The MLS Eastern Conference Final is set, and Columbus and New England will be vying for a spot in the MLS Cup Final. A former Sounder retires, a current OL Reign player may never retire, and the USMNT is inexplicably heading to Florida for a friendly.

Seattle/Tacoma

Lu Barnes chats with Kickin’ Back, a podcast from The Equalizer. Kickin' Back with Lauren Barnes by Kickin' Back • A podcast on Anchor

May Jess Fishlock never retire. Jess Fishlock: Most-capped player will carry on for Wales - BBC Sport

Schmetzer and the Sounders have ridden that sweet spot to two MLS Cups. Brian Schmetzer: Seattle Sounders must avoid getting too high, too low during playoffs | MLSsoccer.com

David Estrada, Sounders legend, patron saint of dunking on Toronto FC, hangs up his boots. David Estrada Announces his Retirement - YouTube

MLS/USL

The Crew are going to have more positive COVID tests than they did losses in 2020 pretty soon. Sources: Two more Columbus Crew players test positive for COVID-19

Orlando imploded, but that’s not to take anything away from New England’s performance. Recap: Orlando City SC vs. New England Revolution 11/29/2020 | Matchcenter

It’s hard to say that picking up Guardiola’s assistants has gone especially well for anyone recently, but at least they’re leaving Gonzalo Pineda alone now. Report: DC United hold talks with Manchester City assistant Rodolfo Borrell over coaching job | MLSsoccer.com

We love Peruvian strikers in this house. Report: San Jose Earthquakes interested in Peruvian-American striker Matias Succar | MLSsoccer.com

With any luck, Fresno could have professional soccer again. Fresno CA mayors respond to MLB’s plan to demote Grizzlies | The Fresno Bee

Robbie Rogers is keeping busy in his post-playing career. ‘All American’ Producer Robbie Rogers Signs With CAA – Deadline

It’s an undeniably strange time to build a club from scratch. Two signings done, 28 to go: How Charlotte FC is building an MLS team during the pandemic | Goal.com

USA

Because cheerleading is not governed by the N.C.A.A., its participants can sign lucrative endorsement deals that would lead to punishment for most college athletes, including soon-to-be N.F.L. and N.B.A. millionaires. The College Athletes Who Are Allowed to Make Big Bucks: Cheerleaders - The New York Times

Rose Lavelle absolutely hates defenders. Match recap: USA vs Netherlands - Stars and Stripes FC

Midfielder Kristie Mewis scored in the USWNT’s 2-0 win over the Netherlands, and her younger sister, Sam, was the first to congratulate her. VIDEO: Kristie Mewis goal vs Netherlands, celebrates with sister Sam - Insider

Surely nothing could go wrong with a trip to a COVID hotspot in December to play an unnecessary international friendly. USMNT to close out 2020 with friendly against El Salvador - Stars and Stripes FC

We know at least one player who will be involved in that friendly. Source: George Bello called to December USMNT training camp - Dirty South Soccer

While New Mexico youth sports are on pause during COVID-19, a local soccer club has traveled out of state to compete in a massive tournament. New Mexico soccer club plays in massive out-of-state tournament | KRQE News 13

World

You may not know this, but it is very hard to play soccer without players. Liverpool’s Midfield Conundrum Continues With James Milner’s Hamstring Injury - The Liverpool Offside

Southampton’s defenders were probably mesmerized by Cavani’s beautiful hair. Edinson Cavani moves while everyone else is watching – The Athletic

On the uncommon connection between Maradona and Napoli, of person and place as one. Diego Maradona made Neapolitans feel understood – The Athletic

Chicote Calderon went back-to-back with bangers to power Chivas to victory. 2020 Liga MX Apertura Liguilla quarterfinal match recap - Club America 1, Chivas 2: Cristian Calderon lifts Chivas to the semifinals with back to back wins over Club America - FMF State Of Mind

Freddie Ljungberg on managing and leaving Arsenal, players’ tears after winning, Pepe, Ozil, Wenger’s zip and Emery’s English. Freddie Ljungberg on managing, leaving Arsenal and Wenger – The Athletic

If you are considering posting something racist, perhaps instead do not post the racist thing, even if you are a famous person. Edinson Cavani: FA expected to investigate social media post by Manchester United striker | Football News | Sky Sports

Culture

Don’t know what to get for your D&D playing friends? Here’s advice broken down by the style of D&D fan they are. Deck of Many Gifts: A Holiday Shopping Guide | Full Moon Storytelling

What’s on TV today?

9:30 AM - Leicester City vs Fulham (English Premier League) - NBCSN

9:30 AM - Torino vs Sampdoria (Serie A) - ESPN+

11:30 AM - Bochum vs Fortuna Düsseldorf (2.Bundesliga) - ESPN+

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

11:45 AM - Canvey Island vs Boreham Wood (FA Cup) - ESPN+

12:00 PM - West Ham United vs Aston Villa (EPL) - NBCSN

5:00 PM - Tigres UANL vs Pachuca (Liga MX) - TUDN USA