Notes Around The World
Man you gotta love soccer – Running Alexi Lala’s take on Boston Marathon. An American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo just won The Copa Del Rey title over Atletico Madrid for Real Sociedad in Spain ala TVs Ted Lasso (Real Sociadad Celebration) . The Science behind the new EPL ball -is it leading to the higher scores this season? As the World Cup counts down – who can forget ‘Hand of God’ and the brilliance of Maradona. For those who watch We Are Wrexham they are in 7th place just 1 spot away from the Championship playoffs to make the EPL. (Read more below). Cool to see a first in Men’s Soccer – as a female coach Marie-Louise Eta took over on an interim basis for German Bundesliga’s Union Berlin last week. Sad to see many sexist remarks as they lost 2-1 to Wolfsburg however. Games are back on for Rec Programs at Carmel Dad’s Club and Westfield along with the Girls Showcase this weekend at Grand PArk.
US Women Beat Japan in 2 of 3 including 3-0 domination in the Final
The US ladies got goals from ,Rose Lavelle, Naomi Girma and newcomer Kennedy Wesley as they dominated Japan 3-0 (US Highlights) in the final of 3 matches. The US won the 2-1, before losing 1-0 in game 2. That’s a huge series against a top 5 Japan Squad that will certainly make noise next summer in Brazil in the WC. Overall this cycle saw Sophia Smith return to form after 16 months off to have a child, Emily Fox returned on defense off her knee surgery, and young up and comers Claire Hutton and Kennedy Wesley along with the emergence of Claudia Dickey in goal. Good Read on ESPN – What did the US Learn. Turning to the NWSL – it returns this week with a CBS National Game Sat at 1 pm Gothem vs Bay FC and on ESPN2 Sun at 6 pm with Angel City hosting Portland – look for my Daughter Courtney at the Game!!
US Men – Players Dominating – Head Man Steps Down
Sure disappointing to see US Sporting Director Matt Crocker is leaving for Saudi Arabia just 2 months before the World Cup. (Stories below). Our US oversea’s players are rolling as our #9 Falarin Balogun Scored in his 8th straight game in Ligue1 and 10 in his last ten games. Haji Wright and Coventry City secured promotion to the EPL as his team leading 16 goals has helped Frank Lampard’s team advance. Brendan Aaronson played a great cross behind the defense, which assisted in Leeds United’s 3-0 win over Wolves. McKennie delivered an assist for Juventus his second straight game his 15 goal involvement on the season. This sets up the huge showdown between American’s Pulisic for AC Milan (2nd) and McKennie for Juventus (4th) on Sunday 2:45 pm on Paramount+.
FA Cup Semi-Finals Live From Wembley on ESPN+
Down to 4 teams as Man City faces Southampton Sat at 12:15 pm and Chelsea faces Leeds United & American Brendan Aaronson Sun 10 am on ESPNU + ESPN+. While City should handled Championship side Southampton with no issues, the Chelsea vs Leeds Game Sunday should be a doozy.
Indy 11 Remain unbeaten, Return Home Sat at 7 pm vs Union Omaha
Birmingham, Ala. – Indy Eleven rallied with two second-half goals to extend its unbeaten streak to five (2-0-3) with a 2-2 road draw at Birmingham Legion FC. The five-match unbeaten run is the longest for the Boys in Blue since late in the 2024 campaign. Goalkeeper Eric Dick made three saves, including a diving stop with his left hand in the 78th minute on a shot from inside the area by Gevork Diarbian to keep the match level. Indy Eleven returns home to Carroll Stadium for “Retro Night” and the opening of Prinx Tires USL Cup play vs. Union Omaha on Saturday at 7 p.m. Ticket options available include Family Four-Packs, pro-rated Season Tickets, and Flex Mini-Plans. The deadline to purchase pro-rated season tickets is Sat. Apr. 25.
CARMEL FC
Carmel FC is proud to welcome John Simmonds, Head Girls Soccer Coach at Carmel High School, as our new Technical Advisor for the Middle School Boys and Girls Program. In this volunteer leadership role, John will work closely with our coaching staff to elevate player development, strengthen the overall learning environment, and help build an even clearer pathway for Carmel FC players as they pursue their long-term soccer goals. A key part of John’s impact will be helping connect the important years of middle school development to the demands of the high school game. His involvement will provide players and coaches with valuable insight into the standards, habits, and tactical understanding needed to continue progressing within the Carmel pathway.
John’s presence also represents an exciting opportunity to continue strengthening the relationship between Carmel FC and Carmel High School, creating greater alignment in philosophy, expectations, and player preparation as athletes move through the club and chase their dreams.
His work with Carmel FC will include:
• Supporting training sessions
• Providing feedback on coaching and match performance
• Assisting with tactical development
• Helping align methodology across age groups
• Providing insight into the high school pathway and player expectations
We are excited to add John’s leadership, experience, and soccer knowledge to our environment and look forward to the impact he will have on our players, coaches, and the continued connection between club and school. John we welcome you back to Carmel Club Soccer!
