US Ladies Face Argentina tonight at 7 pm on TNT after 3-1 comeback win over Iceland
The US ladies fell behind on golazo goal to Iceland as #2 GK Murphy pulled a GKE on reading the high ball and of course with NO ONE ON THE POST – it slipped her head and into the backpost and in. The US ladies responded with 3 goals in the 2nd half however as the starters returned to set things right. One more game tonight in Louisville – Seats still available by the way – at Lynn Stadium. The good news is the youngsters are really coming thru and showing they belong. (highlights). Rose Lavelle will celebrate 100 Caps tonight! Also really cool to see our Manager Emma Hayes win the Coach of the Year Honors on the Ladies side!!
Members of Utah, Gotham, Portland, and Angel City will ride the bench, with coach Emma Hayes reporting that she wont tap anyone set to play a regular-season NWSL match on Friday — except Rose Lavelle, who will celebrate her 100th cap at tonight’s game.
Big picture: Coming off two productive wins against Iceland, fitness will be front of mind for Hayes with WSL playoffs approaching and the European season in full swing. Players currently without an October start include Spirit midfielder & former Indy 11 standout Hal Hershfelt, NC Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez, and PSG defender Eva Gaetino. Tune in: The USWNT kicks off against Argentina in Louisville tonight at 7 PM ET, with live coverage on TNT.
Indy 11 host playoff game Sunday – Nov 3 vs Rhode Island FC Indy Eleven completed its regular season with a 3-0 setback at the Tampa Bay Rowdies and former GK on Saturday night, snapping a five-match unbeaten streak. The Boys in Blue earned the #4 seed in the USL Championship Eastern Conference playoffs by finishing with a 14-11-9 record for 51 points. The Eleven will begin the 2024 USL Championships Playoffs presented by Terminix next Sunday, November 3 at Carroll Stadium, hosting their first home playoff game since 2019 against #5 seed Rhode Island FC (12-7-15) in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. This will be the Boys in Blue’s fourth playoff appearance in six full seasons in the USLC. The last time that the Eleven recorded consecutive playoff berths was in 2018 and 2019. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster. Boys in Blue Season Ticket Members can purchase opening round playoff seats here.
High School Soccer Finals Sat at The Mike The high school finals for the ladies are set with Noblesville (18-0-2) looking for a Back to Back vs Center Grove (16-4-3) at 6:30 pm while the boys features Bloomington South (20-1) vs West Lafayette Harrison (18-0-4) at 11 am at the Mike. Tickets avail for the full schedule of all Class games all day.
Tuesday – American’s In Action this Week in Champions League
- PSV vs Girona, 12:45p on Paramount+, TUDN USA, UniMas: Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, Richard Ledezma and PSV host Girona in Champions League.
- Real Madrid vs AC Milan, 3p on Paramount+, TUDN USA, UniMas: Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in Champions League.
- Bologna vs Monaco, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Folarin Balogun (injury?) and Monaco travel to Bologna in Champions League.
- Borussia Dortmund vs Sturm Graz, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Cole Campbell and Borussia Dortmund host Sturm Graz in Champions League.
- Celtic vs RB Leipzig, 3p on Paramount+, ViX, CBS Sports Golazo: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic play host to RB Leipzig in Champions League.
- Lille vs Juventus, 3p on CBSSN, Paramount+, ViX: Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, and Juventus travel, with Weah returning to Lille in Champions League.
Also in action:
- Queens Park Rangers v Middlesbrough, 2:45p: Aiden Morris and Middlesbrough travel to Weston London to face QPR in the Championship
- Puebla v Monterrey, 7p: Brandon Vasquez and Rayados travel to Puebla in LA MX
Wednesday
Also in action:
- Millwall vs Leeds United, 2:45p: Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United travel to Millwall in the Championship.
- Coventry City vs Derby County, 2:45p: Haji Wright and Coventry City host Derby County in the Championship.
- America vs Pachuca, 7p, TUDNS USA, Univision: Alex Zendejas and Club America host Pachuca in Liga MX.
Thursday
- Hoffenheim vs Olympique Lyon, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Tanner Tessmann and Lyon travel to Hoffenheim for this Europa League match.
- Real Betis vs Celje, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Johnny Cardoso and Betis host Celje in Conference League.
