A youthful US ladies squad lost the She Believes Cup to Japan Thur night in San Diego as the experienced Japan squad simply had too much for the US ladies. Japan became the only team to score within 1 minute of kickoff as they a 1-0 lead less than 1 minute in when Campbell and young centerback ____ miss-communicated giving up an easy goal early. Honestly I thought Campbell was somewhat at fault on both goals as the GK position looks to be one of concern moving forward. The US answered back quickly behind the foot of left winger Ally Sentnor with this masterful strike-her second tournament goal, of the tourney. But Japan scored on a tap in off a free kick drop by Campbell to win it for Japan in the 2nd half.
Bottom line much like Manager Emma Hayes said after – the World Cup is a long way away – and its time to see if the kids can handle the top teams in the world. Of course most of Japan’s players play in Europe which is in midseason while the US NWSL starts in 3 weeks (and was missing Triple Expresso & Girma). The combo of a top 3 team in Japan vs a youthful US team was too much on this night – leading to Hayes’ first loss as US Manager. Still all in all – I think the Cup was a good tool in giving the youngsters time to improve and impress. No doubt wingers Ally Sentnor & Alyssa Thompson are ready to join the A team moving forward. Next up is Gold Medal foe Brazil in early April.
Liverpool coasted through the league phase, finding no issue winning every game except for their essentially dead-rubber game on Matchday 8. The last couple of months have not exactly been smooth sailing for the Reds, though – fatigue has set in a little bit, They have not dropped a ton of games and managed to book a spot in the EFL Cup final along the way, but the restrained control that was once the trademark of Arne Slot’s team has given way for some hard-fought results.
As long as Mohamed Salah is around, though, they will be hard to count out. The Egypt international is up to 30 goals and 22 assists across all competitions, putting himself not only in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or but perhaps putting together the greatest-ever season from a Premier League attacker. It will not be an easy feat against Paris Saint-Germain, but the French champions have been vulnerable over the course of the Champions League season – and that might be the perfect set-up for Salah.
2. Madrid derby, Champions League edition
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will have to go through each other for a spot in the last eight, which is intriguing in its own right. The current state of both teams makes this a very fascinating tie, though.
The reigning champions can take some positives from ousting Manchester City in the knockout phase playoffs, but this season has not exactly been straightforward for the star-studded Real Madrid. Look no further than Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Real Betis in La Liga play, a game in which they were not only outshot 18-9 but fully outplayed by the opposition. That loss came after a handful of key defenders returned from injury, signaling that the imbalance that has plagued Los Blancos for a year and change could linger for a little while longer.
On the flip side, Atletico Madrid have been a surprise contender in both La Liga and the Champions League. They were inside the top eight during the league phase and are currently just one point behind Barcelona in La Liga, finding new life in Diego Simeone’s tried-and-true system. It helps that their goalscorers have been in fine form all season long, with each of Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth scoring 13 or more goals this season. They present a formidable challenge to Real Madrid, who have not beat them yet this season.
3. Are Bayern Munich in good shape?
Bayern Munich may have advanced out of the knockout phase playoffs, but a narrow win over a competitive Celtic side is not exactly the vote of confidence manager Vincent Kompany might be looking for in his first season in charge. The challenge of staying in the Champions League will get harder this week when they take on the team that beat them to the Bundesliga title last season – Bayer Leverkusen.
These two faced each other in league play just a few weeks ago, a game in which Bayern were lucky to leave 0-0. Leverkusen generated 2.16 expected goals but somehow managed not to score, while Bayern took just two shots and were unable to put a single one on frame. The eight-point deficit in the Bundesliga may be too much for them to overcome at this rate, but Leverkusen’s steady form in the league phase teases that they may have the goods to get one over on Bayern.
As a result, Kompany’s side have a lot to prove in this tie. There’s a lot of discussion out there that they can hang in the Bundesliga just fine, but they have not exactly stacked up well against European competitions. The round of 16 offers a chance to correct course – or demonstrate that they are a step behind.
Mike A, T Ray and Shane Reffing the Girls Showcase at Grand Park last weekend. Happy to be back on the fields – even it was cold as heck – Boys Showcase this weekend !! Mohamed, T Ray and me first tourney of the season at the Girls Showcase at Grand Park last weekend
GAMES ON TV
Tues, March 4 Champions League
12:45 pm Par+, Club Brugge vs Aston Villa
3 pm Para+, CBSSN Dortmund (Reyna) vs Lille
3 pm Para+ Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
3 pm Para+ PSV (Ledezma) vs Arsenal
6 pm Fox Sport 2 Cincy vs Tigres UANL Champs Cup
8:30 pm FS2 Pumas vs Alajuelense
Weds, Mar 5
12:45 pm Para+CBSSN Feyenord vs Inter
3 pm Para+ Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
3 pm Para+ PSG vs Liverpool
3 pm Para + Benefica vs Barcelona
8:30 pm FS2 Herediano vs LA Galaxy Champs Cup
10:30 pm FS2 Seattle Sounders vs Cruz Azul
Thur, Mar 6 Europa League
12:45 pm Para+ Tottenham vs AZ
12:45 pm Para+ Kobenhavn vs Chelsea
12:45 pm Para+, CBSSN Fenerbahce vs Rangers
12:45 pm Para+ FSCB vs Olympique Lyonnais
12:45 pm Para+ Sociadad vs Man United
3 pm CBSSN Roma vs Athletic Club
8 pm Fox Sports 2 Inter Miami (Messi) vs Cavalier
Fr, Mar 7
2:30 pm ESPN+ Borussia MGladbach (Scally) vs Mainz
(American’s in Parenthesis)
last Saturday
Crystal Palace v Millwall – 7:15a on ESPN+
Matt Turner has started both Crystal Palace’s FA Cup matches this season as has Chris Richards so we may again see both American’s in action this weekend as Crystal Palace host Millwall in Cup action on Saturday.
Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion 8 am ESPN+
Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host fifth place West Brom looking to extend their five point lead for first place in the Championship. Aaronson has cooled off a bit with just one goal contribution in the teams past ten matches but continues to start regularly, including last weeks win over second place Sheffield United.
Atalanta v Venezia – 9a on Paramount+
Gianluca Busio and Venezia visit Atalanta this weekend. Busio has started the last two matches on the bench though come in for solid playing time in both. Last weekend Venezia played fifth place Lazio to a scoreless draw.
Heidenheim v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally and Borussia Monchengladbach travel to Heidenheim on Saturday looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Augsburg. Gladbach are in ninth place and still within striking distance of the top four.
St. Pauli v Borussia Dortmund – 9:30a on ESPN+
Gio Reyna saw a rare start last weekend in Borussia Dortmund’s 6-0 shellacking of Union Berlin, though four of those goals came after Reyna had been subbed off in the 70th minute. Dortmund will place St. Pauli this weekend who have lost three straight but still have a six point cushion between themselves and relegation.
AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers – 10a on ESPN+
Tyler Adams and Bournemouth host Wolverhampton on Saturday in a cup match between the two Premier League sides. Adams has been starting pretty regularly, including Bournemouth’s last two FA cup matches but he was used as a sub last weekend as his team fell to Wolves 1-0 in league play.
Real Betis v Real Madrid – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis will host Real Madrid on Saturday. Cardoso has started nine straight but he did come off the bench early this season as Betis fell to Madrid 2-0.
Go Ahead Eagles v PSV – 12:45p on ESPN+
Perhaps we shouldn’t be tracking PSV at this point as the only healthy American is Richard Ledezma, who reportedly did not make the 60 man provisional roster for the March USMNT camp. However, the team does play on Saturday and need to get back on track after a four match winless streak that has them in second place, five points back of league leading Ajax.
Sunday
Olympique Lyon v Brest – 9a on beIN Sports
Tanner Tessmann has started three straight and played the full ninety last weekend as Lyon fell to PSG 3-2. The team will host Brest on Sunday.
Manchester United v Fulham – 11:30a on ESPN+
Antonee Robinson and Fulham will travel to Manchester to face a Man U side that defeated Ipswich Town last weekend but remain in fourteenth place in the EPL. Fulham fell to United in their season opener 1-0 but since then have pretty easily looked the better side and are coming off a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton.
Augsburg v Freiburg – 11:30a on ESPN+
Noahkai Banks has not seen the field the last couple of weeks for Augsburg who will host Freiburg on Sunday.
AC Milan v Lazio – 2:45p on Paramount+
Yunus Musah started and Christian Pulisic came off the bench mid-week as Milan fell 2-1 for the second straight match and dropped back to eighth place in the Serie A table. Milan are now eight points back of Juventus for fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying spot.
Monday
Juventus v Verona – 2:45p on Paramount+
Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus will look to tighten their grip on Champions League qualification when they host fourteenth place Verona on Monday afternoon.
FA Cup Schedule this Weekend
Champions League
What to know about the Champions League round of 16
When this is offside — we have gone way to far with VAR !!
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Japan snaps USWNT unbeaten streak
Last night’s 2-1 USWNT loss is their first under manager Emma Hayes. (Ben Nichols/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The USWNT suffered their first loss under head coach Emma Hayes on Wednesday, falling 2-1 to Japan and ceding the SheBelieves Cup title for the first time in five years.
In her post-game remarks, Hayes called the tournament winners “without question one of the best teams in the world, with players that are extremely well played-in together.”Top scorer Mina Tanaka took home the Best Player award, after leading Japan to their first-ever SheBelieves Cup title.
How it happened: Needing only a draw to lift the trophy thanks to goal differential, Japan’s Yūka Momiki opened scoring almost immediately, putting the Nadeshiko up 1-0 in the second minute after a scramble in the USWNT’s penalty area.
The USWNT drew level in the 14th minute behind Ally Sentnor’s second tournament goal, before second-half sub Tōko Koga slotted in game-winner shortly after taking the pitch.
Big picture: While the US walked away defeated, Hayes remained adamant that prioritizing player pool evaluation and showcasing less experienced players over winning at all costs will pay off in the long run.
“You’re comparing Hasegawa to a 17-year-old for us,” Hayes told TBS, referencing 28-year-old world-renown Japan and Man City defensive midfielder Yui Hasegawa. “Let’s have some perspective. I think it’s important to be calm in this moment.”“It’s okay to be disappointed — I told the players that,” she added. “It’s really important to remember moments like this and the learnings that we take from it… [You] learn the most important things when you play a top-class opponent. I’d rather do that now than much later.”
Takeaway: Any loss stings for the world’s No. 1 team, but Hayes’s outspoken commitment to developing young players as the USWNT starts down the long road to the next major tournament leaves fans no option but to trust the process.
Why USWNT’s loss to Japan in SheBelieves Cup could be a ‘good thing’ for Emma Hayes’ team
Melanie Anzidei The Athletic Thu, February 27, 2025 at 8:31 AM EST·
Why USWNT’s loss to Japan in SheBelieves Cup could be a ‘good thing’ for Emma Hayes’ team
SAN DIEGO—The U.S. women’s national team has ended its five-year run as the reigning champions of the SheBelieves Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Japan.
It is a disappointing result for U.S. fans, marking Emma Hayes’ first loss in 15 matches since becoming head coach, but Wednesday’s game against a more experienced rival was a humbling and necessary step for the Americans as they focus on developing a new generation of players.
“I always go back to what our objectives were in the first place,” Hayes calmly told reporters after the game, “and that was to deepen our playing pool with opportunities in high-pressure situations against top opponents, and that’s what tonight (Wednesday), especially, is about.”
It’s no secret this latest camp was designed for Hayes and her coaching staff to observe seasoned U.S. players in a tournament setting. The goal was to determine where players were in their development, and whether they are ready for a regular spot on the senior team, or would be a better fit among Hayes’ burgeoning Under-23 project.
“We have to look at which players are ready for now, which players are ready for later, and which ones will go with the under-23s and which ones will develop with us,” Hayes said. “So, from that perspective, it was mission accomplished.”
Hayes experimented heavily with the SheBelieves line-up, even changing the team’s starting XI entirely from their opening game against Colombia to their second match with Australia, which ended in victory.
There were four senior debuts over three games, and a handful of breakout moments for young players such as 21-year-old Ally Sentnor and 17-year-old Lily Yohannes. Cat Macario, a familiar face in the national team circuit, also had a stellar comeback to the international stage after being sidelined for years because of a knee injury. She even scored for the U.S. for the first time in three years, finding the net in the 2-0 win over Colombia.
“We could look at the progress of Ally Sentnor, a young player coming into the senior camp, scoring a couple of goals, Lily Yohannes, getting her first two starts at senior level,” Hayes said. “There are plenty of new combinations and new connections, which throw up several challenges when you play a well-polished team.”
Those challenges are exactly why Hayes tapered expectations heading into the SheBelieves finale. Japan were dominant in the tournament, scoring 10 goals across three wins. They only needed a draw against the U.S. to lift their first SheBelieves title, but they quickly set the pace with an opening goal from Yuka Momiki in the second minute.
“I completely understood the quality of the opponent we would face,” Hayes said. “They, without question, (are) one of the best teams in the world, with players that are extremely well played-in together, while probably the vast majority of them being in the middle of their season (the NWSL resumes in March). That showed in the game, and it’s OK to be disappointed.”
Both goals in the 2-1 loss came following errors in front of goal. While the U.S. could respond to Japan’s first goal with an equalizer in the 14th minute through Sentnor, they failed to respond to Toko Koga’s strike in the 50th minute.
“Every cycle, there’s always a little upset like this — and it’s a really good thing for this team. No one likes losing. But there’s a lot of progress in our development and how we’re playing, our style, our identity, and really honing in on the details,” U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps said after the game. “We faced a really good team, they made it so difficult on us.
“It’s a hard loss, but we keep moving and we stay positive.”
There were glimpses of brilliance in their performance against Japan. The U.S. kept possession even and had more shots on target, with Heaps nearly scoring off several diving headers. The team was tapping on Japan’s door, but it proved too little too late by full time. As Hayes said, the only way the U.S. would improve against Japan and other top-level teams was to play against them and make those mistakes in real-time. The preference, of course, is to do that during an international friendly.
“This is a big learning opportunity. We’re a young team. We all haven’t played together for very long,” said 20-year-old Jaedyn Shaw, who began her NWSL career in San Diego at 17 before being traded to the North Carolina Courage last month. “It just gives us something to go and work for and really dive deep into when we go back to our clubs, and continue to evolve as a team.”
Sentnor had a breakout tournament, scoring her first two international goals and netting an assist over three games to make her the sixth player to contribute in all three matches in a single edition of this tournament, following other U.S. standouts Tobin Heath (2019), Christen Press (2020), Heaps (2021), Alex Morgan (2023) and Mallory Swanson (2023), according to OptaJack.
“The young players, including myself, are just gonna learn a ton from playing against really tough opponents that are super technical,” said Sentnor. “I would have never believed I’d be in this position this early in my career, and the players around me have just helped me so much, so I’m hoping for more caps with this team and more opportunities, but I’m just so grateful for the ones I got this tournament.”
“You need moments to give you a sense of where you are in that path, but our future is exciting, regardless of the result,” Hayes said. “We played one of the best teams in the world, whose nucleus have played together for a long time, and it showed.
“We need to build the group and the larger pool that we think are going to progress us to the World Cup (in 2027), and now we have to develop our game model so that it plays out in with the qualities that we know you need to have to beat the very, very best teams at the top level.”
USWNT player review: Who stood out, stepped back or made a case for the future?
Meg Linehan and Jeff Rueter Fri, February 28, 2025 at 7:01 AM EST·
USWNT player review: Who stood out, stepped back or made a case for the future?
The 2025 SheBelieves Cup is in the rearview. For the first time in six years, the tournament trophy did not end up in the United States’ possession. Instead, Japan took top honors after a 2-1 win over the USWNT on Wednesday in San Diego.
However, this wasn’t the type of U.S. camp that would be deemed a failure or success by results alone. Head coach Emma Hayes selected plenty of her player pool’s more untested members to size up their readiness for her best possible squad.
“I always go back to what our objectives were in the first place — and that was to deepen our playing pool with opportunities in high-pressure situations against top opponents, and that’s what tonight especially was about,” Hayes said after the match. “From that perspective, it was mission accomplished.”
With 270 minutes of evidence to study, here are the players who stepped up, those who left us wanting more and those still waiting to strengthen their cases.
Who impressed?
Ally Sentnor
While Japan’s Mina Tanaka had the SheBelieves Cup MVP on lock for much of the tournament, forward Sentnor may have been the USWNT’s leading candidate for the award — and it wouldn’t have been down to just her incredible golazo against Colombia, either.
The challenge for Sentnor is the crowded forward pool. Despite adding a second goal against Japan, a class finish off a feed from Cat Macario, Sentnor’s really going to have to fight to stay in the mix among Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson. Sentnor likely did enough to book a trip to California in April for the Brazil friendlies, but if the starting forward line is back, her mission becomes ensuring she capitalizes on her chances as a second-half substitute.
“Ally has demonstrated in her rise through the youth national teams and in her first pro year (with the Royals) that she’s got qualities that can decide a game,” Hayes said after the loss to Japan. “She certainly finishes the very minimal chances she might get, and that’s what top players possess. I think she’s got that, and it will build her confidence to have had this tournament and be given a couple of starts.”
Tara McKeown
While Naomi Girma and Tierna Davidson established themselves as a strong partnership in the Olympics, there is still space for newcomers to work into Hayes’ plans at center back. McKeown earned her first appearance with the team this tournament. While both Colombia and Japan seemed eager to attack her side of the back line in their first halves, McKeown largely looked the part. She also played a line-breaking assist to Sentnor for the forward’s unforgettable first international goal — a reminder of her ability to help in possession.
McKeown rejoins the Washington Spirit ready to further her case for USWNT inclusion.
“I’m sure she will have learned a lot about anything from her build-up angles and how you break pressure against the best opponents, to recognizing at the top, top level, games are usually decided by very marginal moments,” Hayes said Wednesday — stressing that it was a learning moment not just for McKeown but for the whole team.
Catarina Macario
At long last, the Chelsea forward reunited with her old club coach. Injuries kept Macario off of the USWNT’s squads for the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, but the 25-year-old figures to be a major part of Hayes’ plans moving forward. She showcased how she can change a game across her two appearances, capping a great team sequence in the opener for her first international goal since April 12, 2022.
She later played a crisp assist to Sentnor against Japan that resulted in the USWNT’s lone goal.
Hayes said after the tournament that Macario had shown “moments of brilliance,” but still was not at full fitness. Opponents, be warned.
Lily Yohannes
The hype train for Yohannes was full steam ahead after the USWNT’s opening match against Colombia, even as Hayes urged everyone to give the 17-year-old time and space to develop. Yohannes got the start against Japan — a sign of Hayes’s trust in the biggest game of the tournament — but they were far more effective at containing Yohannes, especially when it came to mid- and long-range passing.
As Hayes said, despite her talent, Yohannes is still developing. Wednesday night showed that there’s still plenty of room for progress against a top team, even with the statement game she had in the USWNT opener against Colombia.
“(Yui) Hasegawa in the middle of the park is probably the best pivot in the world at both the domestic and international level,” Hayes said. “And our pivot is 17 years of age and has played in three caps. So we have to be patient too, in our expectations.”
Yazmeen Ryan
Ryan played more of a supporting role when she was with Gotham FC. She’ll get that leading woman opportunity in her first season with the Houston Dash, but the selfless elements that made her invaluable with Gotham also put her in good stead for this USWNT camp.
Ryan was a proactive carrier upfield to help the United States progress. Her interplay with Macario and Sentnor was especially sharp against Colombia.
Hayes also thought Ryan had her share of moments, both in terms of her passing and distribution and her ability to carry the ball upfield. But Hayes focused primarily on how to develop Ryan to unlock her next level, which included her defensive play, figuring out when to press and when to hold her position.
“I think there’s another layer of learning for her,” Hayes concluded, “but she’s shown some really good signs and shown, once again, the quality in her execution.”
Who missed the moment?
Goalkeepers
It’s never easy to follow up a program legend, and it’s clear that the current pool of USWNT goalkeeping options have big gloves to fill after Alyssa Naeher’s retirement. Jane Campbell and Mandy McGlynn were given the first opportunities in net after Naeher’s exit, and neither made an emphatic case to keep a hold of the No. 1 jersey for the foreseeable future.
Campbell misread the run-up to Japan’s early opener and took herself out of the play by running into teammate Emily Sonnett. On the second goal, her brilliant save on a free kick put the ball directly back into an opponent’s path, making it all too easy on the eventual tournament winner.
McGlynn conceded just once against Australia, but her positioning was clumsy as she was in two minds about whether to close down the shooter or get a strong positioning for a reflex save.
“Our job is to keep pushing and developing,” Hayes said of her goalkeepers after the Japan match, “and time will reveal where they both are. But I know I’ve been in this situation a lot of times in my career. I value patience in development, and I know that we have a plan, and it’s important for us to keep developing — as we are.”
The mainstays from the 2019 squad
With so many new faces in camp, Hayes was careful to balance their inexperience with some USWNT regulars to maintain continuity as they acclimated. These veterans were expected to put in consistent shifts to account for varying forms among their less-tested teammates. Unfortunately, the old guard also struggled in some crucial areas, especially those who remain from the 2019 world champions.
Lindsey Heaps looked especially frustrated in her games against Colombia and Japan. Playing as a No. 10, the Lyon midfielder sometimes gummed up the United States’ sequences as they entered the final third, getting in the way of her midfield’s progressive passing and trying to run into the same spaces as her center forward. The United States captain tried to make an impact aerially and by being in the position to play the final ball, but these were far from her best shifts to date.
Sonnett’s poorly timed slip helped gift Japan a clear shot for the opening goal, but the all-time SheBelieves minutes leader was otherwise her usually dependable self most often. The same can’t be said for Crystal Dunn, whose lack of playing time since the Paris Olympics was evident as she made unusual mistakes by her standard.
Despite her 157 caps, this felt like a camp in which Dunn was fighting for her spot in Hayes’ plans for the 2027 World Cup cycle. Dunn will likely stay part of the mix in this time of transition, but she’ll need to make more of an impact in future camps.
Ones for the future
Hal Hershfelt
Thanks to a stellar rookie year for the Spirit, Hershfelt had pried open a path into the USWNT midfield. Despite making the roster for the January training camp, Hershfelt didn’t get the nod for SheBelieves Cup. That may have been in part due to the return of multiple European-based players, but Hayes also opted to take a look at Claire Hutton this go-round.
Hershfelt still offers the USWNT real bite in the midfield and a knack for winning aerial duels all over the pitch, including on set pieces. While it feels unlikely that the window has been shut on future call-ups, this felt like the exact type of camp for a player like Hershfelt to shine.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Hayes opted for two goalkeepers on her squad in exchange for an additional field player, keeping Tullis-Joyce in camp as a training option. It was unfortunate that we weren’t able to see how the Manchester United netminder could have fared in tandem with the new wave of defenders, as her form in the Women’s Super League has been among the best of any player at her position.
Still, Hayes assured that Tullis-Joyce would eventually get a shot in goal for her team.
“This is just her second camp, she’s still getting to know people,” Hayes said, noting they’ve been keeping tabs on her performances with Manchester United and the areas they’d like to see improvement. “I’m sure Phallon will get her opportunities with us, but the other two (Campbell and McGlynn) have been around the group a little bit longer and built those connections and those relationships. Phallon will get her turn.”
More new kids
Hutton, Gisele Thompson and Emma Sears all got limited opportunities through these three matches, though all three started against Australia. With massive rotation from Hayes in that match, changing all 11 players from the tournament opener (just the sixth time it’s ever happened in program history), cohesion was always going to be a tall ask.
The USWNT will at least have some individual tape for these players, and more for Sears, but Hutton probably came the closest to standing out in the Australia match. Former USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has relied on the 19-year-old defensive midfielder as the backbone of the Kansas City Current’s success, but much as Hayes has preached patience across the board, a solid performance against the current iteration of the Matildas isn’t the same level as a solid performance against Japan or Colombia.None of them should be worried about their standing with the USWNT, but all three are still in the early stages of being dropped into this environment and tested at the highest level.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.US Women’s national team, Soccer, NWSL
UPDATED – Champions League Kicks off Tues/Wed and while Captain America Christian Pulisic will be out until after the new year (leg injury) plenty of other American’s are in the fray looking to secure places in the knockout rounds. CC Vickers and Auston Trusty visit Zagreb with Celtic at 12 pm on Para+ Tues, while PSV Eindhoven and Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi & Richy Ledezma are on the road at Brest at 2:30 pm.
Wednesday we have Juventus with Mckinney & Weah @ Man City at 3 pm desperate for a win to stay in, Dortmund and Gio Reyna and Cole Campbell host Barcelona, while AC Milan sans Pulisic but with Musah will host Red Star Belgrade at 3 pm desperate for a win. (read all about Champs League matches below)
US Ladies Beat Dutch 2-1 after tying England 0-0
What a way for the BEST US female Goalkeeper ever Alyssa Naeher to go out on top. She made 6 saves in her final game in the net – as she kept the US ladies in the game and carried them on to victory over Holland at Holland on Tuesday. Nice to see with a makeshift new line-up up top without our Triple Expresso combo – that the US can still manufacture goals as coach pulled all the right strings in finding a way to win despite being literally slaughtered in the first half. The US was down 1-0 but it could have been far worse as the Dutch shot 15 times – 4 times on goal. Naeher continued her heroics into the 2nd half where she bailed out the US time and time again. Again – not sure who is going to take her place – but the boots are mighty big to fill. (tons of stories below) Game Highlights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ANF6VYkqJE
Super impressive to see 85K in Wembley to see the #1 vs #2 last weekend as the US faced England at Wembley. Again nice to see we can tie a game when our best attackers are at home Highlights – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1nLQ6doNww.
MLS Finally Plays a Game on TV as the Finals will be on Fox at 4 pm
The LA Galaxy will host the New York Red Bulls Saturday at home at 4 pm on Fox and Apple TV Free – LA will be playing without play maker Puig however so look for the Red Bulls to really challenge for their first ever trophy. I will have full Champions League updates on Monday before the Next Round kicks off Tues/Wed
USMNT midweek viewing guide: Rising to the challenge in Champions League for US Players
Following along with all the USMNT players in action this midweek.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Celtic, 11:45a on Paramount+, ViX: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic visit Zagreb to start things off for USMNT action in UEFA Champions League this week.
Brest vs PSV Eindhoven, 2p on Paramount+, ViX: Ricardo Pepi, Malik TIllman, Richy Ledezma, and PSV visit French side Brest in Champions League.
Also in action:
Burnley vs Derby, 1:45p on Paramount+: Luca Koleosho and Burnley host Derby County in the Championship.
Leeds vs Middlesbrough, 2p on Paramount+: Aidan Morris and Boro visit Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in the Championship.
Wednesday
AC Milan vs Red Star Belgrade, 3p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, FuboTV (free trial), ViX: Christian Pulisic came off injured last week, and is expected to be out until around Christmas, while Yunus Musah should be available for Milan as they host Crvena Zvezda in Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona, 3p on Paramount+, TUDN USA, UniMás, Univision NOW, FuboTV, ViX: Gio Reyna, Cole Campbell, and BVB welcome Barça into Signal Iduna Park for this Champions League match.
Juventus vs Manchester City, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juve host Man City in Champions League.
Also in action:
Arsenal vs Monaco, 2p on Paramount+, ViX: Folarin Balogun is expected to miss Monaco’s clash with his former club, due to a shoulder injury.
VfB Stuttgart vs Young Boys, 2p on Paramount+, ViX: Anrie Chase and Stuttgart welcome Young Boys into town for this Champions League match.
West Brom vs Coventry, 2p on Paramount+: Haji Wright and Coventry City visit Daryl Dike’s club West Bromwich Albion in the Championship. Dike is out with an Achilles tendon injury, expected back mid-January.
Thursday
Lyon vs Frankfurt, 2p on Paramount+, ViX: Nathaniel Brown and Eintracht Frankfurt pay a visit to Tanner Tessmann and Lyon in Europa League.
Also in action:
Fiorentina vs LASK Linz, 11:45a on Paramount+, ViX: George Bello and LASK go on the road against Fiorentina in Europa Conference League.
Başakşehir vs Heidenheim, 11:45a on Paramount+, ViX: Lennard Maloney and Heidenheim visit Istanbul Başakşehir in Conference League.
TV GAME SCHEDULE
Fri, 12/6 12:30 pm Para+ Inter Milan vs Parma 2:45 pm PAra+ Atalanta vs AC Milan (Pulisic & Musah)
Sat Dec 7th
07:30 AM ET USA Everton vs. Liverpool (English Premier League) 10:00 AM USA Brentford vs. Newcastle United 12 noon CBS Juventus (Weah, McKinney) vs Bologna 12:20 pm ESPN+ Monchengladbach (Scalley) vs -Dortmund (Reyna) 12:30 pm NBC Man U vs Nottingham Forrest 4 pm Fox MLS Cup LA Galaxy vs NY Red Bulls
Sunday, December 08
09:00 AM Peacock Fulham vs. Arsenal (English Premier League) 09:00 AM USA Leicester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (English Premier League 11:30 AM USA Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea (English Premier League)
Monday, December 09
3:00 PM USA West Ham United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (English Premier League)
We’ve reached that point of the season when the Champions League group stage concludes with a grand flou… oh no we haven’t. This is 2024-25, so matchday six is now merely the 75 per cent point of the league stage, with two further rounds of games in January to come.
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to get stuck into this week. Liverpool face their first early kick-off in this season’s competition away at Girona on Tuesday, while Wednesday sees Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona take each other on in another clash close to the summit. And Real Madrid and Manchester City will look to break out of their slumps with difficult trips to Italy (against Atalanta and Juventus, respectively).
With help from The Athletic’s Opta-powered Champions League projections, here are the key fixtures that could dictate movement in the table and future fortunes this week. Click the link below to explore further.
Girona vs Liverpool – Tuesday, 5.45pm GMT/12:45pm EST
Liverpool are yet to drop a point after five matches and were convincing 2-0 winners against Real Madrid last time out. Even a draw on Tuesday would secure progress into the knockout playoff at the very least for Arne Slot’s men as they would be at least seven points clear of the team in 24th with two games to go. That would merely be the first step, with our projections revealing they have a 98 per cent chance of finishing in the top eight and are the only side predicted to get 20+ points in the maiden league stage.
Girona have struggled in their inaugural European campaign, picking up only one win from five matches with narrow defeats against Paris Saint-Germain, Feyenoord and Sturm Graz. Milan and Arsenal are next, so their chances of league-stage elimination stand at 95 per cent.
Atalanta vs Real Madrid – Tuesday, 8pm GMT/3pm EST
Real Madrid’s injuries have hampered their ability to build chemistry with Kylian Mbappe and has led to inconsistency. Their record over the last seven games in all competitions reads loss, win, win, loss, win, loss, win.
Madrid’s defeat in Liverpool saw their risk of exiting in the league stage rise from five per cent to seven per cent, but they still have a 91 per cent chance of making it to the knockout playoff at least with Red Bull Salzburg at home and Brest away to come after this. In fact, our projections have Real Madrid as the most likely side to feature in the knockout playoffs — not the smooth progression the holders would have hoped for, but at least a chance to regroup in 2025.
But this is a tough fixture. Atalanta have conceded just once in the Champions League and that came in a 6-1 thrashing of Young Boys in Matchweek five. They sit top of Serie A and beat Milan on Friday, extending their winning run to nine games in all competitions. Victory here — especially with Barcelona and Dortmund facing each other — could see their top eight odds (currently at 58 per cent) improve significantly.
Madrid struggled last time out against Liverpool (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)
Leverkusen and Inter have taken differing approaches but find themselves in similar positions. Xabi Alonso’s side have netted 11 times and let in five, while Inter’s resolute defence means they are the only team yet to concede a goal in this season’s competition, but have scored only seven at the other end.
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Leverkusen’s odds of finishing in the top eight are at 39 per cent with a visit to Atletico Madrid in January, so any points here will be crucial. Inter, meanwhile, picked up four points from their toughest fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal, making their finish to the league stage (away at Sparta Prague and Monaco at home) comparatively straightforward. As it stands, our Opta-powered projections have Inter as narrow favourites to win the Champions League, ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona – Wednesday, 8pm GMT/3pm EST
Barcelona have enjoyed success against German opposition, beating Bayern Munich 4-1 at home in matchday three — just 24 hours after Dortmund conceded five second-half goals and lost 5-2 against Real Madrid after going 2-0 up after 34 minutes.
But the situation six weeks later is different. Barcelona are facing their first wobble under Hansi Flick, picking up only two wins in their last six outings in all competitions. One of those was against Brest in their last Champions League match, which boosted their chances of direct qualification into the round of 16 to a very healthy 76 per cent.
Dortmund are still finding themselves under Nuri Sahin but are unbeaten in their last four matches, a run which includes a 1-1 draw with Bayern in the Bundesliga. They beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 last time out in the Champions League, so their chances of a top-eight finish are at a bullish 75 per cent.
Barcelona thrashed Bayern on Matchday three (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Barcelona end the league stage with tricky fixtures against Benfica (away) and Atalanta (home), so probably have more riding on this game as Dortmund will take on Bologna (away) and Shakhtar Donetsk (home) in January.
Juventus vs Manchester City – Wednesday, 8pm GMT/3pm EST
For both these teams, the focus has largely been on their underperformance in the league. Juventus, yet to lose in Serie A, have drawn nine of their 15 league games and are sixth, while City have lost four of their 15 — already more than in the entirety of their title-winning 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons — and are fourth.
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Wednesday’s match, therefore, represents an opportunity to generate momentum while getting their Champions League campaigns on track. Both teams have eight points after five matches, while Leverkusen, Arsenal and Monaco, who round out the top eight as it stands, have 10 each.
Juventus and Man City play Club Brugge as part of their two final fixtures of the league phase. The Italian side travel to Benfica for their final game, while Man City travel to PSG on matchday seven. That surely means that Juventus, who have a nine per cent chance of finishing in the top eight compared to City’s 15, have more riding on this game, especially in front of their home crowd.
(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Around the league
Arsenal face an upbeat Monaco in a match that could see one of the two drop out of the top eight by end of play on Wednesday. Arsenal have a 70 per cent chance of directly qualifying for the round of 16 in comparison to Monaco’s 15 per cent, so the French side probably need the points more.
Celtic have recovered admirably from their 7-1 defeat by Dortmund in Matchweek two, collecting five points from the last three matches. A win at Dinamo Zagreb, who are only a point behind them, would give them a boost with Young Boys up next.
Defeat against Bayern in matchweek five left PSG just outside the knockout spots. Anything less than a victory at Red Bull Salzburg, who have also won just once, and the sound of the already-ringing alarm bells will border on cacophonous.
Five talkings points ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League games
Five talking points ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League games, featuring Celtic’s chances of progression and a meeting between the German and Italian champions.
Can Celtic reach the knockout rounds?
It’s been six seasons since Celtic last reached the knockout rounds in European competition. In the Champions League, that barren run stretches back more than a decade (2012/13).
Celtic, however, have positioned themselves in a place to break that drought. Eight points from five games leaves the Scottish champions 20th, in a play-off position and above sides including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
An embarrassing 7-1 thrashing at Borussia Dortmund aside, Celtic have performed admirably in their European ventures including a win over RB Leipzig and battling point at an impressive Atalanta side. With Dinamo Zagreb and a Young Boys side without a point to come next, Brendan Rodgers’ side can end their wait for knockout stage football.
A chance for Reds to rotate?
Liverpool are within touching distance of the Round of 16, having taken maximum points from their five games to lead the Champions League standings. Arne Slot’s side have been almost flawless in Europe, conceding just once in the Champions League ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Girona. Another victory will move the Reds closer to a guaranteed top-eight finish, though could Slot decide that tonight is an ideal time to rotate?
Liverpool face a tricky test against Fulham at the weekend, before a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton in midweek. The Reds received an unexpected rest at the weekend when the Merseyside Derby was postponed due to safety concerns, though the clash with Girona – who have one win and four defeats in Europe – could allow Slot to hand minutes to several players on the fringe of his first XI. The likes of Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez will hope to come in.
Champions of Germany and Italy meet
The headline fixture from Tuesday’s ties sees Bayer Leverkusen host Inter Milan. The Bundesliga and Serie A champions go head-to-head at the BayArena, with both positioned in the all-important top eight as things stand. Leverkusen and Inter have impressed in Europe to date, though are embroiled in tense fights to defend their crowns domestically.
Xabi Alonso’s side, who completed an unbeaten German double in 2023/24, are seven points behind Bayern Munich in the title race.
Inter, meanwhile, are third in Serie A, though have a game in hand on leaders Atalanta who are just three points above them. Both teams will regard themselves as potential dark horses in this competition, in a Champions League campaign where several of the traditional heavyweights are yet to hit their stride.
Duran’s shirt to lose?
Jhon Duran could not be doing much more in his quest to become Aston Villa’s main man. The Colombian has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, despite starting just four games. He has averaged a goal every 82.7 minutes of action and marked his first Premier League start of the campaign with the winner against Southampton at the weekend.
At 20, Duran is a player brimming with potential and his development this season has handed Unai Emery a selection headache. Ollie Watkins remains first choice but has scored just once from open play in his last seven Premier League appearances. Ahead of Tuesday’s trip to face RB Leipzig, Emery will be pondering whether Duran deserves a run of games. It’s a welcome dilemma for the Villa boss.
PSG in real danger of becoming league phase casualties
Some have suggested the new Champions League format is designed to protect the bigger teams from early exits. As things stand, it has not turned out that way. Real Madrid are currently clinging to a play-off position, while Paris Saint-Germain are in danger of missing the cut altogether.
The French champions have not won in the Champions League since a fortunate victory over Girona on matchday one, losing to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, and drawing with PSV since.
It leaves them battling to make the knockout rounds, with Manchester City still to visit the Parc des Princes in the coming weeks. Success in Europe has been the elusive dream for the PSG board and their head coaches have been judged on results in this competition.
Luis Enrique’s position will be under real threat if he fails to secure progress, even given the decision to move to a longer-term project in Paris. There is no room for error ahead of a trip to RB Salzburg on matchday six.
USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher comes up big in her final game for the United States
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played her final game for the United States women’s national team in a 2-1 win against the Netherlands on Tuesday to close out the year for the team. Naeher ends her international career with 115 caps and 69 shutouts. Although there wasn’t a clean sheet against the Netherlands, she came up with several key saves, including a leaping reaction block in the 38th minute and a sprawling stop with her feet in the 69th minute.It was a poor first half from the United States. Head coach Emma Hayes made an unusual shift in her lineup, pushing Rose Lavelle into the left-wing position while lining up Sam Coffey, Korbin Albert and Lindsey Horan in midfield. But they were ineffective in the middle, which, combined with Jenna Nighswonger having a bad game at left back, left the defense largely exposed.