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Wed Apr 22
2:45 pm ESPNU Bayer Leverkusen (Tilman) vs Bayern Munich
3 pm NBCSN Leeds United (Aronson) vs Bournemouth (Tyler Adams)
3 pm USA Burnley vs Man City
7:30 pm Apple NYCFC vs Cincy
7:30 pm Apple Columbus vs LA Galaxy
Fri Ap 24
3 pm USA Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest
3 pm ESPN+, D Real Madrid vs Real Betis (US coach)
Sat
7:30 am USA Fulham vs Aston Villa
10 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Crystal Palace (Richards)
10 am USA Wolverhampton vs Tottenham
12:!5 pm ESPN+ Man City vs Southampton FA Cup Semi
12:30 pm ?? Arsenal vs Newcastle United
1 pm CBS Gothem FC vs Bay FC NWSL
7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 vs Union Omaha US Open Cup
Sun, Apr 26
10 am ESPN2 Chelsea vs Leeds United (Aaronson) FA Cup
11:30 am ESPN+ Dortmund vs Freiburg
12 noon Para+ Torino vs Inter Milan
2:45 pm Para+ Juventus (Mckennie) vs AC Milan (Pulisic)
6 pm ESPN2 Angel City vs Portland Thorns NWSL
7 pm Apple LA Galaxy vs Real Salt Lake
8 pm Victory Seattle Reign vs Utah Royals NWSL
Sun, May 31
3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal
Sat, June 6
2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Tix
Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP
9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
Fri, June 19
3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Thur, June 25
10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Complete 2026 World Cup schedule featuring match dates and start times
NWSL Schedule
USMNT midweek viewing guide: Three cup semifinals
Follow along with all the USMNT action this week. by Justin Moran Apr 21, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT
London, United Kingdom – March 17: Malik Tillman of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal FC battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Arsenal Stadium on March 17, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Midweek action is here. All kickoff times are in EST. All MLS games are available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as any other networks listed. Let’s get into it!
Tuesday
- Coventry vs Portsmouth, 2:45p on Paramount+: Haji Wright and Coventry City host Portsmouth in the EFL Championship.
- Lens vs Toulouse, 3:10p on FS2, FOX Deportes, Fubo: Mark McKenzie and Toulouse visit Lens in a Coupe de France semifinal.
- León vs América, 11:06p on ViX: Alex Zendejas and Club América visit León in Liga MX.
Also in action:
- Hajduk Split vs Osijek, 12:45p: Rokas Pukštas and Hajduk Split host Osijek in Croatia’s top tier.
- Leuven vs Westerlo, 2:30p: Bryan Reynolds and Westerlo visit OH Leuven in the Belgium Pro League Conference League Group.
- Standard Liège vs Antwerp, 2:30p: Marlon Fossey and Standard host Antwerp in the Belgium Pro League Conference League Group.
- Norwich vs Derby, 2:45p: Patrick Agyemang is out injured for Derby County.
- West Brom vs Watford, 2:45p: Daryl Dike, George Campbell, and West Brom host Watford in the EFL Championship.
Wednesday
- Elche vs Atlético Madrid, 1p on ESPN Select, ESPN Deportes Select, FuboTV: Johnny Cardoso and Atléti visit Elche in La Liga.
- Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich, 2:45p on ESPNU, ESPN Select, Fubo, Onefootball: Malik Tillman, Monty Culbreath, and Bayer Leverkusen host Bayern in a DFB Pokal semifinal.
- Bournemouth vs Leeds, 3p on Peacock: Brenden Aaronson and Leeds visit Tyler Adams and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
- Atalanta vs Lazio, 3p on Paramount+: Yunus Musah and Atalanta are even 2-2 with Lazio going into the second leg of this Coppa Italia semifinal.
- NYCFC vs FC Cincinnati, 7:30p: Miles Robinson, Roman Celentano, and FC Cincinnati visit Matt Freese and the Pigeons in MLS.
- NY Red Bulls vs DC United, 7:30p: Ethan Horvath, Cade Cowell, Adri Mehmeti, Julian Hall, and the Red Bulls host DC United in MLS.
- Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union, 7:30p: Josh Sargent and Toronto host Quinn Sullivan, Cavan Sullivan, and the Union in MLS.
- Atlanta United vs New England Revolution, 7:45p on FS1, FOX Deportes, Fubo: Matt Turner, Peyton Miller, and the Revs visit the Five Stripes in MLS.
- Real Salt Lake vs Inter Miami, 9:30p: Diego Luna, Zavier Gozo, and RSL host Inter Miami in MLS.
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Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/ Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
US Americans Abroad Weekend Update
Another huge weekend across Europe with a lot of Americans involved — goals, promotion, and history on the line 👇
Folarin Balogun
Balogun scored again, now up to 8 straight Ligue 1 matches with a goal and 10 in his last 10 overall. His penalty (that he also drew) helped AS Monaco come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Auxerre — and he’s now one game away from tying a historic Ligue 1 scoring record. He is the most in-form American right now.
Weston McKennie
McKennie delivered an assist in Juventus F.C.’s win over Bologna, marking his second straight game with a goal contribution. He now has 6 Serie A assists on the season and continues to produce from midfield.
Haji Wright
Wright and Coventry City F.C. officially secured Premier League promotion with a 1-1 draw vs. Blackburn. While he didn’t start, his 16 goals this season have been key to getting them there.
Joe Scally
Scally got on the scoresheet in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 1-1 draw with Mainz, continuing a quietly productive season with 5 goal contributions from defense/wing-back.
Tyler Adams
Adams put in a strong midfield shift to help AFC Bournemouth secure a 2-1 win over Newcastle, playing a key role in controlling the game.
Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson played a great cross behind the defense, which assisted the opener in Leeds United F.C.’s 3-0 win over Wolves, continuing his push to help Leeds secure Premier League safety.
Quick hits:
- Christian Pulisic featured in AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona as they strengthened their top-four push. He had a quiet game, and his lack of productivity is slightly concerning at this point of the season.
- Antonee Robinson played 25 minutes in Fulham’s 0-0 draw with Brentford.
- Tanner Tessmann came off the bench as Lyon beat PSG.
- Daryl Dike scored his first goal since May 2025 in West Brom’s match vs. Preston.
- Malik Tillman saw limited minutes in Leverkusen’s 2-1 loss to Augsburg.
- Tim Weah came on at halftime in Marseille’s 2-0 loss to Lorient.
- Gio Reyna saw action for about 20 minutes in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 1-1 draw with Mainz
- Aidan Morris impressed, but Middlesbrough drew 2-2 with Ipswich after conceding late.
Big-time performances across the board — and with the World Cup approaching, the momentum is building 🇺🇸🔥
American Captain Midfielder Tyler Adams Talks about Hosting the World Cup
How big of a deal could the 2026 World Cup be for soccer in the U.S.? That’s what Tyler Adams was asked during his recent interview with NBC Sports. Adams is not only a key player for the USMNT, but he’s also a part of the ownership group for USL League One side Westchester SC and USL League Two side Hudson Valley Hammers— clubs located near his hometown in upstate New York.“For me, I want the biggest benefit to be to the grassroots, right? I want more kids that are picking up a soccer ball and wanting to play soccer and stick with it,” Adams said. “I think in the U.S., it’s such a money driven sport at this moment in time, which part of it I understand, and part of it I don’t, because I play in Europe and I see how easy it is to get involved in this sport. “But at the same time, it really is the only sport. So like, compared to the U.S., where you have five major sports and kids can play anything and everything is at your fingertips, it’s a little bit understandable. “But we want to be the reason that more kids want to play the game. “I think now, having played in a World Cup, knowing what it means to our country and how we can really help the game grow at a faster pace, this is going to be a monumental change for U.S. Soccer. “I think it’s a huge opportunity and we want to be able to grasp it so I think for me, I know that I can play an integral role in that. “I want to make sure that I do play that role.” The 1994 World Cup had a big impact on soccer in this country. Let’s see what the 2026 World Cup can do. Hopefully, Adams can help the USMNT make a deep run in the tournament. Watch the full interview https://youtu.be/Vn_BNxgNvpk?si=DyxFENnFf9_DgaA4vv
US Women
What did the USWNT learn ahead of World Cup after Japan series?
USWNT close out Japan series with statement win in Colorado
USWNT Win Over Japan Highlighted by Kennedy Wesley Performance Off the Bench
Wesley leads USWNT past Japan with goal, assist in 3-0 win
USWNT vs. Japan, the sequel: What We Learned
US Soccer Federation Sporting Director Matt Crocker resigns
Lindsey Heaps Returns to Colorado with USWNT Ahead of Summit NWSL Debut
USWNT gets sneak peak at WC grass at Lumen
USA Soccercast, Episode 183: WNT finishes strong, Crocker leaves, and World Cup price gouging
Japan wins second game of 3-match set with USWNT
USWNT Shuts Out Japan 3-0 to Clinch 2-1 Friendly Series Victory
US Men
USMNT roundup: Folarin Balogun chasing Ligue 1 history
USMNT roundup: Red-hot Folarin Balogun chasing Ligue 1 history as Americans’ World Cup form takes shape
Cesena’s Jonathan Klinsmann breaks neck in game
Life after Pochettino: USMNT needs ambitious post-World Cup succession plan
Aaronson: Not true that USMNT players don’t care
England
Arsenal are still Premier League title favorites, and here’s why
Premier League Awards: Derby drama and Arsenal agony rule the weekend
Is the Premier League now Man City’s to lose? PLUS: Bayern clinch Bundesliga, more
Should Arsenal fire Mikel Arteta if they end the season trophy-less?
How Man City’s win vs. Arsenal could actually decide the title
Van Dijk hands Liverpool a UCL boost and reason to believe after more late drama
Arsenal’s loss means only one Premier League team yet to suffer back-to-back defeats
Chelsea boss Rosenior refuses to give up Champions League hopes
Bruno Fernandes opens up on assist record and importance of Chelsea win
Panic on the streets of London? Five times Arsenal have let the Premier League title slip away
Is the new Premier League ball behind all the long-range goals? We asked a scientist
Pep: We cannot drop any points
Title race to the wire: Who do Manchester City and Arsenal play in the run-in?
‘Three reasons’ that edge City towards title
Wolves relegated aWhat happened to Leicester City? Why Foxes face back-to-back relegations 10 years on from historic Premier League titlefter West Ham draw with Palace
Bournemouth’s 13 Game Unbeaten Streak Alive
Who’s going up to the Premier League? Ipswich, Millwall, a fourth promotion for Wrexham?
NWSL
San Diego Wave’s Strong Comeback & NWSL Season Insights
Report: NWSL Board to Vote on Shifting Schedule to Match European Calendar
Crew owners get 18th NWSL team for record fee
World Cup
52 days to the World Cup: The ‘Hand of God’ and the brilliance of Diego Maradona
FIFA opens sale of more WC tickets to all games
Reffing
Call Fouls Early
Dogso yes or no?
