NWSL wrapped up the Fall series with a dramatic Orlando comeback and a feel good win for OL Reign. The rest of the sports world was mostly bad news as Virgil van Dijk suffered a torn ACL, and Sergio Aguero did a gross thing that you absolutely shouldn’t do. On the plus side, at least the Sounders game likely helped put us all to sleep.

Seattle/Tacoma

Sue Bird backed Megan Rapinoe on her remarks about why women’s soccer seems to enjoy more public support than women’s basketball. Sue Bird backs Megan Rapinoe on contrast between women's soccer, WNBA

A look at the best of the best from Saturday’s action between OL Reign and Utah Royals FC NWSL Fall Series: OL Reign notch win over Utah Royals in league's final game of 2020 - CBSSports.com

Madison Hammond is the first Native athlete to play in the NWSL and has a bright future with the Reign. Her next goal is removing barriers for other Native athletes. OL Reign’s Madison Hammond is the NWSL’s first Indigenous player. She wants to make sure she’s not the last. | The Seattle Times

The two winners were given the opportunity to be present as OL Reign wrapped up their season with a 2-0 win over Utah. OL Reign Academy Announces Boeing Scholarship Winners — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

What a nice way to wrap up the season! OL Reign Downs Utah to Wrap Up Fall Series — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

Washington breweries win big at the 2020 GABF. We have a list of WA breweries that won medals as well as the complete list of all winners. Washington breweries win big at the 2020 GABF – Washington Beer Blog

Well, that was boring. Seattle Sounders, San Jose Earthquakes play to scoreless draw at Earthquakes Stadium | Seattle Sounders FC

MLS/USL

This report seems rather premature. Robbie Keane lands first managerial gig at LA Galaxy

The Sports Business Journal reports that Flávio Augusto da Silva is nearing a sale of Orlando City SC. Report: Orlando City Nearing Final Stages of Sale - The Mane Land

Orlando City majority owner Flávio Augusto da Silva remains open to conversations with potential buyers, but is not currently looking to walk away from the franchise, a source told the Orlando Sentinel. Orlando City owner open to investors, but no sale imminent - Orlando Sentinel

Philadelphia, Portland and Orlando are all withdrawing their teams, at least for now. Three MLS Teams Withdraw from USL Competitions

For at least 2021, Austin will be home to two professional soccer teams. Soccer notebook: ‘Just for fun,’ Austin Bold is staying put for 2021 - Sports - Austin American-Statesman - Austin, TX

The new Sacramento stadium will have an impact on the soccer culture in the city well beyond any professional teams that call it home. Why the Railyards Stadium is important beyond the Republic

The decision has proven controversial in some circles, but it seems like the right move. Supporters' Shield will not be awarded in 2020 following decision by ISC | MLSsoccer.com

“It is a disgraceful decision that delegitimizes the whole idea of the Shield in our opinion,” Vanney continued. “Those who made the decision are like kids in a park who take the ball away when the game isn’t going their way. It’s childish and a symbol that they don’t know how sports operates.” Supporters’ Shield Foundation says no Shield to be awarded at the end of the 2020 MLS season - Waking The Red

The fifth in a series looking at just who the new RBNY coach is. The Struber Identity: personality and man management - Once A Metro

D.C. United has talked a lot about supporting social justice and wanting equity in recent months, and this is an opportunity for them to back that up with meaningful action. D.C. United evaluating several Black coaches as part of search to replace Ben Olsen - The Washington Post

NWSL/WoSo

What should have been a comeback season after a battle with cancer was derailed by COVID-19. Pride's Pressley returns to strange fall after cancer fight

The more the merrier out here on the West coast if you ask me. Sacramento Republic president says expansion talks with NWSL ongoing - Indomitable City Soccer

I’m no expert, but that seems good. Like, really good. NWSL sees a 493% viewership growth in 2020, exceeding NBA, NFL, MLB by a landslide :: Live Soccer TV

It took a stoppage time goal to seal the comeback, as Orlando vs NC proved to be a tale of two halves. Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage

NWSL News: What Commissioner Lisa Baird Learned From 2020
Considering what 2020 has done to so many businesses, plans and lives, it is striking that the NWSL commissioner can say without hesitation that the league is in a better place than it was at the start of the calendar year.

