U.S. Soccer is suing the USWNT

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Hey look, the USWNT is getting sued by the United States Soccer Federation. The two parties have been working under an understanding since their 2012 collective bargaining agreement expired, and U.S. Soccer thinks that their understanding constitutes a legal contract. If they're right, the USWNT isn't allowed to strike.

USSF took these measures because of that threat of a strike, but the executive director of the USWNT players' union, Richard Nichols, says that was never the players' intention.

"There were no threats about strikes or work stoppages." He said the players had merely "reserved our legal rights."

"They interpreted that as a threat," he said of U.S. Soccer.

U.S. Soccer's position is that a strike could affect Olympic performance to the detriment of the country. So ... a) yes, threatening to affect the organization's performance to put pressure on them is literally the point of a strike, you're saying "a strike is a strike," and b) what?

Skills of the day

Watch this compilation of Neymar absolutely clowning Valencia.

In the news

Speaking of Valencia, legendary player Santiago Cañizares thinks Gary Neville should apologize and resign after getting obliterated by Barca. (BBC)

Stuart Holden has retired from the USMNT and wrote an open letter to fans. (U.S. Soccer)

UEFA has lifted Dynamo Kiev's stadium ban and Manchester City is mad. (Times)

Liverpool fans have planned their first ever walkout protest over ticket prices. (Guardian)

Álvaro Pereira was handed an eight-match ban for a karate kick that started a massive brawl. (ESPN FC)

Part of Manchester City's Pep Guardiola courting process was building a relationship with his brother. (Telegraph)

A mini-rumor mill

A Sky Italia reporter thinks José Mourinho to Manchester United is almost done. (AS)

You should be reading

Nick Miller's running series on the history of English football. (The Set Pieces)

Patrick Boyland on the loan system perhaps being the future in England, not something to be reigned in. (These Football Times)

Jacob Steinberg on the lack of true captains in soccer. (Guardian)

You should be watching

This awesome video about Sunderland building a soundproof room for autistic fans. (BBC Breakfast on Facebook)

Even though he's in poor form, the Manchesters are still willing to spend big on John Stones. (Mirror)

What happened on Wednesday

Barca dump trucked Valencia, 7-0. (Barca Blaugranes)

Everton looked really good in a win over Newcastle. (Royal Blue Mersey)

Chelsea and Watford put everyone to sleep. (We Ain't Got No History)

What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)

Copa del Rey: Sevilla vs. Celta Vigo (2:30 p.m.) -- For the right to be a footnote in Barcelona's history.