Indy 11 tie San Antonio – Playoffs Sunday 4 pm @ Charleston on ESPN+, MyIndyTV 23

Indy Eleven (13-11-10) closed out the regular season with a 3-3 tie at San Antonio FC (14-6-14) on the road Saturday night. With the tie, Indy finishes the season as the No. 6 seed in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. As the No. 6 seed, Indy will go on the road to face No. 3 Charleston in the opening round of the USL Championship playoffs on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN+ and MyIndyTV 23 or listened to on Serius XM FC 157. 

US Dominates Ghana 4-0

So the US righted the ship Tuesday vs Ghana with a convincing thrashing of Ghana 4-0 in Nashville (Highlights).  Gio Reyna’s coming back party was highlighted with 2 goals ( 1ST | 2ND)  and an assist as he garnered Man of the Match in just one half of play.  Much like his play against Germany – Reyna was world class in the 10 spot feeding the forward, wingers and scoring on his own.  A healthy Gio Reyna could well be the difference maker in our attack moving forward.  US vs Germany (High-lights).  I thought Miles Robinson looked great in the middle with Chris Richards – would have been interesting to see Robinson with Reem at some point.  Sergio Dest was electric in his move from left to his natural right back spot and his combo play with Tim Weah and Reyna was electric.  Balogun showed his prowess with a wonder goal and Pulisic was dangerous as always. 

England certainly looked good vs Italy in their 3-1 win (high-lights) – as England clinches their spot in the Euro’s next summer while Italy has to win its next 2 to qualify. 

US Ladies play Colombia Thur & Sunday

The US ladies are back in camp as they face Colombia Thursday at 9 pm on TBS as they have called a number of new younger players into camp and welcome back captain Becky Suerbrunn who missed the World Cup with injury.  I will be interested to see if newcomers Olivia Moultrie, Sam Coffey, Mia Fishel and Jaedyn Shaw get any time in these friendlies.

Full USWNT roster vs. Colombia Oct 26 & Oct 29

Goalkeepers (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders (9): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Stars), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign), M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC)

Midfielders (6): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

Forwards (9): Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC, ENG), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC)

NWSL Playoffs Start Tonight 10 pm Rapinoe last game? & Sun  

Megan Rapinoe will get one more home game in her legendary career, and it could also be her last game. Rapinoe and OL Reign will host Angel City FC on Friday night (tonight) in the first game of the 2023 NWSL playoffs. at 10 pm on Paramount Plus.  Sunday The NWSL playoffs have arrived, as six teams aim to lift the league title on November 11 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.After winning the NWSL Shield, the San Diego Wave will be one of the favorites to lift the title and become just the second team to do so at its home stadium. Only two clubs in the playoffs, the Thorns and the North Carolina Courage, have won the NWSL title before, with four teams vying for their first title.Two of those teams, OL Reign and NJ/NY Gotham FC, will be looking to send two legends of the game (Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger, respectively) into retirement with a championship.

Games to Watch this Week

AC Milan vs Juventus on Paramount Plus leads the hot games for the week for American fans who hope to see Milan’s leading scorer Christian Pulisic & fellow American midfielder Yanus Musah travel to Juventus and American’s Wes McKinney and Tim Weah Sunday at 2:45 pm.  Saturday Chelsea hosts Arsenal at 12:30 pm on NBC as the league leading Gunners will travel to disappointing Chelsea.  MLS host decision day on Sat @ 6 & 9 pm on Apple TV MLS Season pass as the final teams vie for playoff spots. Champions League returns Tues/Wed with the biggest game being AC Milan traveling to PSG with both teams desperate for the points on Wed at 2:45 pm Paramount plus. El Classico – Barcelona vs Real Madrid – rarely disappoints – and this year expect nothing different check out these threads Barca plans to wear  the Rolling Stone hot lips version.  The game will be on ESPN+ next Sunday at 3 pm.  

Tough Day at Murray as Both Carmel Teams Lose Regionals to Cathedral

The Top Ranked Carmel High boys lost a close one to Cathedral 2-1 for a 2^nd straight year in the Regional Finals.  Carmel finished the season at 17-2-2 with its playoff journey taking it through the daunting road of Westfield, Zionsville, North Central, Pike and Cathedral.  Also a tough end to the season for the two-time State Finalist Carmel High Girls lost to Cathedral 2-1 at home Saturday in the Regional Finals.  Cathedral turned the tide from last year with a PK and a questionable goal In the first half and held on to win despite a Red Card controversy in the 2^nd half.  Still a great season for Carmel and their seniors. 

GAMES ON TV

Fri, Oct  20

 2:30 pm ESPN+                 Dortmund (Reyna) vs Werder Bremen

10 pm Paramount+ OL (Seattle) Reign (Rapinoe, Lavelle, Cook) vs LAFC (LeRoux, Thompson)

Sat, Oct  21

7:30am USA                        Liverpool vs Everton

9:30 am ESPN+                  Hoffenheim vs Frankfort

9:30 am ESPN+                  Union Berlin vs Stuttgart

10 am USA                          Man City vs Brighton

10 am Peacock                  Nottingham Forest (Turner) vs Luton Town

10 am Peacock                  Newcastle vs Crystal Palace  

12 noon CBSSN                 Torino vs Inter

12:30 pm NBC                    Chelsea vs Arsenal

12:30 pm ESPN+               Mainz vs Bayern Munich

12:30 pm ESPN+               Sevilla vs Real Madrid

6 pm Apple TV                  MLS Final Day Decision Day

9 pm Apple TV                  Austin vs LA Galaxy

9 pm Univision                  America vs Santos Laguna

11 pm Univsision              Tigres vs Cruz Azul

Sun, Oct  22

7:30am USA                        Liverpool vs Everton

9:30 am ESPN+                  Koln  vs MGladbach (Scally, Pefok)

11:30 am                              Aston Villa vs West Ham United

12 noon CBS SN                Atalanta vs Genoa

2:45 pm Paramount+      AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) vs Juventus (McKinney, Weah)

3 pm ESPN+                        Barcelona vs Athletic Club

4 pm MyIndy TV 23, ESPN+ Indy 11 @ Charleston – Playoffs

7 pm CBSSN North Carolina Courage (Murphy, Fox) vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC (Williams, Mewis)

Mon, Oct 23 –

3:30 pm USA                      Tottenham vs Fulham (Ream, Robinson)  

