Wow, the past 24 hours has been bursting with news. Chalk full of news. All of it soccer related. All of it soccer related? Anyway, there’s plenty to cover, so let’s get into it.

Statement Uruguay win shows the USMNT has come a long way in 16 months– ESPN

5-1. 4 goals in the first half. If you didn’t manage to see this game, definitely find a highlight package, cuz lordy, this was a blowout.

USMNT Player Ratings vs. Uruguay: Pochettino’s Gamble Yields Best Performance Ever– Sports Illustrated

These ratings are quite high overall, but in fairness, a lot of MLS products balled out last night. Uruguay, for their part, needed a bicycle kick consolation prize toward the end of the first half just to prove they have quality. It was a low energy, almost listless first half performance from Uruguay, who looked old, slow, and lame, three words not generally associated with Marcelo Bielsa’s coaching style. Add a fourth word, malicious, cuz the number of ankle stomps was crazy. There was also a red card for Betancourt when the Spurs midfielder appeared to intentionally let his foot ride over the ball to attempt to injure Sebastian Berhalter, who had a defining performance for the US. And Sebastian wasn’t the only MLS product to impress.

Washington Spirit aim for redemption in second straight NWSL championship appearance– WUSA9

Nobody forget that The Washington Spirit are traveling to San Jose (reportedly on a private jet) to take part and hopefully claim the NWSL playoff crown this Saturday at 8 PM. It’s a big one.

‘Just run!’ – How Gift Monday and Rosemonde Kouassi’s connection powered the Washington Spirit to the NWSL final– ESPN

The gist of the headline doesn’t really capture the intriguing nature of the impressive partnership between Rose Kouassi and Gift Monday, who have carried their connection from the regular season into the postseason with not one but two opening goals back to back in knockout games. One detail I was particularly interested in, is that there’s a bit of a language barrier between the two. Doesn’t stop the very potent bond they have created.

NWSL GM survey: Salary cap bad? USWNT relations, rule-breakers, more– ESPN

The concerning debate that Alyssa Thompson’s departure sparked within NWSL circles is now fully en fuego now that the league seems unable or unwilling to retain global sporting icon, Trinity Rodman. This article probed the GMs of NWSL for their views, anonymously, on the salary cap situation. Their overall response is pretty clear.

Esme Morgan’s growth this season has not gone unnoticed by her national team coach.

Curacao become smallest-ever nation to qualify for World Cup– ESPN

With three CONCACAF powerhouses hosting and thus exempt from qualification, as well as a greatly expanded number of spots available in the World Cup next year, there was always the potential for some underdog appearances from our region. But a Caribbean country of 156,000 qualifying is remarkable. Read on to find out more about how the smallest nation ever to qualify made it happen.

Loudoun United begins search for new head coach after mutually parting ways with Ryan Martin– Loudoun Times Mirror

The silly, unjust decision made earlier in the season by Loudoun United’s ownership group to jettison long time stalwart and effective managerial steward Ryan Martin has reached its culmination point. Martin has already secured a new position as The Oakland Roots manager, another USL club. Seriously, owners, whatcha doing?

MLS owners formally begin succession planning for Don Garber, other execs– Sports Business Journal

Head-turning news for the future of MLS. Ranks this low on the list cuz it’s very much still in the beginning phases of development, and there will be more substantial reporting down the line, but still incredibly noteworthy.

MLS executive who built a powerhouse faced allegations of sexist, racist and homophobic behavior– The Guardian

Lots of yeesh in this one.

D.C. United pursuing partnership with the District for Audi Field roof– Washington Business Journal

There’s progress, and then there’s whatever this continued noise is.

Extortionate tickets and matches moved at Trump’s whim: are you ready for the ‘greatest World Cup ever’?– The Guardian

I’m not gonna end on a high note.

That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!