Seattle

Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft and part owner of the Seattle Sounders, is one of 26 founding partners of the league, which aims to launch in 2022. Major League Cricket Finds Backers in Ross Perot Jr., Satya Nadella – Sportico.com

MLS/USL

LAFC came agonizingly close to becoming the first MLS team to win the modern incarnation of the Concacaf Champions League. LAFC's heartbreaking loss to Tigres again shows there's no agony quite like CCL agony | Charles Boehm | MLSsoccer.com

While Montagliani didn’t get into specifics, he emphasized that the continental club competition will have “more games, more often, more relevancy.” Concacaf Champions League will expand in 2023, capitalize on regional rivalries | MLSsoccer.com

Two MLS clubs won the continental title in three years around the turn of the century. We’re supposed to believe the league has gotten *worse* over that time? Or that there aren’t more important measuring sticks? (I don’t think the tournament MLS sides won is comparable, I also don’t think MLS is worse or in a bad position because LAFC and others couldn’t win in the final). CONCACAF Champions League: MLS shouldn’t care about not winning | Yahoo Sports

Orlando City SC and FC Dallas are both in the race to sign Benfica’s Franco Cervi, according to a recent report. Report: Benfica winger Franco Cervi in crosshairs of Orlando City SC, FC Dallas | MLSsoccer.com

Red Bulls get a third-round pick at the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, the clubs announced Wednesday. RBNY could receive up to $50,000 GAM as well. Inter Miami acquire fullback Patrick Seagrist in trade with New York Red Bulls | MLSsoccer.com

The 24-year old midfielder was recently on loan at Union Deportiva Almeria in the Segunda Division, then was out of contract in October 2020. New England Revolution sign midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum after La Liga stops | MLSsoccer.com

Rolf Feltscher’s time with the LA Galaxy has come to an end, as the Venezuela national defender has signed with FC Wurzburger Kickers, the 2. Bundesliga club announced Wednesday. Ex-LA Galaxy defender Rolf Feltscher signs with FC Wurzburger Kickers in 2. Bundesliga | MLSsoccer.com

The Black & Gold will add an experienced goal scorer to the roster. The Columbus Crew signs veteran Bradley Wright-Phillips - Massive Report

Sporting select their own player at the end of stage two of the Re-Entry Draft, what does that mean? Sporting Select Felipe Gutierrez in Re-Entry Draft - The Blue Testament

The midfielder was also selected in last week’s Expansion Draft, by Austin, but did not opt out of the Re-Entry Draft. Dynamo select Joe Corona in MLS Re-Entry Draft - Dynamo Theory

Toronto FC II has not exercised the contract options on goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky, defenders Robert Boskovic, Terique Mohammed and midfielders Matthew Srbely, Luca Uccello. You might remember Klenofsky from his time on loan to Defiance. Toronto FC II Announces Roster Moves | Toronto FC

Bundesliga veteran moves stateside for 2021. Orange County SC sign German goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky - Angels on Parade

A roster that is full of MLS talent. Canada Soccer announces squad for Men’s National Team camp presented by Allstate in January - Canada Soccer

WoSo

The W-League returns on December 29, but don’t expect many NWSL loanees like in years past. Westfield W-League 2020-21 season preview: Your comprehensive, team-by-team guide – Equalizer Soccer

The Spirit are the NWSL’s busiest team right now, and by a wide margin. Washington Spirit waive six, reportedly trade to acquire USWNT defender Emily Sonnett - Black And Red United

KC NWSL welcomes a trio of new players, two of whom have past connections to the Reign. Kansas City NWSL signs three more players - The Blue Testament

USA

Five members of the USWNT’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad joined English clubs earlier this year. Is this a new trend? Well, it’s complicated. USWNT stars Morgan, Heath, Lavelle went to Europe due to the pandemic, but don't expect a larger movement

World

German third-tier side Dynamo Dresden said they sold more than 72,000 “ghost” tickets for a cup match in an empty stadium. Dresden fans buy 72,000 tickets for match in empty stadium

Diego Maradona’s autopsy reveals that the Argentina legend had no signs of alcohol or narcotics consumption at the time of his death. Diego Maradona: Autopsy reveals no drink or illegal drugs at time of Argentina legend's death - BBC Sport

At the beginning of December, Stephanie Frappart made football history. But she pays no attention to the impact her feat has had. Stephanie Frappart on being first woman to referee a men's Champions League game - BBC Sport

The Danish midfielder joined in January and only made 38 appearances for the Italian side. Christian Eriksen: Inter Milan midfielder set to leave in January - BBC Sport

Jose Mourinho accuses Dele Alli of “creating problems for his own team” in Tottenham’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Stoke. Dele Alli: Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho angry with England midfielder - BBC Sport

Tottenham will host Brentford in the other clash. Carabao Cup semi-final draw produces Manchester derby

Heavy Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City ‘drains confidence’ at Arsenal, who visit Sam Allardyce side on 2 January. I will laugh, laugh, and laugh for days if Arsenal got relegated. Arsenal 'absolutely' in the relegation mix this season, says Sam Allardyce | Football | The Guardian

A blossoming relationship with the skillful young Pedri seems to have renewed the Barcelona forward’s thirst for the game. Has Lionel Messi's potential successor made him fall for football again? | Lionel Messi | The Guardian

Liverpool and Everton will be the only Premier League clubs able to welcome fans from Boxing Day when more areas will be under tier 4 restrictions. Liverpool and Everton the only Premier League clubs now allowed fans | Football | The Guardian

Atletico Madrid and England defender Kieran Trippier has been suspended for 10 weeks and fined £70,000 following a breach of betting rules. Atletico Madrid's Trippier banned for 10 weeks over betting breach

Cornthwaite’s Call on Jesse Daley’s Brisbane Roar: A lot of unknowns about the Roar this season. Could potentially fly under the radar. Plenty of experience but the outs look to outweigh the ins, won’t play finals - TENTH. A-League 2020/21: Ins and outs, every team’s best XI, predictions, season preview | Fox Sports