Tues, Oct 24  — Champs League

12:46 pm Para+, TUDN   Galatasary vs Bayern Munich

12:45 pm Para+                 Inter Milan vs Salzburg

3 pm CBSSN                        Union Berlin vs Napoli

3 pm Para+, Gala              Man United vs Kebenhavn

3 pm para+                         Sevilla vs Arsenal

3 pm para+                         Sporting Braga vs Real Madrid

Weds, Oct 25  — Champs League

12:46 pm Para+, TUDN   Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk  

3 pm CBSSN                        Celtic (Carter Vickers) vs Atletico Madrid  

3 pm Para+, Gala              PSG vs AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah)  

3 pm para+                         New Castle vs Dortmund (Reyna)  

3 pm para+                         Young Boys vs Man City  

9 pm FS2                              Monterrey vs Tijuana

11 pm FS1                            Juerez vs Atletico San Luis

Thurs, Oct 26  — Europa League

12:45 pm Para+                 Olympiakos vs West Ham

3 pm                                      Liverpool vs Maccabi Haifa

3 pm para+                         Panathinaikos vs Rennes (Balogen)

3 pm Para+                         Brighton vs Ajax

Fri, Oct 27 –

3:30 pm USA                      Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

 Sat, Oct  28

7:30am USA                        Chelsea vs Brentfort

9:30 am ESPN+                  Werder Bremen vs Union Berlin

9:30 am ESPN+                  MGladbach (Scally) vs Heidenheim  

10 am USA                          Arsenal vs Sheffield

10:15 am ESPN+                Barcelona vs Real Madrid- El Classico

12:30 pm NBC                    Chelsea vs Arsenal

US Women

USWNT roster: Sophia Smith returns from injury for October friendlies Emma HrubyOct 18, 2023

Becky Sauerbrunn is back with USWNT after missing 2023 World Cup USWNT youth movement arrives with Olivia Moultrie and Jaedyn Shaw USWNT roster: Meet Olivia Moultrie, the NWSL’s groundbreaking teen   USWNT turns the page from 2023 World Cup with latest roster Carli Lloyd: Megan Rapinoe’s kneeling was ‘distracting’ to USWNT   Alex Morgan ranks among top 3 ‘most marketable’ athletes of 2023 US plays Colombia – Roster Drop US Soccer Trailblazing teen earns first USWNT call-up

US Men  

Reyna has breakout game as USMNT routs Ghana

 October 2023 USMNT Friendlies: USA 4-0 Ghana – The Americans coast to an easy victory                  

Analysis & Player Ratings: Dest, Weah, Reyna, & Balogun impress in 4-0 USMNT win over Ghana

Former USMNT captain Michael Bradley retires leaving a mixed legacy  S&S

USA midfielder Adams out five months with injury: report

Analysis: U.S. U-23 team opens Olympic cycle with win over Mexico

USMNT to face Trinidad & Tobago for Copa America berth

Analysis: U.S. U-23 team defeats Japan to cap a successful first camp

• Cremaschi hopes his amazing journey and growth in 2023 leads to the Olympics in 2024

World
Barcelona reveal special Rolling Stones jersey for El Clasico fixture vs Real Madrid
Leaders Milan face title rivals Juve as betting scandal rocks Italy
First-class Fuellkrug lands for Dortmund ahead of Bremen reunion
Ramos set for Real Madrid reunion as Sevilla start new era
England’s Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s in contention and who has work to do?

 Goalkeeping

 Great Save Matt Turner vs Ghana

Top Saves MLS August
Losing Arsenal number one spot ‘difficult’ – Ramsdale

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NWSL playoffs 2023: Schedule, TV and streaming

Seth Vertelney  follow October 16, 2023 10:06 am ET Pro Soccer Wire

The NWSL playoffs have arrived, as six teams aim to lift the league title on November 11 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. After winning the NWSL Shield, the San Diego Wave will be one of the favorites to lift the title and become just the second team to do so at its home stadium. Last season’s champion, the Portland Thorns, stumbled on the final day of the season to lose the Shield, but still finished second and clinched a bye to the semifinal round. The Thorns will be aiming to become the third NWSL team to repeat as champions. Only two clubs in the playoffs, the Thorns and the North Carolina Courage, have won the NWSL title before, with four teams vying for their first title. Two of those teams, OL Reign and NJ/NY Gotham FC, will be looking to send two legends of the game (Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger, respectively) into retirement with a championship. Below is a schedule of all the games for the 2023 NWSL postseason.

Quarterfinals

Friday, Oct. 20

OL Reign vs. Angel City — Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington. 10 p.m. ET, Paramount+

Sunday, Oct. 22

North Carolina Courage vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC — WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, North Carolina. 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network.

Semifinals

Sunday, Nov. 5

Portland Thorns vs. North Carolina Courage or NJ/NY Gotham FC — Providence Park, Portland, Oregon. 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

San Diego Wave vs. OL Reign or Angel City — Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California. 9:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network.

USWNT’s Becky Sauerbrunn, Sophia Smith return to roster ahead of friendlies vs. Colombia Thur/Sun next week

By Meg Linehan Oct 18, 2023

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United States women’s national team interim coach Twila Kilgore has called up 27 players for the October training camp.Kilgore kept things largely the same as last month’s roster, with 24 returning players from the September session. The U.S. will face Colombia in a pair of friendlies later this month in Utah on Oct. 26 and San Diego on Oct. 29. Center back Becky Sauerbrunn makes her return, having missed the 2023 World Cup with a foot injury. While she did not make the September roster, she attended training in Chicago ahead of Megan Rapinoe’s final USWNT match. Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith also makes her return to the roster following a knee injury that kept her out of the tail end of the NWSL season — she still secured the league’s Golden Boot thanks to her 11 goals. Keeping with the Thorns theme around the roster, Kilgore has called up 18-year-old midfielder Olivia Moultrie for the first time. Moultrie will have an opportunity to earn her first senior national team appearance this month, along with San Diego Wave’s Jaedyn Shaw, who earned her second USWNT call-up on this roster.

Full USWNT roster vs. Colombia

Goalkeepers (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders (9): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Stars), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign), M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC)

Midfielders (6): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

Forwards (9): Mia Fishel (Chelsea FC, ENG), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC)

Is this more limbo for USWNT?