The Netherlands took full advantage, running the midfield and pressing deep while the U.S. struggled playing out under pressure. In the 11th minute, the Netherlands scored the opener from a set piece as Albert didn’t mark her player in the box tightly enough, leaving 18-year-old Veerle Buurman in the right spot for a header that looped over Naeher’s outstretched glove to make it 1-0.
Netherlands celebrates scoring the opening goal against the U.S. (Maurice Van Steen / Getty Images)
Buurman headed in another goal for the Netherlands, although it was into her own net in the 44th minute, gifting the U.S. the momentum going into the break at 1-1. Hayes made two changes to start the second half, bringing on Lynn Williams for Jaedyn Shaw and Emily Sonnett for Nighswonger while shifting Emily Fox to left back. She also withdrew Lavelle deeper, although she had already been dropping throughout the first half, as well as switching sides of the field to find an outlet for the attack.Hayes went with almost a complete line rotation in the 67th minute, subbing out Horan, Albert, and Lavelle for Lily Yohannes, Hal Hershfelt, and Alyssa Thompson. This was Yohannes’ first cap for the U.S. since formally declaring her intention to play for the team. Yohannes was used in an attacking-midfield role behind Williams while Thompson assumed her usual spot on the left wing and Hershfelt dropped deep in midfield.Williams gave the U.S. the lead in the 70th minute, smartly finishing a cross delivered from Yazmeen Ryan on the right. Ryan was a constant source of energy throughout this game, following up a similarly bright performance in the previous game against England.
The U.S. celebrates Williams’ go-ahead goal. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
The 17-year-old Yohannes looked slightly nervy on the ball, which was understandable given she was playing against the other nation courting her senior national team allegiance. Dutch fans booed and whistled whenever Yohannes was on the ball, presumably in disapproval of her decision to play for the U.S.Hayes’ final sub was Ally Sentnor for Ryan in the 85th minute in a like-for-like swap.
The U.S. had a late chance on goal as Thompson fought her way past a defender and tried to put in a hard shot on goal at a steep angle. Thompson, like Ryan, once again looked comfortable in her position in the minutes she had on the field. Conversely, a few obvious positions were lacking in this game, with Albert looking disconnected from the front line in the midfield to Nighswonger getting beaten on defense. Horan also couldn’t find the right sense of timing or urgency on the ball. With Hershfelt, Yohannes and Shaw all circling starting roles, Hayes will undoubtedly experiment further throughout 2025.(Top photo: Pau Barrena / Getty Images)
Alyssa Naeher stays true to her stoic ways in final game, but U.S. teammates are full of emotion
It is 11.30pm at Bingoal Stadium in the Netherlands and Lynn Williams is crying.The U.S. women’s national team forward will see her teammate Alyssa Naeher in four days. After all, the 36-year-old goalkeeper is invited to her wedding. But that is not the point.Rather, following the USWNT’s 2-1 friendly win against the Netherlands, Williams has tears in her eyes as she speaks about Naeher. And Naomi Girma, fresh off extending the USWNT’s unbeaten run under head coach Emma Hayes to 15 matches (13 wins, two draws), is speaking about hugs and not wanting to let go. When she’s done, the centre-back releases an earnest round of applause for Naeher as the stalwart wraps up her final piece of USWNT media duty for the night and, potentially, ever.Naeher does not bow. She shoots Girma a wry but familial glance and nods towards the mixed zone’s exit. Despite the thick fog of emotions permeating the air and the knowledge that this friendly is meant to be a final —, not just for the U.S. year — Naeher is still Naeher. She is still in her No. 1 goalkeeper shirt and full kit because “the showers are better at the hotel”.
She carries the match ball — signed by her teammates at her request — under her arm as if she is organising a pick-up game in the parking lot, rather than about to walk onto the U.S. team bus after a representative match for the last time on the international stage.
In a match that focused on the future, revolving around Lily Yohannes and the global tug of war for her signature, there was something appropriate about the 90 minutes unfurling instead like an ode to one of the team’s longest-serving players.
Alyssa Naeher clears the ball during the international friendly match against the Netherlands (Pau Barrena / Getty Images)
On a cold, wet night in Den Haag, Naeher went full vintage, producing a showreel of classic cuts.
There was no clean sheet on her 115th and final cap, with Netherlands debutante Veerle Buurman heading a goal home just after the quarter-hour mark to give the hosts a deserved lead. The next 15 minutes were such a show of dominance that the home crowd broke into a Mexican wave. But an argument stands that, without jeopardy, it would hardly have been a proper send-off for a player like Naeher.The two-time World Cup winner has always straddled this space exquisitely, showing up when needed to keep the team within touching distance of winning. Naturally, here she was again, smudging the margins, denying Andries Jonker’s side a larger lead despite their 15 shots at goal before half-time, allowing for a fortunate Buurnam own goal and second-half U.S. substitutes to decide the game.“You want to be able to contribute and help the team win, and I was just glad I was able to do that,” Naeher tells The Athletic after the match. “To finish, not just for my last game… but for this team to finish the year that we’ve had on a high and to get the win was great.”Before kick-off, Naeher was honoured by the Dutch FA for her final appearance. The Bingoal Stadium announcer read aloud her various laurels and accolades. On his final note, a mostly-orange-clad stadium rose in applause.“I’d been given a heads-up that something was going to happen ahead of time, but I think that’s one of the beautiful things about this game — the mutual respect from country to country,” Naeher says. “We compete hard, but we respect and know each other as opponents. So that was very thoughtful of them, and it means a lot.”The applause from the stands also spoke to Naeher’s legacy, both within the confines of the U.S. and, critically, outside.“She’s the best,” Girma tells The Athletic. “She’s created some incredible moments and her legacy as a goalkeeper is going to be second to none. She has made saves in the biggest moments even today.“What I’ll remember (about) her as teammates off the field is just how much of a humble leader she is, how she always puts the team in front of her, and how she has been the center of this team for so many years.”
Alyssa Naeher leads the huddle during USWNT training at ADO Den Haag Stadium. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
The center of the USWNT is shifting. Hayes’ second-half substitutions showcased that, with Yohannes, Hal Hershfelt and Ally Sentnor getting minutes and Yazmeen Ryan and Alyssa Thompson continuing to impress.The arrival of Yohannes — marking her first USWNT cap since formally declaring her intention to play for the team instead of the Netherlands — was particularly intriguing. Her initial substitution received warm applause and then, in the final minutes, every touch inspired a guttural chorus of boos. But then Naeher would make a save or intervention and these things would be forgotten.In a match with 22 shots, Naeher made six big saves, of varying degrees of difficulty, as if undertaking a secret goalkeeping examination. The result: Naeher is still world-class. She still has that dog in her. That she is stepping off the international stage now, still seemingly unflappable, begs the question of who will replace her. But the question does not plague Naeher.
“I’m excited to see what they can do and how that competition continues to go,” she says. “There’s a great pool of young goalkeepers that are going to be able to compete with each other and get on the field and everything else. I’m really excited to see that next generation of great goalkeepers, but also the team as a whole. I’m their number one fan.”For a player who has epitomised the USWNT’s unwavering competitive edge, the last few months of Naeher’s career have made public a different side.t is why Girma held on long and hard in her final-whistle-of-a-win hug.“I was like, I’m not letting you go,” Girma says. “I’m very, very sad. I’m very happy for her, but she’s a legend. She’s so good. For me in the back, I always feel so secure with her behind me. But also, as a person. She’s sarcastic, she’s funny. That’s her front. And then you just got to get beneath it… Yeah, I’m going to miss her so much.”
Naeher’s ponytail is still messy as she speaks in the mixed zone. Under her arm, the signatures of her teammates on the match ball’s skin gleam in the cameras’ lights.“They were very nice to let me have it,” Naeher says, looking down, allowing a small smile to spread across her face. “I asked the team to sign it. One of the keepsakes. I have quite a few. I keep the big stuff. This is a big thing.”Top photo: Brad Smith / Getty Images)
Emily Olsen here with Meg Linehan, Steph Yang and Melanie Anzidei. You can probably guess who was voted the most-coveted holiday dinner guest from the women’s soccer world, but be sure to check the answer at the end!
Live From Wembley
What we learned
Out of the 90 minutes of soccer played in front of 78,346 fans at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, it was hard to read much into it for the USWNT beyond what is already established about the team through its 2024 record:
They have regained their footing on the international stage.
The Triple Espresso forward line is the best option for scoring goals (it’s even more glaring when they’re not present).
That’s not to say the match was a waste of time, because it wasn’t, but it also felt like the end of a very long year for a lot of folks (and was played on a holiday weekend in the States to boot). Yazmeen Ryan is going to get a ton of shine out of her second-half performance (deserved!), and Ally Sentnor finally got her first cap for the senior team. But there’s a reason why head coach Emma Hayes fixated on that late move from outside back Emily Fox getting endline then trying to cut the ball back in across the face of goal … and finding nothing but the white shirts of England players.
The details weren’t there, but not in a panic-inducing way. The younger players who need big-game experiences on the road got that, but after this year, a little grace feels right. Now, everything is building toward 2027, and even before that, World Cup qualifiers in 2026. The fine-tuning will come. The pressure’s never off for the USWNT, but they should enjoy the dip now while they can.
A special place for Thompson, Sentnor
Alyssa Thompson and Sentnor, both 20, feel like they’re part of a new generation of NWSL players who are able to really leverage their club play into national team appearances. Maybe that’s just confirmation bias, seeing as they’re already capped, but it’s really nice to see rookies (or relative rookies) able to make a case for themselves week in and week out. Emily Sams is another part of this cohort, and but for her injury, Croix Bethune would also be in this group.
Thompson and Sentnor in particular got their respective moments to shine at Wembley over the weekend. For Sentnor, congratulations are due for her first international cap after a standout season with the Utah Royals — all the more compelling for just how bad the Royals were overall. For Thompson, she started against England in the very stadium where she debuted two years ago. And just as she did in 2022, Thompson looked ready to take on a lot of responsibility on the wings.
This time, Thompson willingly pitted herself against as experienced and wily of a fullback there is in Lucy Bronze, and frequently came out on top.
With more reps and more time to develop a relationship with whomever Hayes decides is the future of the USWNT centrally, Thompson could really force a dilemma with Mal Swanson still very much in the picture and still very much at her peak.
Much will depend on the next two years, both for country and for club. Honestly, Sentnor may end up hunting for a different club environment to help with her development. With that said, if she feels both challenged and taken care of, that can be more important than her club’s overall place in the standings. It’s just so abominably competitive in the USWNT attack right now that it makes sense to seek out every possible advantage.
Matt Krohn / USA Today Sports via Imagn Images
Keep an eye on Yohannes tomorrow
If there was one comment multiple USWNT players had to say about Lily Yohannes the first time she was called into camp, way back in March, it was that the then-16-year-old was mature beyond her years. Mature in her play, mature in her habits as a professional, mature as a team member in camp with plenty of veteran players — some of whom have been professionals since Yohannes was in grade school.We’ll see if Hayes judges that maturity to be ready to play serious minutes against the Netherlandsin the Netherlands tomorrow (2:45 p.m. ET, TNT, truTV and Universo), knowing full well that this is a team for which Yohannes considered declaring her allegiance. What a vote of confidence that would be from the gaffer, whether Yohannes handles it well or not.
It would also be a real declaration of intent from Hayes. It’s already obvious that, at this point, she’s willing to take some risks with her player pool and look outside of the typical channels. Hayes had to play everything so tightly for the Olympics, which we saw in her unwillingness to tinker at all with her lineup. So now, in this freer period, tossing Yohannes into as high-pressure a situation as you can find in a friendly would help define the actual boundaries around Hayes’ listen-and-learn tour.
Meg’s Corner
Banda rises above the noise
I’ve been lucky enough to see Barbra Banda play live a couple of times this year, at the Olympics and at the NWSL championship. As talented as she looks on television, in person, she feels transcendent — shaping a game to her will, dragging defenders, reading the game at a ridiculous speed.
There were a few deserving candidates for the MVP of the NWSL championship, but in the end, my vote went to Banda. Big players step up in big moments, and she did. The game itself was underwhelming, but the memory I will treasure came from the postgame news conference with Banda and Marta, still riding the high of the win. Banda’s smile was contagious; Marta’s emotions were everything. It was a special night.
As Banda, 24, hoisted two trophies into the air at CPKC Stadium, there was only celebration and recognition for her first season in the NWSL. Only days later, though, she became the target of a bad-faith attack over hermedical eligibility to play following yet another trophy (this one from the BBC, with the final award selection done via public vote).
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With these attacks swirling across women’s football, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes met the moment ahead of the Wembley match. “Barbra Banda is an amazing football player. I think it’s ridiculous that she has to endure questions like this, to be quite honest with you,” she said during a news conference. “She has our support.”
To detail those transphobic and racist attacks here is to give them oxygen, especially when they are so easily refuted by objective fact. To their credit, the Orlando Pride stepped up for their player, as did NWSL players association president Meghann Burke. The league itself and its commissioner, on the other hand, were MIA in a moment where its “organizational values” were needed.
Carli Lloyd was voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2025, the organization announced on Tuesday. It’s an honor she has earned through two World Cup titles, scoring two gold-medal-winning goals in two Olympics and several individual awards earned during her decade-long career.Lloyd is one of three players selected off the list of finalists, which included Yael Averbuch, Lori Chalupny, Stephanie Cox, Cat Whitehill and Amy Rodriguez. The induction ceremony will be held next year on May 3 in Frisco, Texas.ne of the finest moments in Lloyd’s career came at the 2015 World Cup when her hat-trick in the final against Japan earned the U.S. women’s national team its third World Cup. Her USWNT senior team career spanned 16 years and 316 caps (second only to Kristine Lilly), helping them win two World Cups, two Olympic gold medals and an Olympic bronze medal. She won the FIFA Golden Ball for the 2015 World Cup, was named FIFA’s player of the year in 2015 and 2016 (when the award was renamed as The Best) and has been included in various world best XIs.
Lloyd is the first player to score a hat trick in a Women’s World Cup final. (Christopher Morris / Getty Images)
Given her long list of accomplishments, there was never a question Lloyd would carry the day in voting. While her club accomplishments haven’t always kept pace — playing several seasons for the underperforming Houston Dash in the NWSL didn’t help — her national team accomplishments are more than enough to dazzle even the most jaded voter.
Lloyd, along with former USMNT goalkeeper Nick Rimando, earned the player induction as one of two players listed on at least 50 percent of the ballots. Lloyd was on 47 ballots, with 97.9 percent of the votes.
The only question was whether it would happen on a player or a veteran ballot, which is for players who have been retired for more than 10 full calendar years. With only three spots for players and a 20-person ballot that includes both men and women, sometimes those who should be shoe-ins find themselves delayed a few years.
Retiring in 2021, Lloyd officially became eligible for the player ballot in 2024 after being out of the game for at least three full calendar years, as well as having played at least 20 full international games and at least five seasons in a first division league. It’s yet another testament to her resume that she was voted in during her first year of eligibility.
Lloyd, who has created a somewhat contentious public persona both as a player and now as a commentator, said in 2021 during her retirement tour that “everybody was trying to drag me down.”
Lloyd’s comments have long divided the U.S. fanbase, and at time players. (Ira L. Black – Corbis / Getty Images)
“I don’t know if it was sort of the Kobe or Jordan thing where, in my mind, I had these nemeses and I just created these storylines in my head where I just wanted to stick it to people,” Lloyd told The Athletic back then. “There’s probably a little bit of that, but I think there’s some truth, as well. But I look back and I’m like, ‘I thought all of these people hated me. I thought everyone had so many bad things to say about me.’ Now, I’ve announced my retirement and I’m just shocked. There’s all this support I’ve received.’”
The controversy usually came due to off-field issues both during and after her career, such as calling Megan Rapinoe kneeling to protest police brutality against Black Americans a “distraction” or saying USWNT players shouldn’t have smiled and danced after managing to advance from the group stage of the 2023 World Cup.By her own account, being cut from the USWNT under-21 team in 2003, because the coach perceived she wasn’t working hard enough, flipped a switch. Lloyd vowed she would never get dropped again over hard work. Much of her career, at least as publicly discussed, has been motivated by proving criticism wrong. She detailed much of this journey in her autobiography When Nobody Was Watching, discussing her single-minded pursuit of winning, though at times it cost her some of her closest familial relationships — a rift she eventually mended in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.here’s never been any denying that Lloyd was a force on the field. She could be a battering ram of a 10, and her dedication to staying healthy and fit is honestly instructive given how long she played with few major gaps in her availability.Again, the Hall of Fame’s criteria is about accomplishment, and Lloyd has oodles of that with more to spare. There’s no doubt she should be in the class of 2025, nor should it be a surprise that she went through in her first year.(Top photo: Robert Cianflone / FIFA via Getty Images)
US Ladies Travel to England Sat 12:20 on TNT, then face Dutch Tues Excited to see the US ladies headed to Europe to face solid competition – though this is a mighty young and inexperienced roster Hayes is carrying over. Man I would love to see at least part of the Triple Expresso trio in England – but all 3 will be missing after draining NWSL Seasons. Also with US GK Alyssa Naeher announcing her retirement from international football after this 2 game set – interesting to see 2 new keepers in the mix this time – including youngster Phallon Tullis-Joyce the Man U keeper. (nice story about her below- along with tons on the game & Naeher). I’m guessing we lose a close one at England with so many players missing – but of course I won’t question our Gold Medal winning Coach – I trust she’s doing what’s right here. Cool Behind the Crest with the US Ladies. Man we are going to miss Naeher – seriously her saves and PK saves at critical times in the 2019 World Cup and this summer’s Olympics rank her as perhaps the best overall US GK ever. Naeher’s best moments (more below under GK)
Nice to See US Players Making a Difference in Champions League this week Love the first goal for AC Milan by Pulisic – Pulisic Scores another Champ League Goal here it is in proper Spanish – much better of course Capitan Ameri’ca. Also 2 American’s helped PSV come from behind to win 3-2 as Tilman scored 2 and Pepi scored the winner in stoppage time. Champion’s League Talk on Galazo.
NWSL Ends Fantastic Season with Orlando & Marta Winning the Championship Wow what a season for the Orlando Pride and NWSL – as Orlando won the Championship in KC over the Washington Spirit as over 1 million watched on CBS on a Saturday night head to head with College Football. The skills competition pulled another 1.5 million eyeballs Sun afternoon and was the most watched sport not called NFL on Sunday. The first Women’s Soccer Specific stadium in KC hosted 20K rowdy fans as Brazilian Superstar Marta finally brought home a trophy for Orlando. NWSL Final Highlights. In my eyes the NWSL is doing everything MLS is too stupid to do. With games on CBS, ESPN, & Prime – their 240 million dollar package is putting USWNT and world stars in front of a growing female audience begging for more coverage. Unlike MLS – NWSL doesn’t have MOST of their games behind a paywall – as only Prime’s Friday night games do that. Congrats NWSL – it was great seeing your playoff games on Real TV – keep up the good work !!
USWNT roster (club; caps/goals) vs England & Netherlands
Goalkeepers (3): Mandy Haught (Utah Royals FC; 1), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 0 -Cool story about her below), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 113)
Midfielders (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 20/1), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 26/1), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit; 2/0), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 159/36), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 108/24), Lily Yohannes (Ajax, NED; 1/1)
Forwards (6): Yazmeen Ryan (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 2/0), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 2/1), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals FC; 0/0), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC; 19/8), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 11/1), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 73/20)
Shane, Mike Arrington & T Ray Phillips at the Girls Showcase last weekend at Grand Park Friday- man I love reffing with these guys. And of course the chow – this time Chili was fantastic – thanks Nate !!
TV GAME SCHEDULE
Sat, 11/29 12 noon ESPN+ Dortmund vs Bayern Munich 12 pm TNT, Telemundo USWNT @ England 12 pm CBS Golazo AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Empoli 12:30 pm USA West Ham vs Arsenal 3:30 pm ESPN Des Real Valladolid vs Atletico Madrid 7:30 pm Sirius XM, apple Orlando City vs NY Red Bulls 8 pm Univision Cruz Azul vs Tijuana 10 pm Apple LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders Sun, 11/30 8:30 am USA Chelsea vs Aston Villa 8:30 am Peacock Tottenham vs Fulham (Jedi) 11 am USA Liverpool vs Man City 12 pm CBSSN, Para+ Fiorentina vs Inter Milan 2:45 pm Para+ Lecce vs Juventus (McKinney, Weah) Tues, 12/3 2:45 pm TNT? Netherlands vs USWNT 2:45 pm ESPN2 Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen 3 pm PAra+ AC Milan (Pulisic & Musah) vs Sassuolo 3 pm CBSSN France vs Spain (Women) Weds, 12/4 2:45 pm ESPN+ RB Leipzig vs Frankfurt 3 pm ESPN+ Athletic Club vs Real Madrid 3:15 pm Peacock Arsenal vs Man United 3:15 pm USA Aston Villa vs Brentford Thurs, 12/6 2:30 pm Peacock Fulham (Jedi) vs Brighton 3:15 pm USA AFC Bournemouth vs Tottenham Fri, 12/7 12:30 pm Para+ Inter Milan vs Parma 2:45 pm PAra+ Atalanta vs AC Milan (Pulisic & Musah)
American’s Ricardo Pepi scored the game winner for PSV after Mark Tillman scored the first 2 goals in the 87th & 90th minutes to beat Shakhtar Donetsk in Champions League action.
Ricardo Pepi said his stoppage time winner against Shakhtar Donetsk was the most important goal of his career after he and USMNT team-mate Malik Tillman played instrumental roles in PSV’s “crazy” 3-2 comeback victory in the Champions League.The Dutch side had trailed 2-0 in the latter stages at the Philips Stadium on Wednesday before Tillman, 22, scored two goals in the 87th and 90th minute of the game to level proceedings. Pepi, 21, who came on at half-time, scored in the 95th minute to complete a dramatic comeback and secure all three points for PSV. Game-winner Pepi told PSV’s official club website: “I think definitely this one (is the most important goal of my career). It’s up there for sure. I think this one is important, we needed the three points and now we’re in a good spot to make it to the next round.“Emotions are all over the place, I was very happy. It was a crazy game, a lot of emotions in the game. It doesn’t feel real. I’m just very happy to help the team.
“It was crazy, to be honest, but I feel like we have something special in our group. We don’t stop until the final whistle blows. “That is something very special that we’ve worked on. At the end of the day, the result went our way and tonight was something very special.“As a striker, it is always important (to score goals) It’s a special feeling.”Tillman echoed Pepi’s sentiment, saying: “I think ‘disturbed’ is the only right word. What an amazing comeback, I’m really speechless. I’ve never seen Philips Stadium explode like this before.“I literally had goosebumps. To win a game like that, that’s just indescribable. Also all credit to Pepi. Bizarre that he scores so often at important moments.”
The victory leaves PSV 18th in the Champions League league phase.Tillman’s move to PSV from Bayern Munich was made permanent this summer while Pepi joined the club in the summer of 2023 from FC Augsburg and the pair are enjoying successful campaigns for the Dutch side.Tillman has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 19 games for PSV this season, while Pepi has scored 11 goals and provided one assist in 18 games, helping PSV to the summit of the Eredivisie.PSV, who are five points clear at the top of Eredivisie, face second-placed Utrecht on Sunday.
USWNT vs. England, 2024 Friendly: Scouting England
By Brendan Joseph Nov 28, 2024, 6:00am PST Stars and Stripes —
As the reigning Olympic gold medalists and top-ranked team in the world, the United States Women’s National Team reeled off three consecutive friendly victories over Iceland and Argentina. There are two remaining fixtures this year, against a pair of opponents that should provide a slightly sterner challenge than the previous foes. The first, England, has ascended to elite status in the footballing world and produced consistent results since claiming the 2022 UEFA European Championship, with the chance to lodge a resounding exhibition result. London’s historic Wembley Stadium, a 90,000-seat venue with a HATKO Hybridgrass Carpet surface, is set to host.
This is the 20th all-time meeting between the two nations, with the USWNT holding a 12-5-2 advantage but failing in the most-recent match-up (1-2) in October of 2022. Ranked second internationally by FIFA, England booked a ticket over the summer to the 2025 UEFA European Championship with a second-place finish during qualifying in a difficult Group 3, drawing twice with Sweden (1-1, 0-0), grabbing two wins against Ireland (2-0, 2-1), and splitting results with France (1-2, 2-1). Recent friendly results include a defeat to Germany (3-4) and a tight result against South Africa (2-1).
The “unrivaled” Sarina Wiegman was appointed to the manager position in August of 2020 and stepped into the role in September of 2021, “succeeding Phil Neville at the end of his term” after “honoring her commitment to the Netherlands FA.” The 54-year-old former midfielder from The Hague earned 104 caps and served as captain for her birth nation before embarking on a coaching career that included stops at Ter Leede, ADO Den Haag, and the Oranje (Orange). Since taking over England, she has continued to add to her career legacy that includes two UEFA Women’s Championships, a Women’s Finalissima, and two runner-up finishes at the World Cup in 2019 and 2023.Here it is!
For the friendlies against the USWNT and Switzerland, Wiegman named a 24-player roster that is missing several notable talents. The domestic Women’s Super League is home to 18 of the call-ups, while three are on the books at National Women’s Soccer League clubs. Lauren James, Ella Toone, Niamh Charles, and Lauren Hemp are out due to various injuries. Maya Le Tissier was initially included in squad but was removed due to a concussion and replaced by Lotte Wubben-Moy.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
DEFENDERS (9): Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Jess Carter (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Gabby George (Manchester United), Millie Turner (Manchester United)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Jess Park (Manchester City), Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Ruby Mace (Leicester City)
Under Wiegman, England are praised as becoming “tactical chameleons” with the variations and flexibility to line up in a few different formations, notably pulling out an unexpected 3-5-2 during tournament play. She uses a “team-first” style with a “clarity of tactics” and “zonal defending with three midfielders” that also “allows players to improvise and make mistakes.” The squad has been trained to handle pressure, with practice matches featuring intentionally incorrect refereeing decisions in order to cause a heightened emotional state. According to The Mastermind Site, the high-possession attack is generated from “progression out of the back” through the centre-backs that builds with “short, sharp passes,” while the defense has struggled to handle the transition and “drops into [the] mid-block quite early.”
Projected England Starting XI (via BuildLineup.com)
Due to both injuries and the ravages of time, Mary Earps appears to be slowly losing her grip on the number-one role, replaced by relative-to-the-position youngster Hannah Hampton. The 24-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper is comfortable coming very far off of her line to claim the ball and has the athleticism to leap for crosses and beat out taller opposing strikers. Standing at five-foot-eight, she has the size and length to cover the goalmouth and displays solid reflexes on short-range opportunities, standing firm when facing an onrushing opponent. Her work in possession is beyond serviceable, playing line-drive passes at a variety of distances while under pressure, hitting deep kicks from restarts, and taking an active role to build out of the back.
The experienced Alex Greenwood is highly influential in possession with frequent distribution as “an exceptional progressor” but can also win her fair share of headers and “produces positive moments in the final third.” The 31-year-old Manchester City centre-back will often push forward into the midfield in order to serve as a safety valve for her pressured teammates and get the ball into the box. Leah Williamson was forced to miss the World Cup with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture but has regained her spot in the starting lineup, resuming her status as “the ultimate ball-playing defender” with a “delightful passing range” and “reliability under pressure.” She is reasonably strong in the air and utilizes her read of the opponent during the build-up and when blocking lanes, coming in from behind and stepping forward at the right moments. Imposing veteran Millie Bright could also feature in proceedings, describing herself as playing “on the front foot” and providing “power and a penchant for scoring spectacular volleys.” The five-foot-ten Chesterfield native “reads the game well,” is a constant danger on set pieces, dispenses “thunderous tackles,” and finds teammates with long-range efforts that will bypass multiple lines.
Artfully praised as “a stalwart of quiet calm,” Jess Carter has lined up in a variety of roles over her career due to her high level of athleticism, comfort on the ball, and ability to pick her moments for individual brilliance. The 27-year-old NJ/NY Gotham FC defender constantly presses forward and overlaps on the outside but can also move centrally in both phases of the game, best described as a somewhat reluctant fullback. One of the squad’s veterans, Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze is “a serial winner and versatile [talent]” with an attacking mindset guided by “pace, core strength, and composure in possession.” As a two-way player, she is strong in the air, plays a constant barrage of accurate passes, swarms the opponent’s lanes, and makes a crucial impact in the final third with delicate crosses.
Versatile and “brilliant” Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh boasts excellent “passing quality, range, and vision” but is also a master manipulator of space, serving as a metronome with a high usage rate. She can find any teammate on the field and has just enough guile on the ball to avoid pressure, spinning and darting around both halves in order to buy time. One of the creative roles is occupied by Georgia Stanway of Bayern Munich, a dynamic option who racks up assists for club and country by leading the transition and “working well in tight [areas].” Her aggressive nature will produce some crushing yet sometimes dangerous challenges, but the regular highlight-reel finishing and long-distance shooting are more than enough to merit constant inclusion in the lineup. There is also Jess Park, who has been getting an extended run with the squad and made two starts during EURO qualifying, earning praise as a “skillful, creative player with an eye for goal.” Hailed as “the future for England and Manchester City,” the multi-faceted option is a pacy, offensive machine with a daring nature that challenges both centre-backs and fullbacks alike.That is a CLASSIC Beth Mead goal #BarclaysWSL@ArsenalWFCpic.twitter.com/aG0Zymo2WO— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) November 8, 2024
Beth Mead is slowly moving out of her peak years, but the Arsenal forward can still grab the spotlight with her “ability to create chances, penetrate opposing back lines, and receive between the lines,” with the utilization of intuitive timing. She is equally comfortable on the inside and the outside of the field, with darting runs that slalom toward the center or physical battles in the box. Despite wanting for playing time at Manchester City, Chloe Kelly has been a reliable option off of the bench for England and should pick up a start due to several absences, providing the potential danger for a long-range blast. The 26-year-old attacker is always looking to cut inside and hit a searching shot with either foot but can also hang on the wing and pick out teammates with accurate crosses.
Former University of North Carolina Tar Heel Alessia Russo is the main scoring threat at the top of the formation and has found the back of the net five times this season. The 25-year-old Arsenal forward “is a very good dribbler and provides dangerous passes,” while also shooting frequently and winning aerial duels with “excellent positioning inside of the box.” As expected of a player with her abilities, she is dangerous with both feet, reads the opponent quickly, and can finish at any distance when given a yard of space. Marc Lamberts praises her progression of possession, high level of distribution, and prolific nature, enabling her to slot into a variety of roles and match the manager’s tactical shifts.
After a few less taxing friendlies, the USWNT has the privilege of a true test against a program that spent the past decade ascending into the elite level. England has a talented squad and a wily, experienced manager, which should provide a compelling physical and tactical match-up. The added bonus of the fixture taking place at Wembley adds interest for both fan and neutral viewer, although crucial absences on both sides dampen proceedings.The match is scheduled for Saturday, November 30th at 12:20 p.m. Eastern, 9:20 a.m. Pacific. Viewing options include TNT, Universo, truTV, Max, Peacock, and Fubo TV (free trial).
Why USWNT coach Emma Hayes was so happy in the basement of a London pub: ‘I’ve got my mojo back’
The first time Emma Hayes introduced herself to the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) she put a photo up on the big screen.The photo showed the intersection on Camden High Street, north London, just outside a pub called the World’s End. Hayes said to the players: “This is Camden, England. This is where I’m from. This is what made me.”
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So when Hayes returned to the UK ahead of England vs USWNT at Wembley on Saturday, U.S. Soccer decided to use the pub as the setting for her pre-match press conference. A press conference in a pub — that must be a first.
So, at 11am on a Monday morning, The Athletic was weaving our way down a pub’s staircase, round the bar, past some less-than-salubrious toilets, into Underworld, a black-walled basement club where Hayes spent much of her youth dancing until 3am.“I remember many an evening we would come in here, and thankfully it still smells of fart and feet,” said Hayes, who’d been greeted with a ‘Welcome back Emma’ sign outside. “It was a big indie place for me back in the day and I definitely have not seen this place in the daylight so that’s refreshing.”Although the music blaring from the speakers remains the same, the agenda and vibe at this time in the morning were slightly different — not least the fact that tea, coffee and pastries were being served.With a table and mics set up where Hayes used to rock and roll, the head coach looked out to a bizarre mix of her mum, sisters, school friends, former and current colleagues, and the international media.Asked how she felt to be in the Underworld with those closest to her, every word captured on camera, navigating questions from coaching at Wembley to Donald Trump, from USWNT’s Thanksgiving plans to the homophobic abuse aimed at her former player Sam Kerr, from developing the national youth team strategy to Hayes’ top tourist tips, Hayes said simply: “F****** brilliant!”
(U.S. Soccer/Getty Images/Brad Smith)
Hayes may be coaching in America but she has not changed, firmly shaped by her upbringing in north London.She credits her friends and family for keeping her humble. Those in the audience had shared her journey with her since she was a child, people who continue to run projects across the London borough at Camden Sports Development or youth leagues at Regent’s Park.“My community is what I am and what I care about,” she said. “I’m so stoked to be here with people that have been massive in my life. My friends have never changed and I’m grateful for that. If you say otherwise, there’ll be about 50 of them lining up at the door for you… I’m kidding.“Are you?” one heckled.“I probably shouldn’t say this in a press conference,” said Hayes, “but one of my friends used to live up in Delancey Street and she lived in a big posh house, a nice five-storey, it was lovely, gorgeous.
“I used to go up there and pretend, maybe one day, this would be a life for me. I used to come home with a little posh accent and my mum would say, ‘Your s*** still stinks’”.That was one way to keep your daughter grounded.When it comes to her tenure as the USWNT boss, Hayes is, in her words, “fresh out of the packet”, but she is already thinking about her legacy, explaining that unifying the US talent pool under a women’s football development strategy is “going to be the biggest piece” of what she leaves behind.She described herself as a “builder” who wants to lay foundations for the long term, and importantly she wants to devise a strategy for players and staff across all departments which is centred around a “female lens”.“Everything we create, the systems, frameworks, methodology, everything is done through a male lens. I seek to challenge that. If we value women and want to keep women in the workplace, we have to be creative because raising children is the hardest job in the world and your children need you too. But you’re entitled to be able to do that and have a job in football. We have to think through a female lens. That’s at the heart of everything.”Hayes said of her own accord: “I’m not going to answer any questions on men’s football. I know exactly where I am and what I want to do with my life. That’s in the women’s game, developing everything in and around that.”On Saturday Hayes will be a visitor at what she called her “second home”, Wembley. The 48-year-old will have to go through a “weird moment” of humming the English and American anthems because she “loves them” both before coming up against former Chelsea players like her ex-captain Millie Bright.Hayes momentarily feared making the jump from club to national-team management as she was unsure how the change in rhythm would affect her. For around 25 years, she had driven to the training ground six or seven days a week.“I worried about that for about four seconds,” she said. “Then I said, ‘OK, what are the benefits?“I get to get up and breathe, take Harry to school, go to the gym, create my schedule around those things, and not sacrifice the things that make me feel healthy.”She added: “I definitely didn’t feel healthy at the end of my time at Chelsea. I don’t want to say it’s pressure. I just think it’s the stress, the toll it took on me. Doing that during menopause, I realised, was even harder.“To get on top of all of these things, I feel like I’ve got my mojo back, my smile back and joy back. I didn’t realise how much I’d lost in that. I’m loving football more than ever.”(Top photo: U.S. Soccer/Getty Images/Brad Smith)
England vs USWNT: The Lionesses who were made in America
When England face the USWNT at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, all eyes will be on Emma Hayes.
The former Chelsea manager is making her first return to English soil in a managerial capacity since leaving the seven-time Women’s Super League (WSL) champions in May to lead the U.S. women’s team.
Footballing trips across the Pond are familiar territory for Hayes, though. Her coaching career began at summer camps in Long Island, New York when she was 25, when she headed to the States with just $1,000 (£1,250 at today’s exchange rates) and a one-way ticket. After eight years coaching club and college teams (with a three-year stint as Arsenal’s assistant coach in the middle), she returned to England in 2012, building Chelsea into a domestic behemoth, before heading back to America this summer and promptly leading her new team to gold medals at the Olympics in France.
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Hayes is not an anomaly. Where MLS was historically branded a “retirement league” for august but ageing male players, English women footballers (and coaches) have found early-career moves to the States foundational.
Of England’s current 24-strong squad, forward Alessia Russo and right-back Lucy Bronze, plus head coach Sarina Wiegman, credit time spent in the U.S. as being critical in their career development, while goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and defenders Esme Morgan and Jess Carter currently ply their trades in the top-flight National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Other England internationals with U.S. roots include Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, who attended the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker, who went to Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Now-retired internationals Rachel Daly, Demi Stokes, Karen Bardsley and Jodie Taylor also found value playing college and club football on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
The American appeal is multi-faceted. There is the opportunity to develop within a more direct, physical style of football, and the boon of getting a university education alongside playing competitive football, as well as the chance of regular game time.
The Athletic takes a look at the England squad members “made” in America…
Alessia Russo, 2017-20, University of North Carolina
Russo was, at first, a gamble.
In 2017, North Carolina were being pipped to top American talents by rival universities, so their head coach Anson Dorrance needed to recruit from further afield. At England youth camps, a teenage Russo repeatedly caught the eye, to the point a full scholarship was offered. Russo accepted. There was anticipation — but then angst.
“I sent my assistant coach to watch her play and he calls me back in a panic and says, ‘Oh my gosh, Anson, I am so sorry. This kid can’t play, she’ll never play for us’,” Dorrance told the Press Association news agency in 2023.“I’m thinking, ‘Oh god, we’ve dumped all of our money into a player that can’t play’, and all of a sudden I’m having sleepless nights. Then I get a call a couple of days later, ‘Oh no, Anson, I’m wrong, they had the wrong (shirt) number on Alessia. She’s an a**-kicker’.”Upon Russo’s arrival, the No 19 shirt worn by USWNT legends Mia Hamm and Crystal Dunn during their time at UNC, was brought out of retirement for her — a sign of the potential they saw.
Russo in action for North Carolina in 2019 (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
To honour the history, Russo wore a Hamm patch on one sleeve of her jersey and a Dunn patch on the other. But Russo’s greatest tribute came in the form of her performances.
In three seasons, she established herself as one of the best forwards in the college game, being named a first-team All-American (awarded annually to the most outstanding athletes in their sport) in 2018 — the first UNC player to earn that honour since Dunn — and 2019, and helping UNC twice finish as runners-up for the national championship. Russo was also a semi-finalist for the Hermann Trophy, an honour awarded to the top collegiate player in the country, in those two years.
