Puget Sound

Family obligations led to an extended absence, but Cox has been a key player for OL Reign since her return. After years away, Steph Cox is thankful to lead OL Reign in Challenge Cup – The Athletic ($)

From 2006-2009, Michelle Betos tied for the most wins as a goalkeeper in Georgia soccer history. Former Georgia goalkeeper Michelle Betos competes inside NWSL bubble | Sports | redandblack.com

Bethany Balcer highlighted the need to keep player wellbeing at the forefront amidst a grueling tournament. The physical and mental toll of the Challenge Cup’s preliminary round – The Athletic ($)

Bring Seafair To Me - Week 1 VOTING | Seattle’s Sports Radio 950 KJR | Seattle Seafair

NWSL / women’s soccer

The logistics of the NWSL bubble were complicated enough, but kids have added another layer. Parent life in the NWSL Challenge Cup bubble - All For XI

The network said it is thrilled with the quality and excitement of the NWSL Challenge Cup and the reception of fans to network’s coverage of the event. CBS “thrilled” with NWSL Challenge Cup | SportBusiness

The artist formerly known as Proof Louisville has a new name, crest and colors. NWSL expansion team Racing Louisville FC unveil branding - All For XI

142 applications were received for the role. FA to start interviews for England Women manager role after huge interest | The Guardian

US soccer

Dunn and Pinto have an honest conversation about navigating life as Black female soccer players. Crystal Dunn and Brianna Pinto talk about being Black soccer players - Stars and Stripes FC

In America, tanking is rewarded in the form of high draft picks. Well, the Premier League is a lot of fun to watch because of the threat of relegation. What if American sports stopped tanking and adopted relegation? | MyNorthwest.com

World soccer

Rethinking how teams use locker rooms and how these spaces are designed are key components to sports limiting spread of coronavirus. With sports returning, what happens to the locker room and clubhouse? – The Athletic ($)

Leaders Real Madrid move to within one win of the La Liga title after surviving a scare against Granada. Real Madrid two points from La Liga title - BBC Sport

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his team deserve an apology after the club successfully overturned their ban from European club competitions. Guardiola says club deserve an apology - BBC Sport

Wigan Athletic scored seven first-half goals to stun relegation-threatened Hull City before equalling the biggest victory in Championship history. Wigan put eight past Hull City - BBC Sport

An invitation to Liverpool’s title parade has capped an unforgettable 24 hours for Wycombe forward Adebayo Akinfenwa. Wycombe’s Adebayo Akinfenwa invited to Liverpool title parade by Klopp | The Guardian

The veteran commentator was unceremoniously let go after 22 years. Clive Tyldesley ‘baffled and upset’ after replacement as ITV lead commentator | The Guardian

Saudi Arabia have banned beIN Sport, which has the rights to broadcast the Premier League in the Middle East, from operating in the country. Saudi Arabia bans beIN Sport from broadcasting in country - BBC Sport

The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed the punishment for abusing members of the Afghanistan WNT. Former Afghan football chief Keramuudin Karim has life ban upheld | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

Today only, all four EPL games are free on Peacock to celebrate the launch of the new streaming service.

9:00 AM: Brentford vs. Preston North End (English Championship) — ESPN+

10:00 AM: Burnley vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League) — Peacock

10:00 AM: Manchester City vs. AFC Bournemouth (Premier League) — Peacock

10:00 AM: Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) — Peacock

12:15 PM: Arsenal vs. Liverpool (Premier League) — Peacock

10:30 AM: Sampdoria vs. Cagliara (Serie A) — ESPN

10:30 AM: Bologna vs. Napoli (Serie A) — ESPN+

10:30 AM: Milan vs. Parma (Serie A) — ESPN+

12:45 PM: Lecce vs. Fiorentina (Serie A) — ESPN

12:45 PM: Roma vs. Hellas Verona (Serie A) — ESPN+

12:45 PM: Sassuolo vs. Juventus (Serie A) — ESPN+

12:45 PM: Udinese vs. Lazio (Serie A) — ESPN+

6:00 PM: El Paso Locomotive vs. New Mexico United (USL Championship) — ESPN+