Ref Abuse
Goalkeeping
Great Saves Final Leg UCL Quarters
Matchweek Three: Best Saves ♀️ NWSL
Week 7 Save of the Week Nominees | USL League One
USL Championship Save of the Week – Week 7
Great save/Premier League week 32.
The Best Premier League Saves So Far In 2026
MLS: Best Saves of the Week
Champions League Enters the Semi-Finals Tues/Wed 4/28, 4/29
Tues 4/28 PSG vs Bayern Munich 3 pm Para+
Wed 4/29 Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal 3 pm Para+
Championship promotion race: Ipswich, Millwall, Wrexham – who’s going up to the Premier League?
- ESPN Apr 21, 2026, 01:57 AM ET
s we head into the business end of the season, the Championship is well and truly heating up with promotion places, playoff spots and relegation scraps to be decided.
England’s second division is often the most dramatic in the Football League with so much at stake. This season Frank Lampard’s Coventry have already secured automatic promotion to the promised land of the Premier League, while Wrexham’s Hollywood story could still see a fourth straight promotion.
Millwall are also looking to reach the Premier League for the first time with Ipswich vying for a quick return.
Here’s everything you need to know from the Championship.
Who’s going up as things stand?
The current state of play sees Coventry sit atop the table with 86 points, enough to confirm their promotion after a late Bobby Thomas header secured the draw that they needed away at Blackburn on Friday night. They have three games left to secure the Championship title but already have Premier League status in the bag for next season, ending a 25-year hiatus from the top flight.
– Frank Lampard’s Coventry City promoted to Premier League
Frank Lampard has spearheaded Coventry’s title charge this term after guiding them to the playoff semifinals last season despite being appointed with the club in relegation trouble early on in the 2024-25 campaign. The likes of Victor Torp, Ellis Simms, Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante in Coventry’s forward line have torn up the league at times, with Lampard’s side having been the top goalscorers in the division throughout and now have their reward for it. Ipswich sit second in the league, behind Coventry. Kieran McKenna’s side were relegated from the Premier League last season and are the favourites to make a quick return alongside the Sky Blues thanks to their game in hand over the rest of the chasing pack.
Who looks good for a playoff spot?
Millwall, on 76 points, are in third on goal difference. They have been in and out of the top two in recent weeks and will see Ipswich’s failure to beat Boro at home as a huge boost to their own automatic promotion chances, nevertheless they are essentially guaranteed a playoff spot in their attempt to reach the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Southampton are fourth, on 75 points.
Middlesbrough, fresh from a 2-2 draw at Portman Road and Hull, who most recently drew 1-1 with Birmingham, are in the playoff spots.
Wrexham are seventh, one spot and two points outside of the playoff picture. They beat Stoke 2-0 to maintain the pressure on sixth-placed Hull with Derby remaining in the mix to steal the final playoff spot.
Often regarded as football’s most lucrative single game with not only the reward of Premier League football but a sum upwards of £100 million ($136m) on the line, getting to the playoff final is the goal for those who finish 3rd to 6th, but with the race for second so tight, a few sides will still harbour ambitions of an automatic promotion spot.
When are the playoffs?
After the final day of the Championship season on May 2, clubs that have secured their spot in the top six will have one week before the all-action playoffs begin.
6th vs 3rd will play their first leg on Friday May 8 and the second leg on Monday May 11, both evening kick-offs (8 p.m. GMT).
5th vs 4th will play their first leg on Saturday May 9 and the second leg on Tuesday May 12.
The side that finishes lower in the regular season will host the first leg while the team with the higher league position earns a home game for the all-important second leg.
There is a sizeable gap between the semifinals and final though, with football’s most lucrative game gracing the sunshine of Wembley once again on Saturday May 23, almost two weeks after the semifinals are completed.
Wrexham watch
Despite currently sitting outside the playoff spots, there is the sense that anything other than a top-six finish would be a huge missed opportunity for Wrexham. They are sitting on a commercial and footballing goldmine and a fourth straight promotion into the Premier League would launch the club well and truly into the stratosphere.
The Welsh side are on the cusp of the Premier League, here’s all the latest coming out of the Racecourse.
– Phil Parkinson vows Wrexham will take promotion push ‘to the wire’
Manager Phil Parkinson underlined Wrexham’s determination to take their Championship playoff push “to the wire” after beating Stoke got them back on track.
– Swansea raise concern after Wrexham coverage: We felt like ‘afterthought’
Swansea will raise concerns over television coverage of their all-Welsh affair against Wrexham with the EFL after saying the team owned by Hollywood stars Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds “were given priority at every opportunity.”
– After five years of Reynolds and Mac, Wrexham are on cusp of Premier League
It has taken five years to get to this point, but Wrexham might now reach their ultimate destination in less than five months.
– Wrexham boss Parkinson welcomes Mac’s backing in club’s ‘fantastic story’
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has welcomed co-owner Rob Mac’s suggestion that he has the job for life, revelling in his role in the club’s “fantastic story.”
– Ben Foster: Wrexham’s journey under Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac ‘ridiculous’
Ben Foster has hailed Wrexham’s “ridiculous” journey as Hollywood owners Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds celebrate their fifth anniversary in charge of the Welsh club.
The relegation battle
From one end of the Championship table to the other, just like the fight to get out of the league, the battle to stay in England’s second division will go right down to the wire.