Russo’s triumphs were born out of challenge. A broken leg forced her to miss the end-of-season play-offs in 2019 (she was still named Offensive Player of the Year for UNC’s regional league and a first-team All-American). She later told Manchester United’s UTD Podcast that the mental strength the recovery process built was key to handling future setbacks.
The step up in physicality and athleticism was also steep. The game in America focused on slick, direct transitional play, where athleticism and physical fitness were lionised above technical skill. While Russo’s technical skill today is laudable, one of the Arsenal forward’s most impressive assets is her strength and power in the final third.
“Moving to America helped me develop loads, on and off the pitch,” Russo told Arsenal’s media team in a 2024 documentary. “I needed to grow up physically. I’d not really set foot into the gym or pushed my body. In America, you have to step up.”
Lucy Bronze, 2009, University of North Carolina
Bronze knows how to lift silverware. The Chelsea full-back has five Champions Leagues, three WSL titles, two Division 1 Feminine winner’s medals and one from Liga F, among others. She is the first English footballer to win the Champions League with two different foreign clubs and the first England footballer and first female defender to claim the FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year award and a spot on the FIFPRO World XI (2020).
“That comes from my time in the U.S. and how competitive it was,” Bronze told Chelsea’s website after joining them from Barcelona in the summer.
Bronze in action for North Carolina in 2009 (Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Bronze’s spell in the States was brief but impactful. Her mum, Diana Tough, persuaded Bronze to attend summer training camps in North Carolina. There she impressed head coach Dorrance, who offered her a scholarship to UNC in 2009. Across 24 appearances, Bronze helped UNC claim the 2009 national title as she won All-American honours.Key to her development on the pitch were Dorrance’s training methods. The now-retired coach (he won 21 national titles over a 45-year career but also faced a lawsuit from two former players claiming sexual harassment, which resulted in a settlement in 2008 despite him denying the allegations) was known for pitting players against each other during sessions. Bronze often found herself up against Tobin Heath, a 2008 Olympic gold medallist with the USWNT. “I realised that I need to work a lot harder and push myself if I want to compete against those kind of players,” Bronze told Forbes.
After just a year in North Carolina, Bronze returned to England to continue her sports science degree at Leeds Metropolitan University, while playing for Sunderland, then Everton and Liverpool.
“It was tough being away from home, from where I’d learned to play football, but I think that made me the player I am,” Bronze has said. “That really shaped me, more than anything else in my career at such a young age. I then knew how to be a winner and that has driven me every year since.”
Sarina Wiegman, 1989, University of North Carolina
A glance at Wiegman on the touchline is a window into the soul. On the outside, the two-time European Championship-winning head coach is calmness personified. But behind that, her mind is whirring, analysing, competing.This has always been Wiegman’s way around the football pitch.“I think the difference between her and most of the kids I was coaching back then is the Europeans come in with a greater maturity,” Dorrance told the PA news agency. “We had a wonderful culture of great kids, very talented kids, but she always seemed to be a tad more serious than anyone else. You can even see her in press conferences — you’re interviewing a serious individual.”Where Russo credits UNC for instilling in her a physical and psychological strength and ronze also says it gave her a winning mentality, for Wiegman, her time on its campus was the start of her understanding the differing standards in women’s football — and importantly, how to raise them.In 1988, while competing in the FIFA Women’s Invitation Tournament with the Netherlands, Wiegman was invited by Dorrance to study at UNC and join the school’s football team. The following year, she was playing alongside Hamm, Kristine Lilly and Carla Overbeck, lifting the national championship trophy at season’s end.
Wiegman considered her time in the U.S. “an absolute trigger for me”, describing the quality of players and working conditions as operating at the “highest level”.
Upon returning to her home country a year later, the disparity in infrastructure and quality was stark. “When I went back, I thought, ‘If I can contribute in the Netherlands, to create what is in the U.S. in the Netherlands, I would be a happy person’,” she told UK newspaper The Guardian in 2023. “It took 20 years.”
The 29-year-old goalkeeper earned her first call-up to Wiegman’s England squad in July this year. A second call-up arrived in October, and she’s now had a third. The attention arrived as Moorehouse was having one of her best seasons between the sticks, helping Orlando Pride first to the NWSL Shield (given to the club with the best regular season record each year, and the first trophy in club history) and then, this past weekend, to the NWSL championship, thanks to a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit in the final.
Moorhouse has been integral, keeping clean sheets in half of her 26 appearances this season.
Moorhouse has become an influential player for Orlando (Elsa/Getty Images)
Her recent success in the States is more notable when considered in the light of her itinerant past. In the decade prior, Moorhouse spent time at Everton, Durham, Doncaster Rover Belles, Arsenal and West Ham United in England, before two mixed seasons with Bordeaux in France’s top division.
A move to Orlando came along in 2022, but her fortunes looked destined to follow the established theme. In that debut season, Moorhouse made five appearances, conceding 13 goals without keeping a single clean sheet nor being part of a win as the Pride finished 10th in the 12-team NWSL. Not until three games into the next season did Moorhouse play in her first victory (also the Pride’s first of the 2023 campaign), a 3-1 win against the San Diego Wave. In her ninth appearance last season, she kept her first clean sheet in a 1-0 defeat of Racing Louisville.Moorhouse was not helped by the quality of defence in front of her, but the league’s relentless transitional style also posed an initial challenge.“The biggest difference between the two leagues is the (NWSL) is a lot faster pace. You have athletes in every single position,” she told women’s football website INDIVISA this year. “You have so many transitions. The players are just pure athletic. When I first got here, I was trying to play and getting caught on the ball. I was trying to get up to speed. I think I’ve grown into that and I’ve changed that side of my game.“
Esme Morgan, 2024-present, Washington Spirit
After seven years with Manchester City, England defender Morgan made the bold call to move to the NWSL’s Washington Spirit in the summer, craving a new experience. “If I’d have got to the end of my career and just stayed in England the whole time, having heard how much other people have enjoyed going abroad, maybe I would have regretted it,” she told The Washington Post.
Her struggles to break into Gareth Taylor’s starting XI and the potential impact on her place in Wiegman’s squad had been evident. The 24-year-old featured in just nine WSL matches for City last season, starting five, and she spent most of her time with England on the bench.
The move to Washington represented an opportunity to shift this and so far, has. Following a thigh injury which delayed her debut until mid-September, Morgan has become a mainstay in the Spirit’s back line, helping them to finish runners-up to Orlando in both the regular-season table and again in Saturday’s play-offs final.
Morgan has been utilised mostly in central defence but has slotted in at right-back when required, a versatility that Wiegman will welcome, given Niamh Charles’s shoulder surgery. Her adaptation to the shift in style will also be crucial in setting her apart from other defenders at Wiegman’s disposal.
After the Spirit’s semi-final win against NJ/NY Gotham — in a penalty shootout — Morgan even lamented the number of fouls called by the officials: “This league certainly, comparing it to the English league, everyone’s so physical, so fit, so fast, so much less time on the ball, and so I really enjoy the challenge of it. No one ever plays to sit out and defend for a draw for 90 minutes or just low-block the whole time.
“I feel like it’s an element of my game that is developing a lot from being over here.”
From one league champion to another — Carter swapped Chelsea for NJ/NY Gotham in July after six seasons in west London.
Carter’s transfer was eagerly anticipated by the New York club’s fans: a six-time WSL and reigning European champion, the England defender’s pedigree spoke for itself. For Carter, the opportunity to challenge herself in a different environment appealed, particularly as the arrival of England team-mate Bronze posed a threat to her in terms of getting regular club minutes.
Jess Carter, right, scored against former club Chelsea in a pre-season friendly (Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
Carter, who has U.S. citizenship through her father, had always kept an eye on football across the Pond. But her move was also tinged with controversy after the defender said her decision was about wanting to be “surrounded by people who treat other people well”.Her off-field relationship with former Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who had moved to Gotham in April, was thrust into the spotlight after manager Hayes said in March that romances between team-mates were “inappropriate”. Carter liked a post on X condemning Hayes’ remark. Hayes later said she “let herself down” with the comment, but added, “I don’t take those things back”.lthough she did not mention Chelsea, Carter told women’s soccer website The Equaliser in an interview announcing her transfer: “Gotham shares my same values. How you treat people and how the team is treated are my biggest values. I think I can really become a better football player when I’m surrounded by people who treat other people well, and really care for one another as people before footballers.”
Carter has shown the power of confidence, instantly becoming a mainstay in the reigning champions’ defence as they progressed to the NWSL semi-finals, though they were denied a chance to play for successive titles by the Spirit.
While Carter, like her compatriots, has credited the league’s athleticism and physicality for aiding her development, she has also praised the positivity that comes with the American sporting culture.
“When I first came, I was like, well, this is a little bit much — everyone is so energetic!” Carter told football website 90 Minutes in October. “But it’s more the fact that I could probably count on one hand in WSL club football how many times my managers or coaches turn around and say, ‘You did really well. Good job. Well done’. That positive reinforcement I don’t think really happens much in the WSL, or not in my experience, anyway.”
Lotte Wubben-Moy, 2017-19, University of North Carolina
At 17 years old, Wubben-Moy was presented with a decision: say yes to a dream or choose the more difficult path to achieve it.
It is telling of the Arsenal defender’s mindset that she chose the latter, opting to leave her girlhood club Arsenal after 13 professional appearances and the offer of a professional contract to pursue higher education at UNC and further development under Dorrance.
Looking back, Wubben-Moy calls the decision “the hardest” of her life so far, but the upsides have been plentiful. After three years of starting regularly at centre-back and helping UNC to successive runner-up finishes in the NCAA College Cup, Wubben-Moy returned to England in 2020 and has established herself as one of England and Arsenal’s most aggressive and consistent defenders after two standout campaigns.
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“They definitely contributed to the player I am today, not just on the field but off the field as well,” Wubben-Moy told Arsenal’s website in 2020 of her time at UNC.
Dorrance specifically is praised by Wubben-Moy for his impact. The architect of the first U.S. World Cup win in 1991, Dorrance lionised the “winning mentality” that defines American sporting success. His tactics to develop the mental and physical side of a player’s game hinged on creating what he called a “competitive cauldron”, where players’ performances were analysed in front of peers and rankings posted on a weekly bulletin board for all to see.
As Wubben-Moy learned to adapt her game to the U.S.’s more athletic style of play in real-time, the visibility of her progression served as a catalyst.
“It doesn’t suit everyone and it is brutal, as in the numbers don’t lie,” Wubben-Moy told The Guardian in 2021. “But while so much of the game today is dictated by stats, the bottom line is still whoever scores more goals, whoever’s better on the day, whoever’s feeling more confident, that’s who wins.”
Wubben-Moy called the “competitive cauldron” a “masterpiece” due to the myriad mental components it demanded.“There are only going to be so many winners,” Wubben-Moy said. “But if as a team you can lift each other up while being competitive and go from saying, ‘Ah, I could be better there’ to looking at your mate and saying, ‘She’s gonna help me get there’, I think that’s next level.”
(Top photos: Getty Images)
USMNT Player Tracker: Pepi the hat-trick hero, Adams’ impact and Reyna returns
Ricardo Pepi’s growing dilemma at PSV Eindhoven, Paxten Aaronson’s key role in Utrecht’s remarkable progress and Gio Reyna’s much-anticipated return all play a part in this week’s USMNT tracker.
Throughout the season, we will bring you updates on the U.S. players plying their trade in various leagues around Europe. With a World Cup on home soil on the horizon and new national team boss Mauricio Pochettino monitoring from afar, we’re keeping tabs on how they perform every weekend.
Issue of the weekend
His defending champions are top of the league, remain competitive in Europe and have an attack as formidable as their defence is mean — Peter Bosz cannot have much to grumble about.But the PSV manager does have one thorny issue to resolve and, even if he is probably tired of talking about it already, it is not going away anytime soon.Bosz is wedded to playing a lone centre-forward, so how do you make two go into one? Specifically, how do you give enough game time to a striker considered a club legend while also accommodating the Eredivisie’s best young forward in the team?Captain Luuk de Jong’s muscle strain at the weekend meant Pepi made successive starts this season for the first time. The 21-year-old duly followed his goal and assist from the 3-0 win over NAC Breda before the international break with a hat-trick in their 5-0 thrashing of Groningen.
Pepi celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth against Groningen (Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
It puts Pepi on nine goals to date this term — he is joint-top scorer in the division alongside FC Twente’s Sem Steijn. But, while the latter has clocked nine goals from 11 starts for his fifth-placed team, Pepi has that many from just four starts. Other clubs across Europe are by now well aware of his prowess, and have taken note of his relative lack of opportunities.De Jong has five more starts than Pepi, and three fewer goals which would suggest that, at 34, his prolific powers are beginning to ebb. So how could Bosz perform a better balancing act between a club icon and what could be one in the making (if he stays in Eindhoven for long enough)?Could PSV go two up front, giving both men a chance to shine together? It appears not.Asked in his post-match press conference if it is an option, Bosz appeared to shut it down. “For years we have had a system that everyone thrives on and that is with one striker,” he said.When pressed further on whether Pepi’s remarkable form is making his selection task harder he was giving nothing away. ”No, I’m happy to have two good strikers,“ insisted Bosz.
The familiar sight of Pepi replacing De Jong (Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Almost as taciturn after the game was Pepi himself, who was grilled by ESPN on how it feels to be in and out of the team when playing so well — not least with three goals in his last four appearances for the USMNT under new manager Pochettino.“No matter when my name is called, I am going to be ready and I have been showing that,” he said. “I’m going to keep preparing and working hard. (Whether Pepi is picked) is not my decision. That’s the coach’s decision and it’s completely out of my control so I just focus on what I can control.Advertisement“I’ve said it before, mentally it can be difficult, but sometimes you get rewarded and get a couple of starts and all of a sudden everything changes a little bit.”Whether anything changes after his latest heroics remains to be seen. The team sheets for their next two games, Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk and Sunday’s top-vs-second clash with FC Utrecht, will be intriguing. But if there is a succession plan in the pipeline, Bosz needs to ensure Pepi enjoys more opportunities to thrive as he has in the last two league games.
Quote of the weekend
“Right now, everything he touches turns to gold. I think it’s very nice for him.”
PSV and Netherlands midfielder Guus Til, who also scored against Groningen, was another mightily impressed by the USMNT star’s hat-trick.
Player of the weekend
One young American who is getting the game time his performances deserve in the Eredivisie is Aaronson. And no wonder, with the 21-year-old involved in yet another goal for Utrecht as the team hot on PSV’s heels won again on Sunday.
Aaronson’s assist for Yoann Cathline in the 2-1 victory at NEC Nijmegen made it three goal contributions in three games. The loanee now boasts four goals and two assists in 10 starts so far this season.
The New Jersey native has knuckled down in another loan spell away from parent club Eintracht Frankfurt (who intend on making him a first-team regular next term), and is thriving in Holland after a harder spell in a doomed relegation scrap with Vitesse Arnhem last term.
Aaronson holds off NEC’s Rober Gonzalez (Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Graphic of the weekend
Over 18 months since his previous consistent involvement at club level, Tyler Adams has logged consecutive starts for AFC Bournemouth — you’d be forgiven if you didn’t remember he plays there given how infrequently he has been fit to feature — on either side of the November window.
After a 67-minute shift against Brentford on November 9, the midfielder remained in Andoni Iraola’s lineup for Saturday’s visit from fellow south coasters Brighton, exiting after 65 minutes with a tidy performance to show for his efforts.
Iraola likely won’t conflate correlation with causation as the Cherries suffered defeat in both of Adams’ recent starts. Each was decided by a single goal, after all. Adams showed some signs of rust on Brighton’s first goal on Saturday, as Danny Welbeck and former Leeds team-mate Georginio Rutter deftly passed around him in the build-up. On both goals, Adams made recovery runs to get back into defensive position, showing he should still have the pace to be impactful at this high of a level.ow all that’s left is getting back that previously uncanny reading of sequences and more decisive defending when able.But sometimes, the most mundane of updates can provide the greatest comfort. Sometimes, just seeing a player make it through a pair of starts is its own kind of solace.Jeff Rueter
Pochettino was very complimentary about Tessmann after his performance in the second CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final win over Jamaica last week. The USMNT boss said he hoped to see him get more starts for Lyon too, but Tessmann was back on the bench for the financially troubled French club and had to be content with a nine-minute cameo in the 1-1 draw with Reims.
Name: Taylor Booth Club: FC Utrecht Position: Midfielder Games: 8
Another young American trying to make a bright impression at Utrecht is Booth, who has not had as many starts as Aaronson but features regularly for Ron Jans’ side from the bench. Booth got onto the field again on Sunday and did well, creating a chance and looking bright on the ball.
Booth replaces Miguel Rodriguez against NEC (ANP via Getty Images)
The 22-year-old scored in his Belgian side’s 4-0 win against Kortrijk, and looks fully recovered from the knee complaint that ruled him out for four games earlier in the season. Westerlo are seventh in the league.
The USMNT playmaker made his long-awaited return from injury for the Bundesliga side in their 4-0 win over Freiburg on Saturday at Signal Iduna Park. His 12 minutes off the bench were his first action for his club since August and manager Nuri Sahin was pleased.
“Gio trained brilliantly this week,” he said in the post-game press conference. “It’s important to get training minutes and, if possible, as many minutes as possible into the legs.”
The challenge for Reyna, once fully fit, is to convince Sahin he should be a regular starter — an objective that proved so difficult under previous manager Edin Terzic.
Reyna urges his team on against Freiburg (Hesham Elsherif/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
When Mauricio Pochettino was a rugged enforcer, and why he wants his USMNT to follow suit
auricio Pochettino’s goals as United States men’s coach are big and bold and complicated by both historical realities and current perceptions. Turn the national team into a competitive international power. Capitalize on the opportunity of a lifetime presented by the next World Cup. Tap into the sport’s massive, unfulfilled American potential.His first impression to the U.S. audience is one of a smart-suited tactician of global repute with a $6 million annual contract, but in 1989, Pochettino was a rough-edged, 17-year-old defender trying to earn himself a pro soccer career. Back then, the tasks were less ambitious but more direct. ‘Go soften up the opposing No. 9,’ he was told by his veteran teammates and coaches at Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. The instruction was clear, the execution bruising.A message-sending challenge. A knee to the back of the thigh. A cleat to the ankle. No quarter given. No apology offered.Could it be that kind of mindset the USMNT needs as much as implied promises of formational focus and technical improvement? Pochettino is perceived as a savant, but his methods and motivations are founded on willpower and ferocity.
Even after the 2022 World Cup cycle and winning several regional trophies, questions continue to be asked about this team’s mentality and whether they can tap into the spicier aspects of the world’s game.
It was billed as the newly minted Pochettino’s first major test. On Oct. 15, the Americans traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, to face their eternal rivals in a prime-time friendly with nothing but pride on the line.
As he’d played 67 minutes two days earlier against Panama, Pochettino allowed star Christian Pulisic to travel back early to his club, Milan, instead of being involved, to limit the winger’s minutes. Pulisic is enjoying the best moment of his career in Serie A, and his absence that night in Guadalajara left a leadership void. Mexico won their individual battles and bullied their visitors en route to a 2-0 win.
Pochettino’s side were listless, uninspired.Soft, perhaps?U.S. central defender Tim Ream seemed to think so.“It comes down to fighting for each other and being even more aggressive. We didn’t match (Mexico’s) intensity and that’s on us,” Ream told Sirius XM last week. “Bare minimum, you have to match the opponent’s intensity throughout the 90 minutes.”
Tim Ream during the loss to Mexico last month. (Ulises Ruiz / AFP / Getty Images)
The performances improved this month during a two-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal versus Jamaica. A 1-0 away win in Kingston was followed by a convincing 4-2 victory in St. Louis. But that loss to Mexico has not been completely erased.The overwhelming takeaway from it was that this U.S. team still lacks fight and grit. That it’s more naive than it is talented, and that without Pulisic, it lacks a decisive player. It’s a concern, with the next World Cup in 2026, an event largely hosted by the United States, looming ever closer.Coupled with an embarrassing Copa America on home soil over the summer, the events from Guadalajara raised doubts about this side’s ability to manage high-stakes situations. The two wins over Jamaica will have built confidence internally, but the Reggae Boyz are no world power. Pochettino likes to talk about “the other football,” the intangibles, the steeled edge, the dark arts of soccer.Gamesmanship and deception are attributes rarely associated with the game in America. Around the world, however, those characteristics come together and are ingrained in players from a young age. Soccer is played differently stateside, and that cultural disconnect has become Pochettino’s principal concern as he takes over a team that, at times, has come off as uninterested and privileged.Pochettino has sent a message early in his tenure that a squad place under him should not be taken for granted. “We have to challenge the players, because they have to feel desperate to want to be called up; that’s what other federations like Argentina do, where the players don’t choose which games they go to,” he said before the first leg against Jamaica.
“In terms of how to translate the competitive spirit to the players, we have to do it little by little and step by step. That’s something that we can’t do too quickly because in the end, the most important thing is creating a structure around the players that has that ideology and mentality, and that our priorities are all aligned.”It raises the question: Why is this an issue for this U.S. men’s national team?
As an Argentine, it’s perhaps impossible for Pochettino to grasp that an opportunity to play for the national team is anything less than a dream. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first cap or your 78th. Argentina, a star-studded side led by Lionel Messi and the reigning world champions, have come to epitomize what that commitment looks like.“The Argentinian player is desperate to be called up, doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly or a CONCACAF game, or Copa America, or a World Cup,” Pochettino said earlier this month during a video call with reporters. “The Argentinian player approaches a call-up like it’s a world final and like it’s their last chance.“I think our players have time to get into that mindset, and if we do, we’ll increase our level by 200 percent and we’ll have a chance, because we certainly have the talent to do something important.”
Mauricio Pochettino wants his players to be more cunning. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
The CONCACAF Nations League doesn’t carry much prestige, but it’s the only competitive tournament the U.S. will participate in before the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to reporters from Jamaica, Pochettino talked about putting his players in “uncomfortable zones” and raising the team’s emotional capacity to play do-or-die matches.“We need to build that expectation. We need to build that pressure,” Pochettino said. “We are USA. We need to perform and we need to win games.“If one of my players is kicked, we’re going to defend him. We have to be cunning enough to know when to kick the ball long or to stand in front of the ball. These are things that may seem like small details, but they have everything to do with playing this game. What we showed against Mexico was the opposite of what we showed against Jamaica. That’s the stamp that we want.”
Pochettino is being open about his first impressions of the players he’s inherited. It will be fascinating to watch the plan he and his staff implement as they try to turn the U.S. into a mentally hardened team — one that’s difficult to play against, as Pochettino put it. That certainly wasn’t what defined this same group under predecessor Gregg Berhalter, despite his best attempts to change their mindset.
When Pochettino was hired, his man-management skills were highlighted as a positive for this U.S. team. He had presided over the egos and personalities of Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain. He coached in the Premier League and a UEFA Champions League final. His tactics, focused on aggressive pressing and quick attacking sequences born out of possession, were also noted as a match for these U.S. players.But it’s Pochettino’s background as a rugged Argentine central defender that could be the secret to success for the men’s side.
When Gerardo “Tata” Martino met Pochettino in 1989, he saw a nervous teenager who was about to face the pressures of football in Argentina. At the time, Martino was a title-winning captain at Newell’s Old Boys. Pochettino, still raw, had been discovered by Jorge Giffa, a renowned identifier of talent for the club, and fast-tracked towards the first team.“I didn’t meet the man who would become a head coach,” Martino told The Athletic in August. “I met a player who had the typical anxiety and expectation of someone who was just starting his career. There was no way for me to even fathom that (Pochettino) would go into coaching. I met him when he was 17 years old and he had a massive responsibility ahead of him because Newell’s was in a difficult situation, facing relegation.”
Mauricio Pochettino was an old-school defender. (Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images)
Martino, who resigned as Inter Miami coach last week, knows Pochettino well. He has also coached and suffered through the idiosyncrasies of CONCACAF football as Mexico’s national team manager from 2019 to 2022.A Newell’s legend of three league titles as a player and another as the coach, Martino quickly spotted the young Pochettino’s fearless edge.“He was the prototypical central defender from that era, at a time when there was little talk about defenders making the first pass to break a line,” Martino said. “Rather, it was about how they defended, how they marked the opposition, their ability to anticipate and win balls in the air. That was Mauricio.”
In Guillem Balague’s 2017 book “Brave New World: Inside Pochettino’s Spurs,” Pochettino described a run-in he had with Martino during one of his first Newell’s training sessions. “I was 17, young and hungry. Not scared of anybody, cocky even,” Pochettino said.According to Pochettino, Martino quipped, “I’m going to kill you” after receiving a tough tackle from the academy defender.“No, there’s no chance,” Martino said emphatically with a laugh when asked whether he had threatened his rookie teammate. “Surely something must’ve happened. I was a player who had been in the top flight for almost 10 years. Mauricio was a kid who was just starting. That happened often back then. Today, those types of things don’t happen as often. It was normal for an experienced player to have a word with a young player who was just starting out.”Pochettino the enforcer further thrived when Marcelo Bielsa took over as Newell’s coach in 1990. Led by Bielsa and playing alongside Martino, Pochettino would win two league titles and reach a Copa Libertadores final in 1992. That squad’s relentless, high-pressing intensity is a characteristic Pochettino later adopted as a manager. His hire as U.S. men’s national team coach comes at a time when Argentine managers are in high demand.U.S. Soccer officials didn’t pinpoint that when they announced his appointment in September, but Martino believes Pochettino’s heritage is part of a growing trend.
“I think that’s an important piece to all of this,” Martino said. “Right now, coaches from Argentina, because of everything that has happened with the national team, are well respected, and that opens doors to be considered for certain jobs. I wouldn’t simply compare Mauricio to other Argentine coaches, though.”
Pochettino has been largely molded by European footballing methodologies. He is a sophisticated student of the game who has lived and coached in Barcelona, London and Paris. His DNA, though, is from rural Argentina. His core memories as a player at Newell’s are replete with blood, sweat and massive pressure.“Argentine coaches have become accustomed to difficult situations that aren’t as common today,” Martino said. “There was a time when coaches wouldn’t get paid, or they had to deal with the club’s ultras and the hostility of difficult moments. But those negative experiences strengthen you, they give you thicker skin.”Martino, though, stressed Pochettino will have to “learn how to become a national team manager.” Regardless of Pochettino’s qualifications and his implementation of progressive tactics early on, he’s in his first-ever stint as an international coach. Although so was Lionel Scaloni when he led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.There were calls for the U.S. Soccer Federation to hire another American after Berhalter was fired.
Fans and pundits passionately discussed the importance of understanding the psyche of an American player. Tapping into the courage that defined previous U.S. teams was seen as a priority.Pochettino is an outsider who has read the room accurately. He knows a player’s resume and potential are secondary to their willingness to swallow their pride for the good of their country. Case in point, his response to that comfortable home win over Jamaica last week.“In the second half, we didn’t approach the game in the way we wanted,” he said. “The goal was to win the second half, and we didn’t approach it with the same intensity and mentality. It shows we still have things we need to improve.”
Internationally, the reputation of the U.S. men’s team eroded over the summer. They were humbled by opponents who were unafraid to test the limits of the sport’s rules. Their Copa America preparation, which included losing 5-1 against Colombia, and the group-stage elimination that followed, sent the wrong message to the world.he improvement Pochettino demands must come on the sport’s biggest stage in 2026. There is no other option.If the squad cannot align culturally with its new manager at a World Cup held mostly on home soil, the repercussions will lead to a renewed evaluation of the American player.
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
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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
Rose Lavelle will celebrate 100 caps with the USWNT on Wednesday. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
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.
19-year-old USWNT forward Jaedyn Shaw scored twice on Argentina in February. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
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.
With 85 caps, Aldana Cometti is the only player with more than 50 appearances for Argentina. (SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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.
The U-17 USWNT is eyeing their first World Cup semifinal win in 16 years. (Pedro Vilela – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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
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.
“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
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.
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
39
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.)
The first leg of Champions League has returned with some big games on the docket Tues/Wed for Americans. Christian Pulisic and AC Milan host Liverpool at 3 pm on Tuesday on Paramount+ (he scored!!) and Aron McKinney and Juventus play at 12 noon Tuesday.
USMNT Finally Hires Pochettino
So the US have finally made the big splash hire and signed and delivered former Tottenham and PSG Coach Mauricio Pochettino to lead us thru the World Cup on home soil in 2026. While the rumors had been rampant for weeks – finally this week it was announced and today he was introduced. Honestly this is a huge get for the US – to get a coach of this quality to coach our national team is a big deal – cudos all around to US Soccer for making this happen. Will it result in the US advancing as far as we ever have in a World Cup ? We’ll see. The US Men lost to Canada and US Coach Jesse Marsch last weekend and tied #96 New Zealand 1-1 at home in Cincy on Tuesday. So lots of work to do. Still I think we got the best possible coach under the circumstances to lead us through. Tons of stories below to read all about it.
US ties New Zealand 1-1 after losing to Canada 2-1 at home
The US men were unlucky In their 1-1 tie with NZ – as they outshout and out-possessed NZ the entire game. Great to see new faces in the mix – especially Marlon Fossey at right back and Aidan Morris again at the 6. Pepi needs to finish up top – but had some chances – good to see he and Balogun in together. Not sure why we didn’t see Auston Trusty at Centerback? Lots of work to do on our defense and in goal. US Highlights vs New Zealand
INDY 11 Home vs El Paso Locomotive Sat 7 pm
Indy Eleven returns home for its final 2024 regular-season match against the Western Conference vs. El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday at Carroll Stadium.The Boys in Blue are coming off a 0-0 draw at Hartford Athletic last Saturday. The Eleven are sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 10-9-7 record for 37 points.Saturday’s match vs. El Paso is the last regular-season match against a Western Conference opponent for the Boys in Blue.Indy finishes the regular season with seven straight matches against Eastern Conference opponents. Only six points separate teams in fourth through 10th place in the conference. The top eight teams in the East will make the playoffs, with the top four hosting first-round games the first weekend in November. Single-game tickets for all four remaining regular-season home matches are available at Ticketmaster. For information on all ticket options visit the Indy Eleven Ticket Central. For questions, please email tickets@indyeleven.com or call (317) 685-1100.
Great to be back on the high school fields Reffing after our 2 week vacation !
Great night for high school soccer at Guerin Catholic with Michael S (Center) & Stephan L (L)
Midweek USMNT action is here. MLS games are on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as any other networks listed. Let’s get into it!
Tuesday
Juventus vs PSV, 12:45p on Paramount+, TUDN USA, UniMás, FuboTV, ViX: Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, Richy Ledezma, and PSV kick off UEFA Champions League action for USMNT players as they go to Turin to meet Weston McKennie, Tim Weah (who may still be injured), and Juve.
AC Milan vs Liverpool, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Milan open Champions League at home, likely underdogs against Premier League heavyweight Liverpool.
Also in action:
Preston North End vs Fulham, 2:45p on Paramount+: Antonee Robinson and the Cottagers visit Duane Holmes and Preston in the Carabao Cup.
QPR vs Crystal Palace, 2:45p on Paramount+: Chris Richards and Palace visit QPR in the Carabao Cup. Reggie Cannon left QPR following a dispute going back to his time with Portuguese club Vizela, and signed with Colorado Rapids in MLS.
Club América vs Atlas, 9p on TUDN USA, Univision USA, FuboTV (free trial), ViX: Alex Zendejas and América host Atlas in Liga MX.
Wednesday
Real Betis vs Getafe, 1p on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ (free trial), FuboTV: Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis are at home against Getafe in La Liga.
Coventry City vs Tottenham, 3p on Paramount+: Haji Wright and Coventry nearly pulled off an astonishing upset against Manchester United in last year’s FA Cup semifinal. Can they do something similar against Spurs in the Carabao Cup?
Also in action:
Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Cameron Carter-Vickers returned from a minor injury to play this past weekend, and should be available for Celtic as they begin Champions League play.
Club Brugge vs Borussia Dortmund, 3p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, FuboTV, ViX: Gio Reyna is likely to miss Dortmund’s Champions League opener as they go on the road in Belgium.
NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union, 7:30p: Jack McGlynn and the Union are on the road against James Sands and NYC.
Toronto FC vs Columbus Crew, 7:30p: Patrick Schulte, DeJuan Jones, and the Crew visit Toronto in MLS.
Orlando City vs Charlotte FC, 8:15p on FS1, FOX Deportes, FuboTV, Sling TV: Tim Ream and Charlotte travel to Orlando for this MLS match.
Minnesota United vs FC Cincinnati, 8:30p: Miles Robinson, Roman Celentano, Lucho Acosta, and FC Cincy visit Minnesota in MLS play.
Nashville SC vs Chicago Fire, 8:30p: Brian Gutiérrez, Chris Brady, and the Fire meet Walker Zimmerman and Nashville in this MLS game.
Chivas vs León, 9p on Telemundo, UNIVERSO, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FuboTV: Cade Cowell and Chivas are at home in Liga MX.
Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas, 9:30p: Diego Luna and RSL host Jesús Ferreira and the Huntsmen in MLS.
Portland Timbers vs LA Galaxy, 10:30p: Jalen Neal and the Galaxy visit the Timbers at Providence Park.
Monterrey vs Juárez, 11p on TUDN USA, FuboTV, ViX: Brandon Vázquez and Rayados host the Bravos of Juárez in Liga MX.
Thursday
No notable USMNT players in action (unless Barcelona have a goalkeeper crisis and Diego Kochen plays for them against Monaco).
Friday
Standard Liège vs Union St.Gilloise, 2:45p on ESPN+: Marlon Fossey and Standard host USG in Belgium’s top tier.
Also in action:
Paderborn vs Hannover 96, 12:30p: 19-year-old Colombian-American center mid Santiago Castañeda has played four straight full 90’s for Paderborn in the 2. Bundesliga.
Dordrecht vs Excelsior, 2p: Zach Booth recently joined Excelsior in the Dutch second tier. They’re on the road against Feyenoord loanee Korede Osundina and Dordrecht.
Clubs will truly be restarting their seasons this weekend after the initial phase was interrupted so quickly after it had started by the international break. While the break wasn’t kind to the USMNT, it did allow key players who weren’t called in to further integrate with their teams or recover from early season (or in some cases even preseason) injuries. It’s a very full weekend, particularly on Saturday, and here’s what we’re keeping an eye on.
Saturday
Lees United v Burnley – 7:30a on Paramount+
Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United face Burnley in an early season English League Championship match that could have end of season impact on the promotion race. Four matches in Aaronson is the top scorer for Leeds with two goals.
RB Leipzig v Union Berlin – 9:30a on ESPN+
Jordan Pefok and Union Berlin went into the break with their first win of the 2024-25 campaign. The got off to a hot start last season as well, winning their first two, before loosing nine straight league matches. They face last seasons run away winners RB Leipzig on Saturday morning.
Wolfsburg v Eintracht Frankfurt – 9:30a on ESPN+
Kevin Paredes has missed the start of the Bundesliga season but should be returning within the next week or so if early reports have held true. Wolfsburg fell to Bayern Munich in their opener but defeated Holstein Kiel heading into the international break.
Borussia Mönchengladbach v Stuttgart – 9:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally has started Borussia Mönchengladbach’s first two matches and gone the full ninety in each as the opened their season with a 3-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen but rebounded with a 2-0 victory over Bochum. Stuttgart are looking for their first win of the season after giving up three goals in each of their first two matches, including a 3-3 draw with Mainz just prior to the break.
Crystal Palace v Leicester City – 10a on USA Network
Chris Richards will be one to keep an eye on as Crystal Palace have a glut of centerbacks following the transfer window closing. Richards has started the first three matches for Palace but they have suffered two losses and one draw so it will be interesting to see if changes are made coming out of the break.
Fulham v West Ham – 10a on Peacock
Antonee Robinson has notched an assist in Fulham’s last two matches and gone the full ninety in all three to start the season. He was left off the US squad for the international break but it sounded like primarily a matter of rest for a player who has seen a ton of minutes over the last couple of seasons as he prepares for a crucial role yet again for his club.
Swansea City v Norwich City – 10a on Paramount+
Josh Sargent and his ankles of glass didn’t see any minutes for the US but he is reportedly available for Norwich City this weekend as they face Swansea. Sargent has two goals and an assist already this season but Norwich have just one win in four matches.
Watford v Coventry City – 10a
Haji Wright also has a pair of goals to start the season for Coventry but his team likewise has just one win to show for it as they sit in 17th place and head into a matchup with a Watfor side that has one three of their first four matches.
PSV v NEC – 10:30a on ESPN+
Ricardo Pepi saw his first extended minutes of the season as Luuk de Jong was removed with an injury. However, most match reports seemed to indicate that an extended absence isn’t likely. Richard Ledezma continues to start at rightback while Malik Tillman is racking up the minutes in the midfield for PSV who haven’t missed a beat coming into the new season.
Empoli v Juventus – Noon on Paramount+
Weston McKennie saw 23’ off the bench for Juventus in their last match before the break, his first minutes of the season. Tim Weah missed the match due to injury but is reportedly back in training and available for Juventus as they face Empoli this weekend.
AC Milan v Venezia – 2:45p on Paramount+
Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan face Venezia this weekend and fellow American Gianluca Busio who has missed the start of the season following an injury in the Summer Olympics but is reportedly available this weekend. Both clubs are off to a rough campaign and looking for their first win on the season.
Sunday
Strasbourg v Angers – 11a on beIN Sports
Caleb Wiley continues to see minutes for Strasbourg, he came off the bench in their most recent match but played 45’ and picked up his first assist for the club.
Toulouse v Le Havre – 11a on beIN Sports
Mark McKenzie of Tolouse and Emmanuel Sabbi of Le Havre could face off in some American v American action in France on Sunday. McKenzie has started the last two matches for Toulouse while Sabbi was not included in the most recent Le Havre squad though he did see 21’ in their previous match.
Lens v Lyon – 2:45p on beIN Sports
Tanner Tessman made his Olympique Lyonnais debut just prior to the break, seeing three minutes off the bench in a wild 4-3 Lyon come-from-behind victory after they had been down 3-1 to Caleb Wiley’s Strasbourg. Presumably the international break will have allowed Tessman to further integrate with his new club and he should be in line for additional minutes.
What are Pochettino’s immediate priorities for the USMNT?
Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondent ESPN Sep 13, 2024, 05:16 PM ET
NEW YORK — Amid the smiles and backslapping that took place during Mauricio Pochettino’s unveiling as the new U.S. men’s national team manager Friday, there was one, more sobering undercurrent.Pochettino has a lot of work to do.The group stage exit at this summer’s Copa América, and even some matches prior to that tournament, showed that the USMNT has regressed since the 2022 World Cup. The recently concluded September international window, which saw the U.S. beaten on home soil by Canada for the first time in 67 years and then tie New Zealand 1-1, reinforced that feeling.Granted, taking over a struggling team is usually how coaches get hired in the first place. The Sir Alex Ferguson, leave-on-your-own-terms type of exit is rare. Usually, the new manager comes in because a course correction is badly needed, and that is obviously the case here.So what, then, are Pochettino’s priorities as he begins to dig into the job? At Friday’s news conference, the Argentine seemed reluctant to get into many specifics, but he dropped enough breadcrumbs to hint at how he’ll proceed.First, a bit of healing needs to take place. For Pochettino, the results of last week weren’t surprising. The pain of the Copa América performances was still too fresh. Getting over that means getting to know the players and finding ways to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. They need to believe in themselves again.It also means connecting with them beyond just tactics and skill levels. Expect Pochettino to spend a lot of time visiting with players over the next month, pumping them up and reminding them of their talent.
“The player needs to feel that you care,” Pochettino said. “When the player feels that you care, you can get the best of them.”He added, “We are going to work and to create the right pattern to follow, to get the confidence, to recover the confidence and start to perform together. But, of course, I think it’s a very good generation of players.”That process will also require the players earning the confidence of the new coaching staff. More than once, Pochettino spoke of the need to not just “play” for a national team but to “compete” for it as well. That has been an issue during the summer, leading some players to conclude that a culture shift was needed.While there is a sense that the onus for this falls on the players, the coach sets standards. Pochettino will need to be firm in explaining what those are and then enforcing them. Doling out — or withdrawing — playing time is the ultimate card he can play.He will also need to sort out what the team’s style of play will be. In the past, he has preferred to have his teams press aggressively and then strike quickly. But he also wants his squads to be able to play out of the back when the situation calls for it, as having multiple styles in the tactical bag is a staple of good teams. That latter trait is something with which he’ll need to tread carefully, especially given the frailty displayed by the back line over the summer.Pochettino seems to realize that it won’t be only the players who will have to adapt. He and his staff will do some adjusting as well, and together they’ll need to produce a cohesive style.
“I said always we need to see the player, feel the player, see all the characteristics,” he said. “But I think we’re very flexible.” He added that he’ll need “to create this platform that when they come, the players arrive to the national team, they need to know exactly what we need to do, how we need to compete, how we need to behave like a team. And … the talent is there. It’s only to create the best platform for them to express yourself.”Pochettino promises the ‘door is open’ to every U.S. playerMauricio Pochettino says there will be no bias toward European-based players when it comes to his USMNT squad selection.
There is the question of whether Pochettino will have enough time to implement his approach. There are only nine international windows left, including the pre-World Cup period. But Pochettino doesn’t want the players using a lack of training time as an excuse if they struggle to adapt. From what he has seen, the current group of players is smart enough and has the capacity to take on new playing concepts quickly.”I see the players are so intelligent and so talented and they can, I think, play in a different way,” he said. “And for sure I think we have time. We have time and we need to really believe and think in big things. We need to believe that we can win, that we can win the World Cup. Because if not, it’s going to be so difficult to show me, and we want players that arrive in day one in the training camp and think big and that is the only way to create this philosophy or this idea altogether to perform and to really to put your talent on the service of the team.”
That isn’t to say that there won’t be any hiccups or setbacks. But Pochettino, in this moment, is thinking of what’s possible, for both players and staff.
“That is going to be a massive challenge,” he said. “We are going to be very clinical and try to transmit all the information in the same time. Players, it’s difficult to be concentrated, focused and more in this time, but I think we need to be clever enough in the way we’re approaching things to get the best from them.”
Though Pochettino was hired with an eye on the World Cup, in the short-term there are other competitions to think about. There is the Concacaf Nations League in November and March. Then comes next summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, which will have a more familiar tournament setting with a group stage and knockout rounds.Granted, they won’t involve a World Cup competition level, but given how the U.S. has struggled against Concacaf foes lately, it’s not an event at which the team can turn up its nose. Pochettino seems willing to take things step-by-step.”For me, the priority now is improve, improve and improve and provide the team the best tools for the talent to perform as soon as possible,” he said.After a brutal summer, improvement would be a welcome development.
Mauricio Pochettino aims to bolster belief as USMNT role takes him outside his comfort zone
The question came 20 minutes into Mauricio Pochettino’s introductory press conference as U.S. men’s national team coach; the first query of the event in his native Spanish.“It’ll give me a break,” Pochettino joked at the chance to rest his English.“What was the challenge that made you want to take the U.S. job?” the journalist The question got to the root of an issue that hovered over the entire event at a glitzy high rise in New York City’s Hudson Yards development. Why would a manager with such a massive reputation see this as his next step?The 52-year-old former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager spoke first about the feeling he had meeting with U.S. Soccer executives, and then about the great potential of the sport in the U.S. Then he got to the task at hand: taking the USMNT to a different level. “It’s a challenge that takes us out of our comfort zone,” Pochettino said in Spanish, smiling. “For us, the easy thing to do is take on things we already know, and we already have a quick vision and an idea (of how to accomplish it). But here it is about taking on something one does not know as well; getting out of your comfort zone so that you can challenge yourself.“It is not only about a challenge to achieve things together but also about challenging yourself.”
CEO of U.S. Soccer JT Batson, technical director Matt Crocker, Pochettino and president Cindy Parlow (Luke Hales/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Whether knowingly or not, Pochettino put himself on a parallel path with his new team. For several cycles, the idea of “getting out of your comfort zone to grow” has been a part of the USMNT’s journey toward improvement. The idea dates back to Jurgen Klinsmann’s era, but it was also discussed often by former coach Gregg Berhalter.But the idea is about more than just going to Europe to play for the biggest clubs. It is about understanding how to find the right challenges that force you to grow. To get better.That Pochettino sees this job as a challenge for his own growth was, perhaps, the most important takeaway from Friday’s press conference. The U.S. needed a new voice to push them to take that next step, beyond potential and into results. They will now begin that journey with a coach who has a bigger reputation than anyone else in the room but who is seeking that same type of growth.Pochettino came across as charming, excited and motivated in the press conference. He spoke about how happy he was to be with the U.S., about the honor of being the first Spanish-speaking Latin American coach in the history of the program, and of his connection with U.S. women’s coach Emma Hayes and the potential influence the winning history of the USWNT can have on the men’s program. He told a story about learning the English-language term of being “over the moon” in his early days as manager of Southampton in the Premier League and said he and his family are over the moon that he has taken this new job. That he switched back and forth between English and Spanish was, in itself, a historic moment and representative of how this hire creates an unprecedented opportunity for U.S. Soccer to reach this country’s massive — and growing — Latino population. Pochettino clearly understood, though, that reaching fans, both new and old, will come down to one thing: winning.
Pochettino is presented to the media at Hudson Yards (Luke Hales/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Several times over the course of the morning, Pochettino returned to a simple idea that he thinks can push this team forward: belief. He said the word “believe” a dozen times over the course of the hour-long event. For a coach famous for his ability to inspire a dressing room, it hinted at the way he’ll target mentality and psychology as much as he will tactics. “’Believe’ for me is a word that is a powerful word,” Pochettino said. “You can have enormous talent and you can be clever, but in football, you need to believe. Believe that all is possible. If we find a way to believe all together, then for sure we will achieve.”
Later, he reinforced that idea with his sights set on the World Cup tournament the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada in two years’ time. “We need to really believe in big things,” Pochettino said. “Believe that we can win not only a game, we can win the World Cup. … We want players that show up, day one at the training camp, and think big. That is the only way to create this philosophy or this idea all together to perform and to put your talent in the service of the team. That is going to be our massive challenge.” Bringing that belief back will be first on his to-do list as the USMNT coach. The U.S. was clearly lacking confidence in the September window, something Pochettino said was understandable considering the results in the Copa América. The performances in a loss to Canada and a draw with New Zealand only magnified the issues within the group. Pochettino, though, didn’t seem overly concerned with the overall culture of the group, alluding then to the idea of tapping into the “winning mentality” that permeates American sports and taking inspiration from the winning culture the U.S. women have long demonstrated.
“We are here because we want to win,” Pochettino said.
The video board announces Pochettino’s appointment at the friendly against New Zealand in Cincinnati (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
There were, of course, ideas about how to play discussed as well.
“We are in the USA,” Pochettino said. “I think to convince our fans, this is about to attract (them), and the aesthetic is really important. We want to play nice football, good football, exciting football, attacking football. And then, of course, we want to have the possession, because we are coaching staff also with a philosophy to have the ball. We need to run, we need to move, we need to give options, good angles to your team-mate. … And then when we don’t have the ball we need to run, we need to be aggressive, we need to be competitive. “The potential is there. The talent is there. It’s only to create the best platform for them to express themselves.” While Pochettino acknowledged that those are the trademarks of his team, he also said he wants first to get a feel for his players before he declares how this U.S. team will play. That process will start in the coming days, as Pochettino inevitably goes to sit and meet with members of the player pool, chief among them star winger Christian Pulisic. Pochettino said he wants to hear from members of the team individually, to get feedback on how they see things. Then he will gather the group together for the first time next month for friendlies in Austin, Texas and Guadalajara, Mexico. The process to get a deal over the line has been a long one, stretching more than two months from the beginning of recruitment to his formal introduction. Pochettino admitted it was difficult to wait it out. He was ready to get to work. Now, the clock has started. The U.S. has less than two years until the World Cup and a mountain to climb to be ready. They have a coach, though, that few would have imagined would take this group into that tournament.
A coach who now will try to inject belief into and around this team.
Inside Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT deal: Hayes’ role, Chelsea delays and Argentine steak
U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker looked down at his phone as he stood in his home gym in Southampton, England, and saw the message from Mauricio Pochettino.Several days earlier, the U.S. had failed to progress from the group at Copa America under Gregg Berhalter. A “comprehensive review” was underway and every option was being evaluated. A list of potential coaching candidates was put together and Pochettino, the former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager, was at the top.Pochettino and Crocker had crossed paths for one year at Southampton before the Argentine moved to Spurs in 2014 but the two hadn’t spoken in some time. Crocker reached out to a mutual friend at Southampton to ask if he had a current number for the 52-year-old, then sent him a message. Would he be interested in a chat?
When the message from Pochettino came back, Crocker picked up the phone to call immediately. For 20 minutes, as Crocker stood in his home gym, the two former colleagues caught up on their families, careers and where life had taken them since they last worked together. Then, Crocker asked if Pochettino would be willing to meet in person in Barcelona, where the former Espanyol player and manager lives. He had a project he thought would be interesting, even if it would be Pochettino’s first foray into international soccer. Pochettino agreed to see him.
Matt Crocker was already close to Mauricio Pochettino (Candice Ward/Getty Images)
On July 16, two days after the Copa America final, Crocker, U.S. Soccer chief executive officer JT Batson and vice-president of sporting operations Elaine Lemos boarded planes to Barcelona. There, in a conference room attached to a hotel suite, the federation executives sat down with Pochettino and his longtime assistant Jesus Perez. They gifted a bottle of wine to Pochettino, who is known for loving his reds, and then got straight down to business.Crocker and Batson laid out the project, the good and the bad. They went over the failure at Copa America and the USMNT’s results over the previous year. They detailed the plan for the 2026 World Cup, to be played largely on home soil. They went through a player pool which some see as a golden generation, but also highlighted the struggles some of them were going through in terms of regular minutes at their respective clubs. They didn’t want to shine everything up to look perfect.
Soon, Pochettino and Perez had a laptop out to go over their own plans and ideas. Pochettino was attracted to the idea of coaching at a World Cup, and of leading one of the 2026 version’s three host countries — especially the United States, a young team with the potential to make noise at a home tournament.A meeting that was supposed to last 90 minutes stretched to two hours, then three, then four. At one point, Batson had to step into an adjacent room to attend another USSF meeting.When the sitdown with Pochettino ended, both camps walked away with a positive feeling. But Crocker and Batson knew there was still lots of work to do. The search for a new coach would take the U.S. Soccer officials through almost a dozen trips around Europe, to five different countries and into conversations with several high-profile candidates. But it was that first meeting in Barcelona that set them on a path to the next era of the U.S. men’s national team.The journey to that potentially program-changing moment, recounted to The Athletic by several people familiar with the discussions who will remain anonymous to protect relationships, was both a whirlwind and an excruciating waiting game.
The list of candidates sparkled with big names.
Pochettino. Jurgen Klopp. Pep Guardiola. Gareth Southgate. Graham Potter. Thomas Frank.
When Crocker sat down with Sam Gregory, the director of analytics for U.S. Soccer, to craft an idea of what might come next for the U.S. men’s program, it started with one major data point: winning. Crocker wanted a coach who had a reputation for winning across several environments. That list, obviously, yielded some big names. Many already had high-profile jobs. Others were available.Deep dives were done on each coach, no matter how famous, laying out their style of play at different teams and the systems they prefer. In the end, it yielded a starting point for the coaching search. The U.S. wanted to be ambitious. They were going to shoot for even the biggest names on the list.As Crocker picked up the phone and began making calls, the responses were overwhelmingly positive. The U.S. expected some polite ‘no, thank yous’ but heard ‘yes’ a lot more often. Meetings were set up with around half a dozen candidates. A plan was crafted.Crocker, Batson and other U.S. Soccer officials had sat in a conference room at the Westin Jersey City hotel ahead of a U.S. women’s national team Olympic send-off game against Mexico at the nearby Red Bull Arena on July 13 and looked over the itinerary for the next week in Europe. The trip was extensive, but the names on the list created genuine excitement.The journey didn’t always go as planned. Batson’s flight from Berlin after the men’s European Championship final later that week had to return to the airport due to smoke in the cabin, causing him to miss a meeting. On another trip, U.S. Soccer officials’ cab was pulled over by local authorities and then another taxi was held up by a protest blocking the roads, meaning the officials had to complete the journey on foot, luggage in tow, to make a meeting on time. There were multiple meetings with Klopp, who needed a break from the game having left Liverpool in May after more than eight years at the Premier League club.
U.S. Soccer officials met with Klopp multiple times (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Talks with Pochettino continued to move along smoothly. Four days after their first meeting, U.S. Soccer officials returned to Barcelona to talk again with Pochettino and Perez. Whereas U.S. Soccer led the first conversation, the second was led by the two coaches. Pochettino laid out what his plans would look like for his first few months in charge of the national team.U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes was also involved. Hayes and Pochettino became friends at Chelsea, when she was in charge of the women’s side last season as he led the men’s team, and Hayes called Pochettino to lobby and tell him about her experiences with U.S. Soccer. She also served as a reference for him, advocating for U.S. Soccer to prioritize her former colleague.Hayes was involved enough that, on the day of her team’s Olympic semifinal in Lyon, France, she checked in with U.S. Soccer officials at the squad hotel to see how things were advancing with Pochettino.Between that semifinal win against Germany on August 6 and the gold medal game in Paris against Brazil four days later, Crocker, Batson and U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone took another trip to Barcelona. Parlow Cone, like Hayes, was a strong advocate pushing for Pochettino. Over Argentine steak at a hotel restaurant, Pochettino pointed out his respect for Parlow Cone as the only World Cup winner in the room.At the USWNT’s gold medal celebration party at the Nike Athlete House in Paris, Crocker and Batson took a moment in one corner of the festivities to discuss next steps. There was still plenty to be done.
From the moment U.S. Soccer decided to move on from Berhalter, Crocker was insistent that the federation would not be limited by financial constraints.“It’s a really competitive market out there, salary-wise, and we have to be competitive to get the level of coach that I believe can take the program forward in terms of achieving the results that we want on the field,” Crocker told a small group of reporters on a Zoom call on July 10.Berhalter made north of $2 million (£1.53m at current rates), including bonuses, in 2022. Hayes is being paid $1.6m, matching Berhalter’s base salary. To get Pochettino, who has been one of the world’s highest-paid coaches at some of the world’s biggest clubs, U.S. Soccer knew it would have to be on the higher end of national team compensation. How it would do that included some creative solutions.
Gregg Berhalter was paid significantly less than Pochettino will get (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, U.S. Soccer increased its efforts in fundraising over the last decade. That included efforts to reach higher-wealth individuals who might be able to help with efforts to donate toward the federation’s efforts to grow the game.As the men’s managerial search got underway, a donor to U.S. Soccer reached out to billionaire Ken Griffin, who has given more than $2 billion to charity and has established a civic engagement initiative called Griffin Catalyst for his personal philanthropic and community impact initiatives.Griffin has long had a connection to the sport. He played soccer growing up, his children did the same and in 2022 he joined the Ricketts family in a bid for Chelsea. Notably, Griffin has also financially supported American soccer initiatives, including donating $8 million in recent years to the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 50 mini-pitches in Chicago and another 50 in the Miami-Dade area.The donor connected Griffin to U.S. Soccer, and Griffin agreed to donate a substantial amount toward the men’s national team program and the hire of a new coach.“Soccer is one of the most popular sports in America,” Griffin said in a statement. “I am excited to join my fellow Americans in supporting our teams’ efforts to triumph in the upcoming World Cup and beyond. When our players do well on the pitch, it expands the reach of this great sport. These athletes also have a powerful opportunity to be influential role models for millions of American children by exemplifying the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance.”But finding the money to pay Pochettino was not the only issue. The coach was still under contract with Chelsea, despite agreeing to part ways with the London club at the end of the 2023-24 season. He was owed a substantial amount of money, but the agreement stipulated that if he took another job, Chelsea no longer owed him anything. Pochettino’s departure terms also included a six-month prohibition from taking another leading job with one of Chelsea’s major Premier League rivals.
While U.S. Soccer’s salary was competitive on the national-team scale, it fell well short of the wage paid by one of the sport’s biggest clubs. Pochettino, then, would stand to lose money by agreeing to coach the United States team.Batson became the key middleman in the negotiation around that separation agreement. The idea was that Chelsea would pay what they owed minus the salary U.S. Soccer would pay Pochettino. In theory, everyone would be happy: the coach would receive the full compensation he was due, Chelsea would save several million dollars and U.S. Soccer would land their coach.The U.S. federation had a good relationship with the English club — which has American co-owners in private equity firm Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly — after already dealing with Chelsea in its hiring of Hayes last year as the women’s national team coach.
Emma Hayes was an advocate for Pochettino (Patricia De Brad Smith/USSF via Getty Images)
But discussions dragged out for weeks over Pochettino.With the Premier League’s summer transfer window still open, Chelsea had to focus on getting business done and that delayed substantive talks. Pochettino was also focused on helping his footballer son Maurizio land a new club; the 23-year-old would end up signing with CD Ibiza in Spain’s fourth division. The talks were always constructive, but they were also complicated.Behind the scenes in the States, those waiting for word that the deal was done saw a finish line that kept moving. Preparations were made for an announcement on more than one occasion. The initial hope was to get Pochettino in time for the team’s September camp, but that didn’t happen. Then, the goal was to make an announcement in time for him to meet the players in Kansas City around the game there against Canada last week. Perhaps it was better he wasn’t there in person to see a listless performance against Canada, one that underlined just how badly this team is in search of inspiration.
Amid the delays, there was fresh tension over the futures of Eddie Howe at Newcastle United and Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Pochettino was among the coaches discussed by Manchester United in the summer and also has pre-existing relationships with Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell and performance director James Bunce. But he resisted any temptation to hold out for a potential return to the Premier League this fall.
The Athletic has every angle covered on Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as USMNT head coach:
With the fate of the deal in the hands of lawyers, and Batson continuing to broker things to try to get it over the line, an agreement was finally finished.
The deal protects U.S. Soccer against any risk of poaching from a European club in the two years before the World Cup — there is a material buyout in the contract — and both sides feel the partnership is solidly set through 2026.Pochettino is going into the job with eyes wide open and with real intent regarding what he can do. After stops at clubs where there were different levels of instability and power dynamics, he felt confident in his ability to lead and make an impact at U.S. Soccer; not just with the men’s national team but even beyond that into the coaching and game models throughout the federation.
Who are the biggest USMNT winners and losers as Mauricio Pochettino takes over?
In the aftermath of Gregg Berhalter’s firing, it became clear that the USMNT was looking for something different for their next appointment.Matt Crocker, the technical director for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), identified the need for a “serial winner.” Tyler Adams, Berhalter’s captain at the 2022 World Cup, called for a “ruthless” coach to take the team forward to the 2026 World Cup being played largely on home soil — the defining tournament for this generation of American soccer players.In Mauricio Pochettino, the USSF is confident it has found the man who embodies those qualities.The Argentinian former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea head coach has the job of turning a team that suffered an embarrassing group-stage exit as Copa America hosts this summer into one capable of going deep enough in 2026 to take soccer to another level in the United States.Here, The Athletic has analyzed the fit of the USMNT’s most prominent stars under their new boss.
Helping develop Harry Kane at Tottenham. Fitting Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe into one PSG team. Facilitating the emergence of Cole Palmer at Chelsea. Pochettino loves to build the attacking parts of his sides around headline-grabbing forwards. With the USMNT, Pulisic is the most likely candidate.The 25-year-old has been involved with the senior national team since he was 17 and has become its star attacker. His tears became the symbol of the USMNT’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals, and his importance to American success in this sport continues to grow.Pochettino is expected to hand Pulisic the keys to his attack, providing the AC Milan forward with a level of responsibility he relishes. After a defining 2023-24 season at San Siro, Pulisic is in the form of his professional career. Under Pochettino, the onus is going to be on him to carry that form into the international sphere.
Reyna has established himself in the USMNT starting line-up over the past 12 months, but Pochettino’s experience of developing No 10s suggests he could now reach another level. Across Pochettino’s five years in charge of Tottenham, he helped Christian Eriksen develop from a young talent with elite potential into one of the best midfield creators in the world. Could Reyna follow a similar path?Reyna has experienced a difficult couple of years since the World Cup in Qatar, failing to establish himself as a key player at Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga. He went on loan to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League for the second half of last season but could not establish himself as they battled to avoid relegation.The 21-year-old has the talent to become a star under Pochettino, but before the new head coach entrusts him with an important role Reyna, who played only nine minutes in Dortmund’s first two games of the season, must find consistent football at the club level.
Workhorse midfielders have been central to Pochettino’s teams.Last summer, Chelsea signed Moises Caicedo for £115million ($146m) from fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion to add dynamism to his midfield engine room, alongside Enzo Fernandez. At Southampton, his first gig in English football a decade ago, former Northern Ireland international Steven Davis provided the running alongside Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama, with the latter then being signed by Spurs after he became manager there. For the U.S., McKennie and Musah seem set to battle for that role under Pochettino.With a World Cup and Copa America cycle now behind them, Musah and McKennie are seasoned operators for the national team, and it will be up to the new manager to decide which of them best suits his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. McKennie, 26, is more experienced, started all three group games at the Copa America, and will probably be the favorite to assume the right-sided central midfield role initially.However, Musah is younger at 21 and has considerable potential, particularly as a passer and ball-carrier. Pochettino, who has never been afraid to give young players time and opportunities to impress, is the perfect boss for him to take the next step and own that spot in midfield.
The Athletic has every angle covered on Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as USMNT head coach:
When fit, Adams is one of the first names on the USMNT team sheet.He was at his best at the 2022 World Cup, with his finest performance at that tournament — and arguably his international career — coming in the goalless group-stage draw against England. Facing Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount, Adams was crucial in the USMNT winning the midfield battle and controlling large portions of the game, earning him the player of the match award.Since then though, Adams’ career has plateaued. After suffering a season-ending hamstring injury with Leeds United in March 2023, he has endured several setbacks, causing him to miss most of last season. He made his long-awaited return to competitive USMNT action at Copa America, playing in all three matches before aggravating a back injury that caused him to miss the final part of new club Bournemouth’s league campaign. He is sidelined again for the opening months of the new season following back surgery.The 25-year-old is far from finished at club and international level, you’d imagine. He has proven his quality in the Premier League and for his nation, and Pochettino will be keen to see him back to his best, with the defensive midfield spot in his system tailor-made for Adams’ qualities.
That said, without the cushion of his strong performances under Berhalter guaranteeing his selection, Adams must prove he can still reach the physical level required from a Pochettino midfielder.
The present and future at the heart of the USMNT defense.Alongside Denmark international Joachim Andersen, Richards excelled under Oliver Glasner for Crystal Palace in the second half of last season, stepping up to prove his quality after England international Marc Guehi was injured.Throughout former Argentina international defender Pochettino’s time in management, athletic ball-playing center-backs have been important, allowing his sides to build attacking moves from defense and operate a high line. Richards, 24, suits this perfectly, and he appears set to become a nailed-on starter ahead of and during the next World Cup, provided he stays injury-free and continues to play club football consistently at a high level.
Ream was among Berhalter’s most reliable servants, but it might be time for the United States to evolve beyond him.His selection was backed by his consistent performances in an American shirt and for Fulham in the Premier League and Championship. However, Ream will be 37 next month and has now left the Premier League and is playing in MLS for Charlotte. Although Pochettino is not against relying on older center-backs — Thiago Silva remained an essential part of his Chelsea backline last season despite turning 39 last September.There is also the question mark of what comes after Ream for the States on the road to World Cup 2026, with Cameron Carter-Vickers largely unproven at the international level and Miles Robinson yet to test himself outside MLS. Without any apparent alternatives, Pochettino’s best solution might be sticking with Ream in the short term.However, any physical decline could limit Pochettino’s desire to implement his attacking style. As mentioned with Richards, the Argentinian likes to play high up the pitch with defenders who can cover the space behind him, which could expose Ream.
Balogun could be the player who benefits most from Pochettino’s arrival.
More than Palmer, Eriksen, Son or Dele Alli, the player Pochettino developed most in his Premier League years was Kane.
When Pochettino joined Spurs in 2014, the current England captain was a 21-year-old on the fringe of the first team. He had scored four goals in 19 games across competitions the previous season following several indifferent loan spells to lower-league clubs. Within five years, he had become one of the best strikers in the world, scoring 169 goals in 242 appearances under Pochettino.
It’s been a while since the USMNT had a reliable goalscorer, and Balogun’s performances at Copa America indicated he could be the player to make the No 9 shirt his own.
It’s difficult for an international coach to have a game-changing impact on an individual, considering the limited time they get with the players, but it might only take a few minor adjustments to take Balogun from a good striker to a world-class one.
At the other end of the pitch, Turner’s place in the team has never been less secure since winning the No. 1 shirt under Berhalter.Having looked set to be Nottingham Forest’s third-choice goalkeeper this season, he now seems certain to be Crystal Palace’s second-choice after securing a season-long loan to the London club on the final day of the summer transfer window.The move is unlikely to help him in his search for regular Premier League football but his case to continue as Pochettino’s No 1 is supported by the lack of competition. Ethan Horvath’s early-season form for Cardiff City in the second-tier Championship has been patchy. Gaga Slonina, the nation’s brightest young talent in his position, is playing at Barnsley in England’s third tier on loan from top-flight Chelsea, and the rest of the starting options available to Pochettino are in MLS.If Turner can break into Palace’s team and find his best form, the shirt appears his for the foreseeable future… if not, he opens the door for challengers.
Robinson and Dest have the ideal playing profiles for Pochettino’s system, in which emphasis is placed on full-backs who provide width and further cover in midfield.At Spurs, he used Kyle Walker and Danny Rose in these roles, playing them high and wide to help stretch the opposition’s defense and allow interior attackers to operate in the vacated spaces.Towards the end of last season with Chelsea, he used right-back Malo Gusto similarly but allowed Marc Cucurella to ‘invert’ from the left side, providing another body in midfield to help the team keep possession while also providing another barrier in the middle of the pitch to protect against transitions.Given Robinson’s electric pace and threat from wide positions, he appears a perfect fit. Dest could go to another level under Pochettino with his quality in possession helping to cut through opposing teams and provides the USMNT with defensive cover if their attacks break down.
(Top photos: Getty Images)
Reflecting on Alex Morgan’s career: The athlete, the fighter, the human
SAN DIEGO — Last week, I tossed out my plans to be in Washington D.C. for a different NWSL match and booked a last-minute flight to San Diego. I then stood on the field at Snapdragon Stadium, staring through my camera lens at Alex Morgan, the athlete, one more time. I watched every microexpression flicker past, every smile, every time she blinked back tears, and the times she failed to. I pressed the button every time something felt like it could somehow capture the magnitude of the moment, yards away but able to compress the distance between us simply with a twist of the lens. There was distance too — there had to be — between Alex Morgan, the image, and Alex Morgan, the human. When Morgan stepped off the pitch in her socks on Sunday, boots in hand, it had only been three days since she had announced her retirement from professional soccer at age 35.The lack of notice and Morgan’s lengthy video explaining her decision, announcing that she and husband Servando Carrasco are expecting their second child, meant there would be no long farewell tour. Fans would only have days, not months, to contemplate what women’s soccer would look like without Morgan on the field.Her abrupt retirement set off a scramble, all the emotions of sending off one of the game’s best, grappling to define a legacy — or better yet, the first act. Morgan isn’t going too far, the same way most of her generation of women’s soccer players haven’t either. They are builders. Fighters. Morgan is no different, and she is ready to invest in Act Two.
Morgan in her final game (Meg Linehan/The Athletic)
Morgan was excellent at curating what she presented, and why, for over a decade. She came into the game right as social media changed how people interacted with women’s soccer, from the then-niche #WPSChat to Twitter, then Instagram, then TikTok, allowing players to tell their own stories. A weekly online chat with topics feels quaint now women’s soccer has finally begun to crack mainstream culture (outside of World Cup bumps) over the past few years. Before all that happened, Morgan was the one who had broken through the most.Part of this was because she, in many ways, fit a stereotypical mold, a pretty, white, ‘girl next door’ who could bang in goals and sell Nikes. But what has made Morgan so fascinating to watch over the past decade was how she wielded that particular image; the way she could stockpile goodwill, recognition and power, then deploy them in pursuit of equal pay, better working conditions and player protections across country and club.Morgan wasn’t just an image or a mouthpiece for labor-related fights. She dug into policy work and organizing across both the USWNT and NWSL players’ associations. She knew the power of her platform, her image, her name, and how to extend it to others. She knew when to step back, when to step forward, when to stand side-by-side with someone. When Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly shared their stories of abuse suffered in the NWSL, Morgan put her name on her quotes — not just because she knew that she would be unlikely to suffer retaliation, but because she knew she could help to amplify their voices.On Sunday, Shim was with Morgan’s family watching her final moments on the field. On the opposite coast only a few hours before, Gotham FC honored Farrelly for her retirement — also out of her own hands, due to the cumulative impact of head injuries sustained throughout her career.
It was fitting that these three be tied together, one more time.
“It’s just incredible what you can do when you listen to players, when you value players, when you pay players, when players have autonomy over where they want to live and what team they want to play for. The longevity of our careers grows with all of what I just named, and Sinead was a pivotal piece in that,” Morgan said in her post-game press conference on Sunday. “So to share the same retirement date with her, because although we have very different journeys, we fought for the same thing, and the league is in a better place because of her.”That’s not to say Morgan was all business all the time.Morgan was sneaky good at being online without actually being online. She knew when a post pointing out an issue could have an impact and she didn’t mind embracing a meme or two. (Did she ever fully come around on the ‘Baby Horse’ nickname? Probably not, but she also ate carrots and fed an actual baby horse on camera for U.S. Soccer content, so there was at least a begrudging acceptance.) And no one enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how many drinks could fit into a new trophy more.
(Meg Linehan/The Athletic)
But be the face of anything, and there’s bound to be consequences.In her farewell speech, Morgan thanked fans for criticizing her. For years, teams sold tickets off Morgan’s fame, and it worked — to the chagrin of fans of her opponents at times. She could kick up entire news cycles by deciding to play overseas as people questioned what it meant for the NWSL, first with Lyon in France then a brief stint with Tottenham Hotspur during the height of the pandemic. (As we found out, it meant little for NWSL, but Spurs players did wind up with better training conditions thanks to Morgan.)While Morgan wasn’t alone in getting deals and building a following, she was one of the best.Fortunately for Morgan, she was also pretty good at soccer. Some of her best memories, she said before the game on Friday, were from winning. Winning offered a respite from the weight of the work.“You’re on auto drive. Like you feel when you have the blinders on and you’re just looking forward,” Morgan said. With winning, came celebrations. With celebrations, humanity:“You get to be human again, you’re not just an athlete. That’s the best part. We’re all humans, and we all have emotions, and we all have vulnerabilities. And in sports, a lot of times you’re so shut off from that, you’re so disconnected from your emotions, from the real world, because you’re so driven.”
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Morgan said sometimes she felt like she hadn’t smiled for weeks at a time — something she didn’t realize until after the end had come.
Those moments when she could smile and celebrate, the ticker tape parades down Broadway in New York City, were when she felt most human. Not, as she said on Friday, “this robotic thing on this platform. But I’m a sister, I’m a daughter, I’m a friend.”
On Sunday, Morgan finally had a moment for those two worlds to collide, to be an athlete and more. To have her daughter, Charlie, with her for the walkouts and anthem, and to stand with her family on the pitch and soak in all the sounds of the adoring San Diego crowd, scattered with folks who had traveled on short notice from all over the country.
“There have been so many incredible moments, but this one, this last moment I share on the field with you, I will cherish forever,” Morgan said, having mostly succeeded at keeping the tears at bay. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”
(Top photo: Jose Breton / Pics Action / NurPhoto; design: Dan Goldfarb)
Meg Linehan is a senior writer for The Athletic who covers the U.S. women’s national team, the National Women’s Soccer League and more. She also hosts the weekly podcast “Full Time with Meg Linehan.” Follow Meg on Twitter
Atlanta United parts ways with vice president, technical director Carlos Bocanegra
Atlanta United announced on Wednesday that the club has parted ways with vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra.
The former U.S. men’s national team captain had been in the role since 2015. Atlanta made their MLS debut in 2017.
“We are deeply appreciative of Carlos’s dedication and success over the last nine years with Atlanta United,” said club president and CEO Garth Lagerwey in a statement.
“However, I believe it’s time for our club to move in a new direction. While we will continue to fight for a playoff spot down the final stretch of the season, this gives us a clean slate and a runway to properly assess all vacancies in our sporting operation ahead of what will be an extremely important offseason for our club.”
Atlanta United currently sits ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings, which is the final automatic playoff spot. They’ve lost five of their last 10 matches under interim head coach Rob Valentino. During the most recent MLS summer transfer window, Bocanegra signed Russia international Aleksei Miranchuk to replace Thiago Almada, who was sold to Brazilian club Botafogo.
Bocanegra, alongside former team president Darren Eales, led the club’s front office during Atlanta’s 2018 MLS Cup title campaign. Eales left for Newcastle United in 2022 to become the Premier League side’s CEO. That left Bocanegra in charge of Atlanta United’s recruitment strategy, as well as overseeing the first team. Atlanta’s form and player recruiting strategy has since been under heavy scrutiny as the team has underperformed consistently since 2020.
“I want to personally thank Carlos for his many contributions to the success of Atlanta United on and off the pitch,” team owner Arthur Blank said. “He was here from the beginning and deserves much credit for our MLS Championship; other trophies we’ve won over the last nine years; and the way our team captured the heart of this city even before we launched in 2017.”
Lagerwey will take over Bocanegra’s duties moving forward. Since firing former manager Gonzalo Pineda in June, Lagerwey has personally managed the search for a new coach. He’ll now add a sporting director search to his list of duties. Because the MLS regular season is still active, qualified candidates are likely to become available in the offseason.
Atlanta United’s next match is at home against Nashville SC on September 14.
Champions League Finals Sat 3 pm CBS & CCL Finals Sat 9 pm FS1
A little Hype Video – Don’t miss the Greatest Anthem in Sports when the teams walk out to this. Hopefully we’ll see a version of Dortmund’s famous Yellow Wall in London Sat. Excited to see if Dortmund can continue their amazing run in London in the finals of the Champion League Sat at 3 pm on CBS vs Real Madrid. Of course The Madridistas are the favorites but Dortmund has been giant killer all season as they continue to find a way. I sure would be excited if American Gio Reyna was actually playing. Either way I think Madrid just has too much firepower and will win this one 2-1. Coverage starts at 1 pm on Paramount plus before moving to CBS at 2 pm. The Concacaf Finals featuring the MLS Champion Columbus Crew traveling to Mexican Powerhouse Pachuca starts at 9:15 pm on FS1. Lots of stories below on both games.
Indy 11 Win Again
Jack Blake scored a pair of goals to lead Indy Eleven over reigning USL Champions Phoenix Rising FC, 2-1, on Saturday night at Carroll Stadium. Indy is riding a nine-match unbeaten streak including a record 7 straight wins across all competitions, including five straight in USL Championship action, and finishes the month of May 4-0-0 in league action. Indy improves to 6-4-2 on the season – good for 3rd in the East. The Boys in Blue hit the road for at two-match road swing at Pittsburgh (June 1) and Birmingham (June 9) before returning home to host San Antonio FC on June 15. Single-game tickets are available for all matches via Ticketmaster.
US Ladies Olympic Warm Up Games – Sat 5 pm TBS, Tues 8 pm TNT
New coach Emma Hayes takes over and will coach her first games on the sidelines for the US ladies as they take on Korea in an Olympics warm up series starting Sat night. She has named a handful of youngsters and I really have no idea who will start where in this Saturday’s game. Will certainly be worth the watch. American Lindsay Horan and Olympic Lyonnaise fell just short in the UEFA Champions League final loss to Barcelona (highlights) as the largest TV audience ever looked on.
US 23 Pre-Olympic Roster is Released
Interesting that Walker Zimmerman in the only overaged player in the Olympic Pre-Camp – only 18 players can go – so this 27 man roster will have to reduce by 9 players – still surprised we aren’t bringing an over-aged forward or Pepi maybe, even Reyna is the right age – why not play both for he and Pepi? I will be very interested to see what the final roster is.
Midfielders: Cole Bassett (Colorado), Gianluca Busio (Venezia, Italy), Benjamin Cremaschi (Miami), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia), Aidan Morris (Columbus), Rokas Pukstas (Hajduk Split, Croatia), Tanner Tessmann (Venezia, Italy).
Forwards: Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Esmir Bajraktarevic (New England), Taylor Booth (Utrecht, Netherlands), Cade Cowell (Guadalajara, Mexico), Damion Downs (Cologne, Germany), Johan Gomez (Eintracht Braunschweig, Germany), Duncan McGuire (Orlando), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg, Germany), Griffin Yow (Westerlo, Belgium).
