The holiday weekend didn’t slow down the global soccer news cycle. Teams around MLS, USL and NWSL are all working to strengthen ahead of next season, while Christmas weekend provided us plenty of interesting games and results in the Premier League. Diego Costa wants out of his contract with Atletico Madrid, while the club’s women’s team is having a great season.

MLS/USL

The Former Sounder has 113 regular season appearances over 7 seasons. Switchbacks Add to Back Line with Jimmy Ockford

Wondolowski might just play for San Jose until he dies. Chris Wondolowski re-signs with San Jose Earthquakes for 2021 season - Center Line Soccer

New England Revolution veteran midfielder Lee Nguyen is leaving MLS will join Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam’s V.League 1. New England veteran Lee Nguyen leaving MLS for Vietnamese club

Ahh, the perpetual struggle of building a soccer stadium in New York. Midfield Press » Two New Venue Possibilities Are A Litmus Test & Legacy Opportunity For Cosmos Ownership

New Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith isn’t out of the running as a potential buyer of Utah Soccer, according to a knowledgeable source. But an international ownership group already involved in soccer has emerged as an interested party. Ryan Smith still in running to buy RSL, but he could have competition

Towering forward moves to California after well-traveled run in Europe. Orange County SC sign former Real Madrid striker Eero Markkanen - Angels on Parade

The soccer club joins a cycling team to raise gun violence awareness. Napa Valley 1839 FC Shares Important Message with the Sports Community – National Premier Soccer League

Seattle is linked in this rumor by way of having an Ecuadorian on the roster. Young Ecuadorian winger reportedly linked with MLS move | MLSsoccer.com

NWSL/WoSo

A blockbuster trade sends Emily Sonnett to the nation’s capital. Washington Spirit add USWNT’s Emily Sonnett in trade with Orlando Pride - Black And Red United

The Dick, Kerr Ladies football team attracted 53,000 fans to Everton’s Goodison Park on Boxing Day 1920. But instead of being used as proof of women’s football’s popularity, it turned out to be the beginning of the end. Dick, Kerr Ladies attracted 53,000 fans on Boxing Day 100 years ago. A year later, they were banned - ABC News

Larroquette featured for Argentina at the 2019 World Cup. Kansas City NWSL Signs Argentine Player Mariana Larroquette

With their win, Atletico are still in the hunt for the title. Historic Madrid Derby win caps first half of Atlético Femenino’s season - Into the Calderon

USA

How do you fit four of the world’s best 20 players in your lineup, especially when all four do their best work in the center of the field? Coach Vlatko Andonovski's Olympic challenge: How to get all four excellent midfielders on the field 12/29/2020

Serbia could be the USMNT’s January Camp opponent once again. Rumor: USMNT to play Serbia on January 31st - Stars and Stripes FC

World

How much have you lost through this wretched year? And what have you found? A year of lost weight, lost loved ones and lost connections - The Washington Post

Zamalek left-back Abdallah Gomaa has contracted COVID-19 for the second time after his latest test result returned positive. Zamalek's Abdallah Gomaa contracts COVID-19 for second time

Villa went down a man and still bullied Crystal Palace on their way to a 3-0 win. Aston Villa v Crystal Palace Recap: Villa dominate on Boxing Day - 7500 To Holte

Arsenal got one over on Frank Lampard and the Fighting Pulisics. Arsenal 3 - Chelsea 1 match report: FINALLY - The Short Fuse

Costa has apparently asked that his contract be terminated for family reasons. Reports: Diego Costa wants January transfer - Into the Calderon

What’s on TV today?

7:00 AM - Crystal Palace vs Leicester City (EPL) - NBCSN

9:30 AM - Chelsea vs Aston Villa (EPL) - NBCSN

12:00 PM - Everton vs Manchester City (EPL) - Peacock

9:35 PM - Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City (W-League) - ESPN+