Yes and no — the coaching search is still in progress, led by U.S. Soccer’s sporting director Matt Crocker. And while September’s games felt strange, between the retirements of midfielder Julie Ertz and Rapinoe, who were stalwarts on the roster, October is a chance to leave some of that dissonance behind and have the team move forward as much as they can while still waiting for the exact vision to take shape under the new coach. That wait could be over by the end of the year.“I am really happy with where we are with the search,” Crocker said in September. “We have an unbelievably diverse pool of exciting candidates. We are on track to be in a position to have the head coach in place ready to support the team from early December.”Meanwhile, on the pitch, Colombia has been a familiar opponent for the USWNT over the years, but they can’t be overlooked as an easy win by any means. They’re one of the few other teams who have qualified for the 2024 Olympics, and their 2023 World Cup run was one for the history books. It’s good timing for a real test for the USWNT and for players to start making their case in earnest. Certainly, any prospective coach will be watching the film.A different-looking midfield

It’s not just the now-retired Ertz’s being taken off the roster for October. Rose Lavelle was called up in September before eventually being replaced, as she continues to work back from a lower leg injury. OL Reign coach Laura Harvey addressed Lavelle’s status following the Reign’s Decision Day win that sent them into the playoffs.She said Lavelle was on the bench “if we desperately needed her to be there, and thankfully we didn’t.” Harvey mentioned Lavelle was running on the field after the match in an effort to continue her preparation for the Reign’s quarterfinal match, though her status or ability to play significant minutes remains unknown.That leaves Lindsey Horan leading the group of six midfielders. Her 135 appearances for the USWNT is more than the other five combined (85 total). The October games should provide an interesting look at potential new combos on the field, though it feels a safe enough assumption that the starting three will be Andi Sullivan, Horan and Ashley Sanchez as the like-for-like replacement to Lavelle.

What they’re saying

“If we just look at the team right now, we know change is coming,” Kilgore said Wednesday when asked about the USWNT’s biggest challenge right now. “We know that we’re coming out of a moment at the World Cup that we’re not satisfied with … We know we have an amazing opportunity to play against Colombia and come back together and continue to improve our style of play and execution of the game plan.“To continue (to) progress in the change on toward the Olympics, both individually and collectively with so much change on the horizon, is a task that we’re up for, but it’s definitely a challenge.”Kilgore also said arrivals for this camp will be staggered, with some arriving three days before the first game, but everyone should be in by matchday minus two.“There’s an opportunity to build on previous performances and make some changes, but there’s a lot of small steps that we can take to improve the performances, that are realistic within a short timeframe.”When addressing Lavelle and Tierna Davidson’s injuries, Kilgore said they’re not ready for international minutes yet and she’s being “careful with protecting players.” Davidson is recovering after suffering a hit to the face in a Sept. 30 game with the Chicago Red Stars.

MEN IN BLAZERS ROGER BENNETT “So much quality when he’s on the field. He definitely brings it to the game. He’s one of my favorite guys to play with. I’m just happy for him. I’m happy he’s back. Hopefully he can go back to (Dortmund) and get more games. I’m just proud of him. This window for him has been amazing.”

—Tim Weah on Gio Reyna, saying what we’re all thinking: that we’re happy he’s back, and that BVB needs to get him on the pitch more

USMNT Fades Against Germany, Smashes Ghana:

The USMNT’s two “friendlies” against Germany and Ghana — a 3-1 loss and a 4-0 win, respectively — weren’t just a tale of two matches, but more a tale of four halves.

We went toe to toe with Germany in the first half of Saturday’s game in Hartford, the first 45 finishing level at 1-1. But then Die Mannschaft adjusted at halftime, us not so much, and we were left drowning in schnitzel in the second stanza. Hence the loss.

Against Ghana, our first half was all free-flowing, creative football, mixed with clinical finishing. We started out with joy and a hard edge, 11 marauding warrior poets on a cool Nashville night. “The guys really came out flying,” said Christian Pulisic afterwards.

But once again, the second half saw a dip in performance. Not to the degree of the Germany match, but still a case of us taking our foot off the gas. A habit even the players would like to rid themselves of.

“Our concentration went down a little bit,” said Sergino Dest. “We were not as sharp as the first half. And I felt like we wanted it, but not as bad as the first half. So I feel like we should improve that and keep going in the second half as well, to smash teams, you know?”

Perhaps it is just a matter of focus and staying sharp. But perhaps there’s another, more obvious reason why the U.S.’s performances dipped in the second half against both Germany and Ghana.

Gio Reyna was on the pitch for neither.

Gio the Big Winner of the Window:

By far the biggest storyline heading into these two matches for the USMNT was the return of Gio Reyna . Working his way back from an injury suffered this summer, the uber-talented 20-year-old attacking midfielder had but 27 minutes of club ball to his name coming into this window. Plus, the whole Greggate thing. So how would Gio respond? Would he fit back in with the team? And how effective would he be as our number 10 in Hartford and Nashville?

To quote the late, great Nashville musician and poet David Berman from his aptly-named song Tennessee, “You’re the only ten I see.” Which is how we were all left feeling after the two halves Gio partook in. You are now the only 10 we see, Gio.

Gio hit the ground running against some familiar faces in Germany, his 45 minutes in Connecticut a collage of saucy dribbles, incisive passes, and solid defending. But then he found another level entirely against Ghana, banging in two goals (WATCH: 1ST | 2ND) and playing with the elite skill and offensive daring that make him such an absolute joy for USMNT fans to watch.

The lad from Bedford, N.Y. ultimately emerged as the one big winner of the entire window. Literally, if you consider that in the two halves he played, the U.S. won 5-1 on aggregate. His play even left the big boss impressed.

“Besides the goals, it was how (Gio) brings players into the attack, how he is able to be calm on the ball, gives us that calm and the poise that we need at times, but then is decisive when making final passes,” said USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter after the Ghana game. “This performance was just an indicator of his entire camp. He had, as I said before, a very strong camp, great mindset, great training sessions.”

Hopefully Dortmund was watching.

MORE: Reyna & Scally’s American Soccer Bromance

Balo, Dest and the Best of the Rest:

Gio was not the only standout performer over both matches, though he was the most standout-iest. But the boys from France and Italy also made their mark.

Balo did his best Hakeem the Dream impersonation against Ghana (WATCH) … Sergino Dest played like a Dutch-American Devin Hester … Puli had two goals, one an all-time Hartford Heater (WATCH), the other a cool, calm pen (WATCH) … And Timmy Weah was stealth brilliant at times, mind-blowingly brilliant at others (WATCH).