Good luck to all the teams playing in State/President’s & Challenge Cup finals this weekend especially our CARMEL FC Teams below at Grand Park! I will be out there reffing a few games Sat/Sun.
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2024/2025 Tryout and Evaluation Information Carmel FC will be hosting tryouts for new and existing players on the following dates:
Heading over to the Badger Field for Training or Games? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
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Shane with Susie and Brett Y at Grand Park Friday night – moved inside for Weather thank goodness
CYO Final under the lights at Guerin Catholic with Mike Xanders (left) and Joe Fistrovich.
Midfield questions abound as Hayes kicks off USWNT camp – US plays Sat 5 pm TBS
The USWNT officially entered training camp ahead of their June friendlies this week, with Emma Hayes making her first in-person appearance as head coach. The camp consists of a total of 27 players (23 fully rostered plus four training players), with the training players set to depart prior to the team’s first match on June 1st. Big picture: With the addition of the training players, the midfield is becoming a particularly crowded positional area for the team. Three of the four players invited into camp to train alongside the full roster are midfielders: Portland’s Olivia Moultrie, Washington rookie Croix Bethune, and Spirit defensive midfielder Andi Sullivan. Sullivan started for the USWNT at the 2023 World Cup, but was a late inclusion to Hayes’s training camp roster after player travel from European club play was taken into consideration. In her introductionto American media,Hayes spoke to ESPN about her initial approach to managing a congested USWNT midfield.”I’ve asked to see players that weren’t in the World Cup last year,” she said. “I’ve watched Korbin [Albert] play for PSG. I was hugely impressed by Sam Coffey when Chelsea played against the Thorns in a tournament in Portland.”The US has recently favored a system featuring two defensive midfielders, which likely means a combination of Coffey, Hal Hershfelt, and Emily Sonnett in June.”I haven’t made a decision about the Olympic roster yet, so there is time,” Hayes told ESPN.
Champions League Final 2024 predicted lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid starting XI, analysis
NBC Sports Thu, May 30, 2024, 11:36 AM EDT·3 min read
The UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid is set to be an intriguing tactical encounter at Wembley on Saturday.
Real are the heavy favorites but Dortmund have shown they can frustrate the big boys and in a head-to-head scrap there are so many individual battles to look forward to.
Below are the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid predicted lineups for the final, with analysis on how Edin Terzic and Carlo Ancelotti could cause a few surprises with their team selections.
The back four is very settled for Dortmund and the experience of Hummels has been key to holding firm in this unexpected run to the final, while goalkeeper Kobel has also been exceptional amid several defensive masterclasses. Maatsen’s pace and trickery at left back could be a huge factor in shutting down Real Madrid as he will be tasked with keeping Rodrygo quiet. In midfield the experience duo of Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer have proved their doubters wrong and keep the ball extremely well. And that is key to getting Sancho, Brandt and Adeyemi involved as much as possible as they cut inside and interchange. Having the likes of Reus, Moukoko and Malen to come off the bench also gives Dortmund plenty of options in the attacking third, with Fullkrug a brilliant focal point to their attack and his hold-up play will allow them to ease some of the considerable pressure they will be under on Saturday. Dortmund will look to sit back and not allow Real space in-behind and then spring attacks of their own quickly by hitting Fullkrug early and getting Sancho and Adeyemi high and wide up the pitch.
Ancelotti has yet to make a decision in terms of his starting goalkeeper with Lunin standing in superbly to help get them to the final but now Thibaut Courtois is back fit and given his experience and penchant for delivering in the big finals, you’d expect the Belgian to get the nod. The back four picks itself with Nacho rolling back the years and he and Rudiger will relish the challenge of trying to keep Fullkrug quiet in a similar way to how they tamed Erling Haaland. Midfield is the big issue for Real Madrid. Aurelien Tchouameni is out injured so Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga are likely to start to give Real a solid defensive shield in front of their back four. But will Luka Modric start given all of his big-game experience? Jude Bellingham will start in attacking midfield, maybe drifting slightly to the left, and his driving runs forward will open up space for the duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius to peel off and cause havoc. Especially on the counter. That is how Real have been hurting teams all season long and they should have significant joy against Dortmund if they can engineer plenty of counter-attacking situations.
Paris 2024 Olympics: Messi? Pulisic? Mbappe? Could any major stars be playing at Games?
This summer will not be a quiet one. Not only is the men’s European Championship taking place in Germany but the Copa America is also happening in the United States at the same time.Both finals will be played on July 15. But the summer tournaments do not end there as, nine days later, the Olympic men’s football tournament will get underway in France. That does not leave a lot of time between tournaments and for those hoping to perform at two major competitions in a single summer.There are 16 nations who will do battle for Olympic gold, silver and bronze. Among them are France, Argentina and Egypt. But will we be seeing superstars Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah at the Olympic Games?Each team can name three players over the age of 23 to their 22-player squads — the rest have to be 23 or younger. So which household names will be going for gold?
Let’s start with host nation France. They begin their golden quest on home soil in Marseille against the United States. This will be the opening game of the tournament.The biggest question surrounding Kylian Mbappe is not about the club he will play for next season — which is surprising, given he has confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain but not his destination. However, Mbappe has long been tipped to join Real Madrid once his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires at the end of June. The more pertinent question is whether Mbappe will become an Olympian in the year his home city hosts the event.Speaking in 2021, Mbappe said every athlete wants to compete at the Olympics and referred to the tournament as the “Holy Grail”.
Giroud and Griezmann could be among the overage selections for France (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
Madrid, though, will not release their players to feature in the tournament. FIFA’s rulebook states clubs must release players for the European Championship but not the Olympics. Should Mbappe join Madrid before then, it will be interesting to see whether France’s poster boy is allowed to play.Talk earlier in the year was that Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud could be the two overage players in the squad alongside Mbappe. Griezmann in March said he will do everything to be there. Meanwhile, Giroud has told L’Equipe this summer’s Euros will be his last tournament with France in order to make way for the next generation — although it is unclear whether that included playing for manager Thierry Henry at the Olympics.
From one World Cup-winning legend to another.Lionel Messi taking part in the Olympics in Paris, where he lived for two years while at PSG, would be box office. But can he do it?Messi, who turns 37 in June, will captain Argentina earlier in the summer as they pursue what would be a record 16th Copa America title. Should they go the distance, the turnaround time would be nine days until the start of the Olympics, when Argentina take on Morocco. And let’s face it — the magical, mystical Messi is not getting younger.The Inter Miami captain has already achieved Olympic glory at the 2008 games in Beijing alongside current under-23s head coach Javier Mascherano, who also won gold as a player in 2004. Mascherano will surely be keen on linking up with his former team-mate but Inter Miami will have a decision to make if a Messi request comes their way. Both the Copa and the Olympics are happening right in the middle of the Major League Soccer season.Mascherano recently said the door is open for Messi to play in the Olympics. And while we know it would be a huge deal for him to be there, no decision has yet been made on whether he will take up any potential invitation.Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was 23 at the start of the season, so can be selected by Mascherano as part of the under-23s side. Whether or not he has the green light to play from his club is not yet known. He is a key player for Chelsea. Will they really want him to hardly have a rest this summer?
The big debate in Spain is whether Barcelona’s teen sensations Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi could play at the Euros and Olympics or just one. Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has stated he does not approve of players being at both tournaments. This could therefore limit the opportunity not only for Yamal and Cubarsi but Gavi and Pedri too.Gavi will not return to full fitness from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered last year in time to play in Germany but should he be fit in time for the Olympics a month later. This will raise the question as to whether he may or may not be called up.
Yamal could be in the Spain squad (Jorge Guerrero/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona, though, are surely unlikely to make the same mistake as previous summers. In 2021 they allowed Pedri to play at the Olympics after he had featured six times for Spain as they reached the semi-finals of the Euros. Pedri then played every game as Spain reached the final in Tokyo, which they lost to Brazil. Shortly after, Pedri picked up a hamstring injury which kept him out of the majority of the 2021-22 season.
A fun name in the frame is Sergio Ramos. Could he captain Spain again and be the experienced figurehead in France? Now aged 38, Ramos was left out of both tournaments in 2021, and it is looking like history will repeat itself.
United States
It is looking unlikely Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams will represent the U.S. at the Olympics this summer. A home Copa America is the sole focus.Under-23s boss Marko Mitrovic named a provisional squad of 22 players for warm-up games in March. He named a young team and any overage players who do get the Olympic call are more likely to be among those senior players who missed the Copa cut.
Mohamed Salah missed the Olympics three years ago. It has been non-stop over the last few years for the Liverpool winger. Salah has barely had a proper rest. Will his workload be upped in July by Olympic games selection or will he be on pre-season with Liverpool?It is currently unclear whether Salah will be among the Egyptian team travelling to Nantes for an opening game against the Dominican Republic.Head coach Rogerio Micale wants Salah to play at the Games. Egypt fans will surely want Salah there too. Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the U.S. will commence around the same time, though, and the club could block Salah’s participation — just as they did in 2021.This will be one of Arne Slot’s key decisions when he officially takes over from Jurgen Klopp in June. (Top photos: Getty Images)
Olympic analysis American Soccer Now
Analysis: Mitrovic names 25 to final pre-Olympic camp
ASN’s Brian Sciaretta breaks down the U.S. Olympic team’s final camp before departing for Paris in July. ASN will be in France this summer for the Olympics and has been covering the team in detail all cycle. Here is our report.
BY BRIAN SCIARETTAPOSTED MAY 29, 202412:00 PM
ON WEDNESDAY, United States Olympic team manager Marko Mitrovic announced his roster for the June camp that will conclude with a friendly against Japan on June 11 in Kansas City. This is the team’s fourth and final camp before the start of Olympic preparations and is the last chance for Mitrovic to look at players before he names his final roster in July.
For this camp, Mitrovic named a big roster of 25 players. It also included the first overage call-up with Walker Zimmerman making the list, which is a huge indication he will make the final team.
But assuming two more overage players get named and the age-eligible players all come from this camp, that means up to nine players in this roster will be cut to make the final 18-player Olympic team. With a final roster that small, there are a lot of tough decisions and this camp will be very important in deciding who makes the final team.
Here is the roster along with some key thoughts.
The Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; St. Charles, Mo.), Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/ENG; Addison, Ill.)
DEFENDERS (7): Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; Oldsmar, Fla.), Jalen Neal (LA Galaxy; Lakewood, Calif.), Bryan Reynolds (KVC Westerlo/BEL; Fort Worth, Texas), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; Chatham, N.J.), Jonathan Tomkinson (Norwich City/ENG; Plano, Texas), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United FC; Atlanta, Ga.), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; Lawrenceville, Ga.)
FORWARDS (9): Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; Medford, N.J.), Esmir Bajraktarevic (New England Revolution; Appleton, Wisc.), Taylor Booth (Utrecht/NED; Eden, Utah), Cade Cowell (Guadalajara/MEX; Ceres, Calif.), Damion Downs (Köln/GER; Schwebenried, Germany), Johan Gomez (Eintracht Braunschweig/GER; Keller, Texas), Duncan McGuire (Orlando City SC; Omaha, Neb.), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/GER; South Riding, Va.), Griffin Yow (KVC Westerlo/BEL; Clifton, Va.)
OVERAGE FOCUS
Walker Zimmerman is the first overage player to be involved with the team and his selection is obvious now that he has returned from injury. It was always obvious that Mitrovic was going to have to bolster the team’s central defense with overage picks. The age-eligible U-23 pool is very thin in central defense in MLS or first and second divisions in Europe.
When you exclude the five players who are currently in camp with the full USMNT, the options become even more limited. As most people know now, club releases for the Olympics are voluntary. Zimmerman is a player who has a lot of USMNT experience, is familiar with just about every player at this camp, and is in a situation where Nashville will let him go.
But why is Zimmerman the only overage player selected?
It wouldn’t be surprising if the remaining two options are currently with the USMNT. In Gregg Berhalter’s recent interview with the Washington Post, it was mentioned Miles Robinson and Auston Trusty as options. Zimmerman is almost certainly going after being named to this team. Robinson is probably a stronger candidate than Trusty right now given that he has chemistry with Zimmerman, and his release is more likely. If Trusty was a very strong Olympic candidate, his absence from this camp doesn’t make sense.
In terms of what is needed, look for another overage central defender and perhaps a versatile attacker.
4 OLYMPIC DEBUTS
Four age-eligible players were called up to their first camp with the Olympic team. The fact that these players are earning looks this late in the cycle probably reflects well on their part. It’s a tough barrier to break into any team this late and this is a legit opportunity for all four. If they play well at this camp, they could be Paris bound.
Here’s a look at how they got here.
Damion Downs: The FC Koln forward battled a concussion this season which saw him miss several months. But he also scored two game-winning goals during an intense Bundesliga relegation battle. In the end, Koln were relegated but Downs emerged as the team’s top forward off the bench. The 2.Bundesliga could give him a stage to contribute more, but will Koln trust him in a promotion race? He’s talented but raw. His strength is being big and physical, but his weakness is that he can drift out of games and struggles at times to get touches. Downs is a German-American and has been called up to one USYNT in the past.
For Downs, his main competition is Duncan McGuire who is well established in this team and who is looking for a summer transfer from Orlando City. Paperwork errors saw his January move to Blackburn fall through. But Downs also faces competition from Johan Gomez who plays for Eintracht Braunschweig of the 2.Bundesliga and has been involved in every camp. There is also a high likelihood of an overage forward is also named. Downs has a lot of competition, but still has an opportunity.
Jalen Neal: Neal has long been viewed as the best of an albeit weak generation of centerbacks. Last summer, the LA Galaxy refused to release him to the U-20 World Cup. Then in late July 2023, he was sidelined due to a sports hernia and suffered setbacks in his recovery. He is now back for the Galaxy and while he has shown some rust, he is on the path to getting back to his pre-injury level. While the chances are high Mitrovic takes two overage central defenders, he will need to take at least one age-eligible centerback. With Maximillian Dietz out with an injury, Neal compares very favorably to other options like Jonathan Tomkinson or George Campbell.
Rokas Pukstas: The Hajduk Split attacking midfielder finishes his second season as a regular starter for the Croatian club. This season he had seven goals and one assist. He’s well-liked by U.S. Soccer, enough to the point where they kept a roster spot open for him at the 2023 U-20 World Cup and allowed him to arrive after the group stages of the tournament.
He’s effective but still raw as a player and doesn’t get a lot of touches. He also scores a lot of goals from headers and is a good finisher, not necessarily a great creator aside from set pieces. He deserves a look but faces tough competition from players like Paxten Aaronson, Gianluca Busio, and maybe Diego Luna (who is not at this camp). He is also very young, at 19 years old.
Gaga Slonina: This is actually his first camp but he was called up to the March camp only to withdraw because of an injury. At this point, it seems very likely that Slonina and Patrick Schulte are the top two keepers for the Olympic team. Slonina had a tough season on loan from Chelsea to Eupen. The team’s relegation wasn’t his fault, but he was part of it. Watching his confidence at this camp will be key.
LUNA AMONG TOUGH OMISSIONS
With this team having only four camps and this being the team’s final camp, this is not a camp players want to miss if they have any hope of making the Olympic team. The player pool right now is mostly healthy. Greuther Furth defender Maximillian Dietz is injured, but Neal’s return and the use of overage players made him a bubble player.
Here is a look at some notable players who are out – not including U-23 players in camp with the senior USMNT.
Diego Luna: The Real Salt Lake attacking mid/winger is by far the most notable omission. While he started off the season slowly, he has been playing very well as of late as RSL has climbed the standings of the Western Conference. He is versatile, scrappy, and a creator, and his current form make his absence surprising.
Chris Brady: The Chicago Fire goalkeeper is frankly just behind Patrick Schulte and Gaga Slonina right now.
Brian Gutierrez: The Chicago Fire attacking mid/winger just hasn’t been in the mix for Mitrovic after the first camp. Mitrovic knows Gutierrez well from his days as a Fire assistant and Gutierrez just hasn’t been part of the team’s plans.
Quinn Sullivan: The versatile Philadelphia Union attacker/midfielder has had a good start to the 2024 season and he’s made some important strides in his game. But he hasn’t been with the team at all this cycle and it just seems like Mitrovic has him behind many others.
Obed Vargas: One of the players who is attempting to play up a cycle, Vargas has been playing well for Seattle lately but looks more like an option with the U.S. U-20 team, for now.
Bernard Kamungo: The FC Dallas winger ended 2023 in great form and had a very good start to the U.S. U-23 cycle. But his form has been off to start 2024 and the winger pool is competitive.
Dan Edelman: The 2023 U.S. U-20 World Cup captain made his U.S. U-23 debut in March but is not part of this camp. He’s competing with Aidan Morris and Tanner Tessmann, which is not easy.
Josh Atencio: Another defensive midfielder, but the Seattle Sounder has a lot of competition for a spot.
CREMASCHI & BAJRAKTAREVIC PLAYING UP
Two players are on this team who are attempting to play up a cycle. This means they are also eligible for the 2025 U-20 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. It’s a tough hurdle to make a U-23 team up a cycle, but Benja Cremaschi and Esmir Bajraktarevic have been there for most of this cycle. Unsurprisingly, Mitrovic knows both players very well from his previous job as the U.S. U-19 head coach.
Here is a look at both players:
Esmir Bajraktarevic: The crafty winger is one of the top American teenagers in MLS but is stuck on a Revolution team that is off to a disastrous start amid with reports of player unhappiness. It’s been hard for him to stand out with the Revs. To make the Olympic team, he will have to beat out most of a long list that includes Cremaschi, Pardes, Yow, Aaronson, Booth, and Luna.
Benja Cremaschi: The Inter Miami attacking midfielder missed time with his club and the Olympic team due to a sports hernia operation. But he was part of the Olympic team for the first two camps. Playing alongside Messi, Suarez, and Busquets will help any player but Cremaschi is coming off a solid performance in an away win over Vancouver where Miami didn’t have its older stars. He is going to have to beat out tough players to make the team, but it looks like Mitrovic rates Cremaschi as well.
BASSETT AND BOOTH RETURN
Two players who return from the team after a period away are Cole Bassett and Taylor Booth. Both players are in position to fight for a roster spot on the Olympic team.
Taylor Booth was part of the team’s first two camps but was not part of the team in March due to a knee injury he suffered in February. He has returned to Utrecht the past month. His form hasn’t been as strong as it was preinjury (where he had five goals in two games before the injury) but this camp will give him an opportunity to compete. He’s not a lock, but he is a strong candidate.
Meanwhile, Cole Bassett is a player who was part of the November camp but then left off the USMNT January camp and March Olympic camps. But his form for Colorado has been outstanding to start the season (5 goals, 3 assists, 1347 minutes). You can’t ignore a player who enters camp red hot. We’ve seen this with Griffin Yow on this Olympic team as he is now a favorite to go to Paris.
The rosters for major youth tournaments are often about who is in the best form in the months leading into a major tournament. Bassett might have a chance if he can translate his form with Colorado into this camp.
LOTS OF COMPETITION, FEW LOCKS
In terms of this roster, there is a lot of competition. There just aren’t many locks. Some players seem very likely to go.
Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, Patrick Schulte, Aidan Morris, Gaga Slonina, Kevin Paredes, and Paxten Aaronson are as close to locks as you might expect. Even then, there are strange things that can happen. For example, if Gio Reyna is allowed to play at the Olympics, then that could change things for Aaronson or Busio.
Bryan Reynolds has a very good chance of going given his consistent involvement and Nathan Harriel has been apart of every single camp – showing a useful versatility off the bench. Unless the roster gets expanded (and in 2021, the Olympic roster was increased from 18 to 22 just three weeks before the start of the tournament), then 18 players brings an entirely different dynamic. Coaches have their starting XI but then the backups must be versatile because there is not enough roster space to have a one-for-one backup at every position. There are 25 players on this roster. There are two more overage players who will join and there are a few other age eligible players on the USMNT who might be allowed to play in the Olympics. There seems to be a lot up for grabs right now. This camp is going to decide a lot.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes brings unique personality back to the country that ‘made’ her
Emma Hayes won her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title with Chelsea on Saturday. On Wednesday, she arrived in Newark off her flight from Heathrow, and by Thursday morning she was awaiting a whirlwind media tour introducing her to an American audience that she, in some form, already knew.But before the car picked her up from her hotel to begin that tour, she took a walk in the morning through Central Park, early as it was.New York City is a place where anonymity and fame can happen simultaneously, where the incoming head coach of the U.S. women’s national team can take a long, meandering walk through an often-bustling park and have that moment to herself before the pressure fully sets in.In a few months, after she takes charge of the U.S. women’s national team at the Paris Olympics, Hayes might not have the leisure of taking a walk anywhere without being recognized.At her first stop on Thursday at 30 Rock to appear on the Today Show, Hayes delivered the perfect line for those watching at home, unfamiliar with her journey as a coach — a winding two decades that ended with her in the highest profile coaching role in women’s soccer.“I’m lucky to be born in England, but made in America.”For Emma Hayes, who spent many years in her early career as a coach in New York, the paths of Central Park — and the city itself — already felt like home.
Hayes previously spent time coaching in New York. (Photo by USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Hours after her first national TV hit, and after an early summer thunderstorm blew through Manhattan, Hayes settled in at the head of a table in a conference room at the NWSL offices near Bryant Park. Behind her, a massive window showed the streets below, the sidewalks filled, sunlight filtering in between the skyscrapers.“Walking around New York, you can just imagine me getting off at Newark yesterday and thinking, ‘I remember those days,” Hayes told the small roundtable of reporters assembled for her first day on the job. Hayes lived in New York for seven years, and she remembered them well both for all of the challenges they presented a young coach, but also for the fulfillment they provide, and the lifetime friendships.She had first come to New York from England having coached a bit in some youth programs in Liverpool and London, with her playing career ended years before thanks to a skiing accident as a teenager.“(I was) fighting to stay in the country on different visas,” she recalled. “Wondering where I’m going to get enough to pay the rent in the next upcoming block. What am I going to do next?”
She coached teams in Syosset and Port Washington (both in suburban Long Island) and said she spent “many a time underneath the Throgs Neck” – referring to the Throgs Neck bridge that links the boroughs of Queens and the Bronx, which overlooks a soccer field at Little Bay Park.For a while, Hayes said, she had an apartment in Washington Heights, near the northern tip of Manhattan. She used to look out at the George Washington Bridge, take her walks then in Fort Tryon Park. It’s easy to imagine a 20-something Hayes wandering through that bucolic park’s numerous features: the heather garden, blooming with colors overlooking the Hudson River; the Cloisters, the Met’s medieval art collection housed in a castle; maybe through the Billings Arcade down below, a stone arch essentially created as a Gilded Age driveway.Hayes, in many ways, has contributed to the mythologizing of those early days.“I’ve got so many fond memories of turning up in Long Island with a backpack and a thousand dollars and working for clubs across the whole of Long Island and Westchester and New York City,” she said in her introductory Q&A with U.S. Soccer, published in November. “I’ve experienced everything from intramural soccer, recreational Sunday soccer, to the collegiate game, to USL, to the pro game, to state ODP, regionals.”On Thursday, she brought up many of those same organizations again, mentioning friends like Lisa Cole, a longtime coach and current technical advisor to the Zambia national team. Cole was visiting Hayes in London when she learned she got the USWNT job.“My journey has been bottom-up, so I have such an appreciation, not just of the landscape, but my journey,” Hayes said last week. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point. You can dream for something — we all have dreams — but it’s not often your dreams become reality.”It wasn’t a long leap from her own story to that of the American dream, but Hayes tied both to her future with the USWNT.“I always grew up with that notion of this whole American dream concept that you can come to the country, work in a certain way — and as a woman coming from England, trust me, I never felt more supported than I did when I worked in the U.S.,” she said. “To work my way up through the system, to now be the head coach for the USWNT, as far as I’m concerned, I will give it absolutely everything I’ve got to make sure I uphold the traditions of this team.”
Hayes won five consecutive WSL titles with Chelsea. (Photo by Clive Brunskill, Getty Images)
Hayes’s nostalgia-heavy trip to New York City only lasted about 48 hours before she was off to Denver for her first camp with the USWNT, but it provided a reminder of what’s changed in the time since.“As a parent, I know where the toy shops are now,” Hayes said, noting with a smile she had passed a few already on Thursday. The presence of her son, Harry, had played a role in her departure from Chelsea, as the long hours and grind of the club season proved incompatible with solo parenthood.“Everybody’s under pressure, everybody’s got to get headlines. Everybody’s got to grab content,” she said at the time earlier this year, after deleting her social media accounts following a loss to Liverpool that had put Chelsea’s title run into question. “For football managers, we’re in an impossible position. Because every day we’re in a place where, no matter what we say, it will be turned into something that gets you guys (the media) paid and at the same time puts us in a position where we’re just pieces of meat.”By Thursday, her accounts had been restored and she was posting a few behind-the-scenes looks of her arrival in the States, a photo with Chris Pratt while at the “Today Show” and a video the NWSL cooked up about watching games on their streaming platform.In an hour-long meeting with reporters that could have felt transactional, Hayes never shied away from being personal. She embraced it, just as she said she embraced the pressure of the role, despite going on record a few times about how she’d actually much prefer “a quiet life” out of the spotlight. She mentioned that she didn’t mind the long list of media appearances and interviews on Thursday, just as long as they didn’t happen every three days.The spotlight will shine much brighter with the USWNT, but Hayes seems ready for it. She danced around the question of what color medal the USWNT will bring back from Paris on the “Today Show,” instead providing an answer that focused on the process. She did the same later in the day when asked about how she wanted to approach external messaging on the goals of the team.
“I want to focus on the process and the performance,” she said. “For me, it’s absolutely essential.”
For a team that’s been at the sharp end of many bad-faith attacks following its early World Cup exit, “essential” feels too light a word. A focus on the process could mean that results won’t be tied to self-worth and that everyone can still claim their humanness at the end of the day.In one of the last questions she received, Hayes was asked what she’d bring to the USWNT as head coach that no one ever has before. She answered, fast as a New York minute, with a smile.“Oh, you’re never gonna get anybody with a personality like me!”(Top photo: Brad Smith/Getty Images for USSF)
Indy 11 Advance in US Open Cup, Host Phoenix Sat @ Home
Indy Eleven is on to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history after a 3-0 defeat of USL Championship rival Detroit City FC on Wednesday night at Carroll Stadium they will travel to face Atlanta United July 9 or 10. The 11 return home this Sat at 7 pm @ the Mike vs Phoenix for Racing Indy Night. *Eleventh Anniversary Ticket Special Available While Supplies Last – Tickets Start At $5.25(Offer valid online only.) or watch on CBS Sports Galazo Network.
Roster Set for US Men’s Friendlies
U.S. Soccer announced the 27-man roster for the United States Men’s National Team ahead of two friendlies to prepare for Copa América. The team will report to Washington, DC on May 28th. The roster will come together for friendlies against Colombia on June 8th in the DC area and on June 12th against Brazil in Orlando. For the most part, it will be the pool that USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter selects the final roster for Copa América, which is due June 15th. The final Copa América roster must be a minimum of 23 players but can have up to 26 players.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City), Sean Johnson (Toronto FC), Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest)
DEFENDERS (9): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic FC), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC), Tim Ream (Fulham FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Nottingham Forest), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven), Timmy Tillman (LAFC)
FORWARDS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Tim Weah (Juventus), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
Roster for US Women’s Friendlies
The United States Women’s National Team has a roster for Emma Hayes’ first matches in charge. Today, U.S. Soccer announced the 23-player roster for two friendlies against South Korea on June 1st in Colorado and June 4th in Minnesota.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage)
DEFENDERS (7): Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Sam Staab (Chicago Red Stars)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
FORWARDS (7): Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
TRAINING ROSTER (3): Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit)
Congrats to Bill Spencer’s Carmel FC U12 Gold Girls on their way to Challenge Cup Finals Weekend Congrats to the 2009 Girls Blue Team headed to Challenge Cup Finals See More https://carmelfc.teamapp.com/articles?_list=v1
2024/2025 Tryout and Evaluation Information Carmel FC will be hosting tryouts for new and existing players on the following dates:
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Good Luck to Matt Antisdel as he moves on to Arizona – we’ll miss you Matt !
Boys in Blue move on to U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals against Atlanta United
INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 22, 2024) – Indy Eleven is on to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history after a 3-0 defeat of USL Championship rival Detroit City FC on Wednesday night at Carroll Stadium.Indy Eleven opened the scoring by way of a Detroit City own goal off a Benjamin Ofeimu cross from the right side. The Boys in Blue have scored their first goal in the 14th minute or earlier in each of their three U.S. Open Cup matches this season (CHI 4’, SA 2’). The home team would tack on two more in the first half with Douglas Martinez finding Augi Williams (33’) for the tally and Aedan Stanley connecting on a corner to Ofeimu (36’). Williams now has a pair of Open Cup goals for Indy this season, while Stanley has a team-best two assists. Indy Eleven continues the streak and is unbeaten in its last eight matches, dating back to the Third Round win over Chicago Fire FC II on April 17. The Boys in Blue also become the second Indiana club in the history of the tournament to reach the Quarterfinals (Indianapolis Inferno 1992). The Boys in Blue will play out of the East Division in the Quarterfinals on the road against Atlanta United (MLS) July 9 or 10.
2024 Third Round | April 17, 2024 | Chicago Fire FC II (MLS NEXT Pro) 0:1 Indy Eleven (USLC) Round of 32 | May 8, 2024 | Indy Eleven 2:0 San Antonio FC (USLC) Round of 16 | May 22, 2024 | Indy Eleven (USLC) 3:0 Detroit City FC (USLC)
Remaining U.S. Open Cup Schedule Quarterfinal | Tuesday, July 9 – Wednesday, July 10 Semifinal | Tuesday, Aug. 27 – Wednesday, Aug. 28 Final | Wednesday, Sept. 25
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup | Round of 32 Indy Eleven 3:0 Detroit City FC Wednesday, May 22, 2024 – 7 p.m. ET Carroll Stadium | Indianapolis
Scoring Summary IND – Own Goal 14’ IND – Augi Williams (Douglas Martinez) 33’ IND – Ben Ofeimu (Aedan Stanley) 36’
Discipline Summary IND – Ben Ofeimu (caution) 7’ DET – Devon Amoo-Mensah (caution) 61’ IND – Jack Blake (caution) 65’ IND – Max Schneider (caution) 90+1’
Ian Darke’s Premier League team-by-team season grades
Ian Darke, ESPN.com writerMay 21, 2024, 01:00 PM ET
Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola are insatiable. Six out of the last seven Premier League titles, including an unprecedented four in succession, and you know that by August, they will be hungry for more. How does Pep do it? Not even he can explain it.But City did not have things all their own way in what was a thrilling season featuring a record number of goals. So how did your team rate? Here are my end-of-season grades.
Erling Haaland won the Golden Boot again despite missing two months with injury, Phil Foden was Footballer of the Year, and Rodri has gone 50 league matches unbeaten. But the clincher in City’s faultless final stretch was the return to fitness of pass-master Kevin De Bruyne.
A magnificent effort to total 89 points — their best since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles” 20 years ago. Declan Rice‘s signing from West Ham United was inspired, and Kai Havertz silenced his doubters. However, not even a run of six straight wins at the end of the season was quite enough. GRADE: A-
The bombshell news on Jan. 26 that Jurgen Klopp would be leaving at the end of the season came with Liverpool five points clear at the top of the table. But while winning the League Cup and always looking dangerous in attack, the Reds’ defending was often less convincing. Despite an initial boost in form following Klopp’s announcement, Liverpool seemed to run out of stream in costly defeats by Crystal Palace and Everton. GRADE: B+
How Slot can use Ten Hag’s struggles to adapt to the Premier League
Mario Melchiot shares his advice for Arne Slot ahead of his first season in the Premier League as Liverpool manager.
Aston Villa will be deliriously happy at a top-four finish and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Unai Emery’s team was lethal at times at Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins developing into an elite striker with 19 goals and 13 assists. The Villans were less convincing on the road, however, and the 6-2 aggregate loss to Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League semifinals was a reality check. GRADE: A-
Fifth place in a first year without Harry Kane, the team’s talisman who left for Bayern Munich, was no calamity, but disappointing in the context of their early-season charge to the top with 26 points from the first 10 games. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s adventurous and attractive style of play made him an instant hit with supporters, but the apparent absence of a Plan B means the honeymoon is probably over. GRADE: B-
Assessing Man United’s worst-ever Premier League finish
The ESPN FC Live team grade a Premier League season to forget for Manchester United, who finish way outside a Champions League spot in eighth.
Mauricio Pochettino’s departure by “mutual consent” comes as a big surprise after the club’s excellent finish to the season. It looked like he had found a winning blend after months of erratic form, but his exit — apparently amicable — suggests either he and owner Todd Boehly see the future rather differently. Or Pochettino has other plans. GRADE: B-
Eddie Howe’s side finished strongly to claim seventh place, but they need Man City to win the FA Cup on Saturday in order to clinch a European place. A long injury list and a less-than-watertight defence away from home meant the Magpies could never hit last season’s heights despite 21 goals from Alexander Isak, third-top scorer in the league. GRADE: C+
It was Manchester United’s worst finish of the Premier League era, and as a result, the Red Devils will need to beat Man City in the FA Cup Final to salvage a berth in continental competition next season. Injuries in defence certainly played a role in the team’s lackluster performances, but United lacked shape or identity with opponents storming through a vacant midfield. Head coach Erik ten Hag will do well to survive the winds of change sent blowing through Old Trafford by new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. GRADE: F
Pickford: Everton kept fighting as a team after the points deductions
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford explains how his team kept a positive attitude even after getting hit with a points deduction from the Premier League.
Eye-catching wins as at Arsenal and Spurs coupled with fearful beatings in four other London derbies meant this was a topsy-turvy season for West Ham. Manager David Moyes leaves memories of some great European nights and lofty finishes in the league. But despite the menace of Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, the Hammers’ form was patchy, with no clean sheets since Jan. 2. GRADE: C+
New boss Oliver Glasner inspired an electric finish to the season, guiding Palace to six wins in their final seven games to sneak into the top half of the table. The Eagles were a different side after gifted duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise finally got fit and firing, while Jean-Philippe Mateta was a revelation with 16 goals. Can they keep these stars together at Selhurst Park for another go next season? Given the interest from bigger clubs, it will be a challenge. GRADE: B+
Roberto De Zerbi’s reign ended with one win in his final 10 games. Injuries did not help, but there is no hiding from the fact that a talented team regressed this season — having finished sixth in 2022-23 — and the restless De Zerbi tinkered too much with his starting XI, which ultimately cost them. GRADE: C-
A triumph for Spanish tactician Andoni Iraola in his debut season, especially after a poor start that had observers wondering if the Cherries had made a mistake bringing him in to replace Gary O’Neil. Pleasing football, 48 points, a comfortable midtable finish and 19 goals for Dominic Solanke. GRADE: B+
You feared for them after losing top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic to the Saudi Pro League but, despite fading into 13th place, Marco Silva’s team was never in trouble. The emergence of Rodrigo Muniz to fill the boots of Mitrovic was important. Some top displays included a 2-1 win at Arsenal.
Overall, there will be no complaints at Craven Cottage. GRADE: B
One of the few teams to beat Manchester City, Wolves might have finished higher in the table if the speedy Pedro Neto played more often alongside Hwang Hee-Chan and Matheus Cunha. Manager Gary O’Neil kept them well clear of the relegation zone, but one win from the last nine games rather spoiled the upbeat mood. GRADE: C+
Three home wins in a week — including a terrific display in the Merseyside derby — clinched the Toffees’ survival in the Premier League. That was quite an achievement for Everton boss Sean Dyche in the face of a points deduction after an independent commission found the club had breached Profit and Sustainability Rules, a dearth of goals, and ongoing doubts about Everton’s alleged takeover. The blue half of Liverpool desperately needs some calmer times. GRADE: B-
You know Brentford and their supporters are happy the club stayed up after a difficult season blighted by a long injury list and the suspension that ruled out top striker Ivan Toney until January. He will likely move to another club during the summer transfer window, giving likeable manager Thomas Frank a chance to refresh his squad. GRADE: C
One stat above all others sums up Forest’s struggles: They kept only one clean sheet in the last six months of the season. But they kept their heads just above the relegation zone thanks to a trifecta of attacking talent, Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White. They were just enough to compensate for a bloated squad, VAR rows, and a change of manager from Steve Cooper to Nuno Espirito Santo. GRADE: C-
A fairytale with an unhappy ending as the Hatters return to the English Championship. Head coach Rob Edwards and his team won lots of friends, but not enough points, and ran out of road with only one win after January. GRADE: C
Teams like to copy Pep Guardiola’s tactic of playing out of the defense, but it isn’t easy — unless you have City’s caliber of players — which is exactly what Burnley discovered this season. Indeed, it all looked a little naive from manager Vincent Kompany and his players. After winning the Championship at a canter in 2022-23, the Clarets were expected to do better but went straight back down. GRADE: D
A shadow of the team who were promoted, Sheffield United conceded a whopping 104 goals this season. One of the weakest teams in Premier League history, the Blades need a major reset. GRADE: F
USMNT roster questions: How to replace Dest and who will make Copa America cut?
Yesterday, we took your questions right after the USMNT squad was announced for the training camp and friendlies that will precede the 2024 Copa America. The squad contains 27 players and the final group of 26 that will play in the Copa America will likely come from this list.Nturally, you all had questions. We tried our best to answer them based on what we’ve reported about this team over the years. Here are some of the bits from that session.
Quintin R. asked: What is the reasoning for calling 27 into camp? Expecting injury or someone not to be fully fit come June 23? Seems odd to leave one guy at home.
Paul Tenorio: My guess is that it’s about getting a closer look at Tillman considering the central midfield depth chart is stacked for the Olympics, too. Plus it provides some insurance as the U.S. evaluates the health and availability of Tyler Adams and Josh Sargent.
“Timmy made a good impression on us in January,” Berhalter told us earlier today. “When we’re looking at this roster versus the Olympic roster, there are some other guys that were in contention as well, but we felt like the balance of it would be better to keep them with the Olympic group and move Timmy to the senior team,”
Adam F. asked: Why is Shaq Moore on this roster?
Paul Tenorio:Bryan Reynolds is going to be on the Olympic squad and Berhalter said that of the right back options, he valued Moore’s ability to defend in one-on-one situations.
“We know he’s getting back to his form right now,” Berhalter said. “He has been out for a while, but he’s been able to get on the field now and get some more minutes and he’s a guy when we were looking at our matchups this summer, a lot of these wingers are very good one-v-one and we think that’s a strength of his, so there’s something we took into consideration.”
