MLS/USL

Over 100 clubs to receive resources and training to create greater inclusivity. USL Announces LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Anti-Racism Training for Academy and Super Y League

The Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs format is set, featuring 14 teams total across the Eastern and Western Conferences (top seven teams each). MLS announces Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs schedule | MLSSoccer.com

In observance of the 20-year mark since the tragedy in the United States on September 11, 2001, Major League Soccer and its clubs have come together to conduct acts of service to positively impact our communities and remember those lost in the attacks. MLS and clubs commemorate 20 years since 9/11 with acts of service and moments of remembrance | MLSSoccer.com

Once the dust settles on Decision Day – for 2021, that’s Sunday, November 7 – 14 teams will embark on the playoff journey starting with a doubleheader on Saturday, November 20, and culminating in the MLS Cup Final three weeks later. Five things to know about the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs | MLSSoccer.com

NWSL

As part of the festivities for Lloyd’s final season as a player, she’ll play a club game in the Philadelphia area for the first time in her career. Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit NWSL game moved to Subaru Park near Philadelphia for Carli Lloyd

Fans took serious issue with Olsens’ admitted lack of experience in the interview, pointing out that there are plenty of qualified applicants who fit the job description and know the women’s game. NWSL fans slam Ben Olsen’s first interview as Washington Spirit president

USA

USWNT forward Christen Press has announced plans to take time out from soccer, citing a desire to focus on mental health. USWNT’s Christen Press to take time out to focus on ‘mental health, spiritual growth’

The players on the US men’s national team, when asked, said they were aiming for nine points this week. Certain segments of the fanbase seemed to expect, I don’t know, like 42 or something. What we learned from the USMNT win at Honduras & during September’s World Cup qualifiers | MLSSoccer.com

World

Regé-Jean Page started this awesome interview off just speed-speaking about the England MNT. Regé-Jean Page: ‘The reason you think history is white is because you’ve been lied to’ | British GQ

Rio Ferdinand says football is “sliding backwards” and racism is being normalised by the prevalence of racist abuse online. Rio Ferdinand says football is 'sliding backwards' because of racist abuse online - BBC Sport

Japan pulls out of hosting the Club World Cup in December because of Covid-19 restrictions in the country. Japan withdraws as host of 2021 Club World Cup because of Covid-19 - BBC Sport

Lyon defender Jerome Boateng denied allegations of assault against his former partner Sherin Senler as his trial started on Thursday. Lyon's Jerome Boateng found guilty of premeditated bodily harm, fined €1.8m

Mikel Arteta has pleaded with Arsenal players to get a COVID-19 vaccine because otherwise “the team will pay the price” of another outbreak. Arsenal boss Arteta pleads with players to get COVID vaccine

Arsene Wenger says he is ‘100% convinced’ his plan for a new international match calendar based on a World Cup every two years is the best way forward for the game as a whole. Arsene Wenger's World Cup plan - what is it all about? - BBC Sport

Vivianne Miedema makes it to 100 Arsenal goals with a hat-trick as the Gunners blitz Slavia Prague 4-0 to reach the Champions League group stage. Slavia Prague 0-4 Arsenal (0-7 on agg.): Miedema stars as Gunners reach group stage - BBC Sport

In the summer window more than 30% of deals were loans as cash-strapped Italian and Spanish clubs search for ways to cut costs. How loans have risen to dominate the Covid-affected transfer market | Transfer window | The Guardian

Manager Simon Weaver, who has Gareth Southgate in town and Marcelo Bielsa nearby, has taken team to League Two summit. Harrogate’s rise shows no sign of slowing in a land of football giants | Harrogate Town | The Guardian

What’s on TV?

11:45 AM - Club Brugge vs KV Oostende - Belgian First Division - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Birmingham City vs Derby County - EFL Championship - ESPN+

4:00 PM - Atlanta United v. Orlando City SC - MLS - FS1

5:00 PM - Puebla vs Atlético San Luis - LigaMX - TUDN

5:30 PM - Houston Dash vs Chicago Red Stars - NWSL - Paramount+

6:00 PM - Austin Bold vs New Mexico United - USL Championship - ESPN+

7:00 PM - Vancouver Whitecaps v. Portland Timbers - MLS - ESPN+

7:00 PM - Juárez vs Cruz Azul - LigaMX - TUDN

7:00 PM - Tijuana vs Santos Laguna - LigaMX - FS2

Tons of Men’s and Women’s college soccer on ESPN+, Big Ten Network+, ACC Network, and SEC Network from 10:00 AM through 7:00 PM.