Puget Sound

Seattle is one of 17 U.S. cities still under consideration to host matches. FIFA confirms timeline for FIFA World Cup 2026 venue selection process - FIFA.com

The Huskies men’s soccer team has eight home games and seven road games on the schedule, playing each Pac-12 team twice in a home-and-home series as Washington defends its conference crown. Washington Men’s Soccer Sets 2021 Schedule - University of Washington Athletics

Jean-Michel Aulas has hinted that Dzsenifer Marozsan, Sarah Bouhaddi and Wendie Renard could leave Lyon for OL Reign in the future. Lyon chief Aulas hints Marozdan, Bouhaddi & Renard could join OL Reign | Goal.com

MLS / USL

Despite claims of hardship, many indicators seem to point to MLS owners instigating the latest CBA talks for reasons other than necessity. MLS CBA talks: A league necessity or owner opportunism? – The Athletic ($)

Chicago is opting for a lot more transparency and communication after taking a mulligan on their first crest redesign. A Crest For All Chicago Project Updates | Chicago Fire FC

NWSL / women’s sports

2020 was a year of loss and uncertainty for almost everyone worldwide. For Kristie Mewis it was the year that ignited the rise in her career. The Rise of Kristie Mewis – Her Football Hub

The veteran of two US pro leagues will be back for at least two more seasons. Sky Blue FC signs midfielder McCall Zerboni to two-year contract – Sky Blue FC

The third USWNT star to sign with Man City, Dahlkemper is part of a growing contingent seeking club opportunities abroad. Abby Dahlkemper: USWNT defender on her Man City move, Olympics - Sports Illustrated

The left-back wants to see more clubs following Reading’s lead and open up their stadia to their women’s teams. ‘Worse than amateurs’ - Reading Women’s Emma Mitchell calls for equal treatment for all WSL teams - Berkshire Live

López joins Charlyn Corral, Kenti Robles, and others playing in Primera Iberdrola. Mexico left back Jiména López signs with SD Eibar, opts out of playing with NWSL’s OL Reign - FMF State Of Mind

TIG staff voice their complete commitment to supporting Eleni Demestihas and anyone else who has been harassed, attacked, or otherwise harmed by the actions of people who are not and will never be on the side of inclusion, diversity, and human decency. A statement from the Ice Garden - The Ice Garden

US soccer

Crystal Dunn is a recognized member of the USWNT, but she is not the face of women’s soccer. After 105 caps and seven years as a professional athlete, Dunn is setting out to change that. What’s Soccer Pro Crystal Dunn’s Next Chapter? Fighting For The Recognition She Deserves

It’s not a sure thing just yet — and he’s not one to count on it until the opening whistle actually blows at Exploria Stadium come Sunday — but given the experience and makeup of Gregg Berhalter’s 25-player squad, Matt Turner appears to be days away from his USMNT debut. US men’s national team “dream” nears for goalkeeper Matt Turner after unlikely rise to the top | MLSsoccer.com

World soccer

ESPN trying to acquire La Liga rights for U.S. market, sources say - World Soccer Talk

Thomas Tuchel is appointed Chelsea’s new manager on an 18-month contract after the sacking of Frank Lampard. Chelsea appoint former PSG manager Thomas Tuchel after sacking Lampard - BBC Sport

Tuchel is likely to be a popular appointment in the Chelsea dressing room. Thomas Tuchel: Chelsea manager known as control freak, power player and visionary - BBC Sport

Manchester City are the latest side to rout West Brom at The Hawthorns as Pep Guardiola’s side go top of the table. Manchester City hammer West Brom, 5-0 - BBC Sport

Steve Bruce says he may be on his worst run of results in 20 years as a manager, but is encouraged by his Newcastle side’s second-half display in the home defeat to Leeds. Leeds manager Steve Bruce finds encouragement in midst of worst run of his career - BBC Sport

West Ham are leading the race to sign England midfielder Jesse Lingard on loan from Manchester United. West Ham lead race for Man Utd midfielder Jesse Lingard - BBC Sport

Football authorities seek to clarify a law that allowed Bernardo Silva to score a highly controversial goal for Manchester City against Aston Villa. Man City ‘offside’ goal against Aston Villa would now be penalised, says Premier League - BBC Sport

Jose Mourinho says Tottenham will “not give up any competition” after overcoming a stubborn Wycombe side to reach the FA Cup fifth round. Wycombe Wanderers 1-4 Tottenham: Jose Mourinho wants to fight in every competition - BBC Sport

The coronavirus pandemic is forecast to cost Europe’s 20 richest football clubs over £1.7bn by the end of this season. Pandemic set to cost top clubs over £1.7bn - BBC Sport

Oscar reminisces about playing with Didier Drogba, working with José Mourinho and making eight slide tackles in one game. Oscar: ‘I would like to return to Chelsea to end my career’ | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

8:45 AM: Atalanta vs. Lazio (Coppa Italia) — ESPN+

10:00 AM: Burnley vs. Aston Villa (Premier League) — Peacock

10:00 AM: Chelsea vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League) — Peacock

10:00 AM: Sevilla vs. Valencia (Copa del Rey) — ESPN+

11:00 AM: VVV vs. Vitesse (Eredivisie) — ESPN+

11:30 AM: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham (Premier League) — Peacock

11:45 AM: Juventus vs. SPAL (Coppa Italia) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Hibernian vs. Rangers (Scottish Premiership) — ESPN+

12:00 PM: Heerenveen vs. Feyenoord (Eredivisie) — ESPN+

12:00 PM: Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona (Copa del Rey) — ESPN+

12:00 PM: Almeria vs. Osasuna (Copa del Rey) — ESPN+

12:15 PM: Everton vs. Leicester City (Premier League) — Peacock

12:15 PM: Manchester United vs. Sheffield United (Premier League) — NBCSN