Berhalter also said they are looking at Weah, McKennie, Musah and center backs as potential right back depth options.
Henry K asked: Could we potentially see Pulisic slide over to the right wing position and have Weah stand in as a right back to replace Dest?
Tom Bogert: It definitely feels like a possibility, right? It’ll probably depend on the matchup, but it seems like an option.
It’s worth noting that Christian Pulisic played the majority of his minutes on the right for AC Milan this year and was excellent. Obviously, he has different responsibilities with the national team (and he’ll be playing in a different system,) but he’d be plenty comfortable on that side.
The most ultra-attacking lineup from this roster has Weah at right back, Pulisic right wing, Gio Reyna at the No 10 and Wright at left wing.
Pulisic has played well at right wing for AC Milan this season (Getty Images)
Paul Tenorio: Berhalter said one of the main tasks of the training camp ahead of the Copa America is figuring out what they want to do at right back.
“Obviously with Sergiño going down, we have to figure out the right back situation and there’s a couple of different options we can look at,” Berhalter said. “We have like-for-like with Joe Scally and Shaq Moore. We have a winger that can play there with Timothy Weah, who’s played that for his club. We have center midfielders who can play there with Weston and Yunus, and then we have center backs that we’re looking at, can they play there? So, we just wanted the ability in this training camp to have options, to have flexibility. Some of it may revolve around a back three. But the first objective is to see how we’re going to fill that right back position because we know we’re going to be missing Sergiño.”
Austen B. asks: Out of attacking, midfield, and defense, where is the USMNT most likely to challenge the contenders and mostly likely to struggle? I know the USMNT has not had great success scoring against top competition (at least in the World Cup), yet to me their midfield and attacking was still a “strength” in that they have been able to keep possession and put pressure on opponents, whereas the defense seems to lack lock down defenders and at times show lapses against dangerous attacks.
Paul Tenorio: I think yours is a fair assessment. The area where the U.S. has been best against top opponents is in midfield. MMA was the clear winner at the World Cup in its ability to match up against England, especially. The U.S. was quite dangerous at times in transition, they got into the right spaces, but the final pass (and sometimes the pass before the pass) was lacking. I’m thinking of against Wales specifically and I wrote about it then.
Can the U.S. be more dangerous in the Copa America? Can they be more deadly with chances in the final third? We’ll see. And I definitely have concerns with defending on the right side of this lineup.
Seth R. asks: Does this roster give you any hints as to what overage players will be selected for the Olympics squad?
Paul Tenorio: I think it gives hints not just at overage players, but also some of the younger players who could play a role.
Berhalter mentioned Kevin Paredes, Aidan Morris and Bryan Reynolds as players who they see as getting more minutes at the Olympics than they would here. I think all three would have probably made this team if there was no Olympic tournament.
Overage players I think are under consideration: Zimmerman, Auston Trusty and Brandon Vazquez, among others.
Zendejas has played well for Club America but misses out on the USMNT roster (Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Collin J. asks: With Alejandro Zendejas playing well for Club America, why is he off the roster while a struggling Brenden Aaronson is on it?
Tom Bogert: It’s definitely a tough omission for Zendejas and probably disheartening on a personal level — what more could he have done? Zendejas has 14 goals and eight assists in 3,176 minutes this season for Club America and will play in the Clausura final.
Unfortunately for him, the winger position is loaded and now has a new, versatile entrant in Haji Wright (who had spent his time with USMNT at the No 9 before excelling at left wing with Coventry this year).
It’s tough for Zendejas that, if he had stuck to his original international allegiance with Mexico, he might have been a starter at the Copa America for them rather than fighting to make the U.S. roster.
Jody R. asks: If both Adams and Sargent are unable to go, who do you think the next man up would be? Pefok?
Paul Tenorio: If Sargent can’t go, I doubt there’d be a like-for-like sub there. You’d probably just roll with Pepi-Balogun-Wright as your No 9 options and carry an extra midfielder or add a winger.
I think if Adams goes down, there is probably just a plan to keep Tillman on the squad as a midfielder who can provide depth at several spots.
Adam T. asked: Why is Gregg Berhalter obsessed with MLS players?
Paul Tenorio: There are four MLS players on the 27-man roster, one of which I would expect not to make the Copa roster (Tillman), the other of which is an injury replacement for the injured Sergiño Dest (Shaq Moore) and probably would not have been on the squad if not for the Olympics taking a Euro-based right back (Bryan Reynolds), the third of which is the third goalkeeper.
Miles Robinson is basically the top MLS player on this squad and judging him off the league he plays in probably is more of a you problem than a Berhalter problem.
Harry P asks: Any insight into (reigning MLS MVP) Luciano Acosta potentially switching allegiances and joining the USMNT?
Tom Bogert: Acosta remains in the process of becoming a United States citizen (and thus eligible to represent the USMNT), but it’s taking a bit longer than they hoped because when Lucho left the D.C. United to sign with Atlas, he left the country and would not have qualified as a resident at that time. Acosta has argued he couldn’t come back because of COVID-19 (Lucho signed with Atlas in December 2019), but the government didn’t see it that way. TBD on timing, but this is definitely still in the works.
One key reason Acosta is getting citizenship is the hope to play for the USMNT.
“Obviously (I would accept a USMNT call-up), if it came,” Acosta told us last year when we revealed he was in the citizenship process. “It’s one reason I started the process.”
(Top photo: Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes talks Olympic roster preparations and the role of NWSL
On Wednesday, U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes arrived at Newark airport just outside New York City following a fifth-consecutive successful title run with Chelsea in the Women’s Super League. She was only in New York — a place she considers home, previously spending seven years in the U.S. developing as a young coach — for a short time.“I’m lucky to be born in England, but made in America,” Hayes said on Thursday to the Today Show.On Tuesday, she named the roster for her first USWNT camp, causing some excitement by listing Crystal Dunn as a forward. She’ll have two chances to stand on the U.S. sideline next month with a set of friendlies against South Korea in Denver and Saint Paul.“I want to focus on the performance. I want to get to know the players. I want to make sure that, in the limited time we have together, we make the most of it,” she said from a tall stool inside Studio A at Rockefeller Center. “And for me, pressure is a huge privilege.”By Thursday morning, Hayes was making the rounds with American media, confident as she sat for half a dozen television interviews before settling in front of a round table of USWNT coverage regulars.Hayes spoke for nearly an hour with three things becoming clear: the transition process has been slowly happening since November, she sees NWSL and USL Super League as crucial parts of the USWNT’s development, and nothing is set in stone — especially not the Olympic roster.
Easing into the role
“Everything, to be honest,” Hayes said when detailing what U.S. interim head coach Twila Kilgore shared with her during the transition process. She rattled off a list of lessons from the 2023 World Cup, team personnel, and the collective bargaining agreement with the USWNT Players Association. “Culture, traditions, I want to maintain and uphold the right things.”Hayes’ conversation with Kilgore also touched on the games the USWNT has played so far this year and the finer details like the timeline of a roster selection process.“We’ve been on many long calls late at night,” she said, referencing the time difference between the U.S. and England. “Certainly been to bed quite late in the last few months, but she’s been a humongous help.“I feel like I’ve been able to quietly get to know the job without being in the job, and I think that’s really helped every little detail, whether it’s processes on game day to how they operate in the hotel to which kit they wear. When I go into camp, I know all of these things.”Her brief trip to the U.S. last November helped too, and most of the time between now and the Olympics has already been planned thanks to Kilgore’s information and what Hayes saw firsthand.“All the May camp preparation is done, all the sessions are planned,” she said. “All of the June schedule is planned out in terms of our meetings, our meeting points. July is planned. Everybody is clear on what’s going on — now it’s about getting the players.”
The American women’s soccer ecosystem
Before taking the USWNT gig, Hayes had provided an outside assessment of the team’s 2023 World Cup performance in a column, focusing primarily on player development and the fact that the team was “massively short of creative talent.” Asked if she would continue to be critical of the program, Hayes expressed that she, like any coach, wants more for the team and federation.
“That’s clear for everyone to see,” she said, gesturing widely. “I don’t always view that as a negative thing. Sometimes you need something like that in life to serve as a reminder if you don’t grow. I always say all the time, what got you here won’t get you there. It’s an opportunity now to evolve.”Hayes said the focus needs to be on improving day in and day out, which isn’t limited to U.S. Soccer.“We need our league, the NWSL, to be hugely competitive. We need the USL (Super League) for lots of reasons, a development pathway for players that don’t necessarily make the NWSL to come in and to be given a place to play,” she said. “That in itself will create competition. Competition is healthy.”That synergy was apparent Thursday as Hayes’ media availability took place at NWSL’s offices. (The league made sure she had access to NWSL+, the league’s streaming platform.) While she watches and will continue to games across the league, it’s a feat she admitted she can’t do on her own.“Across the breadth and depth of this country, that cannot be covered solely by me,” she said. “There will be a coaching and analytics team that will be scattered across the country.”Hayes added that she has seen a noticeable tactical improvement across the league this season.“We have to compete with what’s going on in Europe, and I see lots of good developments in the (NWSL). I’ve seen good international players come into the league. All of these things have to happen in order for the U.S. team to compete at the top level,” Hayes said. “My job is to make sure that I work together with all of those stakeholders so that together, we have got the experience of what’s been done in Europe to be able to say look, we have to drive to the next space.”
Assessing all options, including forward Crystal Dunn
Hayes spoke about the roster for her first camp but did not touch on too many individual players that did or did not make the cut. Crystal Dunn’s name came up a couple of times, however, thanks to the fact that Dunn is joining the forward pool in Colorado and Minnesota.
“I don’t publish the order,” Hayes said, smiling. “I had nothing to do that with.” She paused, holding the joke as long as she could before finishing, “I’m being cheeky.”
Hayes coached Dunn at Chelsea during the 2017-2018 season, but she said she’s seen the conversations about Dunn’s position over the years as well. Hayes knows how important it is for Dunn to “find a home” on the field.“For me, it’s less about, ‘Is she going to play in that position?’” Hayes said. “I would like to see her a little bit further forward this time around knowing I already know what she can do at left back.”
Dunn isn’t the only player Hayes is evaluating. She said the 18-player roster for the Olympics is not decided, and what she sees in camp will take her a step closer to knowing that final list. It’s part of why she didn’t want to comment on any individual player.
“I have to analyze players and analyze which players are closest to making that roster,” Hayes said. “I need to see it, feel it, be around it to get a sense of the tactical understanding of everyone — see where everybody is at.”
Hayes will focus on the process and the performance. She’s learned to focus on that over her years of coaching. She’s less worried about where a team is today; it’s where a team is at the end that counts.
“Are the USA at their best possible position today?” She rhetorically asked the group of reporters. “No, but it’s about where we finish when we need to that matters to me. So I want to focus on that instead of where we are in the world rankings, where we are in comparison to Spain”
Even though she’s been watching the team from a distance since she got the job in November, the time with players in June will show her how much of a gap between the team today and the team at the Olympics can be closed. She wants to be realistic about it.“I’ve come from a club level and what I have learned is the best development is done at club level,” she said addressing prospective USWNT players via the reporters in the room. “So go back to your clubs, play, compete, get healthy, and put yourself in the best possible place.(Photo: USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
It was, after about half an hour, feeling like an office party at a karaoke bar. Chelsea’s travelling support were rolling through all the hits and by the end, Emma Hayes was taking requests. “We want five!” they said. Duly it arrived. “We want Fran!” came the calls, and on went Fran Kirby for her final game in a Chelsea shirt. When she scored Chelsea’s last goal, on 85 minutes, it felt like Chelsea were bending the world to their will. “What’s the score?” the fans asked Hayes repeatedly, and gladly she held up her fingers in immediate reply. It took her a little longer for goal six, probably from the extra effort of taking both hands from her pockets.
Emma Hayes’ side won 6-0 at Old Trafford on the final day of the season (Alex Livesey – The FA via Getty Images)
The only omission from their setlist was a chorus of oles. Had it been against a bigger rival, they might have whipped those out after the second goal arrived inside nine minutes but, as it was, Chelsea were too focused to break off for that kind of interlude.It helps when Manchester United barely showed up, let alone with the energy to gatecrash. Hayes’ leaving party was exactly that, and the force of it all was such that United’s decision to parade their FA Cup trophy at full time to fans unable to travel to last week’s Wembley final felt like witnessing a proposal at somebody else’s wedding. It had all the hallmarks of one: the Hayes kids flinging confetti at each other, Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert striking comedy poses in front of the trophy as if in a photo booth.Even Hayes seemed a touch delirious, at one point turning to her bench and mouthing: “Who scored?” and shrugging towards her players during one particularly rampant patch. Certainly, she was taken aback by the ludicrous nature of it all, the ease with which, on its final day, it all fell into place. To emerge from this season with a fifth successive league title is, to put it one way, a bit of a leap in plot terms, given where we were a month ago, and rich with irony given it was her nemesis, Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, who opened the door for her to write her ending with a 2-1 win over runners-up Manchester City this month, a match that tilted the title race in Chelsea’s favour.
Still, a sunny stroll was a nice change for Hayes given the pace of the past few months, and how quickly it looked like her final season at Chelsea would fall apart. Hayes had been hoping for a quadruple until losing the Continental Cup to Arsenal in March — the game that ended with her shoving Eidevall at full time in response to the “male aggression” she said he had exhibited on the touchline — and her decision to recite a poem in lieu of an apology at her subsequent press conference seemed to precipitate a wider unravelling and betray a more muddled line of thinking.Within a fortnight, the quadruple had halved to a double after a defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup. To attend Hayes’ post-match press conference was to see a more guarded, circumspect figure, one visibly wary about saying the wrong thing. In the end, she did: her remarks that “nobody died” and that the goal for the end of the season was for everybody to get out alive did not play well with a fanbase anxious given recent events.These were rare missteps for Hayes, a manager who, if anything, has given the impression over the years of being frustrated by too much good press rather than the reverse (the title of her audiobook, To Kill the Unicorn, is about curing the delusion of the manager as a mythical being who has all the answers). So came the backlash. This season has been the most bruising of Hayes’ career from a PR perspective and the stakes have been so much higher given the number of eyeballs on her since it was announced in November she would take over as manager of the U.S. women’s national team this summer.“Sometimes I wish I was in the old, old days where maybe it was a small press pack,” Hayes said in her final press conference before playing United. “I actually did that early on. You could sit and have little off-the-record conversations, but also share good things. Now, it’s just an exercise of not tripping up. You say too much and get whacked for it. You don’t say enough then it’s just something dull, a repetitive function that we have to serve.”She continued the theme after the match. “If I wasn’t a football manager or had to do a press conference every three days, I’m that person in the social group who sits in the corner. I’m not front and centre in my life. I don’t live like that. So I find some of this job really, really hard because I just want a quiet life. That’s what I’m most looking forward to — being out of the British media, having a different life and being in a situation where I only have to do this and games every six weeks.”Hayes will know it has been a slog for the women’s game to reach this point in the public consciousness. The sport has exploded over the past two years in particular and with the publicity has come scrutiny that Hayes probably felt underprepared for.As the face of the WSL and the sport’s loudest advocate, she has felt it more than most managers. Opposition fans grow weary at the focus on Hayes and Chelsea and the woman at the centre finds being used as a rent-a-quote burdensome, for all she understands the need to keep pushing for more. There is, though, no obvious heir to her role as a mouthpiece for the sport as a whole. Aston Villa’s Carla Ward is taking a career break for similar reasons to Hayes’ desire for a break. City’s Gareth Taylor feels too guarded, United’s Marc Skinner too emotional and Eidevall too explosive on the field. Someone shaping a club to the extent Hayes has feels less likely in the era where women’s teams continue to move in-house. Maybe they won’t make them like her anymore.Not that Hayes could be persuaded to stay. “I categorically cannot carry on,” Hayes said on Saturday. “I don’t have another drop to give, whatever it is. When you deal with people, I have such high standards for myself that maintaining that has become impossible. I can’t keep up with the demands from players on a daily basis in terms of their emotional needs, in terms of everything. I found that to be gruelling this year.”
The moment Chelsea were confirmed as WSL champions (Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
She detailed discussions with Chelsea’s sporting directors over improving player care and performance psychology. For those who want to find something deeper in Hayes’ departure, maybe there is a lesson here: after Chelsea’s 8-0 win over Bristol City on May 5, she had warned that female coaches would continue to leave the game if football did not appreciate their wellbeing. “If you’re a parent, forget about it,” she said. She would love to see a duo of two mothers or co-head coaches. “You have to give up a lot in this job,” she went on. “I don’t wish it on anyone.”In time, maybe the game will reflect that it failed one of its greatest managers; maybe this is just the reality of management, at this point in the WSL’s life. Maybe it just has to be that consuming. Maybe it’s different for women. In any case, the next generation will benefit from Hayes’ wisdom, even if Hayes has been burned out by it all.“Staying on top of emotion is something I’m really good at,” she said at her final press conference. “Sometimes, I really hate that. You have to do that a lot as a manager, which is probably one of the reasons I’m leaving this job. I miss Emma, and feeling like I don’t have to watch every word I say or worry about what my body language looks like in every situation because the camera’s on me.”Her final few weeks at Chelsea engendered a kind of ‘grieving’ among her family members who had taken the club to heart. Often, Hayes declined to talk about it with any finality “because I don’t want to cry because I have to do my job”. She had learned to “kick the emotions in the back of my head” but imagined “sobbing my heart out” at some point on Sunday, once it was all over and after she had hosted a barbeque for her son Harry’s birthday.
That has been the odd dichotomy of Hayes’ tenure: a winning machine but always with the disclaimers — maybe even anchors — that she is human, too. After exiting the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona in April, Hayes’ eyes brimmed with tears; her press officer mouthed: “You OK?” before they plunged into a short press conference where Hayes took only six questions. At the Football Writers’ Association dinner to honour Hayes, she teared up while thanking her late father, Sid, the one who had told her to go out and make the English game into what had been built in the United States. An underappreciated facet of this season is that Hayes has trundled through it all while grieving for her father. The menopause, Hayes has said on more than one occasion, has also presented unique challenges.
“Don’t think I’m not, like, feeling it,” she said after her final game at Kingsmeadow. “Today was really, really hard for me to coach. Really, really hard. There was a lot going on.”
Still, Chelsea did the job that night: fans ordered goals and Chelsea served them like they were waiting tables. Even when Guro Reiten managed a hat-trick on 77 minutes, Hayes was urging Chelsea back to the centre circle to rack up the goals that would put them in control on the final day. As the PA system reminded the crowd when the teams came back from the break that this would be the final 45 minutes at Kingsmeadow for Hayes, Kirby and Maren Mjelde, the evening bubbled with a sense of purpose, the mood music changed entirely after City’s 2-1 defeat by Arsenal in the earlier game.
The win put Chelsea in control of their own destiny, albeit not always convincingly, and half the time it was tricky to work out what Hayes was thinking. She conceded the title live on Sky, flanked by upcoming striker Aggie Beever-Jones, after a 4-3 defeat by Liverpool.
She insisted later that the interview — which Sky pundit Karen Carney called “weird” — was not an attempt at a mind game. You half-believe Hayes, given the sincerity with which she later insisted she expected City to win, but initially, she conceded it was “the right tactic” for her to “take the pressure off” her own players before City played.
Over the past year, Hayes has pulled so many tricks that looking for the real meaning sometimes felt like untangling a cat’s cradle. At the least, she is adept at spinning situations to Chelsea’s advantage, and maybe all the strangeness served to take the spotlight from the players. She insisted it was her squad who spearheaded the title charge after City’s slip-up, but it’s hard to believe Hayes was truly willing to abandon all hope: “It all came from them. They never gave up that belief… I learned so much from them today. I really did. I learned a lot about the importance of belief.”
Hayes allowed herself some time to rest on Sunday, then will move to her new in-tray. She is exhausted, but the thought of going to an Olympics, she says, is “not tiring” and will re-energise her. She has USWNT player and staff calls on Monday, a call with U.S. leadership teams on Wednesday, a flight to New York and press obligations on Thursday in Denver, a meeting with staff on Friday, and a first meeting with the team on the following Monday.
It is a full-circle moment given the call from Sid that started it all: when out in Atlanta and bowled over by the 1996 and 1999 U.S. teams, he told Hayes to get out there. When she finally does, it will be with the hope of a simpler life, and maybe a team already used to celebrity and fighting culture wars, with players who will be masters of the things that have most jaded Hayes in her final few years in England. Still, Hayes will likely prove unignorable: it is difficult to imagine how she will ever be less box office as long as she is herself.
It’s been equally difficult, over the past few weeks, to try to understand Hayes’ legacy. When she announced her departure, it was easy: an immeasurable impact on a sport and a club. May onwards made for a strange time to quantify it all given the events post-Continental Cup final, and the view among opposition fans that what happened there irreparably damaged her reputation. Hayes is no longer a universally-liked figure. Furthermore, she has never won the Champions League as a head coach, let alone built a European dynasty a la Lyon or Barcelona. To what extent those will exist as asterisks on her roll of honour might only become clear if an English team wins the Champions League in the coming years. Deeming a return to club management “unlikely”, Hayes seemed to pass up on ever doing so.
You can’t believe it bothers her much. Knowing that she has nothing more to give is in itself closure. Hayes is simply too exhausted to summon regrets and what-ifs. Is she the greatest domestic manager the women’s game has known? Certainly in the WSL era; more broadly, her only rival is Vic Akers, Arsenal’s European Cup-winning manager for whom Hayes was assistant coach, and who pushed the game forward in a similarly visionary way. Hayes endured more scrutiny and greater competition at a more transformative time for the women’s game. It will take a while for anyone to catch up to seven league titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups.
Memory is a slippery thing. In five years, will anyone still read the footnotes at the bottom of title five? That they did it without Sam Kerr, that Arsenal and Stina Blackstenius half won the title for them, that the off-field sideshow threatened to consume it all?
More on Emma Hayes, the incoming USWNT head coach…
This has been a gruelling season for a club beset by injuries and it feels like they’ve made it over the line by constant reinvention and sheer force of will since losing Kerr and her replacement, Mia Fishel, to anterior cruciate ligament injuries at the start of the year. Had Chelsea won the FA Cup this year, it would have been their fourth in a row. That underlines the breadth of their dominance.
The Manchester United manager, Skinner, mused afterwards that the days of clubs winning five titles in a row are “gone”. He said: “I’ve seen the growth from no teams, not professional, all the way to teams that have had the advantage because they professionalised quicker. In the era when it has been professional, Chelsea still managed to deliver that situation. It leaves a space and hopefully, we can fill that space going forward.”
His point was probably that Hayes’ departure and the relentlessness of her dominance leave the door open for others as Chelsea transition but it seemed muddied by his concession that even in the professional era Chelsea stayed ahead of the pack and found a new edge. That constant reinvention gave the illusion that Hayes and Chelsea could go on forever. Hayes has pulled back the curtain on it all to show a coach and players barely limping over the line, and one not always given to enjoyment.
Still, a video of Hayes and son Harry, in a hotel room, singing about winning five titles in a row did the rounds on Saturday night. As with Hayes, there is always a point, a message. That one: I will enjoy this, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks.
(Top photo: Naomi Baker – The FA via Getty Images)
Indy 11 host US Open Cup Game Wed 7 pm vs San Antonio @ Butler Bowl
The Boys in Blue return to action Saturday at Western Conference opponent Monterey Bay F.C. Sat at 10 pm on CBS Galazo Network. Indy is coming off a 2-1 home win over North Carolina FC to move to 2-4-2 on the season and sit at eighth in the Eastern Conference. The Indy 11 will host San Antonio in a huge midweek US Open Cup Sweet 16 game this Wed, May 8th at 7 pm at the Butler Bowl. Tix are just $10 each and can be ordered here.
Columbus Crew on to Finals of CONCACAF Champions Cup
What a huge 3-1 win at Monterrey in the Semi-Final (5-2 Aggregate) for the Columbus Crew as they will advance on to the Finals where they will play Liga MX powerhouse Pachuca – winner over Club America 2-1. Probably the biggest win in Franchise history for the defending MLS Champs. They will play for the Championship Sat June 1 in Pachuca on FS1.
Champions League Semi’s Wrap up Tues/Wed 3 pm CBS
Lets start with Champions League – man the games since the knockout stages have just been fantastic – so great that CBS has shown games from the Sweet 16 on – this week Real Madrid @ Bayern Munich was fantastic – as Bayern with Harry Kane up front scored 2 goals at home but of course Real has this magical way in Champions League to find a way and they also scored 2 goals (highlights) – the 2nd leg in Madrid promises to be a great one on Wed 3 pm on CBS. As a longtime Dortmund fan – because they are the German squad who had American’s – first Pulisic then Reyna – I couldn’t help but root for the team with the best stands (the big Yellow Wall) and their 1-0 win over PSG and Mbappe was impressive (highlights). PGS hosts the final Tues 3 pm at CBS – pregame starts at 2 pm.
News
Indiana Pacer Pascal Siakam from Cameroon has some mad soccer skills during his hoops pregame warm-ups before a recent home playoff game. Really cool story from ESPN about how Juve’s American midfielder, who some consider the best mid in Italy this season, McKinney below.
Huge news that USWNT long time right back Kelley Ohare has announced she will retire at the end of her NWSL Season. (Story below). Also in Women’s Soccer news – The US & Mexico officially dropped out of the bid to host the 2027 World Cup in favor of the 2031 one instead. (Story below and smart thinking). The biggest story in European Soccer: Bayern Levekusen has taken Germany by storm with an amazing 47 wins without a loss since the season 23-24 season started. Already securing the Bundesliga Championship over Bayern Munich by 7 pts – Javi Alonso’s squad look well on their way to a Europa League Championship as well after scoring 2 in Roma to take a commanding lead back home Thurs at 3 pm on Para+. I have watched them comeback 3 times now down in the 90th minute to win or tie the game- simply amazing the belief they have. The play Sunday 11:30 am @ 6th place Frankfort on ESPN+.
Congrats to the Carmel FC 2013 Girls Blue team for their Championship at the Mid Ohio Soccer Classic. That’s our CFCGKU member Hattie L in the middle!
Good luck to all our Carmel FC teams playing in State, President’s & Challenge Cup games this weekend at Grand Park. A reminder my CFC GK Training for U12 & below will move from Wed to Thurs at Badger 5:15 pm. The older group will be at 5:45 pm Wed at River Road still.
Good looking crew at the Girls Showcase at Grand Park last weekend. Shane Best, T Ray Phillips, Carla Baker and Mike Arrington.
GAMES ON TV
Sat, May 4
7:30 am USA Arsenal vs Bournmouth
10 am USA Shefield United (Trusty) vs Nottingham Forest (Reyna)
10 am Peacock Fulham (Jedi, Ream) vs Brentford
10 am Peacock New Castle vs Burnley (adams)
12:30 pm NBC Manchester City vs Wolbverhampton
3 pm Peacock Aston Villa vs Chelsea
3 pm ESPN+ Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club Spain
7:30 pm Ion NY Gotham (Williams, Ohara, Mewis) vs NC Courage (Murphy, Fox) NWSL
10 pm CBS Galazo Net Indy 11 @ Monterey Bay Cal
10 pm Ion Portland Thorns (Smith) vs Washington Spirit (Rodman, Hatch, Sullivan) NWSL
Sun, Apr 28
9 am USA Brighton vs Aston Villa
11:30 am ESPN+ Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen
11:30 am Tele/Peacock Liverpool vs Tottenham
12 noon Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) vs Genoa
1 pm CBS Houston Dash (Campbell) vs KC Current NWSL
2:45 pm Para+ Roma vsJuventus (Weah, McKinney)
6:45 pm FS1 Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy
Tues, May7
3 pm CBS Dortmund 1 vs PSG 0 UCL
7 pm US Open Cup Games
Weds, May 8
3 pm CBS Bayern Munich 2 vs Real Madrid 2 UCL
7 pm USSoccer.com Indy 11 vs San Antonio @ Butler Field
Wettest conditions field wise I have ever Reffed in – this pass week for CYO at Max Bahr Park with Mike Zanders – yes that’s a pond in the middle of the field. LOL – kids loved it though. Shane with Mike Bertram & Matt Antisdel at the Girls Showcase at Grand Park Friday
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(Photo: Brad Smith/Getty Images for USSF)
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USMNT weekend viewing guide: Clinching time
Clinching titles, qualification, and safety.
Saturday
Arsenal v Bournemouth – 7:30a on USA Network
With three matches to play, Bournemouth still have a mathematical shot at a top six finish, though it would require a result with title-contending Arsenal this weekend and a collapse of beautiful proportions from Manchester United and Newcastle. With little to play for the rest of the way, it seems likely the team could shut down Tyler Adams for the remainder of the season and hope he’s able to return in the fall free from injury after what has been a lost 2023-24 season.
Birmingham City v Norwich City – 7:30a on ESPN+
Josh Sargent and Norwich City close out the regular season needing just a point to guarantee a spot in the promotion playoffs and facing a Birmingham City side that need a win to pull out of the relegation zone. Norwich could also advance with a loss if Hull City fail to win and make up a seven goal differential.
Wolfsburg v Darmstadt – 9:30a on ESPN+
Kevin Paredes was a halftime substitute last weekend as Wolfsburg overcame a one goal deficit to come back and defeat Freiburg 2-1. The win pulled Wolfsburg six points clear of the relegation zone, nearly guaranteeing their safety with three matches to play. This weekend, they will face a Darmstadt side who are sitting dead last and will be headed back to the 2. Bundesliga next season.
Werder Bremen v Borussia Mönchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally started on the left side and played 90 minutes last weekend and Jordan Pefok came on in the final minutes as Borussia Mönchengladbach played Brenden Aaronson and Union Berlin to a scoreless draw last weekend. The point left ‘Gladbach four points out of the relegation positions with two additional teams cushioning them as they sit in 13th place. Their opponent this weekend is Werder Bremen, who are two spots and five points ahead of them in the table.
Brentford v Fulham – 10a on Peacock
Antonee Robinson continues to start, but Tim Ream hasn’t seen the field in over two months for Fulham. The team is coming off a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and currently sit squarely in the middle of the EPL pack heading into their match with Brentford.
Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest – 10a on USA Network
Nottingham Forest will look to fend off relegation when they take on already-relegated Sheffield United Saturday morning. Gio Reyna saw just 16 minutes off the bench last weekend in Forest’s 2-0 lost to Manchester City after having started their two previous matches. They face Sheffield United and Auston Trusty, who played every minute of last weekends 5-1 loss to Newcastle. Sheffield’s relegation has been guaranteed and they have already given up more goals than any side in a 38 match season. They are just three goals away from the 100 goals conceded record, which was set by Swindon Town in a 42 match season, with three matches to play.
Monaco v Clermont – 11a on beIN Sports
Folarin Balogun picked up an assist in the first minute, but was pulled at the half with Monaco down 2-1 in what would be an eventual 3-2 loss to Lyon. Despite the loss, Monaco remain in second place with three matches to play and a three point advantage over fourth place Lille for Champions League qualification. Monaco’s opponent this weekend is last place Clermont, who are dead last in the Ligue 1 table.
Sunday
PSV v Sparta Rotterdam – 6:15a on ESPN+
Sergiño Dest’s ACL tear has been confirmed and he will be out for the remainder of the year, but Malik Tillman continues to start and was named to the Eredivisie Team of the Month in April. Tillman had a goal and two assists last weekend in the opening 12 minutes of the win over Heerenveen. Ricardo Pepi saw 12 minutes off the bench last weekend, but was not credited with a goal contribution on any of the eight goals that were scored in the match (he came on with the team up 7-0). With a nine point advantage and three matches to play, PSV can officially clinch the Eredivisie title this weekend when they face eighth place Sparta Rotterdam.
Osasuna v Real Betis – 8a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Johnny played 90 minutes last weekend as Real Betis and Sevilla played to a draw. Betis pulled within two points of Real Sociedad, who fell to Real Madrid. If Betis can close the two point gap on Sociedad over the final five matches, they will earn the Europa Conference League qualifying position. Betis face 11th place Osasuna this weekend who are comfortably middle of the pack.
Union Berlin v Bochum – 9:30a on ESPN+
Brenden Aaronson started and played 74 minutes last weekend as Union Berlin were held to a scoreless draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach to remain just two points out of the relegation playoff position. They are tied with this weekend’s opponent, Bochum, on 30 points and a win by either side would help them to draw clear of the relegation zone with three matches to play.
Celta Vigo v Villarreal – 10:15a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Celta Vigo fell to Deportivo Alaves 3-0 last weekend with Luca de la Torre coming on for the final 36 minutes with his team already down 2-0. Celta are five points out of the relegation positions with five matches to play heading into their match with ninth place Villarreal.
AC Milan v Genoa – Noon on Paramount+
Christian Pulisic started yet again and Yunus Musah also got the starting nod, this time at right back, as AC Milan played Juventus to a scoreless draw last weekend. Milan remain solidly in second place heading into their match against Genoa and with four matches yet to play this season.
Roma v Juventus – 2:45p on Paramount+
Tim Weah started as the right wingback (and put the clamps on Rafael Leao) with Weston McKennie coming on as his replacement with 20 minutes to play last weekend for Juventus. The team will play a Coppa Italia final against Atalanta on Wednesday, so we may see a rotated side again this weekend for Juventus, who are looking like a look to qualify for Champions League play with a eight point advantage and four matches to play.
After Leeds disaster, USMNT’s McKennie is back to his best at Juventus
Bruce Schoenfeld
May 2, 2024, 08:41 AM ET
TURIN, Italy — One recent afternoon, Weston McKennie walked into a pizza parlor.In this part of the world, where he has emerged as one of the top midfielders in Serie A and perhaps Juventus‘ most consistent player, McKennie can rarely go out in public. La Lampara, a restaurant run by the cousin of his personal chef, is a safe haven. He even stores a bottle of Hidden Valley ranch dressing, his favorite condiment, in the refrigerator to swirl on his pizza. But in Leeds, where McKennie was chastised by fans for looking overweight, it all sounds like the start of a bad joke. McKennie spent the second half of last season on loan at Leeds United with the expectation of staying longer. Instead, his introduction to the Premier League was a disaster, marred by accusations by fans that he wasn’t fit and wasn’t making an effort. Suddenly, ranch dressing was no longer just a personality quirk. It was a symptom of the problem that was dragging down the club. “I feel like I let people down,” he says now. At the time, Leeds appeared to be building America’s Team. The investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers was set to complete a purchase of the historic club and market it across the Atlantic. Manager Jesse Marsch — of Racine, Wisconsin, and D.C. United — had signed two of McKennie’s U.S. teammates, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson. (They joined Englishman Jack Harrison, who attended high school in Massachusetts and played college soccer at Wake Forest.)
McKennie, who started his career at Schalke 04 and moved to Juventus in 2020, was seen as the missing piece, a tireless box-to-box midfielder who would provide a touch of Champions League quality.
Except … none of it happened. Marsch was fired in February 2023, after McKennie had played one game for him. The sale was postponed, though the 49ers eventually acquired the team at a reduced price. After three seasons in the Premier League, Leeds was relegated. “Because they signed half the U.S. national team, who weren’t very good,” Darragh MacAnthony, the owner of Peterborough, said in a radio interview.
Fairly or not, McKennie bore much of the blame. A player who prides himself on his work rate, he appeared sluggish. In more than 1,400 minutes over 20 games, he managed just one assist. He had broken a foot the previous February. That healed, but his form hadn’t recovered. “He wasn’t playing like himself,” Aaronson says. “He had a lot of expectations coming in, and that just took its toll on the pitch.”
When McKennie was substituted out an hour into the season’s final game, a 4-1 loss to Spurs at Elland Road that sealed the club’s return to the second division Championship, the home fans chanted at him, “You fat bastard!” Leeds’ option to make McKennie’s transfer permanent for a $38 million fee had seemed like a bargain in January 2023. Not surprisingly, the club declined to activate it. “I felt like it was the first time that I had failed,” McKennie says now. “It knocked me down completely. It put me in the situation of having to prove myself all over again.” Then, McKennie returned to Turin in July and discovered that Juventus didn’t seem to want him back. “The situation that he described to me was horrible,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter says. “He went from a bad situation at Leeds to going back to Juventus, and all of a sudden you don’t have a parking spot or a locker.” At 25, McKennie’s future as an elite player was far from certain. Now, somehow, he is finishing one of the finest seasons of any American in Europe. A playmaker who can score goals, he’s also a ball-winner who is rarely dispossessed. If he maintains his form, he will greatly enhance the U.S. team’s chances of winning the Copa América this summer in its only meaningful games before the 2026 World Cup. “He’s a difference-maker in the final third, and he can also be a difference-maker in the middle third,” Adams says. “He can do so many things that other players can’t do. I think people are only beginning to see what a difference he can make when he’s playing at his best.” They’re seeing it now in Turin, where he ranks among Juventus’s most popular players. He sits in a private room at La Lampara, waiting for his pizza, both literally and figuratively in a place where not many people thought he’d be. “It was difficult for me, honestly,” he says. “But I did it to myself. And my time at Leeds, as bad as it did go, was very important. It was a big moment in my career as far as my development. I am where I am today because of everything I’ve been through. And I’m happy about it. I wouldn’t change any of it.”
During the mostly turgid “Juventus: All or Nothing” documentary series released in 2021, one of the few entertaining scenes shows McKennie with two of his teammates, club legends Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon, discussing food over lunch at the club’s training ground. “If I don’t eat well, it’s impossible to play,” Chiellini says, in what is probably the most Italian comment ever. McKennie urges Chiellini to consider smothering his pizza in ranch, that uniquely American, buttermilk-based invention. “What are you saying to me?” Chiellini responds in mock horror. He then asks about McKennie’s taste in coffee. McKennie makes a face and reveals, in graphic terms, that espresso sends him directly to the bathroom. Laughter ensues. Hanging out with these guys seems like fun.
McKennie’s appealingly quirky personality makes him a popular teammate everywhere he goes. “Relaxed, bubbly good vibes,” is how Glasgow Rangers’ Rabbi Matondo, who played with him at Schalke 04, describes him. “He’s just in his own world, doing his own thing.” McKennie’s father, a U.S. Air Force officer, moved his family from one base to another. McKennie learned to make friends easily. “I make myself so open and — I don’t know — goofy because I want people to feel comfortable to come talk to me,” he says. At Schalke, he spent hours mastering magic tricks he found on YouTube so he could entertain his teammates. He also tried to initiate Matondo into the Cult of Ranch. “Have you been in America?” he asked Matondo, who grew up in Wales. When Matondo told him he had, McKennie’s eyes lit up. “Did you try ranch?”McKennie also plays Fortnite relentlessly. He has a Harry Potter fascination that has led to a goal celebration in which he appears to wave a magic wand and, lately, a deal to promote the video game. “I dabble in different things,” McKennie says. “I’m just the guy who loves to be free and do what he wants.”
