Footy Digest Weekly: Barcelona sell Camp Nou naming rights to Spotify

Footy Digest Weekly is a roundup of the headlines, stories, and games you should follow, curated for the Hudson River Blue community.

Europe

• Goodbye Rakuten, we hardly knew you—or what you do. It doesn't matter: The music streaming service Spotify reportedly paid Barcelona FC more than $300 million to be the club’s next kit sponsor, and for the naming rights to Camp Nou. —Barca Blaugranes

• Manchester United is as much of a mess as you think it is. —The Athletic

• The race to buy Chelsea FC is hotting up. —90 Min

• Julian Nagelsmann isn’t happy with his roster at Bayern Munich. Looks like there will be some big departures this summer. —Bavarian Football Works

• The prize money for the Women’s FA Cup will be increased to £3 million, and deservedly so. —90Min

New York

• The wonks at the Outfield break down how NYCFC assistant coach Rob Vartughian’s strategies have made the team the best in MLS at defending corner kicks. —The Outfield

• Gotham FC released their 2022 schedule. —Hudson River Blue

• NYCFC II season tickets start at $79 for 12 matches. —Hudson River Blue

• NYCFC lost, drew, and won all at the same time when they imploded in the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals on Tuesday but advanced to the Semifinals on away goals. —Hudson River Blue

MLS

• If you need a pick-me-up, check out this bite-sized mini-footballer meme. —Sounders at Heart

• Is it time for MLS fans to forget the English chant and draw on America’s college sports culture? —Hudson River Blue

• Charlotte FC finally have something to celebrate as Adam Armour bags the club’s first MLS goal. —MLSSoccer.com

• FC Cincinnati traveled to Florida where they defeated Orlando City, snapping a 14-game losing streak that dates back to last year. —MLSSoccer.com

• Columbus Crew’s comeback sees Toronto FC winless so far in the 2022 Campaign. —Massive Report

• Portland Timbers officials pressured a player’s estranged wife to not pursue abuse charges. A recording directly contradicts statements issued by the club. —Stumptown Footy

NWSL

• Are OL Reign favorites to take home the 2022 Challenge Cup? —Sounder at Heart

US Soccer

• The USMNT are wooing a 19-year-old Bayern Munich player to declare for the United States. —Bavarian Football Works

• Chicago Fire’s 18-year-old midfielder Brian Gutiérrez could be a future star for the USMNT. —Stars and Stripes

Games to watch

Saturday, March 19

NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union (MLS), 1 pm ET — ESPN+, YES, YES App

Sunday, March 20

Tottenham vs West Ham United (EPL), 12:30 pm ET — USA Network, Telemundo

Roma vs Lazio (Serie A), 1 pm ET — CBS Sports Network, Paramount+

Real Madrid vs Barcelona (La Liga), 4 pm ET — ESPN+

Thursday, March 24

Mexico vs USMNT (CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying), 10 pm ET — FS1

Are there other articles NYCFC fans should read? Games they shouldn’t miss? Post a short description and a link in the comments below.