Major Link Soccer: Putting Portland in their place
A Sounders win was the cherry on top of the weekend.
Good results for the Seattle Sounders and Tacoma Defiance highlight an exciting weekend of news in the soccer world. The Portland Thorns won another trophy, MLS was as chaotic as ever, and one Chelsea team won another championship. Oh, and the Crew are getting a new look, while Orlando may be getting new owners.
Seattle/Tacoma
“I think mentally you switch it around right away and you think: ‘Well, what’s the kicker going through?’” Stefan Frei breaks down wild PK sequence in Sounders "massive" victory over Timbers | MLSSoccer.com
The Devils went down to Portland, looking for some points to steal. MATCH RECAP: Sounders FC stays unbeaten with hard-fought 2-1 road win at Portland Timbers | Seattle Sounders FC
Steve Zakuani pretty much nailed this, and Portland did a solid job for the most part, but it just wasn’t enough. Three things Portland must do to stop Seattle in Sunday's rivalry match | MLSSoccer.com
With a strong Challenge Cup showing under their belts and a slew of new arrivals on – and off – the pitch, The Bold appear to very much be on their way. New Arrivals to Power OL Reign’s Hopes of 2021 Resurgence - Venus Sports
An impossibly late penalty from Abdoulaye Cissoko secured a road point for the Baymen. Matchday Report: Tacoma Grabs Stoppage-Time Equalizer vs. Galaxy II
MLS/USL
The Union being in the Concacaf Champions League semifinals is as real as the team’s lack of depth. Unchartered territory for Philadelphia Union increases need for reinforcements - Brotherly Game
It really looked like Minnesota might be righting the ship for a minute there. Game Recap: Colorado Rapids 3, Minnesota United FC 2 - Burgundy Wave
The Crew, as you know it, is changing once again. Sources: Columbus Crew to rebrand to ‘Columbus SC’ - Massive Report
Patrick and Timothy Weah, no relation, both have promising futures. Wayward Weah: MNUFC's Prodigy Is Carving His Own Path | Zone Coverage
This appears to be happening, whether any of us like it or not. Columbus Crew SC to rebrand, changing name to Columbus SC
The Wilf family, owners of the Minnesota Vikings, are nearing a deal to purchase Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride. It includes the MLS club, NWSL club and their stadium. Wilf Family, Orlando Owners Nearing Sale in $400-$450 million range – Sportico.com
NWSL/WoSo
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is becoming an investor in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit. Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin becoming investor in NWSL's Washington Spirit
Fran Kirby did what she does as Chelsea racked up yet another W. Fran Kirby’s double helps Chelsea beat Reading to secure WSL title | Women's Super League | The Guardian
Those who know Emma Hayes best explain what makes her so successful as Chelsea become champions again. Emma Hayes, the story of Chelsea's relentless genius – The Athletic
It took a penalty shoot out, but there’s another weird secondary trophy that will probably get a banner in Portland. Portland Thorns FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC
It came down to the last game of the season, but Chelsea claimed their crown. Chelsea crowned Women’s Super League champions, again, with 5-0 win over Reading - We Ain't Got No History
I need you to know that it is impossible to overstate this win. What you need to understand about Chelsea FCW’s 4-1 win against Bayern Munich - We Ain't Got No History
The success of a handful of top women’s teams is a testament to their clubs’ commitment. But a growing competitive divide should be addressed before it’s too late. As Women's Soccer Grows, So Does Its Competitive Divide - The New York Times
This is where we all boo Portland. Franch and Weaver deliver in penalties, Thorns win NWSL Challenge Cup - Stumptown Footy
There are some positives, Gotham has a really exciting team and a great new look, and them losing also probably made Carli Lloyd really mad. ‘We’re just beginning’: Gotham views cup-final loss as a detour to larger goals – Equalizer Soccer
FIFPRO is assisting multiple high-profile women footballers in Argentina who have made a complaint to the FIFA Ethics Committee about the deeply concerning behaviour over several years by a coach currently employed by the Argentine football association. Women footballers in Argentina call for action against child abuse and sexual misconduct - FIFPRO World Players' Union
“I’m a nerd, I don’t know what else to say. I’m a Star Wars nerd.” You and me, both, Rory. Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames defends Rise of Skywalker for Star Wars day - All For XI
USA
Soccer stars and real life couple Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris say they are disappointed by Caitlyn Jenner’s recent remarks that transgender girls shouldn’t be allowed to compete in girls’ sports.Soccer Stars Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris Blast Caitlyn Jenner for Remarks About Transgender Girls in Sports
Predictability as a negative when it comes to playoffs is evidently a case for soccer in America. It would have been cool to see the NWSL or WNBA included. Analysis: How Predictability Hurts Postseason Sports TV - Variety
World
Atletico Madrid are still top of the table thanks to Sevilla. La Liga title race takes another twist as Sevilla hold Real Madrid - Barca Blaugranes
Body-shaming isn’t cool, Pique, come on. Pique’s chat with Suarez during Barcelona’s draw with Atletico overheard - Barca Blaugranes
The sports-media outlet is no longer in discussions with news publisher Axios, people familiar with the matter said, but it is still pursuing a tie-up deal and sees the Times as a top contender. The Athletic Halts Merger Talks with Axios, Eyes New York Times - WSJ
It’s been quite the journey for one of the richest teams in the world. How Manchester City Went From Division Three To The Champions League Final - Bitter and Blue
What’s on TV today?
10:00 AM - Georgetown vs Marshall (NCAA) - GoHeels.com
10:00 AM - Pittsburgh vs Washington (NCAA) - GoHeels.com
11:30 AM - Hamburger SV vs Nurnberg (2.Bundesliga) - ESPN+
12:00 PM - Fulham vs Burnley (EPL) - NBCSN
2:00 PM - Indiana vs Seton Hall (NCAA) - GoHeels.com
2:00 PM - Wake Forest vs North Carolina (NCAA) - GoHeels.com