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Happy Wednesday, folks. We have more Champions League action today and MLS Cup Playoffs tonight as Sporting Kansas City hosts Minnesota United. Before that, let’s recap some of the big news from yesterday:
Washington Spirit sign Japanese attacker Saori Takarada - BRU
The Washington Spirit are not done with a busy offseason, signing Japanese striker Saori Takarada last night. The 20-year-old Japan international has scored 56 goals in 143 career games with Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies, and will hopefully help boost the Spirit offense.
Washington Spirit acquires USWNT’s Kelley O’Hara in trade with Utah Royals - Washington Post
In a blockbuster trade that has yet to be made official by the team, the Washington Spirit look set to finally acquire United States Women’s National Team defender Kelley O’Hara from the Utah Royals FC. Trade terms have not been revealed, but it would end a long back-and-forth between the two teams to bring O’Hara to DC.
Greg Vanney steps down as head coach of Toronto FC - Waking The Red
In a shocker, Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney stepped down yesterday. Could he be headed to the LA Galaxy?
Sounders advance to WC Final! Dallas’ hopes again end in Seattle - MLS
The Seattle Sounders are back in the Western Conference finals for the 4th time in 5 years as they once again beat FC Dallas 1-0. Seattle will either host Minnesota United or head to Sporting Kansas City on Monday.
USWNT and USSF reach partial agreement on equal pay lawsuit - SSFC
The USWNT and U.S. Soccer have reached a partial agreement on several issues in the players’ equal pay lawsuit against the federation. What now looms is the appeal of the biggest portion of the lawsuit, as the ladies look to compel U.S. Soccer to pay them equal to what they pay the USMNT.
Report: DC United to hire US-based coach in next two weeks - MLS
D.C. United look set to be hiring its next head coach soon, and that coach will be based in America. Who will it be?
Zidane vows to stay at Real Madrid after Shakhtar loss: ‘I won’t resign’ - ESPNFC
Zinedine Zidane is in serious hot water after Real Madrid lost again to Shakhtar Donetsk in Champions League play. A loss next week to Borussia Mönchengladbach could see the 13-time European champions either drop to the Europa League for the first time in its current format or crash entirely out of European competition.
Aston Villa v Newcastle: Premier League match off because of Covid-19 cases - BBC
The entire Newcastle roster has been quarantined because of an influx of coronavirus cases, so their match against Aston Villa has been postponed. It’s the first Premier League match to be postponed because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Frankie Amaya removed from USMNT roster due to positive COVID-19 test - SSFC
Frankie Amaya is off the USMNT after he registered a positive COVID-19 test upon reporting to camp yesterday. He will be replaced by Orlando City’s Andrés Perea.
The story of England’s 2018 World Cup bid — told by those who lived it - The Athletic
England was destined to host the 2018 World Cup. Instead, it went to Russia. The people who lived the scene retell the story.
Brexit: New entry criteria agreed for EU players coming to England - BBC
When Brexit officially takes effect on December 31st, there will be changes coming to the Premier League, as EU players will not be able to freely come to the league like they have in the past.
Enjoy the soccer today!