- Hearts vs Heidenheim, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Lennard Maloney and Heidenheim travel to the Heart of Midlothian in an epic quest to win a Conference League match
TV SCHEDULE
Wed, Oct 30
7 pm TNT US Women vs Argentina
7 pm FS1 US U17G vs Korea U17G WC Semi-Finals
Fri, Nov 1
7:30 pm Apple Charlotte vs Orlando City SC MLS Playoffs
9:30 pm Apple Colorado vs LA Galaxy
Sat, Nov 2
8:30 am USA New Castle vs Arsenal
10:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin
11 am USA Southhampton vs Everton
11 am Peacock Liverpool vs Brighton
11 am Para+ Leeds United vs Plymouth
1 pm Para+ Udinese vs Juventus (Mckinney/Weah)
1 pm NBC Wolverhampton vs Crystal Palace
1:30 pm EPNS+ Dortmund vs RB Leipzig
3:45 pm Para+ Monza vs AC Milan (Pulisic)
4 pm ESPN+ Valencia vs Real Madrid
5 pm Apple TV NYCFC 0 vs Cincy 1
5 pm ION Seattle Reign vs Orlando Pride NWSL
7:30 pm ION NC Courage vs Washington Spirit NWSL
Sun, Nov 3
9 am USA Tottenham vs Aston Villa
11:30 am USA Man United vs Chelsea
11:30 am ESPN+ MGladbach vs Bremen
2:$5 pm Golazo/Para Inter vs Venezia
3 pm ESPN Chicago Red Stars vs KC Current NWSL
4:30 pm Apple TV New York RB 1 vs Columbus
5:30 pm ESPN San Diego Wave vs Racing Louisville NWSL
6:30 pm ESPN+, TV Houston vs Seattle 1
8:30 pm Apple TV Vancouver vs LAFC 1
Thursday
USA
Emma Hayes wins Women’s Coach of the Year at Ballon d’Or ceremony
Emma Hayes Named Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year
October USWNT Friendlies: USA 3-1 Iceland – A comeback seals a win for the Americans
2024 USWNT Friendly: Scouting Argentina
2024 October USWNT Friendlies: USA 3-1 Iceland – the Americans find a late winner
USWNT’s ‘rusty’ win over Iceland shows evolution is needed5dJeff Kassouf
Olympics are over, World Cup is in three years: What questions must USWNT answer now? 6dJeff Kassouf
MLS – playoffs
How Messi made his Inter Miami teammates better on and off the field
Minnesota United takes 1-0 series lead on Real Salt Lake
Red Bulls stun second-seeded Crew 1-0 in Game 1
Sounders earn PK win over Dynamo in playoff opener
Yamil Asad lifts Cincinnati to Game 1 win over NYCFC
Facundo Torres puts home 19th goal as Orlando City blank Charlotte FC
Lionel Messi tracker: All goals, assists, key moments for Inter Miami in 2024
Power Rankings: Where do teams stand entering playoffs?
Your Wednesday Kickoff: Red Bulls, Minnesota turn playoff picture on its head
Goalkeeping
St Clair Great Saves in MLS Playoffs
Reffing
Handball or not? Become a Licensed Ref with Indiana Soccer – must be over 13
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| The US is the only country to place in all three 2024 FIFA world championships. (Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
| The U-17 USWNT lit up the international stage on Sunday, pointing to the national team’s bright future with a U-17 World Cup bronze medal win — less than two months after their U-20 counterparts did the same.The U-17 team’s dominant 3-0 victory over England gave the US its best U-17 World Cup finish since 2008, while the U-20 USWNT’s late September third-place victory saw their best performance since lifting the trophy in 2012.With both youth World Cup medals and the senior team’s Olympic gold, the US is now the only nation to place in all three 2024 FIFA world championships.Teen pros fuel the fire: This year’s U-17 World Cup roster featured its first-ever professionals, including ACFC’s Kennedy Fuller, Seattle’s Ainsley McCammon, and San Diego’s Kimmi Ascanio and Melanie Barcenas. Add in the U-20 USWNT’s record eight NWSL players, and pro experience at the youth level appears to be paving a successful international path. |
USWNT Closes Out October International Window with Argentina Friendly
The top-ranked USWNT will play their third and final friendly of the October international break against world No. 33 Argentina in Louisville on Wednesday night — likely with few new faces in the mix.
