Seattle

Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei missed three months after a knee sprain developed blood clots. Now, five matches into his return, the veteran talks about the trying rehab process. ‘It was a roller coaster of emotions’: Sounders keeper Stefan Frei talks about return from injury, rehab process | The Seattle Times

NWSL

One of the most successful coaches in U.S. women’s soccer, Paul Riley’s alleged misconduct left players feeling ‘under his control’. ‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion – The Athletic

NWSL Players Association Calls For Investigation Into Coach's Alleged Misconduct | Defector

The accusations of sexual harassment against NC Courage coach Paul Riley predate his time with the team, but that’s not a risk the Courage or the NWSL can take. NC Courage has to confront Paul Riley’s past immediately | Raleigh News & Observer

Former NWSL players have come forward with allegations against Paul Riley stemming back to 2010 across multiple teams and multiple leagues. NWSL North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley accused of sexual misconduct I Attacking Third - YouTube

The North Carolina Courage terminated coach Paul Riley after a report that detailed allegations of abusive behavior. North Carolina Courage fire coach Paul Riley amid 'serious allegations of misconduct'

Angel City’s sporting director Eniola Aluko has criticised the NWSL for its treatment of players’ rights and player movement. Eniola Aluko criticises NWSL for its treatment of players’ rights - The Athletic

MLS/USL

Damir Kreliach is doin’ the thing. Whether neutral fans or pundits are noticing, it doesn’t matter, he just keeps doin’ the damn thing. MLS' most underrated star? Damir Kreilach eyes dreamland with Real Salt Lake | MLSSoccer.com

For the 10th time in the last 12 years – barring nothing short of a sporting and mathematical miracle – Chicago Fire FC will miss the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Chicago Fire FC sporting director Georg Heitz addresses Raphael Wicky's exit | MLSSoccer.com

Don’t lose faith. That was the message Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez delivered after the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 loss at Real Salt Lake in Week 28. The Mexican superstar equalized in the 76th minute, but it wasn’t enough to prevent LA from reaching eight games without a win. "I believe in this club": Chicharito backs LA Galaxy before latest El Trafico | MLSSoccer.com

Five USL Championship Players Named in El Salvador World Cup Qualifying Squad

USA

The team regularly sends players to the pros, but it has become better known on campus for the countless accusations of sexual assault and harassment against its members. University of San Francisco men’s soccer: A predatory culture, a viral reckoning—and now what? - Sports Illustrated

World

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg criticised for saying female referees in football may have to choose between their careers or having children. Mark Clattenburg: Former referee criticised for comments about female officials - BBC Sport

Fan violence interrupts Marseille’s Europa League draw with Galatasaray with play stopping for around eight minutes at Stade Velodrome. Marseille 0-0 Galatasaray: Fan violence interrupts Europa League draw - BBC Sport

Barcelona are set to sack manager Ronald Koeman and it could even happen before they next play, says Guillem Balague. Ronald Koeman sacking by Barcelona ‘only a matter of time’ - Guillem Balague - BBC Sport

Barcelona continue to seek alternatives to replace Ronald Koeman with former Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo and River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo. Barcelona eye Andrea Pirlo, Marcelo Gallardo as Ronald Koeman replacements - sources

Having the most participants in the Champions League has only added to the sense of malaise for Spanish football. From their opening 10 games in the group stage, the five La Liga teams have only registered two wins. Analysis: Barca’s CL malaise deepens post-Super League gloom

Mexico’s Hirving “Chucky” Lozano feared he would die after being told the injury he suffered at this summer’s Gold Cup could be life threatening. Mexico, Napoli striker Hirving Lozano feared for life after horror eye injury

After September’s standoff between Premier League clubs and Concacaf teams, players who have been double vaccinated will see rules relaxed. Covid rule change will let South Americans play in World Cup qualifiers | Soccer | The Guardian

Simon Silwood given eight weeks for ‘grossly offensive’ messages aimed at West Bromwich Albion player. Romaine Sawyers urges players to report hate crime after fan jailed | Soccer | The Guardian

Wilner Etienne denies wrongdoing and says claim is a ‘pure lie’, as Fifa investigations continue into other Haiti officials. Fifa rape inquiry into former Haitian FA director unresolved 13 months on | Fifa | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

11:30 AM - Köln vs Greuther Fürth - Bundesliga - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Cagliari vs Venezia - Serie A - Paramount+

12:00 PM - Athletic Club vs Deportivo Alavés - La Liga - ESPN+

5:00 PM - Puebla vs Pachuca - Liga MX - TUDN

7:00 PM - Juárez vs Monterrey - Liga MX - TUDN