One side who won’t be involved in the drama though are Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls sit rock bottom in 24th, and are already relegated, miles away from ever leaving the foot of the table after having 18 points deducted this season for financial breaches linked to previous owner Dejphon Chansiri. They remain in administration and in the process of finding a buyer and defeat against bitter rivals Sheffield United on Feb. 22 saw them relegated in record time. They did manage to take a point from champions-elect Coventry though, a result that delighted their ever-enthusiastic travelling supporters.
However it may be more of the same next year for Wednesday after their preferred bidder Arise Capital Partners, a consortium led by David Storch, announced that they had been informed by the EFL that the club will start League One with a 15-point deduction, a decision that the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust want the Independent Football Regulator to intervene over.
– Wednesday fan group seek review on 15-point penalty
Leicester City, champions of the Premier League a decade ago, are staggeringly 23rd after losing to Portsmouth. They are eight points from safety.
Oxford United are also in the relegation zone, five points adrift.
Whilst fighting for their spot in the Championship, West Brom also have the unnecessary distraction of reports of financial wrongdoing that could bring a potential points deduction, which the club strongly denies.
“West Bromwich Albion acknowledges media reports relating to the club’s compliance with the EFL’s Profitability & Sustainability (P&S) rules,” the club said in a statement.
“The club considers that it has fully complied with the P&S rules. The club will continue to co-operate with the EFL’s Club Financial Reporting Unit and looks forward to resolving this matter.”
Former Premier League winners Leicester (and at one point in time, European regulars) find themselves in danger of dropping down to England’s third division after being docked six points for EFL financial breaches, just five years after finishing fifth in the top-flight. They sit 23rd and four points from safety after the defeat to Swansea City on April 11.
What are the next key games on the calendar?
April 21 — Oxford vs Wrexham
April 24 — Leicester vs Millwall
April 26 — Coventry vs Wrexham
USWNT coach Emma Hayes’ undefeated Hello Kitty hat, plus: 16 NWSL things to watch
USWNT Watch: Don’t mess with the chef
Two things became clear during the last international window: Emma Hayes loves a good food metaphor, and she might not lose when she’s wearing the Hello Kitty cap pictured above (more on that in a sec).
The United States women’s national soccer team put itself through a proper three-game test against fifth-ranked Japan over the last 10 days: a 2-1 win in San Jose, Calif., on April 11, a 1-0 loss in Seattle on April 14 and a 3-0 statement in Commerce City, Colo., on April 17. Takeaway: Still very much a work in progress, but the potential is obvious when it clicks.
Hayes, meanwhile, explained everything in relation to a kitchen. Not any kitchen, the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant. The team, in her telling, is still learning the recipe, not just starters and a decent main, but the “dessert,” too. Our translation: She wants her players to be consistent and ruthless, but with a dash of surprising edge, all at once. The kind of performance that leaves nothing on the plate.
In her big test against another strong team, Hayes curated her squads for each game like a chef who refuses to serve the same dish twice:
- She used a heavy rotation, different combinations and had center backs getting involved. Naomi Girma and Kennedy Wesley both found ways onto the scoresheet across the window.
- Up front, two-thirds of the “Triple Espresso” (Sophia Wilson and Trinity Rodman) kept knocking, but could not score. Hayes called it what it looked like: more bad luck than bad form.
All of it aimed toward 2027. She’s still searching for the “secret sauce”: chemistry, structure, timing, the stuff that turns a good side into a champion.
But the real star in Colorado? The hat.
A navy USWNT cap with a tiny Hello Kitty stitched on the front, and apparently, an undefeated charm. “I love Japan, I love Sanrio,” Hayes said, casually, as if she hadn’t just stumbled into a superstition.
We looked for the hat, but it’s not exactly easy to find from verified sellers. It’s seemingly not available to the public on the official U.S. Soccer site, but we found these options instead.
Might be for the best. Some things, you don’t mess with.
What constitutes a rivalry?
Is there a word in any language for “a rivalry that oozes mutual respect such that even though one side has won about three-quarters of their 40-plus meetings, their styles of play complement each other in ways that guarantee they’ll make everyone better when they compete and also provide lots of entertainment”? No?
Well, that’s the best way to describe the USWNT-Nadeshiko relationship after this month’s friendlies. Now that Japan has begun to incorporate more gritty physicality into its game, these matchups have taken on more of the appearance of a traditional rivalry. But ultimately, these are two sides that have known a lot about each other and continue to learn from each other each time they play. To me, that’s the best kind of rivalry.
What do you think: Is USWNT-Japan a true rivalry? Email us your thoughts at fulltime@theathletic.com.
2027 World Cup roster impact
USWNT Watch: U.S. good but not great vs. Japan, Round 1
We (Melanie and Tamerra) released the third edition of our USWNT World Cup roster predictions last week, and while there haven’t been many changes to the players we’ve selected or swapped, it’s worth digging in now. We are witnessing an intensifying battle for the No. 1 goalkeeper position in real time, and the returns of key players including Wilson, Michelle Cooper and Tierna Davidson have shifted the bench a bit for the defenders and forwards.
That’s partly why we both left Washington Spirit center back Tara Rudd off our rosters this time around. Cooper’s return to the national team also solidified her place above Emma Sears, but still behind Rodman on the wing, which is also reflected in our latest prediction. See our full predictions here.