Head coach Emma Hayes told reporters that she will not play anyone with a regular-season NWSL match scheduled for Friday except Rose Lavelle, who will celebrate her 100th USWNT cap in Wednesday’s pre-match ceremony.
“This was the game [Lavelle] chose and for that reason she’s starting,” explained Hayes. “I’ll probably only play Rose for 45 minutes just because I know how important and valuable she is for Gotham.”
Lavelle, a Cincinnati product, likely picked Wednesday’s friendly for her celebration due to Louisville’s close proximity to her hometown.
Resting veterans means more minutes for USWNT newcomers
Coming off two productive 3-1 wins over No. 13 Iceland, fitness is front-of-mind for Hayes with NWSL playoffs approaching and the European season — where four of this camp’s athletes play — in full swing.
“I presented to the [club] head coaches in advance of this camp, saying that no player would play in more than two full games,” Hayes said.
Since the NWSL’s Utah Royals, Gotham FC, Portland Thorns, and Angel City FC all play on Friday, nine of the UWSNT’s 26 October camp athletes are unavailable to take Wednesday’s pitch. Four of those players are forwards, leaving Hayes only Mal Swanson, Jaedyn Shaw, and Emma Sears up top, unless the US boss rotates athletes in from another position.
In prioritizing rest, Hayes’s self-imposed roster limitations could result in more first caps. Both PSG center back Eva Gaetino and Bay FC left back Alyssa Malonson are awaiting their first USWNT minutes.
Other players who have yet to appear during this international window include NC Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez and KC Current defender Hailie Mace.
Young Argentina team aims for first win against USWNT
Like Hayes, Argentina head coach Germán Portanova stacked his 20-player roster with young talent, including four teenagers. The only Argentinian athlete with more than 50 caps is defender Aldana Cometti, and 14 players have less than 20 caps.
That young roster will take aim at the country’s first-ever result against the USWNT, who has won all five previous meetings by outscoring Argentina 32-1. The pair’s last meeting came on February 23rd in group play of the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup, where the US defeated Argentina 4-0.
Hoping to quiet the US attack, Portanova packed his team with nine defenders for Wednesday’s game. As a result, Hayes told the press that she anticipates a low-block from La Albiceleste and that she’ll “be curious to see how we handle that,” particularly as the team has been working on decision-making and finishing in the final third throughout this training camp.
U-17 USWNT races to World Cup semis
Airing on FS1 at the same time as the senior national team’s battle with Argentina, the U-17 USWNT will take on Korea DPR in their first U-17 World Cup semifinal since 2008.
The team has battled North Korea three times in U-17 World Cup history, most notably in the 2008 final when Korea DPR staged a come-from-behind, extra-time 2-1 win to become World Cup champs.
This time out, the US will rely on their sturdy defense, which has already pulled off three straight clean sheets, setting a new U-17 USWNT World Cup record.
How to watch the USWNT vs. Argentina international friendly
The friendly between the No. 1 USWNT and No. 33 Argentina will kick off on Wednesday at 7 PM ET, with live coverage on TNT.
The US will close out the year with with a European tour, making tonight’s match their last 2024 tilt on home soil.
