It was an objectively great weekend of soccer in the Puget Sound, with all three professional teams playing and winning at home. OL Reign and the Seattle Sounders clinched playoff spots, while Tacoma Defiance ended a 7-game losing streak and moved within striking distance of a playoff spot. Oh, and I guess FIFA22 might be the last FIFA game from EA Sports before a name change for the series.

Seattle/Tacoma

No one wants to have to play without their stars, but Seattle showed that they can certainly do it without Raul Ruidíaz at least for now. Seattle Sounders pick up massive 4-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps, clinch spot in postseason | Seattle Sounders

One of the longest playoff streaks in professional sports keeps on rolling. Seattle Sounders clinch spot in Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for 13th consecutive year | Seattle Sounders

Not a bad goal for his first one for the Sounders. Leó Chú continues to impress, opens his Sounders account in emphatic fashion | Seattle Sounders

Sam Adeniran’s hat trick headlined an outstanding performance to end Tacoma’s losing streak. TACOMA DEFIANCE CRUISES TO 4-1 VICTORY OVER ORANGE COUNTY SC - Tacoma Defiance

UW men’s soccer have a record-setting start to the season, going 11-0 so far after their win over Cal. No. 2 Huskies Dominate Cal to Move to 11-0 - University of Washington Athletics

Rose Lavelle’s first OL Reign goal cut Chicago’s comeback short as the Reign won 3-2. Story | National Women's Soccer League

MLS/USL

In its third year in MLS, FC Cincinnati is on its third GM and soon will hire a fourth coach, rewriting the record books for all the wrong reasons. How has FC Cincinnati gotten it historically wrong in MLS? Time will tell if another GM turns it around

Hernandez came to SKC concerned for his safety due to his gambling debts. Sporting KC’s Felipe Hernandez suspended for gambling for the remainder of the year - The Blue Testament

Minnesota United just LOVE a dramatic collapse. Recap: Minnesota United FC 1, Colorado Rapids 3 | MLSSoccer.com

NWSL/WoSo

The only answer is real, far-reaching change dictated by players themselves. Opinion | Kaiya McCullough: Abuse in women’s soccer pushed me away. Here’s what NWSL must do to heal. - The Washington Post

Traditional models of league-building can no longer be trusted to uphold safety and equality. As NWSL scandal shows, building women's leagues in the same manner as men's leagues is a destructive formula – The Athletic

“I think those tend to be some of life’s most special experiences - the ones that you don’t see coming.” Sam Coffey: Embracing the Unexpected - Stumptown Footy

The NWSL has returned following devastating sexual misconduct allegations against North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley. Rachel Corsie: After Paul Riley allegations, NWSL players have made clear our love of football does not mean we will tolerate abuse - Evening Express

The NSWL and women’s soccer abuse scandal is about more than sexism. America’s LGBTQ-friendly sports leagues and teams are still struggling with homophobia. NSWL and women's soccer abuse scandal is about more than sexism | NBC News

Yet another opportunity for other leagues to follow in the WNBA’s example. WNBA Players to Get Free Fertility Testing, Reproductive Support - Bloomberg

Washington Spirit get a win, and Bethany Balcer has a challenger for the Golden Boot. Ashley Hatch brace helps Washington Spirit trounce Racing Louisville 3-0 - Black And Red United

USA

Cristian Roldan eager to help U.S. Men’s National Team navigate challenging World Cup Qualifying window. Cristian Roldan and USMNT embracing the challenge of facing Jamaica in World Cup Qualifying | Seattle Sounders

The USMNT’s joint all-time leading scorer had strong words about McKennie’s suspension last international window. Q&A: Landon Donovan on Weston McKennie, MLS coaching and more – The Athletic

Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to try to take a game off, or maybe the US just aren’t as good as they think they are. Recap: Panama 1, USA 0 | MLSSoccer.com

World

The Ashley Era Ends, not without controversy OFFICIAL: Newcastle United Sold to Saudi Backed Consortium - Coming Home Newcastle

After Newcastle United’s takeover by a Saudi Arabian-backed group, BBC Sport answers the key questions around the deal. Newcastle United takeover: How did it happen? What is the vision? What about Steve Bruce? - BBC Sport

A fan who trawled the internet for players to help improve El Salvador’s national side is making his mark as their first full-time scout. El Salvador: Meet fan who googled players to improve side - and was rewarded with full-time job - BBC Sport

Rashford and Sterling have both been honored with MBEs, but Ian Wright notes that real change can only happen when white people step up and get involved. Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling changing perceptions of race, says Ian Wright - BBC Sport

Culture

The six new races being tested are mostly connected to Spelljammer, with a hint of Planescape, Dark Sun, and Star Frontiers. Latest Unearthed Aracana sends us to the Phlogiston (maybe) | Full Moon Storytelling

EA Sports have said it is exploring idea of renaming its annual video game franchise FIFA, just one week after its latest game FIFA 22 was released. EA Sports to consider renaming FIFA game franchise following release

What’s on TV today?

6:00 AM - Mozambique vs Cameroon (WCQ) - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Libya vs Egypt (WCQ) - ESPN+

4:00 PM - Cuiabá vs São Paulo (Brasileirão) - Paramount+

7:00 PM - Tijuana vs Puebla (Liga MX Femenil) - ESPN+