Teams and leagues, including MLS and NWSL and the Seattle Sounders and OL Reign joined in as people around the country celebrated Juneteenth this weekend. The results for the Puget Sound sides were mixed, but there was still plenty to celebrate. Outside of the US the Euros and Copa America are rolling, but the latter tournament is doing so amidst a pandemic that’s far from under control in Brazil and it’s seeming like that was a pretty bad idea. Also, there’s a look into the most glorious of potato wedges and how they got their start in the Pacific North West.

Seattle/Tacoma

Jess Fishlock showed just a touch of the class she offers with a glorious chip in the loss to North Carolina. Jess Fishlock still is one of the most complete midfielders in the NWSL - All For XI

Fried chicken and jojos are a deeply nostalgic food pairing for me, a boy from Everett, WA. A Brief History of Jojos, Which Are from the Pacific Northwest and Not the Midwest, Okay?! - Slog - The Stranger

Going down on a questionable penalty on the road to a team like the LA Galaxy would be too much to overcome for many teams in MLS, but not the Sounders. Seattle Sounders’ mental toughness on full display in comeback away win at LA Galaxy | Seattle Sounders FC

“What does liberty, justice, freedom – all of these words that we have, and these important songs and gestures, what does it really mean to our country?” OL Reign Community Reflects on Juneteenth — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

There are plenty of reasons for the lack of results over the last three games, but at some point soon the Reign need to start playing up to the level of their talent and score some goals. Match Recap: OL Reign Drops Three Points to North Carolina — OL REIGN: WE ARE THE BOLD

Eater Seattle and Eater Portland are doing a great series of pieces looking at the history and culture of coffee in the region. With Juneteenth this past weekend, this particular piece felt relevant, and offers a couple of options to consider for the next time you need a cuppa. These Seattle Area Cafes Try to Address Racial Inequities Through Jobs and Programs - Eater Seattle

MLS/USL

It’s not too often that a new media outlet makes a six-figure annual investment in covering North American soccer, especially at the local and regional levels. The Striker Texas: Meet the Lone Star State's ambitious new soccer media outlet | MLSSoccer.com

Antoine Griezmann wants to come to MLS in his 30s in part because he likes the NBA. Seems like a solid plan. Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann considering MLS move in 2024 - Sports Illustrated

Well, guess we’ll try again later. Sacramento Republic at Oakland Roots postponed due to playing surface - Indomitable City Soccer

A look at the turf parquet field and Oakland’s initial response. Why was Oakland Roots’ first USL home game postponed? - Indomitable City Soccer

Father’s Day holds greater significance for LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon, who was raised by his dad. And this year, they have a lot to celebrate. For LAFC's Blackmon, Father's Day is a time to celebrate an unlikely and meteoric rise

Matthew McConaughey played a drum to get people fired up. So that’s a thing. Austin FC marvel at "electric" opening night at Q2 Stadium | MLSSoccer.com

Inter Miami were upset about referee decisions, presumably because it would be gauche to be publicly upset that their big money striker trash talked the league and then stayed home to “work on his fitness.” Inter Miami “fuming” after refereeing decisions go against team in defeat to D.C. United | SBI Soccer

“Calling out systemic racism in society and vying for more opportunities for Black people in MLS is nothing new for Morrow and Ebobisse – but they used to do so on their own.” MLS' Black Players for Change making their voices heard in US soccer

NWSL/WoSo

The 19-year-old Spirit forward has the instincts that you can’t teach and a work ethic that’s accelerated her path to stardom. Trinity Rodman is no ordinary teenage phenom – Just Women's Sports

The former Nadeshiko Japan striker, who plays for the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, has received a flood of support from athletes and LGBTQ advocates following their announcement on Saturday. Soccer player Kumi Yokoyama comes out as transgender: 'It would be harder to live closeted' | The Japan Times

With an underperforming attack, how can Brianna Pinto change Gotham’s fortunes? Breathing That Pinto Life Into the NWSL: A Tactical Analysis of Gotham’s Star Draftee | by Justin Pacquing | the step over | Jun, 2021 | Medium

Last year, the anthem was kept as a platform for protest, but that activism is no longer being shown. Why is the NWSL still playing the national anthem? - Black And Red United

A whole host of players are making their way from Europe to the NWSL. Will any of them have the kind of quick impact that Ebony Salmon has already had? What to expect from key European NWSL arrivals – She Scores

Lightning struck on the field at a game this weekend, which is WILD.

World

Mexico will have to play two home games without fans because of the incidents in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament. Mexico gets two match ban and fine for infamous chant - FMF State Of Mind

Great news as Christian Eriksen continues to recover following those terrifying moments on the field. Christian Eriksen has been released from the hospital - Cartilage Free Captain

The players need a break. Kieran Tierney injury indicative of problem, just like LeBron James said - The Short Fuse

A tribute to Sergio Ramos from a fan who can’t fathom Real Madrid without its captain. Sergio Ramos: Forever Etched Into The Hearts Of Madridistas - Managing Madrid

UEFA, ashamed of the good will they generated when they killed the Super League, decided to do something stupid. Because of the rainbow captain's armband: UEFA starts investigations against DFB - n-tv.de

Sadio Mane is the best of us. Sadio Mané Funds Construction Of A Hospital, Trains With Senegal’s U20 Rugby Team - The Liverpool Offside

Regardless of what’s happening on the field, things aren’t going terribly well down at the Copa America. Brazil’s Copa America hits fever pitch (quite literally)

A statistical look at one of soccer’s hottest new trends. Finding Inverted Full Backs With Data | by Sam Gustafson | Jun, 2021 | Medium

What’s on TV today?

9:00 AM - Ukraine vs Austria (Euro 2020) - ESPN

9:00 AM - North Macedonia vs Netherlands (Euro 2020) - ESPN2

12:00 PM - Russia vs Denmark (Euro 2020) - ESPN

12:00 PM - Finland vs Belgium (Euro 2020) - ESPN2

2:00 PM - Uruguay vs Chile (Copa America) - FS1

5:00 PM - Argentina vs Paraguay (Copa America) - FS1