It’s a much easier Monday morning when the weekend was full of fun soccer things. The Seattle Sounders, OL Reign and Tacoma Defiance all went undefeated over the weekend, with the Reign the only team not getting a win as their 0-0 game against North Carolina Courage was full of excitement and near misses but no goals. Barcelona won the Champions League, even if their men’s side missed out, while Liverpool won on the power of a goalkeeper goal.

Seattle/Tacoma

Bethany Balcer's got another blog now, folks! Diary of a Striker with Bethany Balcer: A New Season - Girls Soccer Network

The founders of the organization that OL Reign have repped on their jerseys throughout 2021 were honored before the start of the NWSL regular season. OL Reign Legends: Founders of the Black Future Co-op Fund — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

Lu Barnes’ parents were there to surprise their daughter as she was honored for her remarkable accomplishment. Reign Celebrate Lu Barnes' Historic 150th Regular Season Match — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

Tacoma Defiance are officially on an unbeaten streak! TACOMA DEFIANCE DEFEATS ORANGE COUNTY SC 1-0 AT HOME TO EXTEND UNBEATEN RUN TO START SEASON - Tacoma Defiance

Life is good at the top of the table. Seattle Sounders defeat LAFC 2-0 behind goals from Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith, finish perfect week with three wins in three | Seattle Sounders FC

MLS/USL

Los Dos post impressive performance in first road game of season. In the air tonight: Real Monarchs 0, LA Galaxy II 2 - LAG Confidential

J.J. Watt fell in love with Chelsea and the game of soccer because of former striker Didier Drogba, who played for and is a part-owner of Phoenix Rising. Phoenix Rising's Didier Drogba sparked J.J. Watt's love for soccer, Chelsea

I don’t believe that a single MLS team is actually good except for the Seattle Sounders. Saturday takeaways: What we learned from Week 5's action | MLSSoccer.com

NWSL/WoSo

Losing in the Champions League final shouldn’t dampen Emma Hayes’s star. ‘She has a skill you can’t buy’: the making of Chelsea’s Emma Hayes | Chelsea Women | The Guardian

On Sunday, Sam Kerr will become the first Australian to play in the Women’s Champions League final in 18 years. She could join Craig Johnston, Harry Kewell and Ellie Carpenter as the only European Cup winners from her country but her heritage means she will represents over a billion Indian people. Sam Kerr Proud To Represent Young Indian Girls In Champions League Final

Both realistic and bold predictions for the 2021 NWSL season’s major titles and awards. 2021 NWSL bold predictions: Champions, MVP, golden boot – The Athletic

The Houston Dash midfielder has seen the league grow from its infancy into a more stable, more well-supported competition. Q&A: Christine Nairn on nine years playing in the NWSL – The Athletic

Neither side could break through in the regular season debut for the two new clubs. KC NWSL and Racing Louisville share the points in opening match draw - The Blue Testament

Keira Hamraoui and Lieke Martens were outstanding for Barcelona while Melanie Leupolz and Sophie Ingle had a tough night in Gothenburg. Chelsea 0-4 Barcelona: women’s Champions League final player ratings | Women's Champions League | The Guardian

With experience and veteran savvy elsewhere, the Spirit attack is driven by youth. Ashley Sanchez is ready to lead the Washington Spirit’s attack - Black And Red United

World

The United States and Mexico aren’t the only North American countries sending teenagers abroad. Teenage winger Theo Corbeanu makes Canada soccer history with Wolves debut | The Star

The sport needs more ‘keeper goals, if you ask me. Alisson Talks Incredible Joy of Last Minute Premier League Goal - The Liverpool Offside

Soccer is pain, at least if you’re Atletico. Koke, Simeone speak after Atlético beat Real Sociedad - Into the Calderon

What’s on TV today?

10:00 AM - AFC Bournemouth vs Brentford (Championship) - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Hellas Verona vs Bologna (Serie A) - ESPN+

12:15 PM - Barnsley vs Swansea City (Championship) - ESPN+