Seattle

Five of the called-out key returnees are products of the Sounders Academy. Huskies Picked #1 In Pac-12 Preseason Poll - University of Washington Athletics

After three seasons in residency with the Seattle Sounders Academy, Austin Brummett (Bow, N.H.) has a new MLS youth home. Austin Brummett moves to New York Red Bulls from Seattle Sounders

MLS

The Black Players for Change had a moment that will undoubtedly live in American history, and they’re not stopping there. Black History Month: There will be change - Stars and Stripes FC

FC Cincinnati is set to acquire Brazilian striker Brenner from Sao Paulo. FC Cincy to add Brazilian striker Brenner

I’m not saying Cinci is trying to be the same TFC side that brought in Jermaine DeFoe and Gilberto and missed the playoffs but I am hoping you think of this and laugh. And then believe this is Cinci now. Pity Martinez makes a splash return to MLS with FC Cincinnati - Cincinnati Soccer Talk

Five Stripes fans aren’t angry or happy. They just are. Report: Pity Martinez set to return to MLS with FC Cincinnati - Dirty South Soccer

Major League Soccer released a statement Thursday on the ongoing discussions between the league and the MLS Players Association. Major League Soccer statement on CBA negotiations | MLSsoccer.com

Check off another milestone. The soccer-specific venue, which is slated to open in July 2021, is expected to seat 20,000 and will have a grass surface. Columbus Crew SC supporters install first seats in new downtown stadium | MLSsoccer.com

World

Thomas Hitzlsperger says becoming chief executive of Stuttgart shows football has made “progress” on LGBT+ issues since he came out seven years ago. LGBT+ History Month: Thomas Hitzlsperger says football has made 'progress' since he came out - BBC Sport

Lily Parr was a trailblazer for the women’s game in the inter-war years, with a left foot like a mule who was paid in cigarettes and drew 50,000 capacity crowds. LGBT+ History Month: Lily Parr - trailblazer with a 'kick like a mule' - BBC Sport

In an exclusive interview, the Chelsea forward opens up on equality in football and the time the Danish women’s team took on their own federation. Pernille Harder: 'We weren't proud of striking but we had to make a change' | Chelsea Women | The Guardian

Oops... Ajax will try everything to have Sébastien Haller available for the Europa League knockout rounds after failing to register the former West Ham striker. Ajax fail to register record signing Sébastien Haller for Europa League | Ajax | The Guardian

The Premier League and other domestic leagues across Europe will gather on Friday to discuss proposals for a new-look Champions League from 2024. Champions League revamp talks could herald end of group stage | Champions League | The Guardian

Yoshiro Mori, Japan’s former PM, apologised and said his wife was cross with him after his sexist comments. Tokyo Olympics chief will not resign after saying women 'talk too much'

Liverpool have been denied entry to Leipzig for their Champions League round-of-16 first leg. Liverpool denied entry to Leipzig for Champions League Feb. 16 match

As every elite soccer club searches for an edge, the use of algorithms to predict player injuries could be the next frontier. Soccer looks to AI for an edge: Could an algorithm really predict injuries?

Premier League clubs today discussed new UEFA proposals which could lead to six English clubs playing in the Champions League, reports Matt Slater. Six Premier League clubs could play in Champions League under new plans - The Athletic

Serbian police raided the stadiums of the country’s two biggest football clubs on Thursday after arresting 17 people linked to organized crime. Partizan, Red Star fan group members arrested for 'monstrous crimes'

The USMNT winger and Jordan Morris teammate hopes to make an impact, maybe today, with his new side. ASN article: Arriola eager to get to Wales and contribute to Swansea

Mexico’s head of refereeing has vigorously denied the accusations made by a fired Liga MX referee who claims his dismissal was racially motivated. Mexico's referee chief: No discrimination in Liga MX case

What’s on TV?

6:00 AM - Bengaluru v. Chennaiyin - Indian Super League - ESPN+

10:00 AM - Gillingham v. Lincoln City - EFL League One - ESPN+

11:00 AM - Hertha Berlin v. Bayern Munich - Bundesliga - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Fiorentina v. Inter Milan - Serie A - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Ayr United v. Hearts - Scottish Championship - ESPN+

12:15 PM - Swansea City v. Norwich City - EFL Championship - ESPN+

7:30 PM - Necaxa v. Cruz Azul - Liga MX - TUDN, UniMas

10:05 PM - Brisbane Roar v. Melbourne Victory - A-League - ESPN+