Seattle

OL Reign defender Jimena López has been called up to the Mexico Women’s National Team to play in the U.S. WNT Send-Off Series. Jimena Lopez Named to Mexico WNT Roster for U.S. WNT Send-Off Series

MLS

Last summer’s MLS is Back Tournament was honored as Sports Business Journal’s Sports Event of the Year at the 2021 Sports Business Awards, it was announced Wednesday. MLS is Back Tournament wins SBJ’s Sports Event of the Year

The inaugural MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase begin this Friday in the Dallas area with 128 teams vying for the first MLS Cup titles in the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-19 age groups. MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase to get underway Friday in Dallas

The Vancouver Whitecaps have put in a bid to acquire Scottish playmaker Ryan Gauld, according to a report from AFTN’s Michael McColl. Vancouver Whitecaps linked with Scottish No. 10

Minnesota United’s early-season struggles were well-documented, as the Loons stumbled out of the gate with four straight losses. Slowly but surely, however, Minnesota are starting to look more like the squad that came just minutes away from an MLS Cup berth a season ago, with a pair of new additions acting as the catalysts. Adrian Heath on Minnesota’s new signings Hunou and Fragapane: “There’s a lot more to come”

NWSL/WoSo

As the dignitaries talked Wednesday afternoon about women’s soccer in Spokane, it was already standing in front of them. United Soccer League also plans to bring women's soccer team to Spokane | The Spokesman-Review

Mexico Women’s National Team Head Coach Monica Vergara has named Spirit defender Karina Rodriguez to the team’s upcoming matches against the United States. Karina Rodriguez Named to Mexico Roster for July Friendlies

USA/USL

18-year-old Caden Clark is heading to the Bundesliga next winter. Caden Clark transfers to RB Leipzig - Stars and Stripes FC

World

Gareth Bale and Wales may have been the neutrals’ favourites during their rousing run to the semi-finals of the last European Championship, but as they prepare to face Denmark in the last 16 at Euro 2020 in Amsterdam on Saturday the goodwill is likely to all be for their opponents. Gareth Bale and Wales swimming against the tide in Denmark clash at Euro 2020

Jordan Henderson says Gareth Southgate’s response to his costly Euro 96 penalty miss against Germany showed the kind of mental strength that defines the current generation as they prepare for a rematch with their old rivals. England can learn from Southgate’s Euro 96 heartache: Henderson

Edinson Cavani scored his 52nd goal for Uruguay on Thursday in a 2-0 Copa America victory over Bolivia, who became the first team eliminated from the competition. Cavani gives Uruguay first Copa win, Bolivia knocked out

What’s on TV?

4:00 PM - Pittsburgh Riverbounds v. NY Red Bulls II - USL Championship - ESPN+

4:00 PM - North Carolina v. Richmond Kickers - USL League One - ESPN+

5:25 PM - Inter Miami FC v. Orlando City SC - MLS - FS1

5:30 PM - Rio Grande Valley FC v. FC Tulsa - USL Championship - ESPN+

6:00 PM - Colorado Springs Switchbacks v. New Mexico United - USL Championship - ESPN+

7:30 PM - Las Vegas Lights v. San Diego Loyal - USL Championship - ESPN+