Now it’s back to Europe for the lot of them, with those heading back to Italy set to partake in an absolutely mouth-watering Americans Abroad clash between AC Milan and Juventus on Sunday. Yet another reminder of this golden age of American soccer watching that we are currently living in. May it never end.

MORE: Brenden Aaronson’s amazing words of inspiration to young American footballers

The Great, Great, GREAT Lindsey Horan:

While the USMNT was shipping goals to Julian Nagelsmann’s Flannel Army in Hartford, the USWNT’s Lindsey Horan  (29; Golden, CO) was kicking some ASSE in France. The Great Horan pulled off a hat-trick in Lyon’s 6-0 win over AS Saint-Etienne on Saturday (WATCH: 1ST | 2ND | 3RD). The goals were Horan’s first of the season, and helped keep OL atop France’s Division 1 Féminine. Allez Lindz!!!

MORE: Horan among call-ups for USWNT October friendlies with Colombia

News and Notes:

West Brom boss Carlos Corberan provided an update on Daryl Dike (23; Edmond, OK), confirming that the USMNT striker isn’t likely to return from his ruptured Achilles until after the holiday season.  “He’s very committed with the club. He’s very committed with his recovery, but it’s a very long-term injury, so he’s one player that I cannot expect to play until January.”Josh Sargent  (23; O’Fallon, MO) has signed a contract extension with Norwich City through 2028.  “”I see myself as being a big part of the team moving forward. My family have settled really well here, we’re really happy with our time so far here. It’s a lovely place to live. I really want to get promoted with this club, it’s the biggest thing.” Congrats, O’Fallon d’Or! Congrats are also in order to the US U23s — the true Baby Eagles — who beat Japan 4-1 on Tuesday after topping Mexico 2-1 on Wednesday. Mini Medford Messi Paxten Aaronson  (20; Medford, NJ) was in the goals against Japan (WATCH).

Parting Shots:

A special Parting Shot this week, as Rog provides a tribute to Michael Bradley, the Great American Midfielder and son of former USMNT manager Bob Bradley, who has announced his retirement.

Here’s to Michael Bradley, who announced Tuesday he will retire at the end of this MLS season — his 10th with Toronto FC. The 36-year-old won 151 USMNT caps (third-most all time), went to two World Cups, and had an accomplished European career with Borussia Monchengladbach, Chievo Verona, AS Roma, and others.

His legacy was forever intertwined with the darkness of the failed 2018 World Cup Qualifying cycle, but it should not be. He was a remarkable human being at his peak to witness. Before he returned to MLS, he played with the simmering intensity of Jean-Luc Picard, Yul Brynner, and Jason Statham compressed into a single human being. A ferocious player on the field, and, to be honest, a ferociously guarded interview as well.

In that 2014 cycle it felt like the whole American game depended on the balance between pushing Michael Bradley forward and keeping Michael Bradley back. He was that dominant on both sides of the ball. I interviewed him the night before the Snowmageddon game, and his methodically-selected words emerged with a fierceness that suggested each had been forged in an incandescent foundry burning somewhere deep inside of him. He kept swiping the air with his hotel key card to punctuate his points. I was sure he was going to slice my nose off. We talked for a long time, and he reminded me of his famous quote after the 2009 Confederations Cup when we shocked Spain: “All the [expletive] experts in America, everybody who thinks they know everything about soccer, they can all look at the score tonight, and let’s see what they have to say now.”

That is how he should be remembered. A player constantly written off, yet loved his chances to win, because of it, not in spite of it. And he most often did win.

“

Burke: Don’t judge the USMNT like a club team; international soccer is unpredictable

By Elias Burke Oct 18, 2023

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When Brazil was invited to the Gold Cup ahead of the 1998 World Cup, it was a great chance for CONCACAF to get a genuine World Cup contender on American soil. When the U.S. was drawn against the Samba Kings in the semifinals, most people would have expected Brazil to win comfortably.This was not a vintage Brazil side; Romario headlined a squad made up of fringe players, yet it was still the four-time world champions against a soccer minnow, and it was still Romario, one of the greatest strikers in history, against defenders earning comparative chump change. No amount of plucky underdog American spirit was expected to tame genuine star quality.Things didn’t quite go that way. Inspired by an era-defining performance by goalkeeper Kasey Keller, the only player to wear the stars and stripes that day playing outside of MLS, the USMNT defied the odds to win 1-0 off a goal from Predrag “Preki” Radosavljevic in front of a crowd of just under 13,000.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=q8A9VcF7s-c%3Fautoplay%3D0%26start%3D0%26null

United States men’s soccer was hot. Including that Brazil win, Steve Sampson’s side was on a six-match winning streak, and the future of American soccer had never looked so bright. If you can beat Brazil, you can beat anyone… right? Well, that sense of belief carried into the World Cup that summer and propelled the United States to… a last-placed finish in the tournament.It’s a quintessential example of one of the main differences between international and club soccer: individual results generally don’t mean much in internationals. Most games are not in the competitions that matter (World Cups and qualifiers). Venues are various and players are unavailable for all sorts of reasons completely out of the manager’s control. It’s an unpredictable brand of the sport where success is extraordinarily hard to come by, even for so-called superpowers. A lot about soccer has changed in the near-quarter-century since USA 1, Brazil 0, but that much hasn’t.Yet I get the sense that some U.S. fans (though certainly not all of them) are watching this young, still-developing squad as if it were a club team – a situation where game-to-game results really do have a distinct impact on things. And perhaps no recent international window better encapsulates the fault in that thinking than this last one, which saw the U.S. fall 3-1 to Germany on Saturday in Hartford, Conn. before Tuesday’s dominant 4-0 win over Ghana in Nashville, Tenn.

