain lose for the first time since November 2018 as Ukraine score with their only chance. Ukraine 1-0 Spain: First defeat in two years for Luis Enrique's side - BBC Sport

San Marino claimed their first point since 2014 with a 0-0 Nations League draw at Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein 0-0 San Marino: Visitors claim first ever away clean sheet - BBC Sport

Chelsea’s Timo Werner and Kai Havertz score for Germany in an entertaining draw with Switzerland. Germany 3-3 Switzerland: Werner and Havertz score in entertaining draw - BBC Sport

Trippier left the England camp on Tuesday to appear at a hearing about an FA charge over breaching betting rules, which could lead to a six-month ban. Kieran Trippier left England camp to attend FA betting charge hearing - The Athletic ($)

Another reminder of the fact that the pandemic is nowhere near over. Cristiano Ronaldo tests positive for COVID-19 - Black & White & Read All Over

A federal judge has declined to send a sexual assault lawsuit filed against Cristiano Ronaldo to arbitration, sets table for a public trial. Possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo Trial Raises Serious Questions – Sportico.com

Television production teams could face a lot of roadblocks now that 7-day infection rates are on the rise across Germany. Uptick in coronavirus infection rates could put Bundesliga broadcasts in jeopardy - Bavarian Football Works

An amateur Japanese side, established by former midfielder Keisuke Honda, has had its name changed after a fan vote. One Tokyo renamed Edo All United - Japanese club’s fans vote on name change - BBC Sport

What’s on TV?

There’s a huge slate of action today for those looking to be distracted from getting any work done, starting with a morning filled with Nations League games, transitioning into an afternoon of USL and Brazilian matches, wrapping up with an evening of MLS.

9:00 AM: Finland vs. Ireland (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN3 / TUDN

9:00 AM: Lithuania vs. Albania (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: England vs. Denmark (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Iceland vs. Belgium (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Croatia vs. France (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Portugal vs. Sweden (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+ / TUDN

11:45 AM: Russia vs. Hungary (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Turkey vs. Serbia (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Bulgaria vs. Wales (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Greece vs. Kosovo (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Moldova vs. Slovenia (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Belarus vs. Kazakhstan (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Italy vs. Netherlands (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN2

11:45 AM: Poland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Norway vs. Northern Ireland (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Romania vs. Austria (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Scotland vs. Czech Republic (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Slovakia vs. Israel (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Estonia vs. Armenia (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: North Macedonia vs. Georgia (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN+

1:00 PM: Fort Lauderdale vs. Forward Madison (USL League One) — ESPN+

3:15 PM: Fortaleza vs. São Paulo (Copa do Brasil) — FS2

4:30 PM: Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution (MLS) — ESPN+

4:30 PM: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew (MLS) — ESPN+

4:30 PM: Orlando City SC vs. NYCFC (MLS) — ESPN+

4:30 PM: Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls (MLS) — ESPN+

5:00 PM: DC United vs. Philadelphia Union (MLS) — ESPN+

5:00 PM: Houston Dynamo vs. Nashville SC (MLS) — ESPN+

5:00 PM: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United (MLS) — ESPN+

5:00 PM: Minnesota United vs. Chicago Fire (MLS) — ESPN+

5:05 PM: Mineros de Zacatecas vs. Celaya (Liga de Expansion) — TUDN

5:30 PM: FC Dallas vs. Sporting KC (MLS) — ESPN+

6:30 PM: Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers (MLS) — ESPN+

7:00 PM: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC (MLS) — ESPN+

7:30 PM: LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) — ESPN+