USWNT 3, Iceland 1: Alyssa Thompson’s first international goal helps U.S. secure victory
By Meg Linehan Oct 24, 2024 The Athletic
The U.S. women’s national team defeated Iceland 3-1 on Thursday in its first match following its gold-medal run this summer at the Paris Olympics. Alyssa Thompson and Jaedyn Shaw, both still teenagers, scored first before Sophia Smith provided a late dagger to seal the result.Thompson was the only player to start who did not play in this summer’s Olympics. The 19-year-old was widely expected to be called back into the national team following an excellent run of form with Angel City in NWSL. She did not disappoint in Austin, Texas, providing the opening goal, which was also her first international goal.“I get in those situations a lot in games, so I knew what to do: put it in with my right,” Thompson said during her halftime interview.Since the NWSL’s return from the Olympic break, Thompson has scored five goals with Angel City and noted she’s spent extra time after training working on cutting in off the wings with an eye for goal alongside her NWSL teammate Christen Press. Thursday night, she got another perfect opportunity to show what those extra reps have unlocked.Thompson last played for the U.S. in 2023, featuring in the final match of the year in Texas. Despite her inclusion in the 2023 World Cup roster, she missed out on an Olympic spot under head coach Emma Hayes.“Just coming onto the field and wearing the jersey in the beginning, I was like, ‘This is surreal,’” Thompson said during halftime. “Being able to get my first goal, I can’t describe how I feel. I’m just so happy.”Iceland equalized in the second half when Selma Magnúsdóttir scored in the 56th minute with an effort from outside the box that beat goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher in the bottom left corner. But the tie didn’t last.Shaw was a second-half substitute, but that didn’t stop her from scoring. While her Olympics went in an unexpected direction after she picked up a muscle injury in France, Shaw had no issues returning to her scoring ways with the national team having fully recovered.“It was a really tough month for me,” Shaw said of the Olympics after the match. “But it was also the best month of my life. I learned a lot from it. It just made me hungry to come back and produce the same, if not more.”Smith also picked up some USWNT minutes, after finally making her NWSL return for the Portland Thorns in a limited capacity last weekend. Smith had an ankle injury resurface in September and had missed out on multiple Thorns matches. Smith, one-third of the “Triple Espresso” forward line at the Olympics, added the exclamation point with her goal in the 88th minute.Gotham FC’s Yazmeen Ryan earned her first U.S. cap Thursday night, subbing on Mallory Swanson in the 66th minute alongside Shaw and Casey Krueger. Hal Hershfelt of the Washington Spirit also finally earned her first cap for the USWNT in this match, after traveling with the team to France this summer as an alternate.Coach Emma Hayes called up six uncapped players as part of her 26-player roster for the October window, though only 23 players can dress for each match.
Hayes names 26-player USWNT roster for October friendlies
“We looked a little rusty,” Hayes said in her postgame press conference. “We haven’t played together since the Olympics, and I think we look like a team with a lot of players on the back end of the season.”While she liked their short passing game, Hayes said the performance in the final third during the first half wasn’t good enough and that they weren’t switching the ball quickly enough. Both were addressed at halftime.
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“It’s up to us to inject that urgency into the game,” she said. “The players that came from the bench did that.”The USWNT still has two more matches in this international window. They play Iceland again Sunday in Nashville (5.30 p.m. ET, airing on TNT, truTV, Max, Universo and Peacock), before their final match on U.S. soil this year next Wednesday against Argentina in Louisville (7 p.m. ET, airing on TNT, truTV, Max, Universo and Peacock).
USWNT player ratings: Hayes’ super-subs Horan, Sears inspire win
Cesar Hernandez, Staff Writer, ESPN FCOct 27, 2024, 08:48 PM ET
Goals from Lynn Williams, Lindsey Horan, and Emma Sears earned a 3-1 friendly victory and second consecutive win for the U.S. women’s national team over Iceland.
Held at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, the game kicked off with plenty of the ball for the home side that maintained 64.2% possession during the first half. Nonetheless, it was Iceland that opened up the scoring thanks to a stunning 31st-minute goal directly off a corner from Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir.
Editor’s Picks
- USWNT’s ‘rusty’ win over Iceland shows evolution is needed5dJeff Kassouf
- Olympics are over, World Cup is in three years: What questions must USWNT answer now?6dJeff Kassouf
- First roster since Olympic gold shows USWNT getting younger, less reliant on known stars13dJeff Kassouf
Seeking to alter her approach by the midway point of the friendly, USWNT manager Emma Hayes responded by making a handful of impactful substitutions.
Following the half-time break, Alyssa Thompson, Emily Fox, and Horan entered the field. Shortly afterwards, Hayes then brought on Sophia Smith, Williams, and Sears. The tactical maneuvers paid off, leading to an equalizer from Williams in the 72nd minute and Horan’s goal in the 76th, as well as Sears’ goal in the 93rd.
With a win in hand and an undefeated streak under Hayes, the USWNT will play their third friendly this month when they face Argentina at Louisville, Kentucky’s Lynn Family Stadium on Oct. 30.
Manager rating (scale of 1-10)
Emma Hayes, 8 — Unafraid to throw numbers forward in the second half, Hayes was fearless with her attack-minded substitutions that earned the victory. The manager deserves credit for not only giving opportunities for young players, but for also being able to break down an Iceland XI that parked the bus throughout the 90+ minutes.
