Seattle

OL Reign use their only pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft to select the Texas A&M and México left back in the second round. México and Texas A&M left back Jimena López selected by OL Reign in NWSL Draft - FMF State Of Mind

MLS

Know who would be an every-game starter for a club with MLS Cup aspirations? DeAndre Yedlin. There have been tons of rumors and reports over the past couple of months that the former Seattle Homegrown is on his way out of Newcastle as his contract winds down (it expires this summer). Top of the shopping list for each MLS Western Conference team | Armchair Analyst | MLSsoccer.com

On-loan Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo has told ESPN he would be interested in playing Major League Soccer before he retires. Man Utd's Ighalo keen on future MLS transfer, Old Trafford stint a dream come true

Well, here’s what you’ve been hoping for. A potent clickbait cocktail of hot takes, cherry-picked stats and gut instinct driven entirely by bias. It isn’t that bad...largely because he takes a shot at Portland. Five teams set to jump forward in 2021 — and five that might drop back | J. Sam Jones | MLSsoccer.com

The Montreal Impact unveiled a major identity change on Thursday, announcing a new name and brand image transformation. Club de Foot Montréal: Team unveils new name and brand identity | MLSsoccer.com

Toronto FC have appointed Chris Armas as their next head coach, the club announced Wednesday. Armas replaces Greg Vanney after the now-LA Galaxy head coach left the club in December. Official: Toronto FC name Chris Armas head coach | MLSsoccer.com

A deeper look at MLS’s collective bargaining offer that commissioner Don Garber frames as “really fair” to the players. Garber offers MLS view on CBA negotiations: Our takeaways – The Athletic

Heaps added, “Prior to moving forward, we had extensive conversations with Junior and his former coaches and teammates to better understand his character on and off the field. In addition, we spoke with Collin Martin and Landon Donovan to get their perspective on Legion FC giving Junior this opportunity.” Legion FC Signs Forward Junior Flemmings

USA

Twelve new mini-pitches, with Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC) and Black Players for Change (BPC) leading the way, are being created in communities nationwide. Black Women’s Players Collective joins Black Players for Change in mini-pitch initiative | MLSsoccer.com

“Unleashing a white supremacist mob is nothing new to America,” said Rapinoe, who has a long history of clashing with Trump. “People of color, black and brown, know that very well.” Megan Rapinoe takes a free kick at President Donald Trump in return to U.S. women’s soccer team

Two former Sounders are first time eligible (Shalrie Joseph and Seb Le Toux) and Clive Charles is on the Builders Nominee List (any one not voting for Clive should give up their ability to vote). All Eligible Candidates for 2021 National Soccer Hall of Fame Election Announced | National Soccer Hall of Fame

Former United States goalkeeper Hope Solo discusses equal pay for female footballers on The Players podcast. Hope Solo: Former US goalkeeper on why 'sacrifice has to be made' in fight for equal pay - BBC Sport

World

On to some better news, Bayern Munich made a big donation on the proceeds generated from its “Human Race” jersey. Bayern Munich donates €100K to SOS Children’s Villages - Bavarian Football Works

German Cup Holders Bayern Munich suffer shock exit at the hands of second-tier Holstein Kiel after penalty shootout defeat; Marc Roca had his effort saved and Fin Bartels slotted in the winning penalty. Holstein Kiel 2-2 Bayern Munich (6-5 on pens): German Cup holders dumped out by second-tier opponents | Football News | Sky Sports

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has called Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a “hypocrite” over his penalty jibe and said his players also dive. Liverpool's Klopp is a 'hypocrite' over penalty jibe, his players dive too - former referee Clattenburg

Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier will continue to serve a 10-week ban for betting breaches in England after the FA fails to push back its dates. Kieran Tripper betting ban: FA fails to push back Atletico Madrid defender's suspension - BBC Sport

Lazio have said their financial department mistakenly listed two payments worth €11m for Pedro Neto to Sporting Lisbon rather than Sporting Braga. Lazio accounts list payments for Pedro Neto to wrong club | Football | The Guardian

What’s on Today?

8:30 AM (Yeah...sorry I was late) - Sassuolo v. SPAL - Coppa Italia - ESPN+

11:00 AM - Twente v. Ajax - Eredivisie - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Arsenal v. Crystal Palace - English Premier League - NBCSN

12:00 PM - Real Madrid v. Athletic Club Bilbao - Supercopa de Espana - ESPN+, ESPN Deportes

12:15 PM - Atalanta v. Cagliari - Coppa Italia - ESPN+