MLS / USL

Everyone gets a black eye (so to speak) from this nonsense. LA Galaxy, LAFC release condemns fan violence at El Trafico matches - LAG Confidential

NWSL / women’s soccer

The separation, the distance, the not knowing and the helplessness: these were the feelings weighing down on the Commonwealth Bank Matildas defender for months as her best friend, Rebekah Stott, battled with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on the other side of the world. Stotty and Steph: an eternal friendship forged in football | W-League

Watch the full interview. Farrelly, Shim, Morgan featured on Today Show - Stumptown Footy

Effective immediately, the Rose City Riveters, the Timbers Army, and the 107IST call on members to boycott all concessions inside Providence Park and PTFC official team merchandise across all platforms. 107 Independent Supporters Trust - A statement on behalf of the Rose City Riveters, the Timbers Army, and the 107IST

Here’s where things stand after the latest Spirit news. Steve Baldwin resigns from Washington Spirit CEO/Managing Partner position - Black And Red United

The Maryland-based bank, which has had a sponsorship agreement with the Washington Spirit since 2019, announced it will no longer work with the team based on the results of an NWSL investigation. Sandy Spring Bank Cancels Its Sponsorship With the Washington Spirit | Washington City Paper

If I have learned one thing from my experience in this ocean of harm, it is that change will never happen if the organizations and individuals perpetrating abuse aren’t held accountable. The NWSL scandal is horrific but women’s soccer is rife with sexual misconduct | The Guardian

Andonovski had strong words about the NWSL scandals that forced the suspension of all games last weekend. USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski on NWSL scandals: ‘I’m worried about the league that I love’ | The Kansas City Star

Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna and a string of former Australian women’s soccer players have revealed a toxic culture within the sport that includes allegations of indecent assault, sexual harassment, bullying and grooming. Matildas star Lisa De Vanna details horrific abuse and bullying in football’s toxic culture | Daily Telegraph

De Vanna, one of Australia’s greatest ever players, claims she suffered indecent assault, sexual harassment, bullying and grooming by former players. Football Australia to investigate allegations of sexual harassment, indecent assault in women’s football | The Age

Former Venezuela WNT coach Kenneth Zseremeta is the latest to be accused of severe abuse. Players of the Venezuelan women’s soccer team denounce their former coach for abuse - TheNewsTrace

Changing from the two-legged knockout format offers teams more money, exposure and a genuine chance to improve. Overdue group stage gives Women’s Champions League chance to shine | The Guardian

Arsenal lost a game for the first time since February as Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala haunted her old club in the Women’s Champions League. Barcelona 4-1 Arsenal: Asisat Oshoala haunts old club in Champions League win - BBC Sport

Hegerberg made her return from a 21-month injury absence as Lyon beat Hacken, 3-0, in the Women’s Champions League group stage. Ada Hegerberg makes comeback in OL win - BBC Sport

The prize pot for next summer’s tournament has increased from £6.9m to £13.7m for the 16 participating countries, but the amount is still a pittance compared to the £317m shared between the 24 men’s teams in Euro 2020. Ada Hegerberg joins growing criticism of Uefa over Euro 2022 prize money | The Guardian

Staging a men’s World Cup every two years would be “profoundly detrimental” to the women’s game, says a joint statement from UEFA and top women’s leagues. FIFA World Cup plans ‘profoundly detrimental’, say top women’s leagues - BBC Sport

World soccer

Match of the Day pundits were “very surprised” by Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from Manchester United’s starting line-up at the weekend - and it appears Sir Alex Ferguson was too. Ex-Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson says ‘start your best players’ - BBC Sport

Will Claudio Ranieri be a success at Watford — and does the club’s policy of changing managers work? Is new Watford manager Ranieri the right man for the job? - BBC Sport

A youth coach at Skelmersdale United has called for ‘common sense’ after he was fined and suspended for leading his team off the pitch after they were exposed to homophobic abuse. Youth coach fined for taking team off in protest at homophobic abuse | The Guardian

The Birmingham striker discusses his traumatised past, his ‘big rant’ on a Premier League Zoom call and the fight against racism. Troy Deeney: ‘I still see two therapists – I’m getting into the nitty-gritty now’ | The Guardian

Chinese Super League has halted to prioritise national team but to no avail so far and Guangzhou are latest big club in trouble. Chinese football in doldrums as clubs struggle and World Cup dream fades | The Guardian

UEFA announced an investigation into “potential discriminatory incidents” at last week’s meeting of Sparta Prague and Rangers. UEFA to probe ‘potential discriminatory incidents’ in Sparta v Rangers game - BBC Sport

UEFA games are not being monitored for racism this season as the governing body has not yet agreed a deal with the organisation that supplies the service. UEFA games not monitored for racism this season as negotiations continue - BBC Sport

Housing the Nike Sport Research Lab, advanced product creation, testing facilities and more, the building affirms Nike’s commitment to serving athletes. Inside the Nike Sport Research Lab LeBron James Innovation Center - Nike News

What’s on TV?

A slightly less jam-packed Wednesday schedule globally this week, but the NWSL returns to action with three games, opening matches of UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage continue on YouTube, there are two AFC World Cup Qualifiers on in the morning, plus a selection of Brasileirão on Paramount+, some USL matches, and a ton of NCAA men’s and women’s soccer games on ESPN+ throughout the day. Here are some highlights:

11:45 AM: Italy vs. Spain (UEFA Nations League) — ESPN2 / TUDN

12:00 PM: Chelsea FC vs. Wolfsburg (UEFA Women’s Champions League) — YouTube (DAZN)

4:00 PM: Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit (NWSL) — CBSSN

4:30 PM: NC Courage vs. Racing Louisville (NWSL) — Paramount+

6:00 PM: FC Edmonton vs. Pacific FC (Canadian PL) — FS2

6:00 PM: Austin Bold vs. Tacoma Defiance (USL Championship) — ESPN+

7:00 PM: Portland Thorns vs. Houston Dash (NWSL) — Paramount+