"I've been at it for 45 years. The last year has been a difficult one, no question."

-- Bob Lenarduzzi, who was pushed out as the Vancouver Whitecaps president, a position he's held since the Canadian team joined MLS in 2011. He has spent more than four decades with the Whitecaps, beginning as a player in 1974. He has been criticized for the Whitecaps' handling of accusations of abuse by a former women's team coach a decade ago. The 'Caps, who are last in the Western Conference with just five wins in 24 games, will be hiring a sporting director to run their soccer operations. Lenarduzzi will become a club liaison. (Canadian Press)

1. ESPN has signed a multiyear deal with the NWSL for exclusive worldwide rights. (On Friday, Canada's TSN announced it will carry every game of the rest of the 2019 NWSL season on its digital platforms with select games available for television viewing.) ESPN signed a deal with the women's league for U.S. television rights through the end of the season. NWSL games are streamed in the U.S. territory on Yahoo.

-- Yanks Abroad: USMNT in action (Weekend)

2. The New York Red Bulls signed Gambian-born midfielder Omar Sowe to a USL Championship contract. Sowe, 19, will play for New York Red Bulls II after joining the Red Bulls U-18 academy team this past season and playing for the New York Red Bulls U-23 in the Open Cup. Sowe starred at Harrison High School, setting new offensive records (89 goals and 67 assists) for the school that is situated in the city where Red Bull Arena is located.

3. Minnesota United will charter a flight for its supporters wanting to travel to the U.S. Open Cup final at Atlanta United on Aug. 27. It has partnered with Sun Country Airlines for the charter. Fans can purchase the trip package (round-trip flight and round-trip bus transportation to and from Mercedes-Benz Stadium) for $325. It does not include a game ticket, which needs to be purchased separately.