The nation’s top-ranked defense once against stepped up to the challenge, with Western Washington University defeating Flagler College 2-0 on Thursday. Victory Sends Vikings to National Title Game - Western Washington University Athletics

MLS/USL

With USL deep in offseason mode, reps from every club (and some potential ones) met in Orlando. Expansion, an All-Star game and MLS affiliates’ evolution among the hot topics at USL winter meetings – The Athletic ($)

Kelyn Rowe didn’t take much convincing once Bruce Arena called and before long, the 28-year-old signed with the Revolution, returning to his first club after a year away and reuniting with the manager that gave him his US national team debut.