Well, the Seattle Sounders lost in the MLS Cup Final in decidedly frustrating fashion. It turns out other soccer happened over the weekend, as well, though. MLS teams are making changes as the off-season begins, and FIFA have another investigation heading their way and they’re definitely not excited about it. Get the MLS Cup stuff out of the way, and then distract yourself with non-Sounders news.

Seattle/Tacoma

The Sounders and Crew general managers had an informal (and occasionally wacky) chat about the future of MLS and Saturday’s title match. MLS Cup GMs Garth Lagerwey, Tim Bezbatchenko shoot the breeze – The Athletic

With nothing left to prove in MLS and growing interest from Europe, is it time for Jordan Morris to move on from the Seattle Sounders? Jordan Morris' transfer value and potential landing spots – The Athletic

The former Tacoma Defiance midfielder is right at home back in Brisbane. Jesse Daley’s USA experience a positive for Brisbane Roar – News Of The Area

It’s hard to argue with Roldan’s assessment. Seattle Sounders not deflecting blame after MLS Cup loss to Columbus Crew | MLSsoccer.com

You didn’t miss it, but in case you did. Yuck. Seattle Sounders fall to Columbus Crew SC 3-0 in MLS Cup 2020 | Seattle Sounders FC

The question looks a little different in hindsight now. Do Seattle Sounders FC need to win MLS Cup to cement dynasty status? | Andrew Wiebe | MLSsoccer.com

MLS/USL

MLS’ players’ union says nearly 20% of players contracted COVID-19 in 2020. MLS players' union says nearly 20 percent contracted COVID-19 in 2020

After years of keeping quiet, Nick Rimando, the most effective penalty stopper in Major League Soccer history explains what made him so good. MLS legend Nick Rimando reveals his penalty-stopping secret – The Athletic

Explaining what triggering the CBA clause will mean for MLS and its players. MLS and force majeure: explaining how it works and why – The Athletic

Atlanta United are going to compete in the 2021 CCL for reasons. Atlanta United handed spot in 2021 Concacaf Champions League - Dirty South Soccer

Gyasi Zardes is thriving as he returns to first MLS Cup in six years. Gyasi Zardes is thriving as he returns to first MLS Cup in six years | Charles Boehm | MLSsoccer.com

A dazzling display from Obafemi Martins against the Colorado Rapids is amongst the potential winners. Vote for The Greatest Goal presented by AT&T | MLSsoccer.com

A good chunk of change for an international spot, but it’s really hard to build a quality MLS team without international players. Nashville SC Trades International Spot to Atlanta United FC for $175K in General Allocation Money | Nashville SC

Phoenix Rising FC is leaving the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community near Tempe for Gila River’s Wild Horse Pass in Chandler. Phoenix Rising FC moving to Wild Horse Pass in Chandler

Former Seahawk Jon Ryan, comedian Sarah Colonna, and MLS insiders Jillian Sakovits and Susannah Collins join ‘Just A Bit Outside,’ Q13FOX.com’s weekly sports show with Michelle Ludtka and Aaron Levine. 'Just A Bit Outside' Episode 8 with Jon Ryan, Sarah Colonna, Jillian Sakovits and Susannah Collins

NWSL/WoSo

Six teams are vying for second place and a spot in the Champions League. A battle royale is forming in the Primera Iberdrola - All For XI

Beattie announced that she fortunately will not have to undergo chemotherapy. Arsenal Women defender Jen Beattie reveals breast cancer diagnosis - The Short Fuse

Tigres are a game away from potentially claiming the title thanks to a decent free kick and some unfortunate handling by the goalkeeper. 2020 Liga MX Femenil Apertura Final match recap: Rayadas de Monterrey 1, Tigres UANL 0 - FMF State Of Mind

The game was decided by a Sam Kerr goal, as if there were any other way. Brighton & Hove Albion WFC 0-1 Chelsea FCW, WSL: Post-match reaction - We Ain't Got No History

Bob Birarda is facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation, sexual assault and child luring. Former Vancouver Whitecaps and Team Canada soccer coach arrested on sex charges | CBC News

Recent high-profile moves involving USWNT stars aren’t the only instances of American women plying their trade in England. ‘I was meant to live here’: A wave of American players to England extends beyond the top tier – Equalizer Soccer

Richie Burke says the Spirit’s possession-based system needs a sharp end. Here’s how they could address that. Four ways the Washington Spirit could get the playmaker they want - Black And Red United

USA

Richie Ledezma’s day took a dramatic shift, earning his first start for PSV in the Europa League before going down with a serious injury. Richard Ledezma sufrió lesión en su primera titularidad en Europa League | futbol

World

A late penalty provides the winner in a wild one between Wolves and Villa. Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa 0-1: Villa leave it late to steal the points from local rivals. - 7500 To Holte

Before a dramatic collapse on the part of Cruz Azul, and comeback by Pumas, some players from La Maquina received phone calls asking them to throw the game. Cruz Azul players received phone calls prior to second leg vs. Pumas - FMF State Of Mind

Antoine Griezmann ended his affiliation with Huawei on Thursday, saying there are “strong suspicions” that the Chinese tech giant has contributed to repression of the mostly Muslim minority Uighurs. Griezmann ends partnership with Huawei, cites Uighurs | AP

FIFA, it turns out, does not care for being investigated. Who We Are - News - FIFA statement - FIFA.com