Tons of analysis on the MLS playoffs, NWSL expansion draft protection lists are out, the Premier League managers are pushing for five subs, and a former NYCFC boss was fired from his new job.

MLS

Decision Day had its share of drama, but with the regular season now behind us, we turn our attention to grading out the 18 MLS Cup playoff teams. Who are the MLS Cup playoff contenders? Philly and Toronto the favorites, Inter Miami the outsiders

Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle ranks all 18 teams by tier heading into the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. Armchair Analyst: Playoff teams by tier as the regular season ends | Week 23 | MLSsoccer.com

The first matches are set in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs and columnist Steve Zakuani dives into each of them with an early lookahead (and in some cases a prediction). An early look at the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoff opening rounds | Steve Zakuani | MLSsoccer.com

The search for the club’s 3rd full-time manager in 5 seasons will be the biggest storyline of the offseason. Bocanegra: Atlanta United hope to announce new manager “before the end of the year” - Dirty South Soccer

Becomes second consecutive LAFC player to be top scorer. LAFC’s Diego Rossi wins 2020 MLS Golden Boot - Angels on Parade

You’re eyes weren’t deceiving you; that wasn’t actually the Supporters’ Shield on display during the post-game celebration. With the real Supporters’ Shield arrival delayed, the Union lifted a modified Captain America shield instead - Brotherly Game

WoSo

Need an intro to South American woso? Here’s the guide you need. The All For XI Guide to Women’s Soccer in South America - Andes and Amazon - All For XI

US star Megan Rapinoe tells BBC Sport about how taking a knee jeopardised her international career, and what the future holds for women’s football. Megan Rapinoe: World Cup winner on taking a knee, white privilege and moving forward - BBC Sport

After nearly two months of being placed on administrative leave, Harrington’s days as URFC head coach are over after allegations of inappropriate behavior. Craig Harrington officially out as Utah Royals FC Head Coach - RSL Soapbox

A look at the available players after NWSL clubs submitted protected roster lists ahead of the expansion draft. Top picks on NWSL unprotected lists ahead of expansion draft - CBSSports.com

USA

Three researchers studied coming-out stories on Outsports. They found a men’s sports world supportive of out gay athletes. Study of Outsports stories shows male athletes accept gay teammates - Outsports

Cases in athletic departments get more attention, but your choices matter just as much for your community. How to be a responsible football fan in a pandemic - Banner Society

USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams said the team is planning to make some sort of gesture in support of racial justice before Thursday’s friendly. USMNT planning show of support for racial justice before Wales friendly - Adams

Matt Miazga’s latest loan spell might be the most beneficial in his domestic and international career. Berhalter excited for Miazga’s opportunity at Anderlecht

After seeing the Olympic Games pushed back a year, U.S. Under-23s coach Jason Kreis knows his squad for Tokyo will look vastly different due to some major changes in the USMNT player pool. U.S. U23s boss Kreis begins reformatting Olympic picture amid calendar chaos | Goal.com

World

Steps could have been taken to soften the demands on players but greed has stretched their exhausted muscles to breaking point. Why is football so blind to the injuries caused by a remorseless schedule? | Jonathan Wilson | Football | The Guardian

Flamengo fired Spanish coach Domenec Torrent just 10 weeks after hiring the former New York City FC manager, the club announced on Monday. Ex-NYCFC boss, Pep Guardiola assistant Domenec Torrent sacked at Flamengo

Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds want to turn National League club Wrexham into a “global force”. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney want Wrexham to be 'global force' - BBC Sport

Disgruntled Premier League managers could ask for the reintroduction of five substitutes this season despite the concept being rejected twice. Premier League managers could ask for reintroduction of five substitutes - BBC Sport

The Premier League’s chief executive Richard Masters is due to face a select committee hearing on Tuesday after offering an £80m bailout, while the EFL wants £250m. Premier League cash 'scarce' and £250m for EFL is not best use of it, says Masters | Football | The Guardian

Bodo/Glimt is on the cusp of its first championship, a soccer success story built on style and innovation. But its golden year has played out in front of nearly empty stands. Norway Has a Must-See Team. Barely Anyone Can Watch It. - The New York Times

What’s on TV?

Bad news, no live soccer. Plenty of replays are on different streaming services though! Take the day to watch a great movie or two, share your favorite soccer (or sports in general) movies for everyone to watch.