NWSL Check-In
Players oppose calendar flip
It’s been a years-long debate: Should the NWSL flip its calendar to a fall-to-spring format? Last year, commissioner Jessica Berman said the league was “on notice,” and last month, she repeated that the league was analyzing the potential change. But, as ESPN first reported, the question is expected to be put to a vote later this month when the NWSL’s board of governors convenes.
- Flipping from a spring-to-fall format better aligns the NWSL with its European competitors, but it would also mean playing more matches in cold-weather conditions.
- Most players polled by the NWSL Players Association oppose flipping the calendar. The union argues that the “right conditions to do so responsibly” simply do not exist “right now.”
Meanwhile, the NWSL said Friday that “no decision has been made at this time” to flip the calendar. This is an ongoing story that is likely to evolve over the next two weeks — stay tuned.
What to follow this week
The NWSL is back after what felt like a looong international break. We’re running back our “16 things” bit for some storylines to follow.
First, 1) will Racing Louisville get their first season win against Orlando Pride? Or will 2) Barbra Banda score and reclaim her place at the top of the Golden Boot race? She is currently in 3) a seven-way tie for second. That brings us to 4) theleague-leading Kiki Van Zanten, with four goals. Will she and 5) the fifth-placed Houston Dash keep their hot start against the North Carolina Courage?
We also have 6) appointment viewing with the Kansas City Current facing the Washington Spirit at Audi Field on Friday. What makes this one interesting: 7) Both teams have had a sluggish start to 2026, with 8) the Spirit hoping to build on their first win on April 5.
9) Thirteenth-placed Gotham are clawing their way back from the bottom of the table as they return home to face Bay FC. 10) Guro Reiten is expected to join the reigning NWSL champions following her call-up to Norway for European World Cup qualifiers. 11) The San Diego Wave will look to retain their No. 1 position against Denver Summit. We promise you: You won’t want to miss that match.
In keeping with the Wave, 12) we are all eagerly waiting for Cat Macario’s NWSL debut.
13) Boston Legacy is still searching for their first-ever win when they travel to Chicago to face the Stars, which recently saw 14) USWNT standout Mal Swanson return to training. A fixture you won’t want to miss is 15) Angel City versus Portland Thorns, who are two of the best teams in the league right now. 16) Last, but certainly not least: Utah Royals are traveling to Seattle Reign, with both teams looking to continue their three-match unbeaten streaks.
Whew. Full schedule here.
USMNT Player Tracker: Matarazzo makes history, Pulisic toils continue, Balogun’s hot streak
Pellegrino Matarazzo celebrates Copa del Rey success, while Christian Pulisic competes with Hellas Verona’s Victor Nelsson in the air Cristina Quicler/AFP via Getty Images; Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
April 20, 2026
Pellegrino Matarazzo capped his Spanish move with rapid success, Folarin Balogun can’t stop scoring, Weston McKennie continues to prove himself Juventus’ go-to guy but Christian Pulisic’s fallow spell persisted.
Welcome to this week’s USMNT Player Tracker.
In a parallel universe, Pellegrino Matarazzo might have been plotting an entirely different summer.
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Instead of planning how to continue the remarkable resurrection of La Liga club Real Sociedad, the softly-spoken American may have been preparing to guide his country to World Cup success on home soil.
The 48-year-old was a candidate for the vacant national team job following the departure of Gregg Berhalter in 2024.
Eventually U.S. Soccer turned to the bigger name of Mauricio Pochettino, and Matarazzo spent a period recalibrating after leaving Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
Offers from MLS clubs arrived in the interim, but the New Jersey native was not done with Europe and filled his time studying the game he loves from different perspectives — closely following last summer’s Club World Cup back in his homeland.
His patience was rewarded when an approach from Sociedad arrived in December, and Matarazzo became the first American to manage in Spain’s top flight.
Pellegrino Matarazzo soaks up the adulation after Real Sociedad won the Copa del ReyFran Santiago/Getty Images
He has just become the first American to win a trophy in that powerhouse of European football, after steering the Basque club to Copa del Rey glory in their penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid.
Pochettino may yet have a similarly galvanising impact on the USMNT in this landmark summer but, regardless, it is unlikely that 2024 will be the last time Matarazzo is linked with managing the national team.
His impact in Spain has been remarkable, winning seven of his 14 La Liga games so far — his team have only lost three games — alongside that eye-catching cup success.
The locals love him, and Matarazzo is just getting going.
“It’s always important to see the context. I’m very happy to see the people happy,” he said in his post-game press conference. “We have fantastic players, and they did incredibly on the pitch against a great opponent. I’m very happy, and I feel that this is just the beginning.”When The Athletic interviewed him last July, Matarazzo was considered and positive about his U.S. talks. “I did truly appreciate the great conversations we had,” he said. “They (U.S. Soccer) were very, very thoughtful, well-structured, professional, and I’m sure Pochettino is an excellent choice.
“He’s an established coach with tremendous international experience at club level. And if you’re just two years short of a run-up to a home World Cup, then it’s important to energise the U.S. soccer landscape emotionally. So that’s something a big name like Pochettino can absolutely do.”
