Major Link Soccer: Konrad de la Fuente makes history with FC Barcelona
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
A-League in crisis over CBA negotiations, urgency in England to allow fans due to mounting financial losses
Puget Sound
Where should the Dick’s Food Truck go first? Food Truck - Dick’s Drive In
MLS / USL
Austin FC have been making big plans and writing big checks, both of which signal their ambition to join the league’s upper echelon when they make their MLS debut next spring. Austin FC’s secret weapon? Why the MLS expansion club turned to Dave Tenney | MLSsoccer.com
The extended border closure will complicate MLS scheduling and likely require Canadian MLS teams to play “home” games at US venues. U.S.-Canada border shutdown likely to extend through November, Ottawa cool to more exemptions - sources | Reuters
The unique club will be joining the second-tier league in 2021, leaving the nascent NISA with a void. Oakland Roots: NISA club to join USL Championship in 2021 - Sports Illustrated
US soccer
Wolfsburg youth team product and US international Ulysses Llanez joins Heerenveen after signing through to 2024. Professional contract and loan deal for Llanez | VfL Wolfsburg
So far it’s only been in a friendly, but still a big milestone. Konrad de la Fuente becomes first American to play for Barcelona as US-based outlets cheer - Barca Blaugranes
World soccer
It is “vital” for Scottish football that clubs fulfill fixtures even when players are unavailable because of Covid-19, says Celtic manager Neil Lennon. Neil Lennon says it’s ‘vital’ for games to go ahead - BBC Sport
Pressure is growing on the government to allow the return of fans to live football, with the EFL describing the next 48 hours as ‘critical’ as they report monthly losses of £22m. EFL enters ‘critical’ 48 hours in push to get crowds and avoid financial disaster | The Guardian
After players rejected a new CBA offer talks are in deadlock and the impact on the game in Australia could be severe. ‘A terrible position’: A-League clubs and players reach impasse over pay deal | The Guardian
Mourinho is interested in taking Bas Dost from Eintracht Frankfurt as he pushes to add a different option to Harry Kane at centre-forward. José Mourinho keen to bring Eintracht Frankfurt striker Bas Dost to Spurs | The Guardian
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has signed a new contract at Arsenal, ending any doubts about his future and ensuring Mikel Arteta retains his most important player. ‘I belong here’: Aubameyang signs new three-year Arsenal contract | The Guardian
“It is my club, my home,” said the England midfielder as he signed a new five-year deal with Aston Villa. New Aston Villa deal for midfielder Jack Grealish - BBC Sport
The last three weeks have been terrible for PSG and Thomas Tuchel is under pressure to turn things around quickly. PSG’s poor Ligue 1 start has club in crisis mode already | ESPN
Tottenham have opened talks with Real Madrid to explore whether they can strike a deal to bring Gareth Bale back on loan. Tottenham in talks with Real Madrid over Gareth Bale return on loan | The Guardian
Mexico is unlikely to play games in Europe in 2021, with CONCACAF commitments and friendly games in the United States set to take over the schedule. Mexico unlikely to play in Europe in ‘21 will focus on matches in U.S. | ESPN
What’s on TV?
9:30 AM: West Bromwich Albion vs. Harrogate Town (League Cup) — ESPN+
12:15 PM: Everton vs. Salford City (League Cup) — ESPN+
3:00 PM: Atlante vs. Cimarrones de Sonora (Liga de Expansión) — TUDN
4:00 PM: Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City (USL Championship) — ESPN+
4:00 PM: Hartford Athletic vs. NY Red Bulls II (USL Championship) — ESPN+
4:30 PM: Atlanta United II vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship) — ESPN App
4:30 PM: Miami FC vs. Birmingham Legion (USL Championship) — ESPN+
4:30 PM: Philadelphia Union II vs. Loudoun United (USL Championship) — ESPN+
5:05 PM: Pumas Tabasco vs. Celaya (Liga de Expansión) — TUDN
5:30 PM: FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS) — ESPN+
6:00 PM: El Paso Locomotive vs. Colorado Springs (USL Championship) — ESPN+
6:00 PM: San Antonio vs. Austin Bold (USL Championship) — ESPN+
6:30 PM: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Montreal Impact (MLS) — ESPN+
6:30 PM: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers (MLS) — FS1
7:00 PM: Real Monarchs vs. Portland Timbers II (USL Championship) — ESPN+
7:05 PM: Dorados vs. Correcaminos UAT (Liga de Expansión) — TUDN
7:30 PM: FC Tucson vs. New England II (USL League One) — ESPN+
7:30 PM: Reno 1868 vs. Tacoma Defiance (USL Championship) — ESPN App (postponed)