USWNT Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)
GK Casey Murphy, 5 — Murphy made just one error, but it was still costly after her poor positioning allowed Vilhjalmsdottir to find the back of the net in the first half.
DF Jenna Nighswonger, 6 — Although she didn’t have too much trouble defensively, going forward, more was expected of the player who occasionally went quiet against Iceland.
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DF Emily Sams, 8 — An impressive debut For the Orlando Pride player. Sams was confident and comfortable with her interventions that made her a reliable presence in the backline.
DF Emily Sonnett, 7 — Sonnet provided important tackles and showed leadership as she barked orders in defense.
DF Casey Krueger, 6 — A decent performance. Krueger helped win back possession and showcased her speed on both flanks but could have also been more accurate with her longer passes.
MF Mallory Swanson, 8 — Swanson celebrated her 100th cap as the most dangerous player in the first half. The 26-year-old was a dynamic figure in the attack that eventually switched to a more central position in the frontline.
MF Sam Coffey, 6 — Despite buzzing around the midfield, Coffey was at times caught off-guard when needing to shut down counters.
MF Korbin Albert, 6 — Connected well with the midfield, but also wasn’t able to create enough in the final third.
MF Yazmeen Ryan, 6 — Ryan wasn’t as dangerous as Swanson on the opposite flank and struggled with effectively breaking down the Iceland defense. That said, she did well to switch the field when needed and provided a couple of shots.
FW Olivia Moultrie, 7 — Not bad for a player that just turned 19. Moultrie had a great connection with attack and dropped to the left after Swanson eventually moved up. A high ceiling for the player that has more to give.
FW Jaedyn Shaw, 6 — Shaw showed off her attacking versatility up top but couldn’t influence the game at the level she typically does in the final third. Hayes will need to figure out the best position for the 20-year-old San Diego Wave star.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
MF Alyssa Thompson, 8 — The teenager was brought on during the half-time break and thrived on the left flank. Some much-needed energy from the player that provided key passes and a shot that hit the woodwork.
DF Emily Fox, 7 — Credit to the full-back that had to step into a progressively chaotic formation that focused on the attack. Fox was an important distributor after being substituted in during the midway break.
MF Lindsey Horan, 8 — Horan was a catalyst moving forward and clinched the goal that gave the USWNT the lead. Difficult to think of a current best XI without the captain.
FW Lynn Williams, 9 — What more could you ask of the Gotham FC player that gifted her national team a goal and assist within 35 minutes of play.
MF Emma Sears, 9 — A dream USWNT debut. Like Williams, Sears was arguably the hero of the night with her goal and assist.
FW Sophia Smith, 7 — Excellent energy from the Portland Thorns marquee figure that took chances with her shots. Technically speaking, one of those shots could go down as a hockey assist for Williams’ goal.
MLS awards 2024: Our picks for MVP, coach of the year, Best XI and more
By The Athletic Soccer staff
Oct 29, 2024
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Lionel Messi played a little more than half of Inter Miami’s regular season games this year but is on the shortlist for most valuable player. Last year, The Athletic’s MLS writers questioned the Argentina captain’s nomination for newcomer of the year. This year, the MVP argument is far less contested, but contested nonetheless.
And while there is a clear winner for each of the defensive awards, Luis Suarez isn’t the only player valued as newcomer of the year. Here’s how our MLS writers voted for MVP, defender of the year, coach of the year, Best XI and more.
Most Valuable Player
| Writer | Vote |
|---|---|
| Pablo Maurer | Lionel Messi |
| Felipe Cardenas | Lionel Messi |
| Paul Tenorio | Lionel Messi |
| Jeff Rueter | Cucho Hernández |
Pablo Maurer: Yes, I understand that Messi was injured for a long stretch of Miami’s season. I also understand that during that stretch, Miami did not miss him — not statistically, at least. And I understand that there are other players — Cucho Hernández comes to mind — that likely have a rightful claim to this award as well. Yet Messi, despite missing 15 matches, has been the most dominant attacking player in MLS by a wide margin.
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MLS conspiracy theorists will claim that the league, and Miami, will ensure that Messi wins this award. In reality, Messi wins because he’s made the league itself look like child’s play. And this is to say nothing of his effect on MLS’ global perception and its business interests. He is undoubtedly the highest-profile player in league history, and he hasn’t disappointed.