Vivianne Miedema could only possibly be some sort of demigod. Miedema sets WSL scoring record as Arsenal demolish Spurs 6-1 - The Short Fuse

An OL Reign vs sort of-OL Reign matchup as Jess Fishlock and Rose Lavelle squared off. Match Recap: Reading Women 1-1 Manchester City Women - Bitter and Blue

It’s been a rough season for the Royals, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be learned. Utah Royals FC and OL Reign in Tacoma October 17 2020 - RSL Soapbox

USA

“We believe that US Soccer should look more like the people that play soccer in our country, and that includes having youth and minority voices at the highest levels.” Next Gen United

The Philadelphia Union midfielder will make the move after the end of the MLS season. Official: Brenden Aaronson to transfer to Red Bull Salzburg - Stars and Stripes FC

The USWNT head coach has had plenty of time to refine his vision. October’s camp is his first chance in a while to act on it. USWNT’s Vlatko Andonovski on how scouting, preparation led to October’s call-ups – The Athletic

Gio Reyno has had a pretty good time since he got going in Germany. Gio Reyna speaks on his rise at Borussia Dortmund - Stars and Stripes FC

USWNT’s Alex Morgan has said that her Tottenham debut has been delayed and she will be out of action for “another few weeks.” USWNTs Morgan debut for Tottenham delayed due to setback

She did not travel to Colorado and will not be replaced on the roster. The training camp, which runs from Oct. 18-28 in Commerce City, will be conducted with 26 players. Defender Casey Short Ruled Out of Upcoming U.S. Women’s National Team Training Camp Due to Hip Injury

World

The streaming service will air at least one SPL match per week, along with some Championship and cup matches. ESPN+ Acquires Rights to Scottish Premiership - ESPN Press Room

Schalke 04 on Sunday apologised to 15-year-old Borussia Dortmund player Youssoufa Moukoko after their fans hurled abuse at the teenager. Schalke apologise to Dortmund teen for fan abuse in under-19 derby

Wayne Rooney is “angry” after a friend, who had been told to be tested for COVID-19, visited his family home and later returned a positive result. Rooney angry and disappointed after friend with COVID 19 visits home

It’s okay to cry. Virgil van Dijk To Miss Rest Of Season With ACL Injury - The Liverpool Offside

A French second division player is accused of biting the opposition goalkeeper, leaving him bleeding from his face. Jerome Prior: French goalkeeper allegedly bitten in second division match - BBC Sport

The Swedish striker, recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection, scored two early goals to secure a 2-1 win for Milan over Internazionale in the Serie A derby. Zlatan Ibrahimovic double strike gives Milan derby victory over Inter | Football | The Guardian

The plan put forward by Liverpool and Manchester United seeks to empower the biggest clubs at the expense of the Premier League itself and they will not remain quiet. Premier League averts Big Picture coup but it was just the opening shot | Paul MacInnes | Football | The Guardian

It should be pretty simple: in soccer there are rules, and you’re not allowed to touch the referees, period. In life it’s unacceptable to touch another person without their consent. Aguero To Escape Punishment After Man City Beat Arsenal - Bitter and Blue

Culture

Engineer and YouTube personality James Hobson and his team have built a real-life retractable lightsaber. The super-heated beam of plasma is capable of cutting through metal, find out how they made it and watch a video of how it works on RADIO.COM! ‘Star Wars’ fan creates real-life retractable lightsaber | KISW

With a panel of leading fantasy authors, TIME presents the 100 most engaging, inventive and influential works of fantasy fiction. The 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time | TIME

The first-ever winners of the Ignyte Awards were announced at FIYAHCON 2020! FIYAH created the awards to “celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the current and future landscapes of science fiction, fantasy, and horror.” Announcing the Winners of the Inaugural Ignyte Awards! | Tor.com

What’s on TV today?

9:30 AM - West Bromwich Albion vs Burnley (EPL) - NBCSN

11:30 AM - St. Pauli vs Nurnberg (2.Bundesliga) - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Hellas Verona vs Genoa (Serie A) - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Leeds United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (EPL) - NBCSN

4:30 PM - New England Revolution vs Philadelphia Union (MLS) - ESPN+