There’s been plenty of news recently, including the results from the NSWL’s expansion draft and the announcement of a USWNT friendly. Teams are getting ready for the MLS playoffs, and international friendlies and meaningful competition are happening, but there’s also an ongoing global pandemic that’s only getting worse as we head into the Winter months and the holiday season. Please be safe and smart, and take care of each other.

Seattle/Tacoma

“I see patriotism as constantly demanding better of ourselves.” Fresh Air Weekend: Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe; The Science Of Smell | WMRA and WEMC

Small review of Eric Klenofsky, who spent time with Tacoma Defiance. Big Read: How Toronto FC’s youngsters are faring on loan in 2020 - Waking The Red

A selection of friendly local game stores in Renton, Tacoma, Bellevue and around Puget Sound. Support Local Game Stores | Full Moon Storytelling

There’s still a pandemic, and it’s getting worse. Please stay safe. Gov. Inslee orders sweeping restrictions on indoor gatherings, restaurants, bars, gyms as COVID-19 cases surge in Washington state | The Seattle Times

MLS/USL

With Marcos Lopez likely unavailable, TomThom will probably have his name called. Tommy Thompson likely to start for San Jose Earthquakes in playoff clash - Center Line Soccer

Just what the Galaxy needed, another aging European star on a giant contract. If this is real, don’t expect Pavon to be sticking around. Fichajes: Modrić odlazi u LA Galaxy. Bit će najplaćeniji nogometaš u Americi - Index.hr

LAFC are the latest team to suffer from the stupidity of playing international soccer during a global pandemic. LAFC defender Diego Palacios tests positive for COVID-19 with Ecuador national team | MLSsoccer.com

James Sands is the homegrown key to NYCFC’s midfield, but Jimmy Sands sounds like a mafia lieutenant in Atlantic City. New York City FC's James Sands continues rise with plenty in Europe taking notice | Tom Bogert | MLSsoccer.com

Chicago have a new, young striker from the vaunted Latvian league. Chicago Fire FC Acquires 20-Year-Old Nigerian Striker Chinonso Offor | Chicago Fire FC

It’s not clear exactly what this partnership will involve, but there’s plenty of potential for cool merchandise and activations with PUMA joining the league. The brand is already partnered with New Mexico United and USL Championship newcomers Oakland Roots SC. USL HQ Announces Partnership with PUMA

Two clubs whose fates have been intertwined since they entered the league together will meet again in the playoffs. Orlando City’s MLS Destiny Has Always Been Intertwined with New York City FC - The Mane Land

MLS is specifically mentioned here, but rising TV rights could be good news for the entire professional soccer ecosystem in the US. Expect TV Rights Fees For Sports To Soar

MLS president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said that the league is aiming to start the 2021 season in early March. Major League Soccer aiming for March start to 2021 season

Inter Miami defender A.J. De La Garza is motivated by the death of his infant son and skeptics who say he is too small to play center back. Death of son fuels Inter Miami defender A.J. De La Garza | Miami Herald

Some information behind the process and a possible timeline. LA Galaxy say they’ve heard from many interested head coach candidates - LAG Confidential

The LA Galaxy’s Julian Araujo is standing up for a segment of the population that’s often ignored: His activism on behalf of California’s farm workers is a cause that hits close to home. For LA Galaxy's Julian Araujo, helping California farm workers hits close to home | MLSsoccer.com

NWSL/WoSo

All of the players who aren’t on your favorite team any more, unless Louisville’s your favorite team. NWSL Announces Players Selected in the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft

Amandine Henry, French National Team player-manager: who says no? Amandine Henry, captain of Les Bleues, lights Corinne Deacon: "I'm fed up with that" - The Team

Casey Stoney has insisted Megan Rapinoe’s criticism over how long it took for Manchester United to create a women’s team is water off a duck’s back. Manchester United manager Casey Stoney brushes off Megan Rapinoe’s criticism over time to create women’s team | The Independent

Heath got things going with a goal that looked like she kicked the ball like it had just traded her NWSL rights. Tobin Heath kickstarts comeback as Manchester United make point to City | Football | The Guardian

Jess Fishlock’s Reading come away with a point. FA WSL Recap: Everton 1–1 Reading | Evenly matched contest sees Toffees grab one point - Royal Blue Mersey

Global superstars and a professional gamer are among those to have told us their stories as part of our women in football week. Women in football: Megan Rapinoe, Eriksson, Harder and more - BBC Sport

After Rose Lavelle and Sam Mewis signed with Manchester City, Tobin Heath and Christen Press joined United. On Saturday, their crash course in a nascent women’s rivalry went to the next level. For USWNT Stars in Manchester, There Is Now Only Red and Blue - The New York Times

USA

Wondering who might be Tim Howard’s successor? Enter Zack Steffen. He’s cued up to lead the U.S. men’s national team to Qatar 2022 and beyond. How Zack Steffen went from Bundesliga dropout to U.S. men's national team 'crown jewel'

The roster is sure to be a point of interest ahead of this one. United States women will play Netherlands away November 27 - Stars and Stripes FC

World

Once the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, China not just contained the virus, but it even managed to pull off a spectacular football season. How the Chinese Super League Overcame COVID – Football, Soccer And Everything In Between

Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has played for Manchester United and England, but now he shares another sporting passion through his YouTube channel. Ben Foster's YouTube alter ego 'The Cycling GK' helps him not take soccer too seriously

“Tailor is understood to be the only south Asian woman in such a role at one of England’s top 92 men’s clubs.” QPR's Manisha Tailor: 'It is ludicrous I'm the only south Asian female in the role I'm in' - BBC Sport

When I was 22 I owned 1989 VW Jetta, and that’s pretty much it. Imagine owning a soccer team at that age. Sunderland agree takeover deal with 22-year-old Louis-Dreyfus heir | Football | The Guardian

The win keeps Belgium in first place in Group 2 of League A. Belgium's Tielemans and Mertens end England's Nations League hopes | Football | The Guardian

What’s on TV today?

11:45 AM - Plymouth Argyle vs Portsmouth (League 1) - ESPN+

11:45 AM - USMNT vs Panama (Friendly) - FS1