As the Bundesliga ramps up to something akin to mid-season form, other leagues around the world prepare to return to action. Meanwhile, people in the US are rebelling against the systemic murder of Black people at the hands of the police following the murder of George FLoyd, and athletes everywhere join their voices in demanding for justice.

Seattle/Tacoma

If you’ve ever bought a hot dog before or after a game at either of the two downtown stadiums, chances are, you’ve met Joe. Sounders Family: Joe Bernstein, the owner of Joe's Grilled Gourmet Dogs, shares his story | Seattle Sounders FC

Playing the USLeCup, Tacoma Defiance playmaker Chino Pérez is supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters while they support our community.Pérez Playing in USL eCup for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound

OL Reign are starting group training in Montana ahead of the Challenge Cup. OL Reign Preseason Roster Update — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

MLS/USL

The Sounders feature prominently in this list, although only one entry is a positive memory. The most dramatic finishes in MLS Cup Playoffs history | Greg Seltzer | MLSsoccer.com

The LA Galaxy are once again being linked to the young Argentinian CB. Report: Alan Franco again linked to LA Galaxy, move from Independiente | MLSsoccer.com

In light of COVID-19, the need for MLS and US Youth Soccer to solve or improve the issues surrounding travel soccer has only increased. Can US Youth Soccer, MLS tackle “travel soccer” conundrum? | Charles Boehm | MLSsoccer.com

The MLS Orlando tournament moves a step closer to reality as the MLSPA approves the proposal. Sources: MLSPA approves return-to-play proposal to send to owners – The Athletic

An exploration of Johan Cruyff’s time in the US during the NASL’s heyday. Cruyff in D.C.: When the game’s greatest midfielder played in the U.S. capital – The Athletic

NWSL/WoSo

Frauen Bundesliga is restarting and the NWSL will be back in June while conservatism has crippled the English women’s game even as the EPL plans to resume. Germany rallied to save women's football – the FA should be embarrassed | The Guardian

Eight teams are left in quarter-final limbo, but UEFA will decide best way forward for its premier club competition on June 17. Uefa considers August and September tournament to complete Women's Champions League | The Telegraph

Staving off a trip to the guillotine, one day at a time. Serie A Femminile and the Coronavirus Crisis: The league might resume play and finish the season - The AC Milan Offside

The NWSL is set to return in late June with an ambitious, league-wide tournament. NWSL return plan: How testing, tracing will work in Utah - Sports Illustrated

LFC Women may have been saved from relegation, but they’re still losing players. Two More LFC Women Players To Leave The Club - The Liverpool Offside

USA

The top 12 teams in the region could have the inside track at the World Cup. Report: New Concacaf World Cup qualifying format to create 12-team upper tier - Stars and Stripes FC

With some caveats thrown in, Jesse Marsch became the first American* manager to win a European trophy. Jesse Marsch wins first European trophy with Red Bull Salzburg in Austrian Cup triumph | MLSsoccer.com

“Even when I watch the highlight today I get choked up, because it was so incredible,” Megan Rapinoe hit a perfect cross to Abby Wambach in the 2011 World Cup - Outsports

World

You couldn’t pinpoint a more ludicrous couple of weeks for Mexican football if you tried Cruz Azul owners being investigated for money laundering, links to organized crime - FMF State Of Mind

The WNBA remains the most outspoken professional league in the US, and this essay from Natasha Cloud is another great example of a person from the league using their platform to speak truth to power. Mystics Guard Natasha Cloud: ‘Your silence is a knee on my neck.’ - Outsports

Valencia CF are none too happy to learn that Gian Piero Gasperini, coach of Atalanta, apparently was suffering from symptoms similar to those associated with coronavirus when the two teams met for the Champions League round of 16. Official statement - Valencia Club de Fútbol

Rhian Brewster joins the chorus of voices calling out for justice for George Floyd. Black Lives Matter. Rhian Brewster Speaks Out On Justice For George Floyd - The Liverpool Offside

Several Bundesliga players joined the protest to demand justice for George Floyd’s murder. Bundesliga players demand justice for the death of George Floyd - AS.com

What’s on TV today?

7:00 AM - Midtjyalland vs Horsens (Danish Super Liga) - ESPN+

11:30 AM - Köln vs RB Leipzig (Bundesliga) - Fox Sports 2