Even in the changing room before games, McKennie seems carefree — so much so that teammates sometimes wonder if he’s properly focused. “Then he crosses the white line [onto the pitch] and he becomes a different animal,” Matondo says. “And you see him running and running and going after the ball everywhere. It’s amazing to me.””He’s like a child,” says Adams. “Both on and off the field. And that’s what makes him great.”But McKennie’s antics mask a vulnerability. “He has so much feeling inside of him,” says Berhalter. “That’s who he is. And being receptive to that is part of getting the best out of him.”At a USMNT training camp in Orlando, Florida, in 2019, Berhalter found McKennie to be distracted. “He could tell that my head wasn’t there,” said McKennie, who was 21 at the time. “That I was a little bit off. Maybe not my happy self.” It turned out that he was having issues with his girlfriend. “I was young, I was in love,” he says. “I just went to Gregg and talked with him — not at all about soccer, but just about life. I legit cried in front of him. I sat there and cried and he hugged me, like a father who’s not a father.”
McKennie has also had to spend stretches of his career striving to gain acceptance as an elite player. “My whole career has kind of been that path where people have doubted me, labeled me as an underdog,” he says. As a teenager, he was chosen for a U17 national team residency in Florida, which set him on the path to becoming a professional. But in 2015, he was cut from the team. That motivated him to not only succeed in American soccer, but to go up against the world’s best players in Europe, where he’d been introduced to the game while his father was stationed in Germany. He turned down a scholarship offer at the University of Virginia, then declined an offer to play in MLS for FC Dallas, his hometown team. Not yet 18, he went to Schalke, where he set out to show the skeptics that an unknown young American could be a Bundesliga standout.”Weston is at his best when people count him out,” says Berhalter. His evolution came in fits and starts. At times, he questioned his decision. “Somewhere deep down, though, I knew I had the potential,” he says.In November, 2017, McKennie scored against Portugal in his USMNT debut. When Berhalter became the U.S. coach a year later, he established a leadership council, consisting of six or seven players who rotate into the traditional positions of captain and vice captain. From the beginning, McKennie was a fixture. Yet he felt uncomfortable as a role model. “I’m too free-spirited,” he says.
Given the armband for the first time at Chicago’s Soldier Field in the Concacaf Gold Cup final against Mexico in 2019, he suffered through one of his worst games as a U.S. international. Then, though the responsibilities of the captain include representing the team with the media, McKennie refused to give an interview. He still spurns official titles, but if you were a fly on the wall, he says now, you’d be surprised to see how far he has come. Invariably, he’s the USMNT member who welcomes new arrivals. If a group of established players are headed out somewhere, Aaronson says, “he’s always the one to text the new guys and make sure they know about it. I’ve seen him do it again and again. I’m really impressed by that.”McKennie also lets his U.S. teammates know that they can come to him with insecurities, competitive issues or other problems. “Maybe you’re going through the same thing that I went through,” he says, “because I’ve had my share of hiccups.” That includes getting sent home from the final round of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup for spending one night outside the club’s COVID-19 bubble at a Nashville hotel and bringing an unauthorized visitor into his hotel room during another, which earned him the disgust of former USMNT standout Landon Donovan.” And I remember the times when maybe I thought I didn’t belong,” McKennie says. “So I try to tell the players, ‘You belong. You’re here. Trust yourself. Believe in yourself.'”And then, last summer, McKennie had to convince himself of the same.
Nobody would have questioned McKennie in August if he had asked to get a fresh start somewhere else, especially when it became clear he wasn’t in Juventus’s plans. “A lot of players would have said, ‘I’m done here. I’m leaving'” Berhalter says. “And he did just the opposite. He said, ‘I’m going to prove them all wrong.'”He was included on Juventus’s preseason tour to California and Florida, both to showcase him and to provide a marquee name for American fans. Still, his determination impressed manager Max Allegri, who saw utility in a player who competed each time he stepped on the field. “Weston has this mentality that he’s able to brush things aside,” Aaronson says. “He went back to Juventus and did what he did because he’s not focused on things like other people are. It’s a source of strength for him.”
Start running now and don’t stop until the end of the season, Allegri told him, and McKennie is still running. He began the season as a substitute at right-back, then stepped in when Tim Weah strained a thigh and couldn’t play. Soon enough, he was back in the midfield, using his skill as a distributor to get the ball forward to Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa.
McKennie has operated from both the right side and in the middle, depending on Allegri’s needs. He hurt a knee in January, which necessitated a trip to see a specialist in France, then separated a shoulder in a collision with a Frosinone player in late February. Yet he still ranks among Serie A leaders this season in clearances, progressive passes and assists, an unusual trifecta that illustrates his varied skills.In late December, when the well-regarded Italian daily Tuttosport published its compilation of Juventus player ratings for the season’s first half, McKennie led the team. “Right now,” Weah says, “he’s top-tier. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world.”
Against Frosinone in February, he played one of the better games in memory by an American in Europe before hurting his shoulder in the 82nd minute. He created Juventus’ first goal by making a run down the right side without the ball, then receiving a pass he controlled with a single touch and sending the ball into the box for Vlahovic, who poked it home. Half an hour later he fed Vlahovic again, a pinpoint delivery from a step inside the box, for a second goal. Later, he moved from the right wing to a role as an inside midfielder, from which he was controlling play. Until he collided awkwardly with Kaio Jorge and was taken off, he was clearly the best player on the field. The next day, Tuttosport dubbed him the “King of Assists.”Within days, the local newspaper in Leeds, the Yorkshire Evening Post, would run a story about the interest McKennie was suddenly generating among England’s biggest clubs. The headline: “Leeds United Flop Linked with Manchester United and Arsenal.”
Unlike the vast majority of football professionals, McKennie professes to have no interest in a game unless he’s playing in it. He can’t remember the last time he watched one on television, start to finish. In fact, he may never have done it.”I used to ask him, ‘How do you play football the way you do and have no knowledge of anything going on in the sport?” Matondo says.In summer 2018, while in preseason camp with Schalke 04, McKennie went to Christian Pulisic‘s house in Dortmund with a bunch of other players to see the France-Croatia World Cup final. Except, McKennie didn’t actually see it. “Everyone was on the couch watching the game,” he says. “There were a whole bunch of TVs.” One of them was right in front of McKennie, but he had his head down playing Fortnite.
“They all just laughed at me,” he says. “Like, ‘how can you be playing that right now? This game is so good.’ And I would look up every once in a while. But it just doesn’t interest me. I’ll play soccer and give it everything I have. But that mentality when I’m not playing, I need to switch it off.”
McKennie is deeply involved in fashion and music. He has a real estate business with his brother in Dallas. When his career ends, he says, he could imagine doing something in one of those areas, or maybe becoming an agent, or even a broadcaster, though in that case he’d probably have to watch games. “I enjoy playing football. I want to go as far as I can,” he says. “But honestly, if my career ended tomorrow, I would be happy. And I wouldn’t have regrets for anything that I’ve done.”
At 25, McKennie believes he has plenty of football ahead of him. First comes this summer’s Copa América, which he believes the U.S. can win. “Maybe people don’t look at us against Argentina or Brazil and say, ‘Wow, look at the USA,'” he says. “But that’s why Gregg is so important. Because, yeah, a team can have a lot of individual talent, but when you have a team that has quality and potential and will sacrifice everything for each other, that will make a difference.”
He even fantasizes about that happening at the next level. “Do I believe that we can win the World Cup? Very slim chances,” he admits. “But it’s, what, eight games? If you can catch fire for those eight games, it can happen. The grit, the desire, a little bit of luck as well — that’s what it takes in a football game. That’s the beauty about it. Anybody can be beaten on any given day.”
McKennie’s contract with Juventus is up after next season. Negotiations are ongoing, but his constant yearning for the next challenge may lead him to agree to a transfer, especially if it involves the unfinished business of proving himself in the Premier League. At the same time, he’s more than content in Turin. He lives in a house on a hill outside the city that he rents from a wealthy doctor. He eats at La Lampara, where they nod when he covers his pizza with creamy dressing. And inside and outside the club, his stock keeps rising. The food has just arrived when a young woman approaches his table and begs for a picture. Peeking out from behind her is the manager, Fabrizio. He has a guilty look, as if he knows he should be letting McKennie eat in peace. But what can he do? She won’t be denied. Fabrizio shrugs. “Her favorite player,” he says.
USWNT two-time World Cup winner Kelley O’Hara set to retire at the end of 2024 NWSL season
U.S. women’s national team and Gotham FC defender Kelley O’Hara announced she plans to retire from soccer following the conclusion of the 2024 NWSL season. A stalwart for more than a decade, O’Hara played in four World Cups (winning two in 2015 and 2019) and three Olympics with the national team, as well as adding a WPS championship and two NWSL championships in her professional career.She announced the decision in a video created for Just Women’s Sports as part of her series Kelley on the Street.
O’Hara has played limited minutes for Gotham FC so far this season and has struggled with ankle and knee injuries. “To get injured and come back, and get injured and come back, and just keep doing it, it really takes a toll on you,” she told Claire Watkins in an interview for JWS.
O’Hara’s first cap for the USWNT came in March 2010, and, while she was named to the 2011 World Cup roster, broke out for the USWNT during the team’s gold medal run in the 2012 London Olympics, playing every minute as an outside back. She previously won the 2009 MAC Hermann Trophy as a forward at Stanford (scoring 26 goals and adding 13 assists), but it was the conversion to outside back that cemented her place on the national team for years.
(Notably, the 2012 Olympics were also the source of one of the greatest pieces of old-school USWNT content featuring O’Hara — in which she reports she “got sniped” after wiping out in the grass at a Scottish castle pretending to ride brooms).
O’Hara’s final match for the national team was against Sweden during the team’s exit from last summer’s World Cup in the round of 16. Due to injury concerns, there were doubts that O’Hara would be named to the final 23-player roster for the tournament, and when she received the call from former head coach Vlatko Andonovski, the emotions were clear.
She played over 10,000 minutes for the national team, sitting at 160 appearances, three goals and 21 assists. One of her most famous USWNT goals was the one she scored against Germany during the 2015 World Cup semifinal. It was also her first international goal.
O’Hara’s club career was also successful, starting with her rookie season in WPS with FC Gold Pride, winning the 2010 championship. When FC Gold Pride folded, O’Hara was signed by the Boston Breakers. She intended to play for the Atlanta Beat, her hometown WPS team, but the league folded. O’Hara has been with the NWSL since the beginning, starting her NWSL career with Sky Blue FC, before a stint with the first version of Utah Royals FC, then heading to the Washington Spirit — where she finally won her first NWSL championship in 2021. In January 2023, she signed with Gotham, who won last year’s final.
“It has been one of the greatest joys to represent my country and to wear the U.S. Soccer crest,” O’Hara said in the USWNT press release on Thursday. “As I close this chapter of my life, I am filled with gratitude. Looking back on my career I am so thankful for all the things I was able to accomplish but most importantly the people I was able to accomplish them with.”
As of now, neither U.S. Soccer nor Gotham has shared any intended plans to celebrate O’Hara ahead of her retirement before the end of the 2024 season, though U.S. Soccer could choose to take advantage of their July match at Red Bull Arena for a send-off. (Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Women’s World Cup: Why U.S./Mexico pivoted from 2027 to ‘record-breaking’ bid for 2031
In February, executives from the United States Soccer Federation and their Mexican counterparts welcomed FIFA delegates to Atlanta as official inspections began before the vote this month to decide who will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The U.S. and Mexico submitted their joint bid in December, rivalling a proposal from Brazil and a combined European bid from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The U.S. has hosted the tournament twice before — in 1999 and 2003 — but it would have been a first for Mexico.
“We are a very strong and compelling proposition,” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, president of the Mexican Football Federation, in late February. “We are gonna make a good run of it.”
Behind the scenes, however, doubts had already surfaced. Was 2027 the right time for the U.S. and Mexico to host a World Cup? Would it suit football’s world governing body FIFA to take the tournament elsewhere?
The bid team had previously discussed pivoting to 2031 and, on Monday evening, a statement landed to formalise the U.S. and Mexico’s decision to do just that — only three weeks before the vote was scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, at the FIFA Congress.
“The revised bid will allow us to build on the learnings and success of the 2026 World Cup (in the U.S., Mexico and Canada), better support our host cities, expand our partnerships and media deals, and further engage with our fans so we can host a record-breaking tournament in 2031,” a joint statement read.
The U.S./Mexico revised World Cup bid has called for “equal investment” with the men’s tournament, “eliminating investment disparities to fully maximize the commercial potential of the women’s tournament”.
The bid is seeking to bring the organisation, promotion and funding for the Women’s World Cup fully in line with its male counterparts.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed that the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand had broken even, generating more than $570million in revenue, even with the prize pool being 10 times higher than the 2015 edition. The 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar, however, generated $686million in ticket sales and $243million through hospitality rights alone, with global TV rights from 2019-22 — the bulk of which was for the 2022 tournament — bringing in $3.4billion according to FIFA. The $440million prize pot for the men’s 2022 World Cup was also far more than the $152million shared by women last year.
Aitana Bonmati celebrates winning the 2023 World Cup with Spain (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Infantino has already provided his answer to those who question the disparity, saying: “I say to all the women, you have the power to change. Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights.”
The U.S./Mexico bid for 2031, though, would like FIFA to set out a timeline towards equal prize money and its vision is set out in the bid book submitted to FIFA for 2027.
The hope is not that FIFA should simply pluck the money out of is reserves but rather that genuine investment into the development, promotion and organisation of the tournament will bring about the revenue which may enable the governing body to eventually level up the prize money.
Now the bid has been pushed back, FIFA has four more years to bridge the gap.
Increase the golden period for international soccer in the U.S.
The 2027 bid book was, in many ways, a copied and pasted version of the men’s edition in 2026. The U.S. submitted the same host cities, while Mexico added a few additional options to Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.
The 2027 bid wanted to use 2026 as an asset; in essence replicating the relationships between cities, local government, security, transportation infrastructure and stadiums to create a back-to-back bonanza of premium international football that would then roll over into an Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, cementing the United States as the global hub for major sporting events over three years. In bid talk, this was described as “leveraging the efficiencies” of 2026, and big promises were made.
The U.S./Mexico bid claimed the commercial possibilities in the two countries “will accelerate the growth of women’s football unlike any tournament before”. They pledged to bring 4.5million fans into the stadium, capture the highest TV audience for any sporting event in history and generate more than $3 billion in total revenue. For FIFA, which has established offices in Miami and is also launching a revamped men’s Club World Cup in the U.S. in 2025, the temptation was obvious.
And yet, as conversations developed, it became clear that this idea did not make much sense for anyone.
From a FIFA perspective, the imagined boom for soccer in the U.S. is better served by a six-year run-up, stretching from the Club World Cup in 2025 (there may also be a women’s edition in 2026) through to the men’s World Cup in 2026, football within the Olympic Games in 2028 and then capped off with a Women’s World Cup in 2031. This provides more space for soccer to gain further popularity and, in turn, drive up demand and revenue for the competition.
Infantino announces the venues for the 2026 men’s World Cup (Brennan Asplen – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
And while the idea of back-to-back World Cups is tantalising, there were plenty of sectors that were not overly enamoured with the idea. For some host cities and stadiums, it would have meant three consecutive years satisfying FIFA’s very specific criteria for hosting soccer matches and revenue-sharing. Concerns also developed that the potential to maximise the Women’s World Cup commercially, both among broadcasters and sponsors, would be limited by sandwiching the tournament between a men’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.
FIFA is also seeking to drive sponsorship agreements for its expanded men’s Club World Cup — launching across the east coast of the U.S. in the summer of 2025 — but the tournament is struggling to hit the hugely ambitious targets set out by Infantino when the concept was devised. As such, freeing up commercial space for soccer in a saturated market within the next few years may be useful for everyone involved.
FIFA does not comment on commercially-sensitive matters but would point to a recent lucrative partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company Aramco as evidence of its ability to strike deals.
There is another reality to bidding processes that is usually not said aloud: sometimes, you only say you are bidding to put yourself in pole position before the next tournament — and that, increasingly, appears to be an element of the strategy here.
Brazil is a case in point, having lost out on the 2023 tournament but now primed for a coronation in Thailand in mid-May. The European bid remains on the table but multiple sources, spoken to by The Athletic this week on condition of anonymity to protect their roles, have presented Brazil’s success as a fait accompli.
For FIFA, there are plenty of reasons to run with Brazil in 2027. The planet’s most famous soccer nation has never hosted a Women’s World Cup and FIFA is obliged grow football internationally.
It has become anachronistic to think about World Cup bidding processes as a traditional vote where nations submit their bids and every member weighs up the pros and the cons before casting their votes. This is how it is supposed to work but the pattern more recently is to see a contest, a reasonable amount of lobbying, and then everyone appears to agree that bid X is most-suited and bid Y may get something else as consolation, or be rewarded down the line.
This is what happened for the 2030 men’s World Cup selection. FIFA found a way to just about please everybody by awarding it to six countries in one go.
FIFA president Infantino confirmed the opening game would be played at Estadio Centenario in Uruguay, while Argentina and Paraguay would each host a game before the tournament and then move to Morocco, Spain and Portugal. This left Saudi Arabia out in the cold — except, not really, because FIFA has something called the “confederation rotation principle” and by grouping three confederations together in 2030 — Africa, Europe and South America — it left the path clear for Asia and Oceania to host the 2034 tournament.
Once Australia’s executives dropped their interest in the 2030 World Cup, Saudi Arabia was the only bidder. They have already been congratulated by Infantino on Instagram, although FIFA insists the Saudis are undergoing a very intensive bid process — albeit one in which they are the only competitors.
What’s this all got to do with 2027? Well, FIFA would say nothing at all and every bid is considered on its merits, but there is a school of thought that CONMEBOL felt a little short-changed by the 2030 palaver. It had also been particularly kind to FIFA when Argentina stepped in to host the Under-20 World Cup in 2023 at short notice. A first Women’s World Cup for CONMEBOL would be a useful reconciliation.
None of this is to say that everyone was pretending all along for 2027. Nor is it inevitable that the US/Mexico bid will win next year.
Yet by 2031, it will have been 16 years since a Women’s World Cup in a CONCACAF country (when Canada hosted the tournament in 2015) and UEFA nation France hosted the tournament more recently in 2019. England, which had already been looking at 2035 and 2039 as options, as well as a possible joint bid with the other Home Nations, may pivot away from 2031.
Should the U.S. and Mexico be awarded the 2031 tournament, ambitious plans will take shape. The bid wants fan festivals of equivalent size to the men’s World Cup, promising beach football tournaments on the shores of Miami and Cancun, and watchalong parties in New York City’s Times Square. Most boldly, within the U.S., the bid wants to solely use multi-purpose NFL stadiums with at least 65,000 seats, rather than be more cautious with smaller soccer-specific stadiums.
Expect this to become part of the conversation, too: should the Women’s World Cup mirror the men’s by expanding to a 48-team edition? The 2023 World Cup features 32 teams instead of 24 and the competitive balance did not suffer in a way some had worried beforehand. A six-year runway between the announcement of a potential 48-team tournament and the competition itself would allow time for more nations to invest resources into their women’s games and enter the fray in 2031.
As for broadcasters, there is quiet relief at FIFA and in the U.S./Mexico bid because we are now only three years out from the 2027 tournament and FIFA would have been behind in maximising its true broadcasting potential. Some breathing space from the men’s World Cup and Olympics, it is hoped, will further free up the necessary dollars for the 2031 tournament to hit record numbers.
The US-Mexican bid may have said ‘goodbye’ to 2027, but it is ‘see you soon’ for 2031.
(Top photo: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich 2 Real Madrid 2: Advantage Ancelotti – and Kroos for Ballon d’Or?
A bout between two of Europe’s genuine heavyweights in a Champions League semi-final was never likely to disappoint – and so it proved.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid played out an enthralling first leg in Bavaria, with the teams locked at 2-2 thanks to Vincius Junior’s late penalty ahead of next week’s second leg in Spain.
Our experts analyse the talking points.
How do Real Madrid do it?
This was another European knockout tie that appeared to be teetering on the brink of disaster for Real Madrid before they delivered another of their trademark comebacks.
When Bayern’s quickfire brace of second-half goals had swung this game in their favour, Madrid had to take stock. For a while, it seemed that 2-1 was not such a bad result ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti’s tactical switch to 4-3-3 helped provide more cover, especially for stand-in right-back Lucas Vazquez, who was suffering badly against an inspired Jamal Musiala, and also gave his team another chance to take a breath.
The element of phoney war ended when Madrid went for a last push, with substitutes Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz adding energy and ideas. Vinicius Jr’s flick to Rodrygo then tempted Kim Min-jae into a foolish penalty concession and Vinicius Jr again showed his big-game mentality to convert from the spot.
Ancelotti’s changes worked and, as so often in recent years, Madrid had rode out the storm and found a way to turn things to their advantage. At 2-2, with the return at a fired-up Bernabeu, Los Blancos will be confident of making yet another Champions League final.
But neither of these teams are perfect and both have mixed real power with dodgy moments through the competition this season. It is all set up tantalisingly for the second leg next Wednesday.
Leroy Sane was a doubt for tonight’s game due to a pubic bone injury and when the German international was named in the starting line-up, the anticipation was that he would be on the right flank — as he has been for the majority of the season.
However, injuries elsewhere meant Thomas Tuchel shuffled the pack slightly, placing Sane on the left and Jamal Musiala on the right, with Thomas Muller playing alongside Harry Kane in a 4-2-2-2.
For long periods of the first half, the plan looked effective. Sane was put through in a one-on-one within the first minute and was regularly looking to stretch the Madrid back line with runs to receive first-time on his natural left foot.
Sane and Musiala would frequently roll inside into the respective half spaces and leave Bayern’s full-backs to keep the width. In the second half, as Bayern switched more to a 4-2-3-1, Sane assumed his typical position on the right flank and restored parity within 10 minutes.
A driving run, drop of the shoulder and a thundered finish at the near post reignited the clash — his first goal since October 28.
Sane fires in Bayern’s equaliser (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
It was a superb performance and a reminder of Sane’s versatility to play on either flank on the biggest European stage.
Mark Carey
Is Kroos a Ballon d’Or contender?
Madrid were struggling a quarter of an hour into the game as Bayern had six shots while no visiting player had come anywhere close to a chance.
Toni Kroos decided something had to be done, first with a super aggressive challenge on his old team-mate Thomas Muller, which was more about showing an example to his team-mates than actually winning the ball back.
Kroos began to get on the ball, move it around, giving his team-mates time and space to regain their composure. Then came his phenomenal assist for the opening goal, splitting the Bayern defence open completely, giving Vinicius Jr the chance to finish first time.
Kroos sees Vinicius Jr starting to make his run…
… and angles a pass between the two Bayern players in front of him…
… leaving Vinicius Jr free to break clear…
(TNT Sport)
… and score with ease.
Replays showed how he conceived the goal in his head in advance, pointing with his finger for Vinicius Jr to run behind Bayern’s out-of-position centre-back Kim Min-jae, then delaying the pass to allow the Brazilian to sprint into the space before perfectly timing and weighting the assist.
From being under the cosh due to Bayern’s fast start, Madrid were suddenly in full control of the tie. Confidence flowed through the visiting players, while belief seemed to ebb from the home side. Few individual performances have had such an effect on such a huge game.
Kroos completed all 36 of the passes he played in the first 30 minutes, making it a pretty special return to his old club, who must so rue letting him leave for Madrid on a cut-price €25m deal back in 2014. A decade later, the 34-year-old is out of contract in June but will surely renew with Madrid.
He has also recently returned to the Germany national squad in time for the Euros in his home country. Many more performances like this – he also saw a curling shot saved in the second half – and he’ll be a leading Ballon D’Or candidate. And a hugely deserving one.
Dermot Corrigan
How was Kane subdued… but still a scorer?
For a minute there, early on, it looked like tonight might be all about Harry Kane.
Just seconds into the match, Bayern ran a simple little pattern down the left-hand side that ended with Kane pulling toward the ball and redirecting it into the channel to put Leroy Sane in on goal. It was a perfect illustration of his gifts as not only Europe’s leading goalscorer but also perhaps its most creative striker.
A few minutes later, Kane did it again, this time from deeper: he received the ball in midfield and played another perfectly weighted through ball that Sane couldn’t quite figure out how to turn into a goal. Kane’s constant movement posed a problem for Real Madrid’s right centre-back, Antonio Rudiger: how far could he track the dropping striker without letting Sane slip behind him?
Yet for most of the rest of the match, Kane went strangely quiet. Lucas Vazquez stayed deep as Madrid’s right-back to help Rudiger in the Kane-Sane dilemma and Kane started drifting into other channels to look for service. When he finally got through on goal himself, in the 66th minute, Rudiger was there to knock him down with a powerful and well-timed shoulder.
Kane slams home his penalty (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
In the end, Kane turned out to be almost a non-factor, managing just two shots on target from open play and not much creativity after those opening minutes. Chalk up another victory for Rudiger, who had shut down Erling Haaland in the previous round.
But when Jamal Musiala went down for a penalty in the second half, it was Kane who stepped up to the spot, broadcast his chosen side with a deliberate glance that made Andre Lunin second-guess himself, and rolled a simple shot home for Bayern’s first goal of the tie. Even when Kane stumbles — as he did on his way to celebrate the penalty — he’s still the surest thing in Europe.
John Muller
Should Ancelotti send for Courtois?
Andriy Lunin has made some unexpected leaps forward since Madrid’s No 1 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage in training in August.
He first overcame the challenge of Kepa Arrizabalaga to become first choice and was then a hero of the penalty shootout win over Manchester City in the quarter-final.
However, Lunin has not always looked like a top-class goalkeeper. He was caught out by Bernardo Silva’s long-range free kick in the first leg against City and suffered when targeted with inswinging corners by Barcelona in the recent Clasico.
It might be harsh to blame the Ukrainian for Sane’s goal given both Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo should have got closer, the shot was unexpected, and it was hit with superb power and precision, but there is a rule that goalkeepers should not be beaten at their near post and it was a huge moment in the tie.
Courtois was a welcome presence on the Real bench (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Courtois had a setback in mid-March but has been back training with the team for a few weeks. Ancelotti has already said he will start Saturday’s La Liga game at home to Cadiz at the Bernabeu, a 90-minute test to see how his knee has recovered.
All being well, there will be a heavy temptation to bring Courtois back in for next Wednesday’s second leg against Bayern given how important the Belgian has been for Madrid in the Champions League in the past.
Dermot Corrigan
What happened to Kim Min-jae?
How did Bayern’s defence leave Vinicius Jr that open for Real Madrid’s first-half goal?
The most obvious culprit was Kim Min-Jae, who bit too hard on a double move and left an ocean of space behind him. When Vinicius Jr abruptly switched gears and sprinted for goal, Kim just didn’t have the wheels to catch up.
Speaking of a lack of speed, it didn’t help Kim’s cause that his centre-back partner was Eric Dier, who had wandered too far from goal to keep an eye on Jude Bellingham and made only a half-hearted, plodding recovery run to try to cover for Kim when he saw he was beaten.
Nor was Manuel Neuer particularly quick off his line to block the shot, but these sorts of things happen when you’re 38 years old and still starting Champions League semi-finals.
The real mystery is how, with so many players lacking pace at the back, Bayern allowed Kroos enough time in possession to not only pick his pass behind their back line but to point out to Vinicius where to go and then wait for the run to materialise. What happened to a team that used to have one of Europe’s most fierce high presses?
Bayern were oddly passive here, allowing Real Madrid to complete 90 per cent of their passes in the first half at the Allianz, and when you give Kroos and Vinicius Jr an inch, they’ll take a mile.
Sadly for Kim, his suffering did not end there. He was caught out by another swift Real Madrid passing exchange in the second half, only for Neuer to save well from Vinicius Jr’s shot, but had no safety net when he hauled down Rodrygo for a penalty in the 83rd minute. A night to forget.
John Muller
UK readers can view Real Madrid’s first goal here:
The Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid match dashboard, showing the threat timeline, territory, match stats, shot maps and pass networks
What was said afterwards?
Harry Kane was frustrated at Bayern’s inability to hold on to their 2-1 lead after coming back strongly in the second half.
“Once we got 2-1 ahead, we had two or three good chances,” he told TNT Sport. “This is the Champions League semi-final. We expected a tough game. Real are one of the best teams in Europe who can punish you.
“We started on the front foot and their goal came against the run of play. Second half we played with a higher intensity. We deserved our two goals and it’s a shame we couldn’t get a third.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti – who said he had taken off Jude Bellingham as the midfielder was suffering with cramp – was satisfied with his side’s fightback but acknowledged there was scope for improvement.
“We could play better,” he said. “We had problems in the first half with a low block, too deep. We started to put pressure and it was much better. We tried to change something in the second half. We started really well and conceded two goals when our moment was good.”
This was meant to be Kylian Mbappe’s stage. Instead it was journeyman striker Niclas Fullkrug who proved the difference to give Borussia Dortmund a slender advantage in their semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 31-year-old is in the form of his life after spending the majority of it in the second tier in Germany and is now a regular scorer for the national team.
After Bayern Munich’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Real Madrid on Tuesday night, this was a much tighter first leg, particularly in the first period. That was until Dortmund went direct to Fullkrug, who produced a brilliant first touch before firing low beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 36th minute.
PSG improved after the break, with Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi hitting the post within the space of 10 seconds and Ousmane Dembele blazing over in the final 10 minutes. Fullkrug should have added a second too but it is Dortmund who will head to Paris with a vital goal.
The Athletic’s Peter Rutzler, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Thom Harris and Elias Burke analyse the action.
Just under two years ago, Niclas Fullkrug poked home his 19th goal of the season to spark wild celebrations in Bremen. It sealed a crucial final-day win, and moved the 29-year-old up to fourth place in the goalscoring standings — in the German second tier.
He has always been a proficient striker through the divisions, a functional target man and battering ram at the top of five different teams. But since Fullkrug has turned 30, he has won a Bundesliga Golden Boot, made his international debut, scored 11 international goals — including two at the World Cup — and put his new side in the driving seat for a Champions League semi-final.
Fullkrug hammers home the opening goal (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)
Fullkrug is unfashionable, but undoubtedly effective. He can sometimes struggle to get into games — he touched the ball just nine times in a cagey opening half an hour here — but his emphatic ability to smash the ball on either foot can blow games apart. It was a crisp left-footed strike to open the scoring, but as his shot map below illustrates, he is a striker who can make the most of any penalty-box situation.
He should have added a second after the break but it was heartening to see a distinctly normal footballer take centre stage.
Across both legs of PSG’s quarter-final victory over Barcelona, they struggled with the long ball. PSG are one of the most aggressive pressers in this year’s Champions League — no team has regained the ball quicker (judged by the opposition passes per defensive action) — but that can leave space in behind if their first press, from those forward line, is not sharp or precise.
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Xavi recognised this and used Robert Lewandowski as his out ball. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the Barcelona goalkeeper, played the majority of his passes up the field to the Poland striker, and he in turn was able to bring his wide players into play. PSG defender Lucas Beraldo had a particularly difficult game, losing five duels.
Dortmund clearly learned from those matches. Edin Terzic, the Dortmund coach, was able to use Fullkrug in a similar manner. There were early warning signs; Marcel Sabitzer made a curved run from the right to reach a long pass from Ian Maatsen, but the pass was misplaced.
Dortmund were not as precise as Barcelona in the opening stages, often wayward in their attempts to pick out Fullkrug, who in turn could not contest the aerial duel against the PSG defence. But then, Dortmund got one right. Nico Schlotterbeck sold Mbappe a dummy, and used that extra second of space to arrow a ball over the top of the PSG back line.
It was an incredibly simple goal to concede but one that proves PSG are vulnerable. They struggled with their first pressure, allowing Dortmund to play out through Julian Ryerson or allowing the time to arrow a direct pass accurately, which is exactly what happened with the opening goal.
The back line switched off and were caught flat-footed; they were not set to deal with a run in behind, expecting a pass to instead be played onto Fullkrug’s head — normally his main strength. PSG may be better pressers, but simple mistakes are still undermining that.
Peter Rutzler
Is Sancho back to his best?
Sancho’s performance was a reminder of how important environment is for footballers. He has not blazed through the Bundesliga since returning but he has seemed far less inhibited in Germany. Far away from the stifling commentary surrounding his Manchester United career, the expression has returned to his game and the timing and smart decisions that once accented his talent have returned.
They were prominent again. At his best, there is a waspishness to Sancho’s attacking play, which sees him flutter in and out of the attack and influence the game with little touches and tricks across the width of the pitch.
In the first half, he touched the ball more than any other Dortmund player, which described his appetite for the occasion and how difficult PSG found it to keep hold of him.
Sancho’s dribbling came to the fore in the first period (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)
He completed seven dribbles in the first 45 minutes, too. More than any player in any Champions League game this season. More than he managed in any Manchester United game he took part in.
But on a night when Dortmund needed their crowd, the Westfalenstadion responded to his confidence and his little moments of flare. This was Sancho at his very best. It was him as a spectacle again and after what seems like a very long time, it’s nice to be able to write that again.
Seb Stafford-Bloor
How costly will PSG’s misses prove?
When Mbappe faced up his full-back a few minutes into the second half, it looked as though he would put PSG back on level terms from an acute angle.
As it transpired, his right-footed curling effort towards Gregor Kobel’s left-hand post did not curl enough and hit the post. Minutes later, Marquinhos curled a cross that dropped perfectly between Kobel and the Dortmund defensive line, with Marco Fabian ghosting in. Six yards from goal, it seemed certain he would head in from close range and put PSG on level terms. Somehow, he missed. And missed chances proved to be the story of PSG’s second half.
Mbappe was involved again in the 70th minute, receiving the ball in the same top right-hand corner of the Dortmund box that he almost scored from 20 minutes earlier. This time, he slipped in Dembele, whose tame effort was saved by Kobel. Ten minutes later, he would have the chance to redeem himself after Achraf Hakimi spotted his deep run into the box and played a pass across the box, but his right-footed shot ballooned over the crossbar.
Dembele after his miss (Oliver Hardt – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
“How the French haven’t scored, I can’t believe, frankly,” said Ally McCoist, the co-commentator for TNT Sports, the UK broadcaster of the Champions League.
Fortunately for Luis Enrique, Dortmund could not make the most of several excellent second-half goalscoring opportunities. Shooting practice will surely be on the agenda ahead of next week’s second leg.
Elias Burke
Did hard-working Adeyemi silence critics?
Of all the factors expected to influence this game, Karim Adeyemi’s work without the ball was not among them. Adeyemi has suffered a bad month. From the high of his goal against Bayern Munich in March, his form has plateaued. A silly red card against Borussia Monchengladbach rightly provoked criticism and drew mutterings about his attitude. His stock has not been high.
But what a response this was. Adeyemi’s speed is typically an asset in attack. This evening it was virtue in defence, as he worked as hard as he probably ever has in Dortmund yellow to protect Ian Maatsen, his full-back, from the menacing Dembele-Hakimi threat down the PSG right.
Adeyemi was effective in defence as well as attack (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
The 70 yards he ran in the first half to chase down Hakimi and end a counter-attack was particularly stirring. He did exactly the same thing in the second half and that was typical of Adeyemi’s night. It was also emblematic of an astute and tactically aware performance in which he gave absolutely everything to prevent Dortmund’s cracks from showing.
Praise is due for Terzic, too. Adeyemi was part of a gameplan in that part of the pitch that worked really well.
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor
What did Terzic say?
“It was a well-deserved win, a good team performance,” he told DAZN. “We could have scored more goals, but so could they. That’s why the result is OK from my point of view.
“We ran a lot, but that’s necessary in a game like this. You have to earn your way to Wembley. All we need now is a draw in the second leg, but we also want to win next week. We have a small lead and a good opportunity. We don’t have fear. We know the quality of Paris.
“Sancho was extraordinary but we have seen it often training. He translates it onto the pitch. He has quality, we know his quality. It wasn’t just him, and it was important for a good match.”
What did Luis Enrique say?
“Everybody knew that this wasn’t going to be easy. This is the semi-final of the Champions League. The dressing room is a bit down, especially after hitting the post twice. But we had our supporters pushing us on throughout the match. We must recognise that this is an exceptional stadium, with fans who know how to support their team.
“We lacked incision in the final third. We didn’t create a lot more than the opponent, we looked for transitions and counter attacks. The mindset was better in the second half. It’s an opponent at a very good level and we created good chances.
“Both teams created a lot of opportunities. But they scored, and we didn’t. The result reflects how close the game was. It’s a new situation for both teams. In the last two rounds, they had the home game as their second game, whereas it was the other way round for us. We’ll now have the crowd on our side in the second leg. We’ll have to be more effective there.”
A year ago, decision-makers at Real Madrid explored the possibility of Andriy Lunin’s departure as they searched for a reinforcement in goal.The club considered signing David Soria from Getafe in June, although they preferred not to make a permanent investment in that position. When Thibaut Courtois picked up an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in August, they did not hesitate in bringing in Kepa Arrizabalagaon loan without an option to buy from Chelsea.
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But Arrizabalaga failed to impress after returning from an injury he suffered in November, while Lunin has emerged one of the heroes of the season. The 25-year-old produced a fine performance in the second leg of Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City, keeping Pep Guardiola’s side at bay in normal time before saving two penalties in the subsequent shootout.
Nobody would have expected that when Lunin started the campaign behind Arrizabalaga, knowing he could find himself as third choice when Courtois returned. He went out on three separate loans after joining Madrid in 2018 but is now close to agreeing a new deal until 2028, as reported by The Athletic on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian barely smiled in his post-match interviews after that performance against City, which gave an indication of his steely personality.So, who is Lunin? And what does the future hold for him, after stepping in so brilliantly for Courtois?
Born to a father in banking and a mother who worked as a civil servant, Lunin grew up in Krasnohrad, a town of around 20,000 inhabitants in eastern Ukraine.He started out playing futsal and excelled as a striker. His first shirt was that of Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo and it was only aged eight that he began to play as a seven-a-side goalkeeper in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city in the country’s northeast. Iker Casillas was his new idol.Lunin had trials with three different teams — Ukrainian sides Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalist Kharkiv, along with a football school in Kharkiv. He chose Metalist as his destination, living and studying at their academy from under-12 to under-18 level.
Lunin was Madrid’s hero against City (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
From there, Lunin moved to Dnipro in 2016 and Zorya Luhansk a year later. Then, in 2018, he learned that Madrid wanted to sign him one day after training. Those close to him — who, like all those cited in this article, asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships — say he felt a mixture of happiness and vertigo. He knew the scale of the challenge ahead.