There will be a wave of positivity after the Ghana game, just like there was marked discontent among many after the Germany game. And perhaps a certain amount of that is good: the fanbase is no longer content with being plucky underdogs against the traditional soccer superpowers. It expects to compete, particularly on home soil. But one must also acknowledge some realities.At the international level, coaches are not afforded the time on the training pitch to develop comprehensive tactical schemes to counterbalance a difference in individual quality. World-class talent often shines through. Germany had a red-hot Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan as proven game-changers – the U.S. options are certainly talented and promising but comparatively untested in the biggest games. At the coaching level, small adjustments can make all the difference; in this aspect, Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann is among the world’s upper echelons. As for Berhalter, who is contracted to lead the United States’ “golden generation” through to the home World Cup in 2026, the jury is still out.The U.S. could have held on to win that game in Hartford 1-0, and all those things would still be true.A few days later in Nashville, the U.S. seemed to right its wrongs, blitzing Ghana with three quick goals in the first half and keeping the pressure on them throughout. Gio Reyna looked excellent in his 45-minute appearance, scoring two goals from the No. 10 position he has stated is his preferred spot to play.Yet still there are larger questions: If Reyna is to play at the No. 10, will the midfield unit as a whole be strong enough to control matches against better opponents? And what’s the backup plan if Reyna can’t go amid his continued injury issues? How does Tyler Adams, the U.S. captain at the World Cup who could be out for a significant stretch with his own injury, fit in upon his return?Ghana could have somehow pulled off its own U.S. vs. Brazil result in this one, and those questions would still be relevant to this team in the next World Cup cycle.

Over the next three years, including next year’s Copa America, Berhalter will oversee wins, losses and draws that may seem to be defining for one reason or another. But the journey between international tournaments is long and torturous, and putting too much stock into matches in between is something fans the world over have learned is largely futile. This isn’t a league, where a loss can dent your title hopes, or a win can steer you clear of relegation. Shutout streaks and goal-scoring runs don’t build momentum in the same way. Tactical breakthroughs can be easily abandoned. Nothing matters more than finding balance.

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Still, the opportunity to face the best can be a useful measuring stick, and last year’s draw with England in the group stage of the World Cup acts as a useful blueprint for success for a team capable of hurting opposition of all levels in transition.

The reality is that winning teams at the international level often sacrifice style for substance, favoring a pragmatic approach with a sprinkling of match-winning talent to make the difference against the best. Even the great Spain sides of 2008, 2010 and 2012 prioritized a slow build-up and possession as a method of protection over the more attacking “tiki-taka” style from that era’s all-conquering Barcelona side.

The USMNT has come a hell of a long way since 1998, but the demands are basically the same. Sometimes it takes heroic goalkeeping displays, a water-tight defensive shape and goals against the run of play to find success when it matters most: just ask Morocco, who would not trade their journey to the semi-final of the World Cup for an expansive style that may have caused an earlier exit.

Or ask the 1998 USMNT, whose signature win came within months of its most disappointing performance in the modern era.

USA vs. Ghana, 2023 Friendly: Man of the Match

Gio! Gio! Stars & Stripes

The United States Men’s National Team got back on track Tuesday night in Nashville, defeating Ghana 4-0 in a dazzling first half display of offense. The USMNT looked great in rebounding from their loss to Germany over the weekend, and got some goals from some of their brightest stars.

Gio Reyna’s two goals were the highlights of the night, and the SSFC community thought he was the best player on the field. His 8.76 average rating easily earned him the SSFC Man of the Match. Tim Weah, Sergiño Dest, and fellow goalscorers Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic all earned average ratings over 7 from the community.

The full SSFC community ratings:

Gio Reyna – 8.76

Tim Weah – 7.87

Folarin Balogun – 7.86

Sergiño Dest – 7.83

Christian Pulisic – 7.74

Matt Turner – 7.34

Chris Richards – 6.58

Miles Robinson – 6.45

Kristoffer Lund – 6.40

Yunus Musah – 6.38

Weston McKennie – 6.38

Gio Reyna’s first-half brace guides USMNT to 4-0 friendly win over Ghana

By Paul Tenorio and The Athletic StaffOct 17, 2023

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The U.S. men’s national team toppled Ghana 4-0 in Tuesday’s friendly in Nashville, Tenn., behind Gio Reyna’s first career international brace. Here’s what you need to know:

• Reyna opened the scoring in the 10th minute, blasting home a loose ball in the box for his first USMNT goal since June 2021. He added another on a dazzling indirect free kick inside the box in the 39th minute.
• The 20-year-old Reyna returned to the squad in Saturday’s friendly loss to Germany after suffering a leg fracture in the CONCACAF Nations League final in June. That game also marked his first match under coach Gregg Berhalter since their relationship came under the microscope after the 2022 World Cup.
• Christian Pulisic — who assisted on Reyna’s second goal — converted a penalty in the 19th minute and Folarin Balogun made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute on a goal assisted by Tim Weah. All three goalscorers were subbed off at the start of the second half.

How USMNT performed against Ghana

It was everything Berhalter could have asked for. Coming out of the 3-1 loss to Germany, the USMNT coach said the team sat down for a video session to go over where things had gone wrong in their first friendly in this window. The U.S. needed to be more precise, more decisive and more organized in key moments against Germany. The response against Ghana was all over those things.he U.S. needed just 22 minutes to take a three-goal lead, the fastest the U.S. had taken a three-goal lead against a non-CONCACAF opponent since at least 1931, per Opta. How’s that for getting better? Ghana did not look good, and you could argue that three of the four goals came off of big Ghanaian mistakes, but the U.S. took full advantage and held a four-goal lead at the half. It was a wonderful performance that saw Reyna, Balogun, Weah and Pulisic all get involved — which is exactly what the U.S. wants. — Paul Tenorio, senior soccer writer

Evaluating Reyna’s performance

Reyna again played just 45 minutes in the game, but once again put in a very effective shift and this time got on the scoresheet with his first brace in a U.S. crest. Reyna opened the night by volleying home a rebound from a sliding clearance 10 minutes into the game, then scored another goal off of an indirect free kick from inside the Ghanaian 18-yard box. Reyna will be pleased with his output over the first two games and with his role in the team, playing as a No. 10 in midfield, which he prefers over the winger role he played for all of the last qualifying cycle. — Tenorio

Looking ahead to Nations League quarterfinals

The pairings for the Nations League quarterfinal will officially be announced on Wednesday, but results were trending on Tuesday night toward the U.S. facing Trinidad and Tobago in a home-and-home next month. A win over T&T isn’t just about booking a place in the CONCACAF Nations League final four and a chance at a third straight Nations League title, but also a berth in next summer’s Copa America.

The U.S. will go into those games with confidence, for sure, after the result on Tuesday night. — Tenorio

What they’re saying

“We learned a lot of lessons against Germany, for sure,” Balogun said “We had a lot of meetings and we decided we wanted to have a reaction tonight and I felt like we showed that with a good performance, especially in the first half. From this camp, we just learned we have to improve to compete against the top, top teams.”