Felipe Cárdenas: Inter Miami indeed learned to win without Messi, but they weren’t steam-rolling teams while he was at the Copa America with Argentina. When he was rested before the summer, Inter Miami lost games to New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati by a combined score of 10-1.
The data supports Messi as the MVP, too. He had better or even numbers than the other top candidates for the award after playing only 19 games. Those facts made it an easy decision for me, and I submitted my vote before his Decision Day hat-trick against New England. He’s been Messi. That’s really difficult to contend with. Sorry, Cucho.
(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Paul Tenorio: I really just don’t get the movement to push someone else as the league MVP. I get that Messi didn’t play the whole season, but he played enough to lift Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield — there is no way they would have won the Shield without him — and he was the best player in MLS when he was on the field.
The guy scored 20 goals with 16 assists in 19 games, finishing second in MLS in both categories. He was dominant, his team was the best in MLS. It’s an easy one for me.
Jeff Rueter: This year, anyone who doesn’t have Messi as an MVP is going to be branded a contrarian. I guess that’s my role to play on our staff.
Ultimately, this gets into the nitty-gritty of MLS choosing to award a “most valuable player” as its top individual honor rather than a “player of the year.”
Cucho Hernández is the attacking soul of another all-time great MLS team. The Colombian also missed significant time, playing 27 of 34 possible games compared to Messi’s 19. Hernández was tied for second with 12 match-winning goal contributions; Messi’s seven match-winners were tied for 10th. While some might say it’s unfair to ding Messi for a midseason injury, ask Joel Embiid how these American sports award pageants work.
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For Messi, half a year of world-class soccer is as good a case as any need to make. I just think Hernandez’s additional workload drove home his value a little bit more.
Goalkeeper of the Year
| Writer | Vote |
|---|---|
| Pablo Maurer | Kristijan Kahlina |
| Felipe Cardenas | Kristijan Kahlina |
| Paul Tenorio | Kristijan Kahlina |
| Jeff Rueter | Kristijan Kahlina |
Rueter: Charlotte has had a lot to sort out on the fly during Dean Smith’s first season, but goalkeeper has been steady as they go. Kristijan Kahlina played every minute this season, helping backstop the club to a fifth-place finish in the East. Only one team, Seattle, allowed fewer goals than Charlotte.
The underlying numbers suggest this award is Kahlina’s to win — his +12.3 expected goals prevented is the second-highest output from any goalkeeper over the last six seasons. The only better performer? Djordje Petrovic in 2022 (+14.3), who somehow lost that year’s vote to Andre Blake but settled for a transfer to Chelsea and a corresponding pay raise.
Maurer: There’s little to no competition in this category, in my view.
Cárdenas: My colleagues at The Athletic know how I feel about Kahlina. In 2023, his howlers had me blowing up the group chat. I was probably too hard on the Croatian. After all, a goalkeeper’s mistakes are always magnified. Kahlina had hype last season, too, but his performances were inconsistent. That changed in 2024. His 12 clean sheets was the best in MLS.
Tenorio: Let the numbers tell the story here.
(Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Defender of the Year
| Writer | Vote |
|---|---|
| Pablo Maurer | Jordi Alba |
| Jeff Rueter | Steven Moreira |
| Felipe Cardenas | Steven Moreira |
| Paul Tenorio | Steven Moreira |
Rueter: Reputation goes a long way in this category and playing for a top-five defense is generally mandatory. Columbus ranked fourth by conceding just 40 goals, so there’s one box checked.
Steven Moreira enjoys more fluidity in his role than any other defender in MLS. In some phases, he’s tucking into the back line to negate an onrushing attacker. In others, he’s heading wide to occupy the half-space, while he also plays a role in sustaining possession as far upfield as the far edge of the attacking third. He’s the dependable, roaming bedrock upon which Wilfried Nancy’s system is built. For a second straight year, that’s earned my vote in this category.
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Cárdenas: I considered FC Cincinnati and U.S. international Miles Robinson for this award. Seattle’s Jackson Ragen, who I believe has a similar profile to Borussia Dortmund center back Niklas Süle. But a defender who isn’t really a defender? I’m always going to be a fan of a player like Moreira.