Matarazzo knows a thing or two about energising a team. It will be fascinating to watch his side in the Europa League next season and beyond that — next time there is a vacancy for the USMNT top job, those thoughtful conversations may continue.What You Should Read NextPellegrino Matarazzo interview: The American coach on brink of history with Real SociedadThe Spanish club’s manager is hoping for success in the Copa del Rey final against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid
Pulisic toils continue
Still no goals or assists for a certain USMNT icon in Serie A this year.The drought continues for Christian Pulisic, even if Milan did get back to winning ways against Hellas Verona on Sunday.Pulisic started up front with Rafael Leao and, although neither got on the scoresheet, the latter did turn provider for Adrien Rabiot’s winning goal.The newly-bearded Pulisic, however, failed to create a chance, register a shot on target or offer much threat in a tight contest.
Christian Pulisic (No 11) joins team-mates Adrien Rabiot and Rafael Leao in celebrating against Hellas VeronaPiero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty ImagesPerhaps his luck with turn on Sunday when he goes head to head with his international team-mate Weston McKennie, who is on the almost opposite surge of form for Juventus.McKennie’s expert assist for Khephren Thuram-Ulien to score Juve’s second in their win over Bologna on Sunday reflected his all-round tremendous display. As usual, the Texan covered every blade of grass, helped out in several roles and made a key contribution for the Champions League chasing Turin giants.His form is certainly one less headache for Pochettino.
Balogun finding his range
Speaking of things to give the USMNT manager a spring in his step as he makes his final tweaks to this summer’s plans, Folarin Balogun was back at it in France over the weekend.
The Monaco striker scored a penalty in Monaco’s comeback draw with Auxerre on Sunday, to make it eight goals in his last eight Ligue 1 matches and 10 in 10 from all competitions.
Folarin Balogun celebrates converting from the spot against AuxerreValery Hache/AFP via Getty Images
His confidence is sky high, and with Haji Wright also celebrating Coventry City’s return to the Premier League over the weekend and Ricardo Pepi back on track the last time PSV played, the striker section of the all-important roster is beginning to look healthy.
Premier League predictions after Man City beat Arsenal – The title race will…
Manchester City could go top of the table this week Getty Images
By Stuart James, Oliver Kay, James McNicholas, Sam Lee, Liam Tharme, Art de Roché and Jacob Whitehead April 19, 2026
Manchester City can go top of the Premier League this week after beating Arsenal to cut their lead to three points and set up a thrilling final chapter in this season’s title race.Since August, City have not finished a matchweek ahead of Arsenal, with the gap being at least two points — but that could change on Wednesday.Win at Burnley and City will go above Arsenal with only five games of the season remaining.So what will decide the title? And who will be lifting the trophy in May? At full time at the Etihad Stadium, we asked our writers what happens next, and this is what they said…
Stuart James
The Premier League title race will… be decided by goal difference. Even if Arsenal’s form doesn’t suggest it, both teams could win all their remaining fixtures. Arsenal’s toughest match is arguably away against West Ham United, who are fighting for their lives, while City’s most difficult game on paper would appear to come at Bournemouth, who are in excellent form, pushing for European qualification and beat Pep Guardiola’s team at home last season.
The big question on the back of the result at the Etihad is how Arsenal react mentally to not just the defeat but also the way they have allowed such a commanding lead at the top of the table to slip from their grasp. City have hunted them down but Arsenal know that this has been self-inflicted, with the Bournemouth defeat just over a week ago, when Mikel Arteta’s side played so poorly, the moment when the momentum in this title race really shifted.
Liam Tharme
The title race will… be decided by which team has the bigger weakness: whether Arsenal can find, from somewhere, the necessary creativity, and if City can stamp out errors and unnecessary draws.
The form points to City — four straight wins while Arsenal have lost four of the past six in all competitions — but Arteta’s side face bottom-half teams in their final five matches. Arsenal can lean on their defensive strengths and win without being outstanding.
City did enough today. They really struggled against Arsenal’s man-for-man press and intensity, and before anyone takes for granted that they will beat soon-to-be-relegated Burnley in three days, they have made a bad habit of drawing in 2026. They have dropped points against West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Chelsea, five of them from winning positions.
Jacob Whitehead
The Premier League title race will… be decided by Erling Haaland’s form.
Goalless in his previous four Premier League appearances, Haaland delivered a supreme performance on Sunday — physical and clinical — and was rewarded with the game’s winning goal. With the amount of creativity in this Manchester City team, should Haaland stay hot, they are the likelier side to grind out a winning run.
City have won 13 of the 16 league matches this season in which the Norwegian has scored.
The flipside? Havertz had a decent game for Arsenal on Sunday, harrying his way to a freak goal — but his missed header with two minutes remaining is a chance that the Manchester City striker would have buried.
It is difficult to see Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres or the returning Gabriel Jesus matching Haaland over the remaining five games — and that will likely be the difference.
Oliver Kay
The Premier League title race will… go down to the wire. It’s advantage Manchester City, but while some regard it as a formality that they will win their final five games, building up an unassailable goal-difference advantage in the process, we should be more cautious.
If Arsenal had lost as limply today as they did in the Carabao Cup final, it might have proved impossible to recover. Today was a painful defeat, but one from which they should draw some level of encouragement once the dust has settled.
We saw two very good teams today. But I don’t think we have seen a brilliant team in the Premier League this season. It hasn’t been like watching City and Liverpool in the peak years of the Guardiola-Jurgen Klopp rivalry, when you know you are watching the two best teams in Europe. City and Arsenal have both had their flaws exposed this season. They were both better two seasons ago.
James McNicholas
The Premier League title race will… be gripping right until the end.
