It can’t be good for the USSF to sow such bad blood with their most successful and most highly-regarded players, but they apparently just don’t care. Lots of other things have happened, but that’s the biggest one. We’re also under a week away from the MLS season, so that’s exciting.

Seattle/Tacoma

A bar with an extensive cocktail list, a $220 special called the Pap Smir, and it’s owned by a Sounders fan, what more could you want? The Doctor’s Office Opens on Capitol Hill This Friday - Eater Seattle

The lawsuit, which was filed in March 2019, alleges gender-based discrimination by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Megan Rapinoe Says She Was Told 'Women Do Not Deserve to Be Paid Equally' as USWNT Seek $66M in Damages

MLS/USL

After a year away, United is back on the local Sinclair affiliate. D.C. United, WJLA 24/7 News announce 2020 local TV deal - Black And Red United

With a new mayor, Nashville SC ended up facing a political fight over its proposed soccer-specific stadium at the city’s fairgrounds complex. Nashville and MLS play stadium politics | US Soccer Players

Is it just a photo? Or is it a clue? Why did Arlo White post a cryptic photo of a Chicago Fire shirt? - Hot Time In Old Town

Eight and a half years after he started, the one-time Sounder is now a graduate of Indiana University. Eriq Zavaleta on Instagram: “When I left college, I promised my parents (and myself) I would finish my degree. I didn’t promise how long it would take... ⁣ ⁣ Here’s…”

Another Mexican national team player is apparently headed to MLS in July. Report: Mexican winger Jurgen Damm signs with unnamed MLS club | MLSsoccer.com

The new law changes will go into effect in MLS at the start of the season. Fortunately we won’t have to worry about the virtual lines which seem to be the most common source of anger with VAR. MLS 2020: How new laws for VAR, handball, goal kicks and more will work in the new season | MLSsoccer.com

I didn’t realize that Shaun and Bradley are only half-brothers, or that Ian Wright has eight children. Black History Month: The Wright (Phillips) brothers - Stars and Stripes FC

Ugo is back in USL, hopefully ready to tare it up with Darwin Jones. Orange County SC sign Sean “Ugo” Okoli and Brian Iloski - Angels on Parade

If there’s one club that I wouldn’t trust to be able to figure this sort of problem out, it’s Vancouver. No, I mean it’s Cincinnati, it’s definitely Cincinnati. With Siem de Jong signed, how do FC Cincinnati's vestatile attackers line up? | MLSsoccer.com

Ebbets Field has released a limited collection of hats and jerseys from NASL-era teams. There’s no Sounders gear, but the collection is pretty cool. Vintage American Soccer Collection – Ebbets Field Flannels

Phoenix Rising finishes the Visit Tucson Sun Cup in second place, its highest position in the tournament since the club began participating. RECAP | Phoenix Rising Ends Visit Tucson Sun Cup With 3-2 Win Over Real Salt Lake

In many leagues around the world, coaching opportunities are often limited to a small segment of candidates deemed to have already proven themselves, with few exceptions being made for retired players and the occasional high-profile outsider. That’s especially been the case in MLS due to the unique structure and constraints, but that might finally be changing. MLS 2020: A tipping point for foreign coaches in Major League Soccer has arrived | MLSsoccer.com

WoSo

You’re a wizard, Pernille. Or something. Reflecting on Pernille Harder after 100 caps with Wolfburg - All For XI

USA

The motions for summary judgment filed by the USWNT players and the USSF highlight the line between bad optics and bad faith. $67m in damages: The most interesting details of the latest USWNT equal pay filings – The Athletic

There won’t be a player strike amid the USWNT’s equal pay fight, because the players legally cannot take that action. That and more from a huge document dump. USWNT cannot strike; more revelations from U.S. Soccer lawsuit - Sports Illustrated

World

An amateur football player in France’s Moselle department in Lorraine has been banned for five years after biting an opponent’s penis. Amateur footballer in France banned for biting opponent's penis

Hopefully this is the year that Taitague stays healthy and makes that next step. Nick Taitague extends contract with Schalke - Stars and Stripes FC

It seems hard to believe that a forward whose signature at this point is his hard work was ever anything else. ‘Firmino’s stats were worse than my grandma!’ – Hoffenheim took calculated risk on current Liverpool star | Goal.com

Presumably hiring this lawyer will mean they put the ban off for a while before not actually getting what they want. Man City hire lawyer who twice blocked Brexit to help them stay in Europe - Mirror Online

Running down all things Canadian Men’s National Team, the biggest news is the success of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies in Europe. Rouges Reflections: No shortage of movement in the Canadian Men’s National Team landscape - Between The Sticks

Other Stuff

It involves a bison and a fish. Look, I don’t get it either. Minor League Baseball team comes up with greatest, most dangerous promotion ever - SBNation.com

Baseball and radio may as well have been made for each other, and the end of that relationship is something to be mourned in my opinion. Radio baseball broadcasts may be dying out, and that’s OK - SBNation.com

What’s on TV today?

11:30 AM - Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Union Berlin (German Bundesliga) - Fox Sports 2

12:00 PM - Liverpool vs. West Ham United (English Premier League) - NBCSN