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Major Link Soccer: Sacramento is getting an NWSL team

Team 11 for the league will be the California capitol.

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MLS: Fan Celebration Event D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Did Messi refuse to give Alphonso Davies his shirt? Bayern Munich kept running through Champions League. Davies’s Canada and the USMNT learned their schedules for the 2022 World Cup Qualifying. And much more.

Seattle

With the massive changes Seattle has seen in recent years, is the “freeze” going away? A new poll from PEMCO sought to answer just that. What freeze? New poll shows Seattleites are enjoying their neighbors more than they used to

Maven, the Seattle-based media company that publishes Sports Illustrated, is being sued by Meredith Corp., the former owner of the longstanding magazine. Seattle-based Sports Illustrated publisher Maven sued by former magazine owner Meredith Corp - GeekWire

Seattle’s first three games at CenturyLink Field will be played without fans in attendance. Seahawks Will Play At Least First Three Home Games Without Fans

There could be some fry bread pizza coming soon. Owners of Off the Rez Have Bought Neapolitan Pizzeria Via Tribunali - Eater Seattle

MLS/USL

There won’t be a supporter’s section, but there will be banners. Atlanta United preparing for no fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Former Sounder Jordan Schweitzer “also added his name to that list in the 63rd minute, as Asante was able to pick out the midfielder’s run from the side of the box for the easy tap-in finish to make it 3-0 in Rising’s favor.” Rising FC throttles LA Galaxy II in 4th consecutive win to stay atop Group B

He made his debut last week for Forward Madison in USL League One. Meet St. Paul’s Michael Vang, the first Hmong man to play pro soccer in the U.S. – Twin Cities

However, the $20 million option to buy on Pavon’s current loan is far too costly for the Galaxy. Report: Cristian Pavon could return to Boca Juniors after LA Galaxy loan due to high fee | MLSsoccer.com

NWSL/WoSo

NWSL standouts like Rose Lavelle and Samantha Mewis are looking to take advantage of a unique contract-related benefit, and this could start a bigger trend. Coronavirus: Could USWNT stars leaving NWSL for Europe be a trend? | Yahoo Sports

Three straight articles on what is coming to the NWSL: more top flight soccer could be coming soon. Source: Sacramento Republic in ongoing conversations to land NWSL team - Indomitable City Soccer

The league will now have 11 teams for 2021. NWSL expands to Sacramento in 2021 - All For XI

After nearly getting an agreement across the finish line late last year, the league is finalizing a deal with the Sacramento Republic FC ownership group. Sources: NWSL to add Sacramento team for 2021 season – The Athletic ($)

Wiegman was speaking at her first press conference in charge of England and believes Europe is closing the gap on the world champions. England head coach Sarina Wiegman says World Cup winners USWNT are beatable | The Telegraph

The tournament begins with the quarterfinals that kick off Friday. Notable teams involved include Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and four-time reigning champion Lyon. CBS All Access to broadcast UEFA Women’s Champions League tournament

USA

Featuring a trip to Mexico in January 2022. USMNT learns World Cup qualifying schedule - Stars and Stripes FC

The Schalke midfielder is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League, but Southampton are at the head of the queue. Southampton lead race for USMNT's Weston McKennie - sources

Giovanni Reyna has told ESPN he was never going to snub the USMNT, as well as talking up his excitement at linking up with Christian Pulisic. Gio Reyna on USMNT hopes, Pulisic link-up: 'It wouldn't feel right' to snub my country

World

Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies said Lionel Messi wouldn’t give him his shirt after Barcelona’s 8-2 loss to the German champions. Messi wouldn't give me shirt after Barca thrashing - Bayern's Davies

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is cleared by the world governing body’s ethics committee of violating its regulations. Gianni Infantino: Fifa closes ethics violation case against president - BBC Sport

Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies says reaching the Champions League final is “a dream come true.” Champions League: Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies says reaching final 'dream come true' - BBC Sport

The FA gave approval to the return of a small number of fans in certain non-league divisions, with Mark Bullingham, the organisation’s chief executive, suggesting the move was essential for the survival of the game at that level. FA allows crowds at some non-league grounds but England fans must wait | The FA | The Guardian

Serge Gnabry spent time on loan at West Brom from Arsenal, but is now starring for Bayern Munich. Serge Gnabry: Arsenal and West Brom reject, who Tony Pulis thought wasn't good enough, stars again in Champions League after tormenting Chelsea and Tottenham | TalkSport

What’s on TV?

2:00 PM - Cruz Azul v. Atlas - Liga MX Femenil - TUDN

4:00 PM - NY Red Bulls v. NYCFC - MLS - ESPN+

4:30 PM - Columbus Crew v. Chicago Fire - MLS - ESPN+

4:30 PM - New England Revolution v. Philadelphia Union - MLS - ESPN+

5:00 PM - FC Edmonton v. Cavalry FC - Canadian Premier League - FS2

7:00 PM - Cancun v. Tampico Madero - Liga de Expansion MX - TUDN

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