USMNT analysis  BRIAN SCIARETTA American Soccer Now.com

Analysis & Player Ratings: Dest, Weah, Reyna, & Balogun impress in 4-0 USMNT win over Ghana

The USMNT ended the October window with a convincing 4-0 win over Ghana in Nashville behind two goals from Gio Reyna, and one from Pulisic and and Balogun. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta offers up his thoughts and player ratings. 

HE UNITED STATES national team rebounded from Saturday’s loss to Germany with a convincing 4-0 rout over Ghana on Tuesday night at GEODIS Park in Nashville. The U.S. team scored all of its goals between the 10^th and 39^th minutes in a relentless offensive display before coasting against a Ghana team that was very poor on the night.

For U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter, it was a great way to end camp.

Gio Reyna scored the opening and final U.S. goals. The first came at the end of a furious rush up the field led by Sergino Dest. The PSV right back played Folarin Balogun into the box and his cross was blocked by Ghana’s Nicholas Opoku and fell right to Reyna for a close finish.

The second goal was a penalty after Gideon Mensah tripped Tim Weah in the box. Christian Pulisic took the ensuing penalty and hit it up the middle past Abdul Narudeen.

Three minutes after conceding a penalty, Ghana conceded again. Opoku was stripped of the ball deep in his own third by Weah who then fed Balogun in the middle for a calm but powerful finish from close range.

Then in the 39th, the U.S. team was a awarded an indirect free kick inside its own box on a violation from Opoku. Reyna tapped it to Pulisic, Pulisic tapped it to Reyna who powered it into the top shelf.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=sC9MLfreCdo%3Fsi%3Df6k_hyuW843smc7v

In the second half, the U.S. continued to control the game albeit with the intensity notched down a bit. The 4-0 scoreline held, and the U.S. concluded its October window with a win.

Here are some thoughts.

DEST & WEAH LEAD THE RIGHT SIDE

The U.S. team best line of attack was the right side of the field. That is where a majority of the team’s scoring chances came from.

Neither Sergino Dest nor Tim Weah scored or directly assisted in this game, but they were the two best players in the game. Both carved Ghana apart attacking the right side by making effective dribbles, finding spaces for through balls, drawing fouls in the attacking third, and drawing attention from defenders to create space for others.

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Dest has had some quality moments on the left side, but he is far more comfortable on both sides of the ball while playing on the right side. After he struggled against Germany, this game was a good game for him to showcase his ability and head back to PSV more confident.

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As for Weah, he just needs to get on the field for Juventus. It doesn’t matter if he’s a right wingback for his club and a pure winger for the U.S. team. He can adjust fine. The question is just getting on the field.

REYNA CAPS STRONG CAMP

Reyna was very dangerous in this game, and he ended camp in a great position. In total, he played 90 minutes over two games and the U.S. team outscored its opponents 5-1 with him on the field. The U.S. team was outscored 2-0 without him on the field. That’s not by accident.

It’s more than the goals. Both of the goals he scored against Ghana were fairly lucky – a fortuitous bounce off a bad block and an indirect free kick inside the box are not highlight goals. But the revealing nature is what Reyna does for other players. He opens the game up offensively. He is that critical connection between the midfield and the attack that allows Balogun, Pulisic, and Weah to be far more dangerous.

 FINDING BALOGUN

It was critical that the team find ways to make Balogun more dangerous. This was stressed repeatedly in camp. Berhalter said that most of Balogun’s goals at the club level come from great movements in the box that his teammates identify and are able to get him the ball. It’s harder to develop that chemistry at the international level because teams are not together nearly as much, but it can be done. It’s just a longer process.

The Ghana game was a big step in the right direction. Balogun’s goal wasn’t the best indicator of that because that was a bad turnover. But the opening goal was stronger evidence the team is finding out how to pick him up. Dest had a good idea where Balogun was going to be in the box and got it to him for the dangerous cross that was blocked to the feet of Reyna.

But a revealing stat is simply the total number of Balogun shots. In this game he had five shots in just 45 minutes of action. That is indeed a furious pace, made possible by teammates who are getting a better idea of how to get him the ball.

GHANA’S TERRIBLE NIGHT

The U.S. team played well, but it would also be fair to mention that Ghana was simply terrible in this game. It was more than just getting out-played. Ghana was making errors that were almost amateur in nature.

Mensah’s foul on Weah for the penalty showed a complete lack of awareness. It was unnecessary and Weah was in the box but was not in a dangerous position to create a scoring chance. Opoku had a nightmare performance and was at fault for the first, the third, and the fourth goals. Then conceding an indirect free kick from 10 yards was also completely unavoidable.

It wasn’t long into the first half when Ghana looked like they didn’t want to be there. They were fouling carelessly because they didn’t want to defend properly. Their fullbacks were constantly caught up the field and out of possession. And only once could they muster a shot that tested Turner.

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QUESTIONS UNANSWERED

The U.S. team played well against Ghana and made progress in key areas – such as making effective use out of Reyna and developing chemistry with Balogun.

But some key questions were left unanswered. For example, did Berhalter learn enough about central defense combination? The answer is probably not. The Germany game wasn’t great by any means, but central defense was also hung out to dry by the midfield. Against Ghana, Miles Robinson and Chris Richards (followed by Cameron Carter-Vickers) just did not have a lot to do. They were not bad at all. But Ghana’s poor outing left the central defenders with more of an incomplete grade.

There is also the question about playing without Tyler Adams. Adams was sorely missed against Germany as all three German goals came up the middle of the field. Adams likely would have been a huge help.

Johnny Cardoso got an unexpected start against Ghana. His 34/36 passing was a positive for the team, but again defense is the question at this position and Cardoso was untested. Lennard Maloney likewise had a lot of questions about what he could offer the team in terms of his foot speed, his progressive passing, his ability to hold the ball, etc. But the intensity of the game was completely dialed back when he came into the game for Cardoso in the 65^th minute. It was hard to tell either way.

Finally, Kristoffer Lund had a pretty good game as well at left back, but most of the attacking came up the right side. It’s hard to say yet that he is clearly the team’s backup left back behind Antonee Robinson but Berhatler is giving him a solid look.

MOVING FORWARD INTO NOVEMBER

The U.S. team will now only have CONCACAF Nations League games and January camp through the summer. Because of that, players will need to maintain a high level with their clubs. The U.S. team won’t be seriously tested until a possible Mexico game or Canada game in March.

For now, it’s worth keeping an eye on certain players. Can Weah find his way back into the starting XI for Juventus on a regular basis – and by extension can Weston McKennie remain as a central midfielder?

