It’s a good weekend for soccer in the Puget Sound when all three of OL Reign, the Seattle Sounders, and Tacoma Defiance get positive results and score goals. In that OL Reign draw Madison Hammond made history when she subbed into the game. Elsewhere, Gonzalo Higuain had a terrible first MLS experience, and FIFA suspended the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.

Seattle/Tacoma

Forward spoke candidly about anxiety and confidence on Twitter during NWSL Challenge Cup. Tackling the stigma: Bethany Balcer opens up about anxiety and mental health as an athlete

She is the first Native American woman to sign a professional contract with a NWSL club. BBC World Service - Sportshour, Madison Hammond: I didn’t think I’d be the first anything in sport

The Reign are hoping to raise money to support Washington’s Black community through NWSL community shield award. “We’re really playing for our community,” said first-year Reign midfielder Dani Weatherholt. Dani Weatherholt and the Reign playing for more than wins in NWSL Fall Series: ‘We’re really playing for our community’ | The Seattle Times

We’re just all glad to see some goals. OL Reign Fights Way to Road Draw in Utah — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

OL Reign Academy players will have to write an essay which will be reviewed by a panel of first team players, including Jasmyne Spencer, Dani Weatherholt, Steph Cox, Amber Brooks, and Madison Hammond. OL Reign Academy Announces Boeing Scholarship Program — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

Ethan Dobbelaere kicked things off with his first competitive goal as a professional. TACOMA DEFIANCE RETURNS HOME, BEATS PORTLAND 2-1 - Tacoma Defiance

They’re going to the ship! WNBA playoffs: Breanna Stewart leads Storm to sweep of Lynx

The Sounders bounced back after a frustrating loss to Portland. LA Galaxy 1, Seattle Sounders 3 | 2020 MLS Match Recap | MLSsoccer.com

MLS/USL

Absolutely unacceptable behavior. LA Galaxy II’s Omar Ontiveros suspended 6 games after using racial slur - LAG Confidential

Red Bull founder Mateschitz reported to be part of negotiations to bring Struber to New York. Reports: Red Bulls pay €2 million fee to sign manager Gerhard Struber from Barnsley - Once A Metro

It’s a nice stadium. Switchbacks Release Video Flythrough of New Stadium

The final piece of steel for the new Switchbacks FC downtown stadium was put in place Friday. Switchbacks FC holds "Topping Out" ceremony

Higuain missed a penalty, got dunked on, almost got in a fight, and lost. Oh, and he got rained on the whole time. Here's how Gonzalo Higuain fared on his Inter Miami debut | MLSsoccer.com

I’m not an expert, but this seems incredibly bad for a professional soccer team. Thierry Henry: Montreal Impact heading back home after RBNY match, but they can't train | MLSsoccer.com

Inter Miami will probably need to figure out how to open a DP spot for next year. Inter Miami CF reportedly interested in Dutch international attacker Steven Berghuis | MLSsoccer.com

USL League One and the National Independent Soccer Association are facing serious travel issues trying to conduct their seasons during the pandemic. Flying by: Soccer wars leave D3 clubs racking up miles, and costs | US Soccer Players

Bundesliga club Hoffenheim is forming a partnership with MLS side FC Cincinnati to expand its international network. German side Hoffenheim partnering with FC Cincinnati | Yahoo Sports

An international window in the middle of a pandemic raises all sorts of problems for teams in the US. MLS clubs facing conundrum over releasing players for October FIFA dates – The Athletic

NWSL/WoSo

Steph Catley on another former Reign player: “I’ve been re-inspired by Kim Little,” she says of the Arsenal captain. “I played with her in Melbourne when I was fairly young, so I’m not sure I got the full grasp of how good she is. She’s one of the most talented players I’ve ever played with. Couples that train together… meet Arsenal’s Steph Catley and Sutton’s Bouzanis – The Athletic

Manchester United’s new signing on her ‘relentless mentality’ and finding her voice in the fight for racial justice Christen Press: 'I chose No 24 with a little nod to Kobe Bryant' | Manchester United Women | The Guardian

Chicago Red Stars defender Sarah Gorden wants to go beyond the social media statements and T-shirts to do something to really lift up Black lives. NWSL star Sarah Gorden launches non-profit to help Black girls | CBC Sports

It’s going to take a lot of buy-in to get through what Utah are dealing with. Utah Royals are buying in to interim coach Amy LePeilbet - The Salt Lake Tribune

I relate to this kind of procrastination on a deep, spiritual level. Late Crystal Thomas goal gives Washington Spirit 1-1 draw at Chicago Red Stars - Black And Red United

USA

“He was calm. He was safe. He gave a good performance.” Pep Guardiola Praises Zach Steffen’s Manchester City Debut - Bitter and Blue

World

Explosive stuff from the skipper. Lionel Messi blasts Barcelona after Luis Suarez exit - Barca Blaugranes

Don’t think about the economics at play in the Colombian’s arrival at Everton. Just enjoy it. James Rodríguez Is Here to Entertain You - The New York Times

The Bureau of the FIFA Council today suspended the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) with immediate effect due to grave violations of the FIFA Statutes. FIFA suspends the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association - FIFA.com

Tactically speaking, I don’t think you want to give up three goals. West Brom 3-3 Chelsea, Premier League: Tactical Analysis - We Ain't Got No History

“I enjoy setting up goals. You get a good feeling from it.” Robertson analyses his game: How to be a left-back for Klopp’s Liverpool – The Athletic

What’s on TV today?

9:00 AM - Juarez vs Toluca (Liga MX Feminil) - TUDN

9:45 AM - Fulham vs Aston Villa (EPL) - Peacock

11:30 AM - Paderborn vs Hamburger SV (2.Bundesliga) - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Bologna vs Parma (Serie A) - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Liverpool vs Arsenal (EPL) - Peacock