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Despite the defeat, this was Arsenal’s best performance in weeks. There was no suggestion that they are about to surrender this title.
Arteta said after the game that the two teams have entered a “new league” for the remainder of the campaign — one in which the situation could change dramatically game by game.
For the neutral, it’s incredibly exciting. This could be a rollercoaster ride right until the final day.
For Arsenal fans, of course, it’s torture. The team have passed up several opportunities to extend their lead — this their latest and possibly last. It’s all to play for, but Arsenal supporters will feel it shouldn’t be.
Sam Lee
The Premier League title race will… be over before the last day. To be honest, I did expect City to win this game but a big part of that was because I thought Arsenal would be going to pieces, and therefore their heads would be completely gone both here and in the coming weeks. But they gave everything here and although I am sure they are hurting, they can be proud of their efforts and it does make me think they will still fight for the title.
Whoever does win will have it sealed before the final day. Either Arsenal buckle now, and cannot combine a title push with two surely epic battles against Atletico Madrid, or City show some of the flaws that had held them back earlier in the season, and cannot quite keep up the momentum. I do fancy City, though.
Art de Roche
The Premier League title race will… need Arsenal to find their flow in attack.
Their performance at the Etihad was an improvement from recent outings against Bournemouth, Southampton and City in the Carabao Cup final, and had elements that could be built upon to keep Guardiola’s side honest until May.
Eberechi Eze hit the post, a moment that almost won the game for Arsenal and provided a glimpse of what a slick attack could look like. His shot came from a pass from Martin Odegaard, who was making his first league start since January.
Kai Havertz gets Arsenal levelAlex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Before Sunday, Eze and Odegaard had only started three league matches together, playing just over a third of the possible minutes (93 of 270) in those games. As two players who can combine to create something out of nothing, having them on the pitch at the same time could be crucial.
As Stuart has said, goal difference could be critical. Narrow victories may not be enough for Arsenal, and more combinations from creative players could help unlock stubborn defences.
Coventry City promotion has USMNT striker Haji Wright headed to Premier League
Gareth Copley / Getty Images
By Paul TenorioApril 17, 2026
U.S. men’s national team forward Haji Wright is headed to the Premier League. Coventry City’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Friday secured a top-two spot in the EFL Championship and guaranteed promotion to England’s top division. Wright, 28, played a significant part in the success, starting 29 games for Coventry this season (he was a 62nd-minute substitute Friday) and emerging as the club’s leading scorer with 16 goals in league play. Led by manager Frank Lampard, Coventry currently sits on 86 points and atop the Championship table, 13 points clear of third-place Millwall, which only has a maximum of 12 more to gain. Coventry is also now 11 points clear of second-place Ipswich (which has two games in hand), and looks likely to win the league outright. Friday’s result ends a 25-year Premier League hiatus for Coventry, which went down after the 2000-01 campaign. Coventry played the previous 34 years in the top division.Lampard was hired in November 2024 and led Coventry to a fifth-place finish, though the club lost in a dramatic promotion playoff semifinal to Sunderland. This season, Coventry has remained a powerhouse and Wright played a big role throughout. He scored in five straight games in one stretch across August and September, then netted six goals in five games during a run of five straight wins across February and March.Wright moved to Coventry in 2023 from Antalyaspor in Turkey and signed a four-year deal, which runs through June 2027. The California native was on the U.S. roster for the 2022 World Cup and scored a bizarre goal in the Americans’ 3-1 round-of-16 loss to the Netherlands in Qatar. Wright deflected a cross from teammate Christian Pulisic that popped up off his right foot and floated inside the back post.
Haji Wright is Coventry’s leading scorer this seasonMichael Steele / Getty Images
The 6-foot-3 striker remains very much in the mix for a spot on Mauricio Pochettino’s 2026 World Cup roster, especially after Patrick Agyemang’s Achilles injury. Wright scored twice in a 2-1 friendly win over Australia, one of the Americans’ group stage opponents, last October, and was also in the starting lineup for a 5-1 win over Uruguay in November.
Said Pochettino after the Australia win: “That is what we expect when you give the opportunity to the player. I think that is good news, to have players that can compete for a spot in the World Cup. Every time that we can have the possibility to provide a player (a chance) — maybe they haven’t played too much in the last year with us — I think that is an important thing, is (for the player) to say, ‘I am here and I want to play. I want to be part of this team,’ with a performance like this.”
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Monaco forward Folarin Balogun is expected to start for the U.S. at the World Cup, while PSV’s Ricardo Pepi is also in the mix for a World Cup roster spot among Pochettino’s options at striker.
Following Coventry’s promotion, Wright is poised to join U.S. teammates Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham) and Brenden Aaronson (Leeds) in the Premier League – though Leeds must avoid the drop and currently sits six points clear of relegation with six games to play.
They could yet be joined by another American, with Aidan Morris’ Middlesbrough firmly in the mix for one of the Championship’s four promotion playoff spots and within striking distance of the second automatic promotion berth. Boro faces second-place Ipswich, whom it trails by three points, in a match with big table implications on Sunday.
Paul Tenorio is a senior writer for The Athletic who covers soccer. He has previously written for the Washington Post, the Orlando Sentinel, FourFourTwo, ESPN and MLSsoccer.com.
vs. Real Madrid 
: Agg. 2-1 (Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
vs. Sporting 
: Agg. 1-0 (Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET, Paramount+)
The Ole BallCoach 