clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Major Link Soccer: Florida Men win a wild one

Orlando City vs NYCFC was one for the ages, in both good and bad ways.

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

SOCCER: NOV 21 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Round One - New York City FC at Orlando City SC Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Megan Rapinoe’s book is keeping her in the headlines, even as she’s away from the field. It was a rough weekend for super teams in Europe, and the MLS playoffs have been exactly as outrageous as you’d expect, and maybe even a little more so in Orlando.

Seattle/Tacoma

All eyes were on Megan Rapinoe after she helped lead the United States Women’s National Soccer team to a 2019 World Cup Championship victory. Best Celebrity Memoirs of 2020 - Variety

In an extract from her new book, Megan Rapinoe talks about the outrage that followed her decision to support Colin Kaepernick and kneel during the national anthem. Megan Rapinoe on taking a knee: 'White people were mad. Whew, were they mad' | Megan Rapinoe | The Guardian

Ramp up to game day with the most essential information. SEAvLAFC 101: Everything you need to know when the Seattle Sounders host LAFC in Round One of MLS Cup Playoffs | Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle know what’s at stake on Tuesday night. Seattle Sounders not overlooking LAFC, confident ahead of gritty rematch of 2019 Western Conference Championship | Seattle Sounders FC

MLS/USL

They haven’t made many signings yet, but Charlotte’s scouting network is an attempt to swing for the fences. Charlotte FC's plan for MLS success? A vast scouting network | Tom Bogert | MLSsoccer.com

Once a Sounder. Returning for 2021: McCrary a Rock in Republic FC’s Backline

In protests and meetings, Black players have pushed M.L.S. for better representation. Now, as the playoffs open, and with the league’s help, they are focused on follow through. As M.L.S. Playoffs Open, Black Players Press for Progress - The New York Times

The Revs advanced in the playoffs via goals from Gil and Bou. Revolution 2, Impact 1: Late goal gives Revs a playoff win - The Bent Musket

It was an absolutely wild time in Orlando. Orlando City vs. New York City FC: Five Takeaways - The Mane Land

It was syndicated sitcom levels of getting to the right place the wrong way. What happened in the Orlando City vs. NYCFC penalty shootout? Here are the official explanations from PRO | MLSsoccer.com

Who doesn’t love a heroic performance in goal from an outfield player? Only a monster. Orlando City marvel at wild first playoff win: "We just gave him the gloves and prayed" | MLSsoccer.com

Ahh, yes, just what Miami were missing, an older European striker. Inter Miami join crowded race for Olivier Giroud — report - We Ain't Got No History

It remains to be seen who will try not to be terrorized by Jordan Morris all night on LAFC’s right side. LAFC’s Bradley hints El Munir or Segura could play right back vs Seattle - Angels on Parade

There could (and probably should) be a lot of change in Vancouver. Again. Team Takeover: Who should stay and who should go for 2021? (Prime Age Squad Players) - Eighty Six Forever

Chris Wondolowski will still be playing soccer long after any of our family lines have ended. Earthquakes star Chris Wondolowski pumps brakes on retirement talk

This would be big enough for a USL Championship side. Fort Worth Councilman pitches $150 million soccer complex | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

It’s tempting to compare young players to well-known names, to pronounce them “the next X,” but what do we miss in the process? Yinzer. Messi? Searching for comparables for Hounds rookie Mertz | Pittsburgh Soccer Now

NWSL/WoSo

His pitch was simple and powerful. Cobi Jones says NWSL team Angel City FC should transcend MLS rivalry - LAG Confidential

Casey Stoney’s outerwear game is unrivaled. We need to talk about Casey Stoney’s gameday fits - All For XI

There have been positive changes for the Liverpool Women’s team but their absence from the training ground feels like a missed opportunity. It's a shame Liverpool Women aren't at the new training ground – The Athletic

USA

When coach Vlatko Andonovski announced the 23-player training-camp roster this year for the team’s final match against the Netherlands, the imminent changing of the guard was more apparent than ever. Star in the making: Only 22, Davidson among young players ready to lead U.S. women’s national team - Chicago Sun-Times

Get to know 10 of the newest USWNT players on head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s squad ahead of the national team’s November 27 match in the Netherlands. USWNT: Meet the new players on roster vs Netherlands - Insider

World

“This decision is testament to the strength and bravery of the players who risked so much to protect future generations of girls and boys.” FIFPRO pays tribute to the strength and courage of players who secured lifetime ban of federation president - FIFPRO World Players' Union

The head of Haitian football, Yves Jean-Bart, has been handed the maximum punishment possible by world football’s governing body, ending a long cycle of abuse of young female players. Haitian football′s sexual abuse scandal: Jean-Bart banned for life by FIFA | Sports| German football and major international sports news | DW | 20.11.2020

New President (Dr. Nick Bontis), new pro club (Atletico Ottawa), and some new directors. Canada Soccer hosts virtual Annual Meeting of the Members - Canada Soccer

Lukáš Hrádecký has not had a great time here. Bayer Leverkusen’s keeper swings and misses for a crushing own goal - SBNation.com

For starters, they scored the exact same number of goals. Analysis: The reasons why Bayern Munich failed to beat Werder Bremen - Bavarian Football Works

Wenger’s just here for the schadenfreude. Desert Island Discs - Arsène Wenger, former football manager - BBC Sounds

A big result for the Yellow Submarine. On The Spot Report: Villarreal Dominate Against Title Rivals Real Madrid - Villarreal USA

Not even subbing in Sergino Dest could save it for Barcelona. Atlético Madrid finally beat Barcelona, 1-0. Here’s how it happened - Into the Calderon

Things are, uh, not great at Newcastle. Almiron's agent is right about Newcastle's tactics – The Athletic

Tottenham fans finally have something to feel good about for a little while. Man City lose 2-0 to Tottenham after Guardiola signs new deal – The Athletic

Hova’s found another shady industry that needs to be taken over. Leeds United partner with Jay-Z's Roc Nation agency - BBC Sport

David Silva is a delight, and I think it’s fun that he’s still cookin’.David Silva: Ex-Man City midfielder inspiring Real Sociedad's rise to La Liga leaders | Football News | Sky Sports

What’s on TV today?

9:30 AM - Burnley vs Crystal Palace (Premier League) - NBCSN

11:30 AM - Osnabrück vs Nürnberg (2.Bundesliga) - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Southampton (Premier League) - NBCSN

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Sounder At Heart Weekly Roundup newsletter!

A twice weekly roundup of Seattle Sounders and OL Reign news from Sounder at Heart