While we await more news about D.C. United and Wayne Rooney, you should know that …
>> Another American defender, Matt Miazga, is involved in a playoff as Vitesse faces Utrecht over two legs for a Europa League berth from the Dutch Eredivisie. The first match is today at Vitesse.
>> In Israel, American forward Aaron Schoenfeld and Maccabi Tel Aviv are home against Beitar “Trump” Jerusalem.
>> The U.S. national team isn’t going to the World Cup, but several MLS players are headed to Russia. Federations submitted their provisional lists Monday and have until June 4 to finalize their 23-man squads. In a bit of a surprise, D.C. United midfielder Ulises Segura was not chosen by Costa Rica.
>> U.S. interim boss Dave Sarachan on Sunday will name his squad for the May 28 friendly against Bolivia in Chester, Pa. Following that match, he will announce about 10 roster changes ahead of tests against Ireland on June 2 in Dublin and France on June 9 in Lyon. U.S. camp will open Monday at the University of Pennsylvania.
>> Concacaf this week is rolling out the identities of the U.S. venues for the 2019 Gold Cup. On Monday, LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium and the University of Phoenix Stadium were introduced. The expanded tournament — 16 teams instead of 12 — will also include venues in Central America and the Caribbean. Organizers will unveil those locations at later dates.
>> RFK Stadium is not done with soccer just yet. Alianza (El Salvador) will face Olimpia (Honduras) in a June 10 friendly (4 p.m.). RFK is hosting international rugby June 2: South Africa vs. Wales.
>> On the NCAA scene, the Maryland and Virginia men’s teams have agreed to meet Sept. 3 (Labor Day) at Audi Field, the second soccer match at the new stadium that doesn’t involve D.C. United. A week earlier, the Washington Spirit will host the Portland Thorns in an NWSL game.
An official announcement and additional details about the college match are expected this week. [UPDATE: It’s now official as the Terps have announced their schedule.] Maryland and Virginia used to clash annually in the ACC — it was one of the nation’s best rivalries — but when the Terrapins joined the Big Ten in 2014, it became harder to continue the series. This meeting will have to kick off late in the day or in the evening because the Washington Nationals are home against the St. Louis Cardinals in the afternoon. With the venues two blocks apart, Audi Field officials will aim to avoid scheduling events that overlap with baseball games.