But as Jeff states very clearly, Moreira is an integral part of Nancy’s rather intricate system. Remove him from the Crew’s XI and they’re a different team, slightly more limited. Moreira can lock down a tricky winger and put pressure on an opposing attacking fullback. He’s typically calm and at ease when he’s on the ball close to the end line.
(Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Maurer: I write this fully expecting to get roasted in the comments. To me, though, this is not a controversial take. Miami has been shaky defensively all year as they’ve cycled through options, but Jordi Alba has been defensively sound (as always). He has also put up absurd numbers on the other side of the ball, his four goals and 12 assists made up a key part of Miami’s prolific attack.
Tenorio: I think you have to give credit to a defender who brings more to a team than just pure defending, who is a part of the identity of how a team plays and what makes them special. I’m not sure there was a defender so dominant this year in MLS that it’s worth looking away from Moreira’s value to the Crew.
Newcomer of the Year
| Writer | Vote |
|---|---|
| Pablo Maurer | Gabriel Pec |
| Jeff Rueter | Gabriel Pec |
| Felipe Cardenas | Luis Suarez |
| Paul Tenorio | Luis Suarez |
Rueter: While fellow new winger Joseph Paintsil was the headliner in the spring, Gabriel Pec’s brilliance shone all season long for the Galaxy. The Brazilian was tied for fifth in MLS with 30 goal contributions — all but one from the run of play. He swiftly assimilated into a multi-faceted LA attack and should continue to threaten MLS defenders for years.
Maurer: It took Pec a little to find his footing in the league, but when he finally acclimated he became a game-changer for the Galaxy and a major reason why LA is back in rarified air. I don’t think Pec will actually win this award; Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez has had an exceptional year and name recognition might push him ahead of Pec in the end. But no player in the league is more deserving than Pec.
Cárdenas: I hear you both on Pec. He has been silky for the Galaxy. I’ll be honest, though, I didn’t expect Suarez to be this good. He was great for Gremio, but after he told the world that he could barely walk or get out of bed in the morning, Suarez felt like a luxury signing that would only be good in flashes. Instead, he helped carry the burden for Inter Miami.
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His 20 goals in 28 games (21 starts) made him the obvious choice for this award, one that feels odd considering Suarez is 37. He recently told reporters in Miami that he’d like to be back with Miami for one more year. Who can blame him? He’s turned back the clock. Sunshine and beach life have been good to him.
Tenorio: I am a big Pec fan even though I started the season thinking Paintsil would be the most productive of the two signings. The Galaxy absolutely nailed their two DP additions this offseason. Still, I’m going to go with the guy who I think might end up making a big difference in the playoffs. Suarez is a legend for a reason.
Young Player of the Year
| Writer | Vote |
|---|---|
| Jeff Rueter | Diego Luna |
| Felipe Cardenas | Diego Gómez |
| Paul Tenorio | Diego Gómez |
Rueter: Diego Luna finished second in MLS’s annual 22 Under 22 rankings, the same spot I placed him on my ballot. What edges him over Diego Gómez for this award, then? Simply, importance beyond what would be expected of someone his age.
While Gómez is an undeniably talented player in a vital midfield role, Luna has been the team’s chief playmaker since Andrés Gómez’s summer move to Rennes despite only turning 21 in September. The United States youth international has rewarded RSL for their trust, with eight goals and 12 assists across 2,218 minutes. Despite selling their creative fulcrum, Pablo Mastroeni’s side sustained a high level of play to finish third in the West — and they largely had Luna to thank. I suspect he’ll be getting a call from USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino soon.
Cárdenas: Go back and watch Gómez’s first few games with Miami. His touch was off. His decision-making was poor. He received quite a few side-eyed looks from Messi and Suarez.
He was 20 years old at the time and had never played outside of Paraguay. Gómez was managing the pressure of playing with Messi, Sergio Busquets, Suarez and Alba. It was a lot for a young player with high expectations. Now, Gómez is a Premier League talent. His move to Brighton this winter appears to be a formality. Gómez has gone from a deer in headlights to a player who has a vital role in Tata Martino’s midfield.
Tenorio: In a category like this, I simply choose the player I think is the most talented young player in the league and one that is actually making an impact on the field. Gómez has grown into his time at Inter Miami; he’s a top, top player and I think he has massive potential to mature into a special player at the next level.
