Happy Friday, and happy Independence Day weekend! I hope you all have some fun things planned to celebrate, and I hope that those plans include staying safe in this extreme heat! I will likely be eating a grilled burger and listening to fireworks from the safety of a friend’s living room. After spending tonight boiling at Audi Field, of course.

Bay FC received apology email from PRO (Equalizer)
I have never seen anything like this before. The Professional Referees Organization has reportedly apologized to Bay FC for two VAR calls — one awarding a PK against them and one calling a goal offside — earlier this season that potentially cost them four points. Bad calls happen, but an apology from the refs is shocking.

2026 NWSL Coach of the Year: Midseason Prediction – Who is leading the way for NWSL COTY?  (All for XI)
Adrián González makes this shortlist of predictions for NWSL Coach of the Year, deservedly I think.

Slow-motion VAR replays are distorting referees’ decisions – it’s time to end them (The Athletic $)
We’re all still mad about Balogun’s red card! I’m actually not sold on either side of the debate, but I do agree that the use of slow-motion was inappropriate and likely influenced the decision.

Portugal, Ronaldo survive late scare from Croatia at World Cup (ESPN)
I thought Croatia had us headed for extra time, but VAR strikes again!

Lamine Yamal Is Expected to Deliver the Impossible—Excellence Will Have to Suffice (Sports Illustrated)
Spain is starting to look pretty scary after a shaky group stage.

Switzerland cruise past Algeria but did they produce the World Cup’s worst miss? (The Athletic $)
It was an indeed an extraordinary miss.

USMNT win smashes American record for most-watched soccer broadcast with 33.5 million viewers (The Guardian)
I have seen some reports that the reported English-language viewership numbers are actually slightly behind the 2015 women’s World Cup final, but Wednesday’s game is among the most watched events in the US this year! America loves soccer!

UEFA won’t send off players who cover mouth when addressing an opponent (ESPN)
Decision is NOT red card.

For some Friday fun, relive Malik Tillman’s free kick goal with an upgraded soundtrack:

Finally, the schedule of events for today. As promised, the NWSL is back, and Loudoun United are home as well.

Have a good holiday weekend!