There’s been plenty of news over the weekend, from new signings to details about expansion in MLS. Nothing, at least in the Puget Sound region, is likely to top the increasing likelihood that Jordan Morris is going to get his chance to test himself in Europe. A loan to Swansea City in the English Championship seems to be his first stop, and while it hardly seems ideal, I’m sure I won’t be the only one grateful for an ESPN+ subscription that should help in keeping up with his time in Wales.

Seattle/Tacoma

Madison Hammond is the first Native American woman to play in the NWSL. She’s working hard to make sure she’s just the first in a long line. Madison Hammond is blazing a new path for American soccer

Dave Clark joins the fellas of Flounders B-Team. Blasé Faire: Not A Great Strategy, Cotton — Flounders B-Team

On page 31 you’ll find that the official beer of ECS is also the best juicy pale ale. Sip's 9th Annual Best of the NW Issue

Jordan Morris is headed to stage in Europe with the hope of earning a permanent job in a bigger kitchen, if you will. Jordan Morris: Seattle Sounders forward set to make Swansea City transfer - The Athletic

MLS/USL

Henry knows a thing or two about an impassioned response to a rebrand–and the best way to get all on board. Montreal Impact rebrand: Thierry Henry on CF Montreal's new name - Sports Illustrated

Former pro GK to also serve as director of goalkeeping. Sacramento Republic hire Matt Glaeser as assistant head coach - Indomitable City Soccer

The tale of a once great American soccer club appears set for another turn. Midfield Press » Cosmos For Sale? Out For 2021, Club Appears Unlikely To Return Under Commisso Ownership

Good news for Atlanta fans. Josef Martinez is happy and ready for the 2021 season - Dirty South Soccer

Three Sounders Academy products are eligible. MLS SuperDraft 2021 eligible players, Generation adidas signings announced | MLSsoccer.com

What MLS needed was a manager who looks like he has very strong opinions on vinyl and coffee. DC United reportedly lining up Argentine Hernan Losada as next head coach | MLSsoccer.com

There’s not a ton of evidence for their confidence, but Toronto seems to believe that Chris Armas is the coach to take them to the next level. Why Toronto FC hired Chris Armas – The Athletic

City Group is acquiring new clubs and apparently getting ready to drop serious cash on a signing for NYCFC. Franco Cervi mais perto do New York City - Benfica - Jornal Record

David Beckham is hiring his friend, presumably in an effort to help out the England Women’s team. Phil Neville, Chris Henderson to join Inter Miami | Miami Herald

NWSL/WoSo

Some details emerge, but still waiting to get the full picture. What we know about the Sacramento NWSL team - Indomitable City Soccer

LaHue was already planning to go shopping this offseason. A bigger-than-expected haul of allocation money from the draft “may open up some different opportunities” for her and the team. Sky Blue FC GM Alyse LaHue is ready to spend money on signings

How often do any of us get to see the exact cost of our mistakes? Sky Blue FC Acquires Midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe From Racing Louisville FC

The Fran Kirby Show continues. Chelsea FCW 2-1 Manchester United WFC, WSL: Post-match reaction - We Ain't Got No History

USA

The US hasn’t been represented in the men’s tournament at the Olympics in over a decade. Can Jason Kreis and his team put an end to that? Three big questions facing the United States at Concacaf Olympic qualifiers | Charles Boehm | MLSsoccer.com

What to expect from the Colombians when they face the USWNT this week. USWNT vs. Colombia, 2021 friendly: Scouting Colombia - Stars and Stripes FC

A bit of blue sky thinking on the current crop of American men abroad. Six predictions for American exports in 2021 | Greg Seltzer | MLSsoccer.com

“Details” is maybe a generous description of this. USWNT star Horan details 'miserable' battle with Covid-19 | Goal.com

We all want to see Catarina Macario. Please let us see Catarina Macario. USA vs. Colombia: what to watch for - Stars and Stripes FC

Another American joins Manchester City. Manchester City Women Announce Signing Of USA Defender - Bitter and Blue

Tori Penso, Allan Chapman and Tim Ford join the panel. Three PRO officials make their FIFA international panel debut in 2021 – Professional Referee Organization

World

A Premier League player says it will be difficult to avoid breaking new goal-celebration rules, which follow a rise in Covid-19 cases in England. Covid-19: 'It will be hard not to celebrate,' says Premier League player - BBC Sport

The family of Nobby Stiles have become ambassadors for a new charity launched by the families of former football and rugby players who have been diagnosed with dementia. Families of former football and rugby players launch dementia charity | Concussion in sport | The Guardian

Who doesn’t love a bit of mascot chat? Premier League mascots reveal stories from inside the suit – The Athletic

All the details, you know, in case you slept through it. Digging Deeper Into Liverpool’s Goalless Draw With Manchester United - The Liverpool Offside

Culture

For better or worse, we’re headed to the second age of Middle-Earth. Everything We Know About Amazon's LORD OF THE RINGS TV Series - Nerdist
A Lord of the Rings series could be a Game of Thrones-sized cultural event, a show that busts through the gates and takes everyone by surprise. - Nerdist

What’s on TV today?

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

11:45 AM - Cagliari vs Milan (Serie A) - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Arsenal vs Newcastle United (EPL) - NBCSN

4:00 PM - USWNT vs Colombia (International Friendly) - FS1