Barca seems to making decisions entirely based on money and not soccer, players are leaving the Loons academy, plenty of stories on the Reign and players as we get closer to the kickoff for the Reign (tonight), and much more. Oh and plenty on the biggest issue in the NWSL, should they or should they not play the anthem and how the solution isn’t a real solution.

Seattle

Rapinoe said the now-repealed U.S. Soccer policy against kneeling for the anthem had a chilling effect on the USWNT. Rapinoe: Now-repealed USWNT anthem rule had chilling effect | ESPN

Starting fresh with OL Reign and seeking a regular place with the USWNT, she maintains an assured outlook influenced by her father’s journey. Sofia Huerta: Exactly where she’s supposed to be – The Athletic

The PSG defender is on loan to OL Reign for the upcoming Challenge Cup, having flown home from France amidst the ongoing pandemic. Alana Cook talks signing with OL Reign for Challenge Cup — Just Women's Sports

Nicole Momiki isn’t massively well-known outside of Japan, but she comes to OL Reign with a good reputation and a promising scoring record at the international level. Versatility, dynamic movements: How new addition Momiki could thrive with OL Reign – Equalizer Soccer

After major speculation that two of its stars were headed elsewhere, Olympique Lyonnais made sure that wouldn’t happen. Lyon wins because they’re willing to pay their players top dollar - All For XI

Joseph Cairel played with the Tacoma Stars for the majority of his professional career. Rest in Peace. San Joaquin Delta: Boater who drowned was pro soccer player

MLS

Letting go of top academy staff does cause players to leave, who knew. After cuts, Minnesota United seeing youth academy players exit – Twin Cities

If you do things in life for the right reasons, you will reap the rewards of your work. Micheal From the Ghetto | By Micheal Azira

Officially official. 2x MLS Coach of the Year and 2x MLS Cup Champion named as Lights FC Coach for the 2020 Season

NWSL

An emotional NWSL image from the weekend has reminded us that anthem protests are powerful, but also an unfair burden. National anthem should no longer be played at sporting events | Yahoo Sports

It’s creating a hostile work environment and negatively affecting performance. Stop playing the national anthem before NWSL games - All For XI

Players in the NWSL Challenge Cup now have the option of remaining in the locker room during the national anthem, the league announced. NWSL says players can stay in locker rooms while national anthem plays

Washington’s women’s pro soccer team reached a low point in 2018 with drama on and off the field. With a new culture, the team has rebounded. ‘They looked f***ing miserable’: How the Spirit recalibrated its culture – The Athletic

Any racism at all, on any level, is worth confronting, and worth exposing, and worth speaking up about. I’ve Stayed Silent for Way Too Long, By Lauren Holiday | The Players' Tribune

The NWSL’s progress in adding sponsors is even more pronounced given the league’s historical struggle to attract new partners. How the NWSL adapted to add sponsorship despite shortened season, pandemic – Equalizer Soccer

USA

American Matt Miazga will be suspended for Reading’s next three matches after getting into a fight with Derby’s Tom Lawrence following a 2-1 loss. U.S. and Reading defender Matt Miazga suspended three matches for fight

World

A study has found “evident bias” in how some football commentators describe darker-skinned players. PFA equalities executive Jason Lee wants commentators to address 'racial bias' after study | Football News | Sky Sports

Arthur was supposed to be the “next Xavi” for Barcelona but now he’s a Juve player, all in the name of balancing the books. Why would Barca do this? Barcelona swapping Arthur for Pjanic was a business move but for all the wrong reasons

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon signs a year-long contract extension that will keep him with the Serie A side until he is 43. Juventus: Gianluigi Buffon signs year-long contract extension with Serie A side - BBC Sport