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Comeback Player of the Year
| Writer | Vote |
|---|---|
| Pablo Maurer | Lewis Morgan |
| Jeff Rueter | Robin Lod |
| Paul Tenorio | Lewis Morgan |
Rueter: In May 2023, Robin Lod underwent surgery for a torn meniscus. The Loons sorely missed Lod, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. By the time the Finland international returned this preseason, he was also adjusting to the departure of the coach who had brought him to MLS, Adrian Heath.
He wasted no time claiming ownership of the attack following Emanuel Reynoso’s departure, too. After years of proving his worth with clinical finishing, Lod played chief distributor and led Minnesota with 15 assists to complement seven goals of his own.
Maurer: After missing the lion’s share of 2023 with a hip injury, Lewis Morgan has bounced back in style for New York and has been arguably their most valuable piece. His fine league play has earned him his first string of national team call-ups in nearly half a decade. The Red Bulls simply are not a playoff team this year without Morgan’s influence, and he deserves this award.
Tenorio: I fully endorse everything Pablo said above. Morgan was very good in 2022, suffered a really difficult injury in 2023 and came back and showed his quality again this year. A hip injury is not easy to come back from and still have the burst and pace that wingers need to beat defenders and perform at a high level.
Credit to Morgan for not just getting back on the field, but doing it at such a high level.
Coach of the Year
| Writer | Vote |
|---|---|
| Pablo Maurer | Wilfried Nancy |
| Jeff Rueter | Wilfried Nancy |
| Felipe Cardenas | Tata Martino |
| Paul Tenorio | Tata Martino |
Rueter: Awards like this aren’t supposed to consider other competitions. But that’s nearly impossible as auxiliary contests accumulate. Squad management is a crucial part of a coach’s job description. Despite being active in many competitions and dealing with midseason departures (most notably Aidan Morris’ sale to Middlesbrough), Wilfried Nancy kept the defending MLS Cup champion from missing a beat all season long.
To finish second in the Supporters Shield standings despite a congested schedule and a squad that earned over $25 million less in wages than the winner is no small feat. Enjoy Nancy while he’s in MLS — he shouldn’t have any shortage of suitors for the work he’s done with Montréal and Columbus.
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Maurer: Nancy has done everything Jeff mentions above and he’s done it while playing the most attractive soccer in the league. There are other variables — ones that probably don’t factor into the voting but matter to fans and consumers of the game: the way Nancy speaks about his craft and the way he engages with fans, media and the like. It’s been a while since MLS had a coach whose personality and passion for the game were matched by results on the field. C’est magnifique.
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Cárdenas: Tata Martino prioritized establishing a winning culture at a club that had grown accustomed to losing.
The 61-year-old Argentine, who won this award in 2018 with Atlanta United, had talent previously unseen in MLS. But he also played Noah Allen, 20, at center back. He relied on David Ruiz, 20, and Benjamin Cremaschi, 19, in midfield and has turned Yannick Bright, 23, into an unexpected gem. Martino kept a dressing room with enormous personalities focused on one goal: winning in 2024.
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This team has been riddled with injuries to starters throughout the season. They weren’t the consensus pick to win MLS Cup, either, despite their talent. Nancy may be the best coach in MLS, but Martino has been the best coach in 2024.
Tenorio: For all the people who say Messi isn’t the MVP because Miami was able to win games when he wasn’t on the field, what’s the argument for not making Tata the coach of the year despite missing his best player for 15 games this season? Tough one for me to understand.
The Athletic MLS Staff’s combined Best XI
(Number indicates vote tally among four ballots)
- GK: Kristijan Kahlina (4)
- D1: Steven Moreira (3)
- D2: Jordi Alba (2)
- D3: Miles Robinson (2)
- M1: Riqui Puig (4)
- M2: Luciano Acosta (4)
- M3: Evander (2)
- M4: Diego Gomez (1)
- F1: Cucho Hernandez (4)
- F2: Lionel Messi (4)
- F3: Christian Benteke (4)
(Note: Several players earned one vote, but Diego Gomez won on a tiebreaker having also been nominated for an individual award by two writers. Also receiving a vote apiece: Jackson Ragen, Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Micael, Sergio Busquets, Adilson Malanda, Robin Lod, Albert Rusnak, Luca Orellano, and Denis Bouanga.)
(Top photos: Imagn Images)
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