Puget Sound

27th ranked Adrian, representing the Sounders, is a rookie on the eMLS circuit. New York Red Bulls start 2021 season on top| MLSsoccer.com

Seattle’s eMLS pro played Vancouver, KC, Cinci, and had a bye last night. 2021 eMLS League Series One Schedule and Results | MLSsoccer.com

Within the league office, sources said officials have floated the price tag of $2.5 billion each for two expansion teams in the near future. Such a haul could mean about $160 million per team, a windfall that could wipe out the massive debt load that’s piling up, and that alone has perked interest in the expansion path. What a potential Timberwolves sale means for NBA expansion | ESPN

MLS / USL

MLS won’t ask its players to take another COVID-19-related pay cut in 2021, but it wants to extend its CBA by two additional years, sources told Yahoo Sports. MLS won't ask players to take another COVID-19-related pay cut, instead wants to extend CBA - sources | Yahoo Sports

If you think MLS salary cap rules should be even more convoluted, you’re in for a treat! MLS CBA: Breaking down the league’s latest proposal – The Athletic ($)

The former defender returns to the club, looking to return to glory days. LA Galaxy hire Greg Vanney as next head coach - LAG Confidential

One of the very best head coaches is joining up. Greg Vanney the right choice to be LA Galaxy head coach - LAG Confidential

The 32-year-old hasn’t played a competitive match since March and the MLS side are the frontrunners to sign him. Exclusive: Mesut Ozil in negotiations with MLS side DC United - football.london

We run it through Jason Anderson’s rumor debunker. Does today’s rumor mean that Mesut Ozil is coming to D.C. United? - Black And Red United

The COVID-19 pandemic ruined plans to have White call Fire matches in 2020, but it could finally happen this summer. Arlo White is back on board to call Chicago Fire matches in 2021 - Hot Time In Old Town

It’s time for the first eMLS event of the year, as representatives from every MLS team get set to compete in eMLS League Series One on January 16-17. eMLS League Series One preview: How to watch, stream and follow the action | MLSsoccer.com

NWSL / women’s soccer

The new National Women’s Soccer League team continues to prepare for its inaugural season with the signing of two Kansas City area natives to the team — Sydney Miramontez and Jaycie Johnson. Hometown duo prepares to take pitch for KC’s new women’s soccer team | FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

The NWSL office is growing to meet the demands of the changing global landscape of professional women’s soccer. Public Relations Coordinator with National Women’s Soccer League | Teamwork Online

The Football Association are considering their options after national lockdown leads to the competition being suspended. Women’s FA Cup matches may be decided on toss of a coin or drawing of lots

US soccer

USWNT forward Alex Morgan says she and her family “closed out 2020” by contracting coronavirus “while in California over the holidays”. Alex Morgan: USA forward contracts coronavirus - BBC Sport

A big camp is coming to Florida. U.S. Soccer announces USMNT, U-23 January Camp rosters - Stars and Stripes FC

World soccer

Readers of Cartilage Free Captain raised more than $12k to sponsor 8th-division side Marine AFC’s shorts when they play Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekend. CFC’s sponsorship of Marine AFC is officially a go - Cartilage Free Captain

The Premier League says 40 players and club staff have tested positive for coronavirus over the past week - more than double the previous weekly high. Covid in England: Premier League sees number of positive tests double - BBC Sport

The unnamed quartet were all in the UAE with the clubs’ blessing and entitled to be there as they were living in what was then a Tier 3 area. Four Manchester City Women players test positive for Covid-19 after trip to Dubai | The Telegraph

Arsenal are understood to have requested to postpone Saturday’s Women’s Super League game against Aston Villa as players isolate. Arsenal Women players ‘furious’ after teammate gets Covid following Dubai trip | The Telegraph

Spurs advance to the League Cup final with a 2-0 win over Championship side Brentford. Sissoko and Son power Spurs to League Cup final - Cartilage Free Captain

Former Manchester City and England midfielder Colin Bell has died aged 74 after a short illness, the Premier League club announced. Manchester City great Colin Bell dies aged 74 - BBC Sport

Marcus Rashford reflects on an extraordinary year where he improved the lives of millions of people – all, he says, inspired by his mother, Mel. The Guardian Footballer of the Year Marcus Rashford: ‘My mum is everything’ | Guardian Footballer of the Year | The Guardian

Arsenal’s youngsters are proving their worth. Freddie Ljungberg’s work with the Academy is having a major impact - The Short Fuse

There may not be a Copa America in 2021 (Spanish). Vicepresidente de la Federación Colombiana: No está confirmada la Copa América 2021 - AlAireLibre.cl

Culture

Many gay male hockey players and officials came out on Outsports this year. Together, they’re making the sport’s culture more inclusive. Gay hockey players are changing the sport’s atavistic culture - Outsports

What’s on TV?

6:00 AM (yes an hour ago, for real this time): Atalanta v. Parma - Serie A - ESPN+

6:00 AM: Bologna v. Udinese - Serie A - ESPN+

6:00 AM: Crotone v. Roma - Serie A - ESPN+

6:00 AM: Lazio v. Fiorentina - Serie A - ESPN+

6:00 AM: Sampboria v. Inter - Serie A - ESPN+

6:00 AM: Sassuolo v. Genoa - Serie A - ESPN+

6:00 AM: Torino v. Hellas Verona - Serie A - ESPN+

6:00 AM: East Benegal v. Goa - Indian Super League - ESPN+

8:00 AM: Mutilvera v. Real Betis - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

8:00 AM: Cultural Leonesa v. Granada - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

9:00 AM: Cornella v. Atletico Madrid - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

9:00 AM: Napoli v. Spezia - Serie A - ESPN+

10:00 AM: Deportivo La Coruna v. Deportivo Alaves - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

11:45 AM: AC Milan v. Juventus - Serie A - ESPN2

11:45 AM: Manchester United v. Manchester City - EFL League Cup - ESPN+