Most of the news of interest to Puget Sound soccer fans is going to be about MLS Cup. There are also two expansion drafts coming, so the rumor mill is cranking. The biggest local soccer event is the University of Washington men’s soccer team in the College Cup (final four) as they go for their first title.

MLS Cup News

Someone told me that they hold MLS Cup even if Seattle Sounders don’t make it. I didn’t believe them.

Is New York City FC finally becoming an MLS power? | US Soccer Players
NYCFC's run to the 2021 MLS Cup was unique but what put the team in position to take advantage speaks to broader ambitions in New York.

Five Questions with Hudson River Blue - Stumptown Footy
We had the chance to sit down with Hudson River Blue to preview the MLS Cup final.

One Big Tree: On the Verge of Glory - Stumptown Footy
On writing the narrative, family and being ready to meet the moment.

MLS Cup Prediction: Are NYCFC underdogs or favorites? - Hudson River Blue
MLS Cup betting odds favor NYCFC, pundits support Portland

MLS Cup Predictions NYCFC vs Portland Timbers - Hudson River Blue
Hudson River Blue’s panel of writers preview the most important game in NYCFC history

MLS Cup Final: NYCFC supported by City Hall - Hudson River Blue
NYCFC’s run at the MLS Cup supported by civic and congressional leaders

Read About Jordan Morris with USMNT

ASN article: With the USMNT camp underway, Morris discusses his comeback and goals

NWSL Happenings

The Expansion Draft is rapidly approaching, with protection lists due to the league at 9 AM PT. They may not go public today, with the draft itself not until Dec. 16 at 4 PM PT on CBSSN.

Racing Louisville FC hires Björkegren as head coach

Angel City FC sign midfielder Katie Cousins - Angels on Parade

Lower Division US Pro Soccer

El Paso Locomotive FC Announces John Hutchinson as New Head Coach and Technical Director
Former S2 head coach and Seattle Sounders assistant comes back to the states

Teves, Sailor Named First Team All-America - University of Washington Athletics
This week continues to be a banner one for Teves and Sailor, who were both also named semifinalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy, the top individual honor in collegiate soccer.

No. 2 Washington Ready For College Cup Against No. 3 Georgetown - University of Washington Athletics
Two programs familiar with success, Washington and Georgetown are the only two teams that have made the NCAA Quarterfinals the last three seasons.

What to Watch

The weekend is packed with international soccer. Here’s my attempt to focus you on the best matches or point out that broadcast TV has four games.

Friday

College Cup: No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Georgetown — 5:30 PM PT on ESPNU, ESPN Deportes
Dylan Teves and a half-dozen other Sounders Academy grads take on one of the classic powers out of DC, who also have an Academy grad — Chris Hegardt

EPL: Brentford v Watford — Noon PT on NBCSN, Universo, FuboTV

Arab Cup: Qatar vs. UAE — 11 AM PT on FS1

Saturday

MLS Cup: Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC — Noon PT on ABC, UniMas, TUDN

Norwich City vs. Manchester United — 9:30 AM PT on NBC

Venezia vs. Juventus — 9 AM PT on Paramount+

Bayern München vs Mainz 05 — 6:30 AM PT on ESPN+

El Salvador vs Chile — 7 PM PT on FOX Sports Deportes, FOX Sports GO
Tacoma Defiance’s Marlon Vargas may get his first cap.

Sunday

College Cup Final — 11 AM PT on ESPNU, ESPN Deportes

Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid — Noon PT on ESPN+

Napoli vs Empoli — 9 AM PT on CBSSN, Paramount+

Atlas vs León — 6:15 PM PT on Univision, TUDN

Puget Sound Culture

I'm still a nerd and still going to share some non-soccer things that may or may not interest you.

‘This is a job’: Why college players reject the insidious term ‘student athlete’ | College sports | The Guardian
The NCAA crafted a phrase to describe the unpaid workers who generate billions in revenue every year. But now many of them are fighting back

The Most Influential People in Seattle Sports, Travel, and Recreation | Seattle Met
OL Reign's Megan Rapinoe and Quinn are among the athletes, adventure-seekers, and transit buffs who guide the way we move.

Review: D&D’s Strixhaven book understands what makes college memorable - Polygon
D&D’s Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos knows what makes college memorable, and puts all of that fun into the game. The Magic: The Gathering-inspired book includes rules for tests, improv festivals and stealing contraband.

Embracing the Mechanics of Backgrounds | Full Moon Storytelling
When you embrace the mechanics of 5th edition Backgrounds you expand the variety of stories that can be told at your table.