Puget Sound

Details are scarce, but the Olympia-based development club will apparently be joining UPSL for the spring season in the new Northwest Conference Cascadia Division. UPSL Announces Washington Expansion with Thurston County FC | UPSL Division I

MLS / USL

Only Atlanta United meet the threshold set by Adidas to get a third kit in 2021. Atlanta United is only MLS club getting a third kit for 2021 – The Athletic ($)

The dream of bringing a USL Championship tam to Des Moines takes another small step forward. USL Pro Iowa Unveil Details, Initial Rendering of Transformative Stadium Project

Once again, Bayern’s partnership with Dallas has resulted in a youth prospect joining the club. Bayern Munich signs a 17-year-old American prospect from FC Dallas - Bavarian Football Works

NWSL / women’s soccer

Emma Hayes labelled as an “insult” suggestions that an EFL job would be a step up from women’s football, after she was linked with the vacancy at AFC Wimbledon ‘An insult’: Emma Hayes rejects claims EFL job an upgrade on Chelsea Women | The Guardian

Men’s football is not the zenith of women’s football. Chelsea FC Women manager Emma Hayes on Wimbledon shortlist, and that’s insulting - We Ain’t Got No History

Through six matches, three teams remain undefeated in Australia. W-League Review: Melbourne City, Canberra and Brisbane remain undefeated while Adelaide falls – Equalizer Soccer

Atlas tops the table with a perfect record through four weeks. Liga MX Femenil Review: Renae Cuéllar scores hat trick in Tijuana victory – Equalizer Soccer

US soccer

The National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium has released the names of the finalists for election to the Class of 2021, including 20 on the Player ballot and 10 apiece on the Veteran and Builder ballots. Among the Northwest connections are Hope Solo, Sandra Hunt and Clive Charles. National Soccer Hall of Fame Announces Final Ballot for Election to 2021 Class | National Soccer Hall of Fame

World soccer

Watching football has changed significantly over the past year, with the major leagues all taking different approaches to keeping fans engaged. How watching lockdown football differs across Europe’s major leagues - BBC Sport

Supporters’ groups at top clubs have made a collective statement condemning proposals for a European super league, saying it would destroy the European model of the sport. Supporters’ groups condemn European super league plans | The Guardian

Interfering with an opponent. An offside case study with video clips from the Europa League and a Polish ref team. Great teamwork. Interfering with an opponent (offside case study) - Dutch Referee Blog

Celtic are very close to bringing in Jonjoe Kenny, but they reportedly passed up an opportunity to bring in a more experienced Premier League defender. Celtic passed up chance to sign Premier League defender

West Ham manager David Moyes says he was not prepared to buy a striker during the January window just to satisfy people. David Moyes says he was not prepared to buy striker to ‘appease’ people - BBC Sport

Sheffield United fought back to claim a priceless Premier League victory over fellow strugglers West Brom. Sheffield United claim important win over fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion - BBC Sport

Villas-Boas had offered to resign, citing a disagreement over Marseille signing Olivier Ntcham from Celtic against his wishes, but was instead sacked. André Villas-Boas sacked by Marseille after Ntcham signing criticism | The Guardian

Bids from Amazon, Discovery and DAZN were deemed unsuitably low and the governing body said it will now decide on a fresh approach for selling its TV rights. French football crisis deepens as TV rights offers fail to reach reserve price | The Guardian

The club has a history of links to the far right, and this move surely won’t help that perception. Great-grandson of fascist dictator Mussolini joins Lazio’s under-19 team | The Guardian

Indian Super League: Odisha FC Sack Coach Stuart Baxter For “Rape” Remark In Post-Match Interview | Football News

The FA is looking into the circumstances surrounding Yann Songo’o’s red card in the match between Morecambe and Tranmere on Saturday amid allegations homophobic language was used. FA investigates alleged homophobic abuse after Morecambe player sent off | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

9:30 AM: Wolfsburg vs. Schalke 04 (DFB Pokal) — ESPN3

10:00 AM: Levante vs. Villareal (Copa del Rey) — ESPN+

10:00 AM: Fulham vs. Leicester City (Premier League) — Peacock

10:00 AM: Burnley vs. Manchester City (Premier League) — NBCSN

11:30 AM: Leeds United vs. Everton (Premier League) — Peacock

11:45 AM: Brentford vs. Bristol City (English Championship) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Napoli vs. Atalanta (Coppa Italia) — ESPN+

11:45 AM: Stuttgart vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach (DFB Pokal) — ESPN3

12:00 PM: Granada vs. Barcelona (Copa del Rey) — ESPN+

12:15 PM: Aston Villa vs. West Ham United (Premier League) — Peacock

12:15 PM: Liverpool vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League) — NBCSN

7:00 PM: Alajuelense vs. Deportivo Saprissa (CONCACAF League) — FS2

12:05 AM: Melbourne City vs. Perth Glory (W-League) — ESPN+