The lack of playing time for Richards is a huge concern and it hurts his ability to play consistently well for the U.S. team. Will he push for a loan or transfer in January? If so, what will be his chances to start with his new club? The same with Robinson who seems very likely to move in January as well. As with any player heading towards a move, there are natural risks associated with playing time.

Tim Ream continues to impressively hold off Father Time, but eventually he will lose that battle – like everyone does. The question is how much longer? He seems to be a player who goes month-by-month.

Then there is the long list of those outside of the team who are pushing to get into the mix. Brandon Vazquez has been great for Cincinnati and is pushing for a move this winter. How does he compete with Ricardo Pepi who plays limited minutes at PSV? The same with Josh Sargent when he returns from injury or Haji Wright.

Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, and Walker Zimmerman are still in the central defense pool. Perhaps one or two of them emerge as overage candidates for the Olympic team?

PLAYER RATINGS

THE STARTING XI

Matt Turner: The New Jersey native made a huge save in the 41^st minute on a shot from Mohammed Kudus. But aside from that, it was a relatively easy night. He did everything that was asked of him. Rating: 6.5

Sergino Dest: The PSV right back was one of the best players on the field as his dribbling and passing opened the right side of the field. Defensively, he was sufficient. Rating: 8.5

Chris Richards: Along with Miles Robinson, Richards was in a pairing that didn’t have to do much. But what they did, they did well. Ghana had one shot in this game that tested turner and that was from distance. Rating: 6.5

Miles Robinson: Was the same as Richards, only he went the full 90. He helped contain Ghana, who generated little on the day. Rating: 6.5

Kristoffer Lund: The Palermo left back wasn’t flashy and made no noticeable errors. He attacked well, but wasn’t as explosive as Dest as most of the U.S. team’s best chances came from the right side. Rating: 6.0

Johnny Cardoso: Defensively he was untested but with the ball, Cardoso was effective getting the ball to the attackers and being that link between defense and offense. Rating: 6.5

Yunus Musah: The AC Milan midfielder had a quiet night but he was still useful in his 75 minutes to keep possession and link the defenders to the midfield – something that was a problem Berhalter wanted to fix from the Germany loss. Rating: 6.0

Gio Reyna: It wasn’t either of his fortuitous goals that made Reyna great in this game. It was how he opened the game up for his teammates. 30/31 passing with seven passes into the final third, effective runs. He made the offense run. Rating: 8.0

Tim Weah: Was also one of the best U.S. players on the day as his right side was where almost all of the goals and chances originated. He drew a penalty. He provided the steal and assist on Balogun’s goal. He made runs that put Ghana on their heels. He was instrumental in the winning effort. Rating: 8.0

Christian Pulisic: He wasn’t as active from the run of play over his 45 minutes as the other attackers, but he made the most of his penalty and on the exchange off the indirect free kick. Rating: 6.5

Folarin Balogun: The Monaco forward played to his strengths and made a huge impact in the game. His movements helped create the first goal and score the third. It was a very good 45 minutes for Balogun who continues to grow within this team. Rating: 8.0

THE SUBSTITUTES

Ricardo Pepi: Played the second half but was hardly noticeable with 14 touches, three completed passes, and no shots. Rating: 5.0

Weston McKennie: Played the second half and did well to connect long balls to switch the point of possession. He also defended well to keep Ghana off the board. Rating: 6.0

Brenden Aaronson: Had one dangerous moment, but otherwise was quiet in playing the second half – completing all seven of his passes. Rating: 5.5

Lennard Maloney: The Heidenheim defensive midfielder made his U.S. debut and played conservatively with the ball and sat in front of the backline to help keep the clean sheet. Rating: 5.5

Cameron Carter-Vickers: The Celtic central defender replaced Richards in the 72^nd minute but didn’t have much to do by that point to see out the win. Rating: 5.5

Luca de la Torre: Replaced Musah in the 75^th minute and looked to get the ball forward into the attacking half, but the U.S. team was simply focused on keeping a clean sheet to end the game by that point. Rating: 5.5

MORE STORIES

• Analysis: U.S. U-23 team defeats Japan to cap a successful first camp
• Cremaschi hopes his amazing journey and growth in 2023 leads to the Olympics in 2024
• After a frantic start, USMNT looses control of tempo & focus in “moments” during 3-1 loss to Germany
• Analysis: U.S. U-23 team opens Olympic cycle with win over Mexico
• Thoughts on Mitrovic’s first U-23 roster as the team starts Olympic preparations

Giovanni Reyna’s drought-ending goals could signal a new era

• Kyle Bonagura, ESPN Staff WriterOct 18, 2023, 12:36 AM ET

fter two more than two years, Giovanni Reyna‘s goalless drought with the United States is over.The 20-year-old attacking midfielder bagged his first-ever international brace as the U.S. overwhelmed Ghana 4-0 on Tuesday at Geodis Park in Nashville. All four goals came in the first half with the three goal scorers — Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Reyna — exiting after 45 minutes.For Reyna, the performance represents an important step forward, both for the U.S. and for his prospects at the club level, where he has appeared just once this season for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.Let’s start with what it means for him in a U.S. shirt.The past two years have been close to a worst-case scenario. That’s partly because of the expectations that accompanied his debut in a friendly against Wales as a 17-year-old in 2020. It was hard not to view him as anything other than a superstar-in-waiting. He had already broken through at Dortmund, had made an impact in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League and slotted right into coach Gregg Berhalter’s U.S. starting XI — a place he figured to occupy with the team for the next decade or so.

EDITOR’S PICKS

• Explaining Gio Reyna’s potential vs. his lack of USMNT, Dortmund success3dRyan O’Hanlon
• Ex-USMNT captain Michael Bradley set to retire2dESPN News Services
• The USMNT’s struggle to play well without Tyler Adams is a problem3dJeff Carlisle

That status quo remained right up until the start of World Cup qualifying, when he got injured at El Salvador in the first of the 14-game process. Since then, it has been setback after setback. Injuries have been the primary culprit and, of course, there was the embarrassing family drama that tarnished the World Cup and contributed to Berhalter’s absence from the team for half a year. There will come a time when that saga won’t have to be rehashed but, given this was Reyna’s first camp under Berhalter since their once-close families’ very public falling out, this always figured to serve as a significant milestone.

