Seattle

Midfielder Jess Fishlock MBE departed Reading FC last week after being recalled by parent club OL Reign ahead of the start of the NWSL season. Influential midfielder departs Reading FC Women | Reading Chronicle

MLS/USL

As is now tradition, I’m starting the year with a tip of the cap to the great Zach Lowe for the inspiration, courtesy of his Annual Tiers of the NBA opus, to write this piece. All 27 MLS teams ranked by tier for 2021 | MLSSoccer.com

Toronto FC booked a Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal ticket Wednesday night by beating Club Leon 2-1 in their second-leg matchup, giving them a 3-2 aggregate series win. Three takeaways as Toronto FC upset Club Leon in CCL | MLSSoccer.com

After a scoreless first half, the floodgates opened for the Philadelphia Union early in the second as they ended Wednesday night with a resounding 4-0 victory over Costa Rican side Deportiva Saprissa, joining three other MLS teams in the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals. Recap: Philadelphia Union 4, Deportiva Saprissa 0 | MLSSoccer.com

I’ve been asked to put my MLS awards predictions on the record the past few years. Wiebe went 2/9 in 2019 and is hoping he is more right this year. Predictions for every MLS award winner in 2021 | MLSSoccer.com

A flurry of rumors south of the border have named Club Nexaca as the latest club eyed by Red Bull for integration into global football network. Are the Red Bulls about to have a sister club in Mexico? - Once A Metro

There may be more high potential teams in the USL Pacific than any other division in the Championshp. Defiance could improve and have a worse record. USL Championship Pacific Division Preview (Plus a Bread Sandwich) — Orange & Black SoccerCast

WoSo

The inside track on sport sustainability. Leading by example in the Challenge Cup bubble – Sustainability Report

2011 marked a revolution in women’s game - a new era for the sport that would take it to hitherto unknown levels. Ten years of the WSL through the words of those there at the beginning

The huge gap under the top flight of the U.S. women’s professional soccer pyramid might soon be filled. WISL aims to fill the Division 2 women’s pro league void in the US – Equalizer Soccer

USA

This 10 point plan is road map for clubs to implement anti-racist initiatives, practices and structures. Coalition launches to fight racism in American soccer — Anti Racist Soccer Club

The “We Are Team USA” anthem video that the USOPC released Wednesday to kick off being 100 Days Out from this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, which will begin with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for July 23, celebrates the national team’s diversity. To Mark 100 Days Out From Tokyo Olympics, New ‘We Are Team USA’ Anthem Video Celebrates Diverse National Team

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has limited time to narrow the roster to 18 ahead of the summer Olympics. USWNT roster: Who will make the Olympic squad as veterans Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe vie with young stars - CBSSports.com

At the age of 19, Bryan Reynolds became the youngest ever American to start a Serie A match in today’s clash between AS Roma and Bologna F.C. Bryan Reynolds Becomes Youngest American to Start in Serie A - Stars and Stripes FC

World

Two big names in Hungarian football, both based in Germany, have spoken out and one has been fired. Hungary footballers' row exposes gay rights split - BBC News

The Reds manager has the right outlook on Liverpool’s loss. Klopp Talk: “We Are Not Silly” Elimination Will Not Have Negative Impact - The Liverpool Offside

Manchester United change the colour of the backdrop to the seats at Old Trafford from red to black after their players said they were finding it hard to pick out team-mates. Man Utd change Old Trafford backdrop from red to black after players' struggles - BBC Sport

A window on Real Madrid’s team bus is smashed by an object thrown from a crowd of Liverpool fans gathered outside Anfield. Liverpool v Real Madrid: Window on visitors' team bus smashed by object thrown from crowd - BBC Sport

Messi sent three autographed tops to the Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac to help the deal brokered by Uruguay’s president Luis Lacalle Pou. Lionel Messi helps obtain 50,000 Covid vaccines for South American players | Soccer | The Guardian

More than 40 MPs and peers have signed a letter to Boris Johnson calling for ‘an urgent, independent public inquiry’ into the collapse of Football Index. Football Index collapse: MPs and peers urge Johnson to hold public inquiry | Football Index | The Guardian

Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela has been banned for 10 matches by Uefa after being found guilty of racist behaviour towards Rangers’ Glen Kamara. Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela gets 10-match Uefa ban for racial abuse of Glen Kamara | Slavia Prague | The Guardian

Swedish football clubs are trying to come to terms with rules that allow only eight supporters at top-flight games. Also, great chant. ‘You smell like fish’ – Swedish fans try to create atmosphere despite rule of eight | Soccer | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

11:00 AM - Rotherham United v. Coventry City - EFL Championship - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Roma v. Ajax - UEFA Europa League - Galavision, Paramount+

12:00 PM - Slavia Praha v. Arsenal - UEFA Europa League - TUDN, Paramount+

12:00 PM - Villarreal v. Dinamo Zagreb - UEFA Europa League - Paramount+

12:00 PM - Manchester United v. Granada - UEFA Europa League - UniMas, Paramount+

4:00 PM - Washington Spirit v. Racing Louisville FC - NWSL Challenge Cup - Paramount+

4:30 PM - Chicago Red Stars v. Portland Thorns - NWSL Challenge Cup - Paramount+

5:00 PM - Columbus Crew v. Real Esteli - CONCACAF Champions League - FS1, TUDN

7:00 PM - Monterrey v. Atletico Pantoja - CONCACAF Champions League - FS1, TUDN