OL Reign will miss out on a chance to be on national TV with their game against the Portland Thorns postponed due to the impact of smoke from wild fires. The Sounders went on a romp, and big moves are happening in both directions between MLS and Europe.

Seattle/Tacoma

Postponement is the right call. Stay safe. Match Against Portland Postponed Due to Poor Air Quality from Wildfires — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

Seattle Sounders go on record-setting goal barrage vs San Jose Earthquakes | MLSsoccer.com
The Seattle Sounders set and tied some records as they ran over San Jose on Thursday night.

Recap: Seattle Sounders FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes 09/11/2020 | Matchcenter
A late penalty that shouldn't have been called was maybe the lone blemish on a spectacular night for Seattle.

MLS/USL

The report says the baseline cost is $325 million. Report: RSL sale price starting at $500m - RSL Soapbox

Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain is closer to leaving Juventus for Inter Miami after agreeing to terms with the MLS club. He would join former teammate Blaise Matuidi. Juventus’ Gonzalo Higuain agrees to terms with Inter Miami | Miami Herald

An important retelling. COUNTING HIS BLESSINGS: Repost: Timbers assistant coach Llamosa recounts how he survived the first WTC bombing - Front Row Soccer

The former Sounder’s impact is expanding well beyond his contributions to any one team or the league itself. Micheal Azira formally launches Azira Micheal Youth Foundation and continues work with Ugandan youth | Chicago Fire FC

Darren Sawatzky, an important part of the early days of the Sounders Academy, led his side to a 4-0 record in August. Richmond’s Sawatzky Named League One’s Coach of the Month

Nashville SC have a new DP, with the club announcing they acquired striker Jhonder Cadiz on loan from Portuguese giants Benfica. Nashville SC signs Benfica striker Jhonder Cadiz on loan as Designated Player | ESPN

Columbus promoted from within when they made Kelvin Jones their new academy director, bucking a trend of sorts that has seen MLS teams look abroad to fill such roles. Columbus Crew SC name experienced youth coach Kelvin Jones as academy director | MLSsoccer.com

Keeping tabs on the many players from MLS academies now plying their trade in Europe. MLS academy, Homegrown exports season outlooks | Greg Seltzer | MLSsoccer.com

Things haven’t exactly been great in Vancouver for a while, so a shakeup in the front office is probably sorely needed. Whitecaps FC announce new organizational alignment | Vancouver Whitecaps FC

NWSL/WoSo

The team will start in the 8th division, with plans to reach the top division within a decade. Official: BVB Launches Womens Team - Fear The Wall

It’s still too early for NWSL fans to panic about the sudden rash of high-profile player moves to the FA WSL and other European leagues. Competition for players and viewers can be a positive for NWSL, FA WSL – The Athletic ($)

The former BYU and Alta High player returns to her roots. Michele Vasconcelos traded from Chicago Red Stars to Utah Royals FC - RSL Soapbox

The worst kept secret in women’s soccer was finally announced as United seal the deal on a pair of long-awaited signings. Tobin Heath and Christen Press join Manchester United - Stars and Stripes FC

USA

The long-term partnership aims to lower barriers of access for children of color. MORE THAN $1 MILLION PLEDGED TO CREATE 12 MINI-PITCHES HONORING BLACK PLAYERS FOR CHANGE — KICKSTARTING LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION – Black Players For Change

Juventus seemingly came out of nowhere to sign the USA midfielder, while there’s another young American ready to join the first team with Schalke. Weston McKennie: Full details of Juventus's move for Schalke star - Sports Illustrated

Major League Soccer changing its position on collecting training compensation and solidarity payments re-raises an old issue in American soccer. Training compensation and solidarity payments once again at issue | US Soccer Players

Weston McKennie could be getting an American friend in Italy. Report: Gianluca Busio attracting interest from European clubs - Stars and Stripes FC

World

Guild Esports intends to field teams to compete in four global online games including FIFA and Fortnite. David Beckham's esports team to be floated on London Stock Exchange

Things at Newcastle are messy. Newcastle takeover: Approval was expected on Tuesday. Fury followed on Wednesday – The Athletic

After a chat with his manager, Wijnaldum seems to have decided to stick with the best team in the world. Gini Wijnaldum Reportedly Does Not Want to Join Barcelona - The Liverpool Offside

Culture

Dungeons & Dragons’ Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden is a demanding adventure, even for experienced Dungeon Masters to run. It’s an epic, advanced module that throws everything at the party over 11 levels of play. D&D’s next adventure will test even the best Dungeon Masters - Polygon

What’s on TV today?

11:45 AM - Watford vs Middlesbrough (English Championship) - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Eintracht Braunschweig vs Hertha BSC (DFB Pokal) - ESPN3

2:00 PM - Cruz Azul vs Tigres UANL (Liga MX Femenil) - TUDN

4:30 PM - Charleston Battery vs Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship) - ESPN+

5:00 PM - Baylor vs TCU (NCAA Women’s Soccer) - ESPN+

5:00 PM - Texas vs Kansas (NCAA Women’s Soccer) - ESPN App

5:00 PM - Tormenta vs Union Omaha (USL1) - ESPN+

5:30 PM - Necaxa vs C.d. Guadalajara (Liga MX) - TUDN

7:30 PM - Juárez vs Puebla (Liga MX) - TUDN

7:30 PM - Phoenix Rising vs Las Vegas Lights FC (USL Championship) - ESPN+