June 3, 2020: Megan Rapinoe is sitting out the NWSL Challenge Cup? That’s OK, that’ll give rising stars a chance to shine!
July 22, 2020: I would sell my soul to see Rapinoe cross the ball.
Here’s the plan, gang. On Thursday, July 23, at 2 p.m. EST, we buy as many limited-edition boxes of House Wine Rosé/Cheez-It White Cheddar as we can. We expedite the shipping — we make sure that it arrives by Sunday at 11:00 a.m. EST.
Editor’s Note: This article contains story and gameplay spoilers for The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II. We’ll provide additional warnings when we get to the bigger spoilers for each game.
By most measures, 2020 has been a really suck year for humanity; I don’t need to remind you of all the shit going on in the world. While the novel coronavirus has dramatically changed everyone’s lives, it’s always nice to remember that things could always be worse. Take, for instance, the world of The Last of Us, Naughty Dog’s video game masterpieces.
The game of soccer is always full of rivalries and head-to-heads. The biggest one you’re probably thinking of is the Messi vs. Ronaldo feud, which is never ending. My recent favorite is the comparison of their 2020 hairstyles.
But I’m sick of talking about them. Plus, I have another interesting head-to-head matchup that should be talked about more: Lynn Williams vs. Alex Morgan.
When compiling a list of the best American soccer players right now, it’s paramount to consider the sporting impact of COVID-19. For example, Megan Rapinoe received the 2019 Ballon d’Or as the best female footballer on the planet, but she’s played a total of 366 minutes in 2020 and probably won't add to that.
With this list, we’ll celebrate the players that obviously stayed physically and mentally strong throughout quarantine before channeling that professionalism into a strong return to the pitch — whether that’s in the Bundesliga, Premier League or NWSL Challenge Cup.
The MLS Is Back Tournament kicks off this week, starting with Orlando City vs. Inter Miami on Wednesday. Major League Soccer’s odd little tournament will follow the NWSL as the second major professional team sports league in the U.S. to return since the novel coronavirus pandemic, with an MLS quarantine set up in Orlando, Florida. But is it safe to be playing sports in this country right now? Is it worth it?
Sometimes it seems to me like beIN Sports is actively working to safeguard LaLiga from American viewers. Much of the television network’s coverage since 2012 — rather than celebrating a golden era that’s included Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo going head-to-head in sport’s greatest individual and team rivalry — has been hellbent on being as unappealing as possible.*
*I’m not talking about the commentary partnership of Phil Schoen and Ray Hudson here. They’re the best.
The Christian Pulisic pandemonium has taken full effect with American sports outlets finding literally any excuse to write about him. Is that exactly what you’re reading right now? Perhaps.
The American’s form since the return of football has been out of this world, and frankly, his spotlight in the media and among fans is well deserved. Chelsea fans have voted Pulisic "Man of the Match" in each of the club's four previous victories. He is now being compared to former superstar Eden Hazard, which Pulisic addressed after the Watford match.
More often than not a club makes the risky decision to rebrand and change its logo and is immediately drowned in backlash. The flak is often well deserved as some badge alterations are horrendous and deserve to be put on a list of the top five worst logo changes.