The big news is, Austin FC is starting the next phase of ticket sales, in the supporters’ section. The other news is what a polite atmosphere it will be đŸ˜„ (pretty sure that should be chant).

Black Pumas and Austin FC have teamed up to support Austin’s independent venues and record stores that have had to close their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are pleased to offer this special-edition collaborative t-shirt, on sale now for a limited time. Proceeds from each purchase benefit the Black Pumas’ “Know You Better” initiative, which is devoted to preserving these Austin institutions through these difficult times until it is safe to open their doors once again.

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The English Premier League resumes today! The opening games are Aston Villa v Sheffield United at noon and Man City v Arsenal at 2:15, both on NBCSN. And empty stadiums aren’t the only difference from regular matches:

Players in the country’s top division, the Premier League, will have their names on their shirts replaced with the slogan Black Lives Matter for one round of games. London-based side Tottenham Hotspur just posted a picture of their squad taking the knee before

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Not a surprise, but another small step forward anyway: U.S. Soccer repeals ‘anthem policy,’ apologizes to Black community.

The policy was put in place after Megan Rapinoe kneeled in solidarity with the peaceful protest inspired by Colin Kaepernick, who was protesting police brutality, and the systematic oppression of Black people and people of color in America. It has become clear that this policy was wrong and detracted from the important message of Black Lives Matter.

MLS is Back Tournament

It’s official, and it’s called the “MLS is Back Tournament”. It will be held July 8 to August 11 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and here’s the structure:

  • All 26 MLS clubs participating; all matches in Orlando
  • Group stage followed by knockout rounds
  • Group stage counts toward regular season
  • Winner earns 2021 Concacaf Champions League spot
  • Pre-tournament draw to assign groups
  • Regular season continues after tournament

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Jeff Carlisle: U.S. Soccer to consider repealing ban on players kneeling

The policy was adopted in response to U.S. women’s national team midfielder Megan Rapinoe’s kneeling for the national anthem before a 2016 match against Thailand. She did so in a bid to show solidarity with then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee during the anthem prior to NFL games to protest racial inequality. Rapinoe did the same several times with her club, the Seattle Reign, now

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Jadon Sanch goal celebration: "Justice for George Floyd"

“Justice for George Floyd”

(and a yellow card for Borussia Dortmund’s English forward, Jadon Sancho)

Something to tide us over until that NWSL tournament: that little league in England may be back in a few weeks. Man City v Arsenal and (the big one) Aston Villa v Sheffield United “set to be played on a Wednesday night before a full round of action on 20 June.”