NWSL / women’s soccer

“First you lose big, then you lose close. Then you win close, and finally you win big.” The Lowdown: Williams, Kansas City still searching for the right mix – Equalizer Soccer

NWSL expansion team will launch next spring with former U.S. national coach Jill Ellis as president. Women’s pro soccer coming to San Diego in 2022 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

“Everybody asks, ‘How can we get more children of color in the game?’ I always tell them that they’re already in the game. The issue is how we get them to STAY in the game.” Jasmyne — clubeleven

The Thorns are awaiting NWSL approval after negotiating a contract that should allow 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie to play with the club. Thorns negotiate contract to allow Olivia Moultrie to play - Stumptown Footy

Moultrie’s situation brings into the spotlight a long-looming topic for the NWSL: homegrowns and academy systems. Kassouf: Gaming out an NWSL homegrown system – Equalizer Soccer ($)

San Diego — not Sacramento, as originally planned — will be the location of one of the NWSL expansion teams joining the league beginning with the 2022 season. San Diego officially confirmed as 2022 NWSL expansion market; Ellis to serve as team president – Equalizer Soccer

Eight founding members are expected to be joined by at least 22 more teams for a May-July 2022 inaugural season. United Soccer League To (Re)Launch W League in 2022 | USLW

US soccer

Five people were arrested in connection to Sunday’s CONCACAF Nations League final in which the United States beat Mexico, 3-2, at Empower Field at Mile High. Arrests in aftermath of U.S.-Mexico CONCACAF Nations League Final at Empower Field at Mile High – The Denver Post

The US men end the window with a match against another Concacaf foe. USA vs. Costa Rica, 2021 friendly: What to watch for - Stars and Stripes FC

For college athletes to achieve their full rights, their full voices must be heard. Congress can’t fix the NCAA if it isn’t listening to athletes - The Washington Post

World soccer

VfB striker Silas Wamangituka recently made it known to the club that he had been the victim of manipulation by his former player agent and that Wamangituka is not his real name. Silas Wamangituka clears up his identity | VfB Stuttgart

Wijnaldum has signed a contract to join Paris Saint-Germain after the club hijacked his proposed move to Barcelona. Georginio Wijnaldum signs contract to join PSG rather than Barcelona | The Guardian

Debbie Hewitt is set to become the first female chair of the Football Association in its 157-year history after being nominated to replace Greg Clarke, who resigned in November after offensive remarks at a Parliamentary committee hearing. Hewitt to become first female chair of the FA - BBC Sport

The chairman operates a small circle of loyal nodding dogs and his unchecked power is draining away the hope at Spurs. Daniel Levy the common denominator in Tottenham’s endless managerial farce | The Guardian

Fans attending England’s Euro 2020 group games at Wembley Stadium will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test before entry. Euro 2020: Fans at Wembley games required to show proof of vaccination or negative test before entry - BBC Sport

Spurs striker reaches Euro 2020 at a crossroads but whatever his club future holds England will always be more important. Harry Kane and the beer garden that made England his No 1 priority | The Guardian

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek will miss the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 campaign with a groin injury. Donny van de Beek: Injured Man Utd midfielder out of Euro 2020 - BBC Sport

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been called up to Spain’s parallel training bubble following captain Sergio Busquets’ positive Covid-19 test. Euro 2020: Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga added to Spain bubble after Busquets’ Covid-19 test - BBC Sport

What’s on TV?

11:45 AM: Portugal vs. Israel (men’s international friendly) — ESPN+

12:30 PM: Vasco da Gama vs. Boavista (Copa do Brasil) — FS2

4:00 PM: USMNT vs. Costa Rica (men’s international friendly) — ESPN2

4:00 PM: Toronto FC II vs. South Georgia Tormenta (USL League One) — ESPN+

4:30 PM: Atlanta United II vs. Sporting KC II (USL Championship) — ESPN+

5:30 PM: Atlético Goianiense vs. Corinthians (Copa do Brasil) — FS2

6:00 PM: El Paso Locomotive vs. Indy Eleven (USL Championship) — ESPN+

7:00 PM: Orange County SC vs. San Diego Loyal (USL Championship) — ESPN+

7:00 PM: Real Monarchs vs. Sacramento Republic (USL Championship) — ESPN+