Career Mode Crash / Infinite Loading Screen Before Matches

I am experiencing a severe bug in Manager Career Mode where I cannot play or simulate any matches. Platform: PC (Steam)
Game Mode: Manager Career Mode.
What happened: Whenever I try to start a match, the game either goes completely black and freezes, or gets stuck on an infinite loading screen with the loading icon spinning at the bottom. Also, this same crash/infinite loading happens when I try to use the "Visual Sim" (tactical simulation where pegs move on the board) to play the match. Steps I have already tried (but did not work): Repaired the game files on Steam, Cleared the game cache, Reinstalled the entire game, Created a brand new career save file to test (The same issue occurs). Additional Info: The only thing that works is the Youth Academy 5v5 (Rush) matches. Other than that, I cannot play or simulate any regular matches at all. I bought this game less than a month ago and was really enjoying it. I am very sad that I can no longer play. If anyone knows a workaround or solution, please let me know. Thank you.