We aren’t privy to an honest accounting of what the Berhalter-Reyna interactions were like this last week, but the on-field results were encouraging. Against Germany on Saturday, the U.S. was demonstrably better with Reyna on the field, and that was the case again vs. Ghana. With Reyna playing both games in more of a central midfield role underneath Balogun up top, the U.S. is perhaps as dangerous in the attacking third as it has ever been. Reyna’s position with the national team has been a topic of debate since his breakthrough. Prior to the game against Germany, Berhalter had strictly used Reyna as a winger. The logic was easy to follow: It put Reyna in a place to impact the game offensively, while allowing the midfield three of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Yunus Musah to play together. Except as good as that trio was at times, the combination didn’t lead to much in the attack. The team struggled to consistently create chances throughout World Cup qualifying and at the World Cup.

With Reyna floating in advanced role in midfield, all of a sudden the team has someone who can create, score and dictate the game. That element combined with Balogun’s talent at striker — with Pulisic and Timothy Weah on the wings — should solve a lot of what has plagued the U.S.

Reyna’s first goal illustrated that. Balogun was played into a dangerous area by Sergiño Dest, and his strike across the box rebounded to Reyna, who calmly smashed it home in the 10th minute. It wasn’t precision execution by any means, but the result of good things happening by applying pressure. After a penalty from Pulisic, Balogun showcased an impressive turn and finish after Weah forced a turnover. The rout was on just 22 minutes into the game.

A clever indirect free kick sequence initiated by Balogun and Pulisic from inside the box set up Reyna for his second, despite all 11 Ghanaian players posted up below the penalty spot.

The U.S. was so dominant in the first half Tuesday, it was fair to question the Black Stars’ motivation. A classic chicken-or-egg dilemma to assign credit and blame. The reality, though, was the U.S. fielded a strong, motivated lineup on home soil against a team that has more pressing fixtures ahead on the schedule.

As insightful as Reyna’s 90 minutes this window were for the national team, they also could serve as a springboard to more playing time back in Germany. There were no obvious signs of rust from his return from a foot injury he suffered with the U.S. during the Nations League in June, and the hope for Berhalter was that minutes with the U.S. — his half-time substitutions were planned — would help improve his fitness and show Reyna was again ready to contribute. There’s now hope Reyna can rekindle that trajectory in Dortmund.

Did Neymar have his career derailed… before he was 21?

This was supposed to be one of the greatest players to ever play the game – yet he missed over 100 matches for Paris Saint-Germain. Injury has robbed us of an all-timer in the league of Pele – and it’s ironic, in a way.

Neymar was hailed as the new Pele while coming through at Santos. Incredibly, he played more times for his boyhood side than any other in his career. But what may shock you… is how many times that actually was.

225 – all before the age of 21. That’s an astounding number of senior matches in one of the most physical environments in professional football. Is it possible that Neymar simply burned out over time?

The Brazilian was never the most physical player, anyway. He was slight and wiry, drawing fouls from opponents as his ankles took the brunt. It was brutal in Brazil: it didn’t ease off too much in Europe.

In England, we cite the cases of Jack Wilshere and Michael Owen as wonderkid superstars who were burdened with regular roles at a young age. There’s a parallel with Neymar – and he didn’t exactly get much respite. A talisman for club and country, he was constantly being rushed back to action, whether that’s vital Champions League knockout fixtures every blooming season or World Cup games as recently as last December.

There was those shocked by him moving to Saudi Arabia at 31, yet it’s not too uncommon for many Brazilians to leave Europe at an early age, is it?

The move to Paris Saint-Germain never helped Neymar’s case to be the GOAT… and neither did Brazil

Ultimately, Neymar had a damn fine career – but the 2017 record-breaking move to PSG was the breaking point. He moved to step out of Messi’s shadow and became responsible for pushing a boulder up the hill in France. 

Likewise, Brazil has not been blessed with another generation of the three Rs, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. The 2010s gave them just one man with the talent of all three – and he couldn’t drag them to glory on his own, as he bowed out from the Selecao’s best chance, a home World Cup, with a serious back injury. Neymar may well be remembered for being a disappointment by some. He had the hopes of his country on his shoulders and Messi’s move to PSG was seen as some as proof that Neymar on his own there had failed. But it’s important to note just how big the hype was – and just how big the natural talent was to accompany it. Unfortunately, when you’re just that good… you’re going to play a lot. Seemingly, Neymar’s body couldn’t take the strain.

OL Reign vs. Angel City FC: How to watch NWSL quarterfinal, TV channel, streaming

Megan Rapinoe will get one more home game in her legendary career, and it could also be her last game

Rapinoe and OL Reign will host Angel City FC on Friday night in the first game of the 2023 NWSL playoffs.

Rapinoe, who is retiring at the end of the season, scored a double against Chicago last weekend to ensure OL Reign reached the quarterfinal, while Angel City earned an emphatic 5-1 win over Portland on the season’s final day to clinch the franchise’s first playoff berth.Watch Megan Rapinoe on Paramount+

The biggest question around this game for OL Reign surrounds the health of Rose Lavelle, who has hardly played this season. Head coach Laura Harvey said Lavelle could have played against Chicago, but only if the club “desperately needed her to be there.” The latest is that Lavelle is available, but the USWNT playmaker’s ability to play major minutes is still an unknown.There was better news on fullback Sofia Huerta, who returned from a hamstring injury against the Red Stars.Angel City will look to keep up its surge under interim coach Becki Tweed, who has led the team to just one loss in her 11 league matches in charge.The winner of this match will face the San Diego Wave in the semifinal next weekend.

Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action:

OL Reign vs. Angel City FC (NWSL quarterfinal)

• When: Friday, Oct. 20
• Where: Lumen Field (Seattle)
• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• Channel/streaming: Paramount Plus in the United States, internationally at NWSLSoccer.com.

NWSL playoffs starting lineups

OL Reign possible lineup:
Dickey; McClernon, Barnes, Cook, Huerta; Quinn, Sonnett; Rapinoe, Fishlock, Latsko; Huitema

Angel City FC possible lineup:
Anderson; Vignola, Nielsen, Gorden, Riley; Hammond, Henry; Camberos, McCaskill, Emslie; LerouxWatch OL Reign vs Angel City FC

Related

‘She is who she is for a reason’ – Rapinoe staves off retirement with Decision-Day brace

NWSL playoffs 2023: Schedule, TV and streaming

OL Reign sets standalone NWSL attendance record for Rapinoe farewell game

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