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He received interest from other teams but told his club he only wanted to join Madrid. The deal was done quickly, for around €8.5million ($9.1m; £7.3m at current exchange rates) plus about €4m in variables, with Lunin signing a contract until 2024.
Lunin’s arrival, like those of many other youngsters at Madrid, bore the stamp of their chief scout Juni Calafat and his staff. Calafat, who is a Brazilian-Spanish national, has helped Madrid sign South American talents including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde in recent years. He has been one of Lunin’s key backers, too. He has always had confidence in the Ukrainian’s potential and believed he deserved a chance as No 1 after Courtois’ injury in August.
Lunin got the chance to meet Madrid president Florentino Perez on his first visit to the Spanish capital in 2018. Those close to the goalkeeper say he was impressed by Perez, who made him feel like a son.
Those sources describe Lunin as a quiet individual who rarely smiles. But, at Madrid’s Valdebebas headquarters, they have always said he is humble, polite, hard-working and methodical — sometimes even too much so.
An early example of that was when he decided to speak in Spanish at his Madrid presentation in July 2018, despite not knowing the language. He spent hours rehearsing a speech from memory, in which he thanked Madrid for “giving me the opportunity to fulfil a dream” and said he was signing for “the best club in the world”.
But his path to the starting XI was unclear. When Lunin joined, Keylor Navas was Zinedine Zidane’s first-choice goalkeeper after helping Real Madrid win three Champions League titles in a row. Courtois had also arrived from Chelsea that summer, having been named the best goalkeeper of the 2018 World Cup with Belgium.
Madrid sent Lunin on loan to Leganes, a club on the outskirts of the city who were then in La Liga. He was second-choice there and returned to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2019, expecting Navas to leave. But the Costa Rican stayed put until September, when he joined Paris Saint-Germain and Alphonse Areola went the other way on loan as a backup for Courtois. By then, Lunin had already joined another La Liga side, Real Valladolid.
That spell did not go to plan either: he was a backup to Jordi Masip and the loan was cut short in January after just two appearances in the Copa del Rey. A spell at second-division Real Oviedo in the second half of that season proved more fruitful, as he helped the team stay up in 15th place with six clean sheets.
Anastasia has often made the headlines in Spain. On several occasions, she has posted on social media or conducted interviews to warn that Lunin would look for another destination if he continued on Madrid’s bench. In February, she told a YouTube show that it would be “difficult for Courtois to return from injury and take the top spot” if her husband continued to play.
Lunin has always stayed patient and insisted on staying at Madrid even when he wasn’t trusted in goal. His contract was extended for a further season that summer until 2025 — but this was not announced publicly and only came to light in 2024. Meanwhile, he also became part of Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency. His father had been his agent.
Lunin believes those three loans away improved him and made him mentally stronger, which was key to his return to Madrid. He also had the support of Ukraine coach and legendary forward Andriy Shevchenko during this time, who called him up for 29 games from 2017-2020, giving him six appearances.
In July 2020, Madrid told Lunin he would be part of the squad for the following season as a reserve option, as they did not want to bring in Areola on loan again or sign another ‘keeper. But he fell out of favour with Ukraine, with Shevchenko’s successor, Oleksandr Petrakov, not selecting him from 2021-2022.
Lunin has been active in public and private in showing his support for his home country since the Russian invasion in February 2022. He has kept himself informed of the situation, donated money to the war effort and participated in initiatives to collect and send food and supplies there.
Madrid have also helped him during the conflict, giving him moral and logistical support to assist his relatives still in Ukraine. On the first day of the war, Perez went to see him in person at the club’s Valdebebas training ground to speak with him.
Lunin helped Ukraine qualify for this summer’s Euros (Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
Lunin helped Ukraine qualify for this summer’s European Championship and he started in their play-off semi-final and final against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland in March — his 10th and 11th caps for the national team.
“The only difficulty is the war in my country,” he said after Madrid’s penalty win against City. “It’s not easy to go to training every day when the worst news is coming out. There is my family, my friends, all my people, my city, my school. I try to help.”
He has barely put a foot wrong this season, playing 29 times — more than the sum of his three full campaigns at Madrid before this term. But at first, he was left frustrated with Carlo Ancelotti’s rotation between him and Arrizabalaga. He felt there was a lack of communication from the coaching staff and he and the Spaniard often found out who Ancelotti had selected through what he told the press.
Errors from Arrizabalaga in the games he started allowed Lunin to take advantage and become Madrid’s undisputed first choice from mid-January. He has conceded 27 goals in 29 games and kept 12 clean sheets. The club opened talks with his agent in March over his renewal.
Ancelotti still believes Lunin has plenty of room for improvement, especially in terms of his aerial presence and footwork. But both he and his staff value the goalkeeper’s professionalism, resilience and growth, which they put down to being released from the pressure of living in Courtois’ shadow. In the dressing room, he is closest to young players such as Brahim Diaz, Valverde and summer signing Fran Gracia.
Despite his improvement, everyone at Valdebebas expects Courtois to return as Madrid’s first-choice ‘keeper once he is fully recovered. The Belgian was on the bench for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday after a separate meniscus injury suffered during his ACL recovery. He could play in Madrid’s potentially decisive La Liga game against Cadiz on Saturday, although a final choice will be made today or tomorrow.
But, for now, Lunin is the man of the moment — to the surprise of almost everyone.
(Top photo: Maria de Gracias Jimenez/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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(Photo: Brad Smith/Getty Images for USSF)
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Indy Mayor Pitches MLS and appears to cut out Indy 11 in the process. Interesting press conference by the Mayor. https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2024/04/25/indianapolis-plans-to-bid-for-mls-expansion-team/73458916007/ No idea what this means for Indy 11 Park and the downtown stadium? Is there a mystery potential new owner for an Indy MLS team – Confusion sets in ? I have long said the Indy 11 owner does not have MLS money and I am not sure we have the corporate support to field an MLS team along with NFL and NBA teams.
FA Cup Semi-Final leaves American offsides
Got a chance to watch the FA Cup Semi’s this weekend while in Cincy for a tourney – and man did Coventry City get robbed in their PK loss to Man United. American winger Haji Wright was dangerous all day and was (Not offsides) on the would be winning goal in ET – at Wembley Sunday. Man U won in PKs though US #9 Wright did score his PK. It will be Man U vs Man City in the FA Cup Finals again in May. Meanwhile Liverpool and Arsenal both lost last weekend leaving the door open for Man City to win the EPL again – games continue this weekend as just 1 pt separates Arsenal & Man City.
MLS – Big Win for Columbus + Big News for LAFC
The Columbus Crew took a huge home 2-1 win over Liga MX power Monterrey for the first leg in the Champions Cup. The return round is Tues night on FS1 10:15 pm on FS1. Big news for LAFC as they announced that French & AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud will be coming to LAFC after the Serie A season ends. Giroud, 37, has scored 13 goals and 8 assist this season while often starting for AC Milan.
Big Games on TV
Of course Champions League is back next week with no English teams left as Germany’s Bayern Munich will host Real Madrid Tuesday on CBS at 3 pm, while Dortmund will host PSG and Mbappe on Wed 3 pm on CBS. Sat gives us some battles of American’s with Fulham and Jedi Robinson hosting Crystal Palace and Centerback Chris Richards at 10 am on Peacock, followed by Juventus (Weah, McKinney) hosting AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) at 12 noon on Para+. (Man this game on CBS would be cool). Sunday at 12:30 Bayern Leverkusen (German Champ) continues its quest for an unbeaten season as they host top 5 foe Stuttgart on ESPN+. (I watched their amazing comeback in stoppage time at Dortmund last Sunday). Tues night on FS 1 at 10 pm the Columbus Crew carry a 2-1 lead to Monterrey as they look to advance to the finals of the CONCACAF Championship.
Carmel FC 2010 Boys Gold Wins Kolping Cup Championship last weekend in Cincy, Ohio with a 3-0-1 mark. Head Coach Mark Stumpf (left) and Asst Shane Best (right).
Reffing done Right – always a pleasure to ref for ref assignor Nate Sinders & Dave – especially on a Bar BQ Weekend – like the Boys Showcase last weekend and Girls Showcase this weekend. Nate makes some of the best Beef Brisket in the state of Indiana. Good Eatin — thanks Nate !!
GAMES ON TV
Fri, 4/26
3 pm ESPN+ Real Sociadad vs Real Madrid
3 pm ESPN+ QPR vs Leeds United Championship
10 pm Amazon Prime Angel City vs KC Current NWSL
Sat, Apr 27
7:30 am USA West Ham vs Liverpool
9:30 am EPSN+ Bayern Munich vs Frankfurt
10 am USA Wolverhampton vs Luton Town
10 am Peacock Fulham (Jedi, Ream) vs Crystal Palace (Richards)
10 am Peacock Man United vs Burnley (adams)
10 am ESPN+ Blackburn vs Coventry City (HAji Wright) Championship
12 noon Para+ Juventus (Weah, McKinney) vs AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah)
12:30 pm NBC Everton vs Brentford
12:30 pm ESPN+ Leverkusen vs Stuttgart
1:45 pm Fox Austin vs LA Galaxy MLS
3 pm Peacock Aston Villa vs Chelsea
3 pm ESPN+ Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club Spain
7:30 pm Ion Chicago Starts vs Portland Thorns NWSL
7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 vs North Carolina
7:30 pm CBSSN Tampa Bay Rowdies (Jordan Farr) vs NM United USL
Sun, Apr 28
9 am USA Tottenham vs Arsenal
11:30 am USA Nottingham Forest (Reyna, Turner) vs Man City
12 noon Para+ Napoli vs Roma
Tues, Apr 30
3 pm CBS Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid UCL
Weds, May 1 Champions League
3 pm CBS Dortmund vs PSG
10:15 pm FS1 Monterrey 1 vs Columbus Crew 2 CONCACAF Champs Cup
10 pm CBSSN Bay FC vs Portland Thorns (Smith) NWSL
The USMNT defender had become a mainstay of the national team while enjoying one of the best campaigns of his club career at PSV Eindhoven on loan from Barcelona.
Now he will be forced to watch from the stands as what he helped create — an almost unbeaten league season, with PSV on course to become champions in May — unfolds without one of its main protagonists.
But even worse for the 23-year-old will be missing out on his second major tournament for the national team.
Dest has been a key performer in PSV’s outstanding campaign (ANP via Getty Images)
Dest played in each of the USMNT’s four games at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and was likely to remain one of the first names on Gregg Berhalter’s team sheet at this summer’s Copa America. Now the USMNT manager has some thinking to do.
Joe Scally, the team’s other bespoke right-back, has put together a decent season at Borussia Monchengladbach. He is 21 and, although his starting place has looked less certain in recent weeks, Scally has been in the starting XI for the Bundesliga outfit on 22 occasions, garnering big-game experience. On Saturday, he was named on the bench but contributed an assist during his 21 minutes on the pitch during Gladbach’s 4-3 defeat at Hoffenheim.
He will be in the mix to step into Dest’s boots this summer, but if Berhalter wants to try to emulate the attacking threat Dest brings, he might need to get creative — perhaps using Juventus’ Timothy Weah as a wing-back or even his club team-mate Weston McKennie.
AC Milan’s Yunus Musah could perform there and Westerlo’s 22-year-old full-back Bryan Reynolds offers another solution if Berhalter does not want to diminish his central midfield options by dragging a key man out wide.
Whatever the fix, it is a headache the national team coach could do without.
Dest competes with Mexico’s Gerardo Arteaga during the CONCACAF Nations League final in March (Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Player of the weekend
Ever the man for the big stage, Sunday brought another show-stopping moment Haji Wright will never forget.
Wright scores from the spot (Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images)
City pushed the Premier League giants to the brink and almost made it to the final, only for Victor Torp’s stoppage-time strike to be ruled out for a negligible VAR offside call, made against Wright.
In the end, a penalty shootout decided the pulsating tie and Wright confidently netted his side’s first after United’s Casemiro saw his effort saved.
Yet it was not to be for the Californian and his plucky team-mates as United eventually prevailed and reached the final next month against rivals Manchester City.
Wright has been a goalscoring threat for Coventry all season, as can be seen from the variety of his shot map below.
“We get the equaliser from the penalty spot and it’s brilliantly dispatched from Wright,” said proud manager Mark Robins afterwards. “(Then) we’re back in it and, 20 seconds from the end of extra time, we get what feels like to be the winner, but it’s a toenail offside. I don’t know how unlucky we can be.
“They’ve written themselves into the history of this football club with the way they’ve come back in this football game, they have to be proud of themselves. It’s just really sad we couldn’t see it through.”
Coventry’s nervous support wait for Wright to find the back of the net (Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images)
Quote of the weekend
Dest’s immediate future may be shrouded in doubt, but he can take solace that PSV remain keen to keep him permanently.
His Barcelona contract runs until June 2025, but with uncertainty over whether the wing-back will be part of the club’s plans next season, PSV president Marcel Brands has made it clear the Dutch club want to sign him regardless of his injury.
“We were in negotiations with him (Dest) and his agent last week,” Brands told Voetbal International. “Yes, that’s going in the right direction. We have to wait and see how or what, but we believe in Sergino and he will get fit again. We would love to keep him with PSV.
“’We had to convince him, but he became more and more enthusiastic and is having a good time. That’s why he wanted to talk to PSV about staying longer.”
Name: Zyen Jones Club: Kosice Position: Right midfield Appearances (all competitions): 11 Goals: Two
The 23-year-old created his side’s winning goal in a key fixture of the Slovakian top flight’s relegation battle on Friday. Kosice are three points clear of the drop and Jones, who joined in January, has one goal and two assists in six league appearances.
Sargent was the provider for team-mate Borja Sainz on Saturday as Norwich drew 1-1 with Bristol City to retain their position in the Championship’s final play-off place with two games remaining.
Sainz and Sargent celebrate Norwich’s equaliser (MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Name:Gianluca Busio Club: Venezia Position: Midfield Appearances: 34 Goals: Seven
The 21-year-old was the star man with his side’s second goal in their 2-1 win at Leco on Saturday, a result that kept Venezia third in Serie B and in contention for promotion. It was his seventh goal of the season.
It was a hugely successful return from injury for the USMNT international as he completed the 90 minutes of Palace’s emphatic 5-2 win against West Ham United, playing a significant role in winning back the ball in the build-up to the hosts’ second goal.
Richards had missed his side’s previous three games with a hamstring problem but slotted back into Oliver Glasner’s three-man defence as Palace edged further clear of trouble.
The Athletic FC: ‘Last Dance’ over for Klopp at Liverpool? Plus: Outrageous Mbappe nutmeg
Klopp’s ‘Last Dance’ looking unlikely at Liverpool
All good things are destined to end. Like Jurgen Klopp’s record at Goodison Park. Like Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
True, Liverpool aren’t finished. Not mathematically. It’s three points to the top of the Premier League table, or four if we factor in Arsenal’s goal difference.
Klopp consoles Diaz (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Were the title a two-horse race, he could pray for salvation. But Arsenal and Manchester City — who are a point behind Klopp’s side with two games in hand — both imploding in the few games that are left? We’re somewhere between no chance and none.
Klopp said he was resigning because he was weary. Liverpool, in tandem and as a project, have begun to look weary too. And suddenly in need of the reset that’s coming their way.
Do players ‘really want to win the league’?
Two post-match comments at Goodison jumped out at me. The first was Klopp describing Liverpool’s counter-pressing as “horrible”. That’s an indictment of one of their biggest strengths under him.
From the moment Klopp announced he would resign at the end of the season, this became his version of ‘The Last Dance’, that immense documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The month behind Klopp has been more like Netflix’s Tour De France series: an elite rider broken by a Hors Categorie climb.
Klopp’s record as he prepares to bow out: seven major trophies in just under nine years, including a Premier League and a Champions League. Understanding him as we do, he’d have wanted more.
But he had the misfortune of coming up against a Manchester City team beyond compare and despite that, he took Liverpool back to the top table. Anfield’s love has been well-earned.
Klopp and Van Dijk (Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
How to Slot in?
Perhaps there is an upside to Liverpool’s downturn.
Klopp no longer looks like an impossible void to fill. Liverpool no longer look like they are losing a coach at his absolute peak. His expressions of fatigue sound honest, and are reflected in his body language.
Perhaps, on reflection, a new broom is just the ticket.
Until very recently, replacing Klopp resembled a hospital pass. As it is, and as James Pearce writes, a rebuild is now much easier to embrace. It’s been some ride for Liverpool. But nothing lasts forever.
WATCH: Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester City, 3pm ET / 8pm UK. Premier League. USA Network, Sky Sports
Mbappe’s masterful ‘megs + assist
Thoughts and prayers with Nathaniel Adjei. There he was, minding his own business with Lorient in France, when Kylian Mbappe made his name go viral.
You might remember the piece we did recently on the Chigwada spin: a mad bit of skill by Manchester City youngster David Chigwada. Watch it 10 times and you still won’t be sure exactly how he pulled it off.
Mbappe does tricks like that in his sleep and here he is destroying Adjei with a brutal nutmeg (more on the art of the nutmeg here) in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-1 away win last night. I hate to say it but Adjei, who’s only 21, might just have experienced the most high-profile moment of his career.
From the vaults of the unexpected — Xavi is staying on as Barcelona manager next season.
Why unexpected? Because he announced that he was quitting a while back and has given the impression of being thoroughly sick of life at Camp Nou, calling it a ‘cruel job’. Ever heard of the Barca entorno?
Not only that, in the past week Barca have dropped out of the running in La Liga and the Champions League. But an emergency meeting with president Joan Laporta turned everything on its head. We’re expecting a formal announcement today.
This got me thinking. If U-turns are in vogue, any chance that Bayern Munich go into reverse gear with Thomas Tuchel?
How the USMNT could replace Sergiño Dest for the Copa America
Sergiño Dest put together the best season of his young career in 2023-24.
On loan at PSV Eindhoven from Barcelona, he eclipsed 2,000 league minutes — a clear breakthrough after a few nomadic seasons in Spain and on another loan to AC Milan. He was a fixture of PSV’s ongoing quest for an Eredivisie title, starting in all 25 of his league appearances while making another 12 appearances (11 starts) in the UEFA Champions League and the KNVB Beker.
Monday brought sobering news: The full back had suffered a knee injury in training on Saturday, with an early prognosis ruling him out for up to nine months.
That’s a big loss for PSV’s final four games, and arguably an even bigger one for the USMNT as it seeks to make a run in this summer’s Copa America. Ever since 2022 World Cup qualifying, he’s owned the right back position like few others have in any role under Gregg Berhalter.
Of course, time only moves forward. The Copa América will kick off on June 20, with the USMNT first taking the field on June 23 against Bolivia. Only two months remain for players to firm up their cases for inclusion — and, in the wake of Dest’s injury, for someone else to step up as the team’s first-choice right back.
Whoever steps up, though, the U.S. won’t find another player like Dest. His commitment to ball progression, chance creation (‘SCA’ in the table below means ‘shot-creating actions’) and the audacity to set up his shot comprise a rare blend for a fullback. Add in Dest’s press-resistant dribbling, and the USMNT has a way to break lines even when opponents are adequately stifling primary passing lanes.
The U.S. pool simply doesn’t offer a like-for-like replacement. As such, most viable alternatives will require reconfiguring how the U.S. center backs and midfielders patrol space in all phases of play.
Among those alternatives, one option immediately figures to have an inside track on the role.
A member of Berhalter’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, Scally has now cemented himself as a fixture of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s defense in the German Bundesliga. Although Gladbach’s season hasn’t gone as hoped, sitting 12th in the Bundesliga and four points above the relegation playoff place, Scally has now started 20+ games for them in three consecutive campaigns.
On the same day that Dest injured his knee, Scally came off the bench away at Hoffenheim. He provided an assist — his third of the year, a new career high — but was unable to catalyze a full comeback as Mönchengladbach lost 4-3.
Regardless of the results, though, Scally cuts an entirely different figure as a defender than Dest.
The Bundesliga’s playstyle is generally less free-flowing than the Eredivisie, which does cut into his ability to progress the ball to some extent. So too does Scally’s versatility – he is occasionally used as a left back, right midfielder and even center back.
Still, Scally doesn’t carry that same upfield compass that guides Dest’s every decision. Instead, he’s a more traditional full back. USMNT fans of a certain vintage might compare him to Steve Cherundolo: prone to slinging effective short passes and prioritizing his defensive responsibilities over the attacking stuff.
All said, his regular involvement in a league that is among the world’s best sets him apart from the rest of the pool.
The rest of the pool
Scally and Dest were two of four right backs to make Berhalter’s 26-man roster for the World Cup in Qatar. In the ensuing year and a half, however, both Shaq Moore and DeAndre Yedlin have faded from consideration for a full-strength USMNT compared to Dest and Scally.
Moore has had a rough start to the 2024 MLS season, although the same can be said for the entire team around him. Nashville’s system utilizes his long distribution frequently, but this season he’s performed just below league average in terms of tackling and allowing opposing dribblers to bypass him. Still, he’s a known entity in Berhalter’s planning and could allow for steady progress with his passing.
Yedlin has benefited greatly since being traded to FC Cincinnati from Inter Miami in March. The move from one of MLS’s most porous defenses to one of its best has allowed him to be a bit more aggressive with peace of mind that his teammates will be up to bail out any miscue. Although he’ll turn 31 in July, he’s also displayed an uptick in his upfield carrying volume, albeit not quite at the same rapid rate as when he broke out a decade ago. His crossing isn’t quite up to positional standard, but the 81-cap veteran could be a viable alternative to Scally in big games.
Reggie Cannon has been a steady on-ball defender since joining Queens Park Rangers this September. In his first season in the EFL Championship, he’s let opponents dribble past him just 15.2% of the time – one of the best marks in the league. The problem? Despite this strong run of form, manager Martí Cifuentes (appointed a month after Cannon signed) dropped the former FC Dallas defender from his lineup in February, opting to start center back Jimmy Dunne in a wide role. That lack of minutes could cost Cannon a chance at the Copa América roster, as he’ll struggle to return to peak form in time for the tournament.
The final pair of right backs who may be in contention seemed destined to make the Olympic roster before Dest’s injury. Bryan Reynolds has been a fixture of the U-23 side throughout its preparations, benefitting from earning regular starts in the Belgian Pro League with Westerlo.
Reynolds also started regularly at last summer’s Gold Cup under interim B.J. Callaghan, which could give him a leg up over Nathan Harriel. The Philadelphia Union homegrown is untested at the senior international level but is among MLS’s best one-on-one defenders. If either is picked for the Copa América, it could open the door for Jake Davis (another strong tackler who developed in central midfield) to crack the Olympic roster.
Tim Weah has been used as a right wingback with Juventus (Click Thompson/Getty Images)
The curveballs
If one of the above options doesn’t cut it for Gregg Berhalter, he may be able to find a solution by moving a versatile starter to the back four. Each has viable alternatives who could fill their place if they need to be relocated for the good of their country.
Tyler Adams’ return from a lengthy injury layoff was a sight for sore eyes at the Nations League. The Bournemouth midfielder has played just 211 minutes for club and country since his hamstring tear in March 2023, but he looked like his typically vital self during his two Nations League appearances last month. There’s some precedent for Adams at right back – he played there for the U.S. occasionally in the 2022 World Cup cycle. However, it’s a physically demanding role, and his recent injury history might not allow for it.
Weston McKennie’s best shift at the 2022 World Cup came as something of a right wingback. Against England, the midfielder lived in the right half-space to create a numerical overload that helped the United States in possession and frustrated the Three Lions’ build-up when the ball changed hands. However, he’s had a truly resurgent season for Juventus as a box-to-box midfielder, doing his usual all-around stuff while adding better pass selection and creativity in the heart of the park. While Luca de la Torre (or Gio Reyna, if he isn’t used on the wing) could take his place were he to move to right back, it may create more midfield imbalance than ideal.
Instead, the best bet among projected USMNT starters may be a few lockers down in the Juventus dressing room. This year, Massimiliano Allegri has utilized Tim Weah as a right wingback. The gambit worked wonders until recent weeks, where a poor run of form has Allegri shuffling his lineup on a weekly basis in hopes of keeping his job. At the club’s heights this fall and winter, however, Weah brought his usual direct speed into the role with great success, also showcasing impressive tackling acumen for a career forward.
Although he plays slightly more advanced for his club than he would for the U.S., his movement patterns are closer to Dest’s than a lot of the aforementioned alternatives. Weah has had a full season to get used to making downhill runs against more congested defenses than he finds on the wing, which would cut down on his learning curve tremendously. He would also benefit from having McKennie play in a similar spot as he does for Juventus, allowing for second-nature interplay between the pair as Weah builds a rapport with the center backs.
Moving Weah off of the right wing would also open that role up for Christian Pulisic. The USMNT star has been among the best wide attackers in Europe, enjoying an emphatic bounce-back campaign with AC Milan after some lean years at Chelsea. That uptick has coincided with a shift from his previous role on the left to playing on the right – the same role he played during his breakout with Borussia Dortmund.
The 25-year-old has more than held his own while sharing a forward line with Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud, with 13 goals and 8 assists across 3,169 minutes in all competitions.
Compared to his form with Milan, Pulisic seemed to play less freely in the Nations League. At times against Jamaica and Mexico, he was caught in two minds as he navigated the final third in a role that has never quite brought out his best.
If Pulisic were to shift, the left wing has capable alternatives: Reyna for a creative spark and Haji Wright as an in-form wide forward, to name two.
If there’s a silver lining to be found around Dest’s injury, perhaps it’s the potential for a shake-up that keeps the USMNT from replicating the worryingly stale first 90 minutes against Jamaica. Not only would it put the team’s best player into his best role, but it would also make the USMNT harder to gameplan for due to a lack of previous utilization. Sometimes, those tweaks can make a major difference in a knockout format.
(Top photos: David Jensen/Getty Images; John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
USWNT Olympic roster prediction 2.0: How things look after the SheBelieves Cup
As the interim head coach era of the U.S. women’s national team comes to a close, it’s time for a fresh round of evaluating who’s in and who’s out of Olympic roster contention. In less than four months, new head coach Emma Hayes will have to select just 18 players to take to France. Former USWNT midfielder Sam Mewis recently described the math equation she used when she was trying to figure out if she was in contention for a roster. Mewis would make her own depth chart, writing out the defenders, midfielders, and forwards in her hotel room. It’s likely the current U.S. group is doing the math now after two SheBelieves games, with both requiring comeback victories and the team needing penalties – again – to dispatch Canada.In Columbus, defender Tierna Davidson hinted at balancing the anxiety that leads to hotel room math with every athlete’s mantra about controlling the controllable. “I think for all of us, it’s just taking everything with a grain of salt and to just give everybody a little bit of space to be making the decision that they’re making, and to see different pictures on the field,” Davidson said. “We all know that nothing is guaranteed as a new coach comes in. So I think everyone (is) trying to put their best foot forward but also understanding that it is an unorthodox time for both us as players and the coaching staff, the technical staff as a whole.”As we guess at our Olympic roster 2.0 (see our first edition here), interim head coach Twila Kilgore’s summary of any roster construction provides good context.
“It’s not about young or old or less experienced or more experienced. It’s about getting the right combinations of players with the right amount of experience and different strengths and weaknesses where they can cover each other in different areas and also have some chemistry and make sure that they’re all able to highlight their strengths,” she said.
Now that SheBelieves is over, and Zambia has officially completed the USWNT’s Olympic group, it’s up to Hayes to determine the final roster — with just two international windows to do so.
Defenders (6): Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Abby Dahlkemper (SD Wave), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Crystal Dunn (Gotham FC), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC),
Midfielders (5): Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
Forwards (5): Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Alex Morgan (SD Wave), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (SD Wave)
Goalkeepers
Meg: I don’t think this combo will surprise anyone. Alyssa Naeher should have done a bit better on that super-quick Japan goal in Atlanta, but it was Canada’s opening goal that’s more troublesome when you’re thinking about your starting goalkeeper. Her form so far this year has been very solid — vintage, in many ways — and she reminded everyone to settle down with another absurd penalty shootout performance against Canada: three saves and a converted spot kick.
Jeff: I think we’ve all shared similar concerns about Naeher’s agility when converging on an open ball or reacting to a powerful shot. The former scenario played out Tuesday night and it cost the U.S. the opening goal. Unfortunately, there’s been very little rotation in net since the CONCACAF W Gold Cup group stage, and any alternative would need to start at least twice in June’s friendlies against South Korea to have any familiarity with the defenders. This is one area where Kilgore could have better prepared some viable alternatives in 2024.It’s also worth stressing that the chance for a player to parlay a really strong stretch with their club into a backup role — “pulling an Aubrey Kingsbury,” if you will — is lessened when the team will only bring two goalkeepers instead of three. Casey Murphy has been Naeher’s main alternative for the better part of four years, and I’d expect that to remain the case unless Hayes rates someone else.
Defenders
Here’s where we had the most debate this time around: do you bring three center backs and three outside backs? Two straight-up center backs and then maybe a defender who can slot centrally if you need them in a pinch? On the outside back front, do we need one of each, or better to have someone who can half-credibly cover both? Is it better to prioritize pure defense on these depth picks, or someone who can slot into the U.S.’s attacking patterns?
Girma is one of the few defenders from the USWNT’s World Cup roster who is still receiving regular starts. (Photo by Brad Smith, Getty Images for USSF)
Center backs
Meg: Everyone watching the opening SheBelieves Cup match was both praying and believing in the healthiest possible vibes for Naomi Girma after she was forced to exit the match in the 18th minute with what turned out to be a day-to-day thigh injury. It seems like the team is being super precautionary and not pushing it. As we discussed last time, Girma is name number one on the S-Tier mission-critical players for the Olympics. Davidson has inched closer to being that primary partner for her, but she might have some rough video review after this tournament going over two of the goals allowed.
Here’s our one shift of this Olympic roster as we move from 1.0 to 2.0: we’ve opted to add Abby Dahlkemper to the mix.
Steph: I think SheBelieves illustrated pretty neatly that you need a third center back as opposed to someone who can shift inside in a pinch. A dedicated center back is perhaps the one area where you don’t want versatility. You want a specialist who can do a few other things but is devoted primarily to being a center back. As we saw against Canada at SheBelieves, you lose a lot with Girma if you’re facing a team trying to play over your backline. Girma is exceptional in her ability to cover the long ball and to control the space to deny runners the ability to look at goal in the first place.
Jeff: Another factor playing in Dahlkemper’s favor is her familiarity with the two other center backs. Tuesday marked the 15th time that she’s partnered with Davidson, albeit the first in nearly three years. She also plays alongside Girma for San Diego, ensuring that any pairing from that trio will have established familiarity at a time when so much of the squad will be acclimating on the fly.
Meg: There is still a chance for Alana Cook to sneak in for one final look, finally returning to the Reign as a sub in an NWSL match last month, but that feels more like a chance than a definite right now.
Nighswonger earned her first USWNT cap in December 2023 (Photo by Andrea Vilchez, Getty Images for USSF)
Outside backs
Steph: Jenna Nighswonger has moved up to at least A-Tier for me, which we described last time as someone around whom to build the roster. I think Nighswonger has shown she’s a big piece of the USWNT’s ability to press, especially enabling Mal Swanson to go full Mal Swanson in their left-side progression.
Jeff: Nighswonger has provided width that was sorely lacking during the Vlatko Andonovski era, where both fullbacks tucked into the midfield rather than running the flank. While Fox is still doing that inverted wingback work on the right, having Nighswonger offer width and progression on the left gives a different element in the build-up — the U.S. sorely missed this in the first half against Canada, and moving upfield along the left was a slog.
Do we think Crystal Dunn knows what her role is moving forward? I wouldn’t be surprised if she is preferred to Nighswonger in the short term, but I still want to know if Hayes will keep her at left back or finally, mercifully, unleash her in midfield.
Meg: I really rate Casey Krueger, and think she should be on the USWNT. This 18-player roster is a killer.
Jeff: Kilgore did opt to bring Krueger in to replace Dunn on Tuesday rather than Nighswonger. It may have just been minute management at Gotham’s request, but we’ve also seen Krueger play right, center, and left in the past few months. If we’re highlighting versatility within the pool, she’s checked all the boxes.
Midfielders
Meg: Somehow, the one from the midfield I’m most on the fence about right now is Rose Lavelle, which isn’t anything Lavelle has done. She missed out on this camp due to injury. Assuming she’s healthy this summer (which, to be fair, sometimes is a greater assumption than anyone would prefer), she still has to make the trip. The USWNT has some different looks at the No. 10 now though, with Jaedyn Shaw getting the nod against Brazil. Catarina Macario could also slot there (or, as always: Dunn).
Steph: I think Olivia Moultrie is a little extraneous if a roster has to get trimmed to 18, and I say that only in the context of that trimming and not at all as a referendum on her talent or ability to play at this level. It’s just that with Macario and Shaw in the mix, and especially if Lavelle gets healthy in time, I think it pushes her down the list a bit. Even though I think she’s on track to eventually work her way deeper into this team.
Lavelle was left off the SheBelieves roster due to injury. (Photo by Omar Vega, Getty Images)
Jeff: If you were listing the 18 most talented players in the pool, or the 18 most important, I wouldn’t spare a thought at listing all three of Lavelle, Macario and Shaw before I even get to the difficult decisions. But with so many high-caliber forwards and wingers, and Horan being a two-way threat, can you afford to take three attacking midfielders and punt on depth elsewhere?
If there’s one thing I’m confident about, it’s that the roster’s biggest snub will either be an attacking midfielder (Lavelle seems most tenuous given her struggles to stay healthy since 2022) or a winger.
Meg: It feels safe enough to note that we know what we’re getting with Horan in this midfield, so let’s move to the No. 6. Sam Coffey has had a very strong start to her 2024. At this point, do we think she’s done enough to cement not just a spot on the 18-player roster for France, but as the team’s starting defensive midfielder?
Jeff: I think so. I’m not an NWSL awards voter, but I would’ve had Coffey as my MVP last season for her work with Portland. She plays with a willingness to advance into the final third only when necessary, which keeps a midfield safety net to stifle a counterattack if the U.S. turns the ball over. Her long distribution can also help unlock the team’s wingers in all phases, and she’s looked the part against high-caliber opponents.
We’ve already rattled off a lot of names we’d want to bring, but we should probably address what the past couple of weeks could mean for Korbin Albert’s hopes of inclusion. The midfield is incredibly crowded right now; we haven’t even brought up World Cup call-ups like Savannah DeMelo, Ashley Sanchez or Andi Sullivan, or the long-awaited inclusion of Jaelin Howell. Hayes’ Chelsea often plays with two midfield pivots in front of the back line, so there could be room for a non-attacking inclusion at the expense of a playmaker.
Still, Albert’s overcommitment against Brazil made her easy to bypass in the Gold Cup final, and the very real locker room chemistry concerns could make this a tournament roster too soon.
Meg: We’re not in that locker room, but those concerns are definitely heightened for an 18-player roster. I think the federation is largely satisfied with her public apology over her social media activity, but I also think that the USWNT technical staff have better options right now for soccer reasons, too.
Morgan has adapted to a new role with the young USWNT. (Photo by Carmen Mandato, Getty Images for USSF)
Forwards
Jeff: This is another area where the only real change from a month ago is an unfortunate injury. Midge Purce was at the top of my “tough omission” list after the Gold Cup, but an ACL tear has ruled her out for the Olympics and all of 2024. A player like Macario or Lavelle could be moved into a new role under Hayes and play as more of a winger, but beyond that, we’re likely talking about the same group of players with similar feelings about each.
Meg: For all the discourse on Alex Morgan, I think she’s going — and it feels like the players agree, based on this quote from Trinity Rodman in Columbus: “Alex is just a voice that we need with the experience. Being in the center, being the person that’s initiating press and attack, I think to have that voice, have that experience, have that veteran status is really good for us to build off of. And also just energy-wise, I think she sets the tone really well.” For as much as we talked about all those options at the No. 10, this team also has plenty at striker, but Morgan’s once again pulled off the return to the USWNT.
Steph: The forward group has been a historically delightful problem for coaches to solve. This team has never lacked scoring talent.
(Photo: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
U.S. Soccer took a gamble waiting for Emma Hayes, leaving USWNT’s style of play in limbo
In November, U.S. Soccer gambled that it was worth sacrificing a year of continuous preparation under a permanent manager to hire Emma Hayes. For eight months following the 2023 World Cup, interim management has overseen the U.S. women’s national team. To her credit, Twila Kilgore’s tenure as placeholder helped turn over the player pool and saw her team win a pair of tune-up competitions this spring.Still, it’s been a lost year for the program at a time when it was in sore need of a clear new vision. Hayes’ first games as USWNT manager in June are still two months away, bringing the post-World Cup interlude to 10 months — and a full seven months from her appointment in November.With the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and SheBelieves Cup in the rearview, it’s time to take stock. Is the program any better prepared to contend at the Paris Olympics than it was when Sweden knocked it out of the World Cup?
The 2023 World Cup cycle (and, by association, the Vlatko Andonovski era) stands out as the low point for the USWNT on the field.The belated 2020 Olympics was a warning sign, as an aging core entered with varying levels of fitness amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team played every game in empty stadia, a far cry from the raucous support it so often enjoys in major tournaments, and the team was ultimately eliminated by Canada in the semifinal.Rather than heeding lessons from that tournament, Andonovski largely ran it back for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The team’s style of play often looked languid as it failed to breach the final third. Multiple players failed to see the field for a single minute as the U.S. advanced from its group thanks in part to a friendly goalpost against Portugal. The relief was short-lived as the U.S. fell to another longtime rival, Sweden, in a round of 16 penalty shootout.Advanced metrics show that the U.S. did do some good things in its four games at the tournament. No team allowed fewer shots per 90 than the squad’s 4.6, and its average xG per 90 advantage of 2.14-0.32 certainly screams “contender” in isolation. However, the issues with build-up and chance creation were clear.The team progressed up the field quickly enough, ranking 11th in the tournament field with a direct speed of 1.71 meters advanced upfield per second of possession.
Speed isn’t everything. Tournaments are notorious for eliciting small sample size judgments, and the trendline is far from definitive. Nevertheless, none of the 10 teams that ranked higher in direct speed advanced any further in the tournament than the round of 16.Progressing the ball upfield with pace is a helpful tool in transition, but the USWNT seemed devoid of ideas once it met the opposing defense in the final third. All four teams that had a more rapid direct speed also bowed out in the round of 16. Unsurprisingly, all five teams that averaged fewer goals per 90 than the U.S. also failed to reach the quarterfinal or further.Playing direct and sharp final third decision-making shouldn’t be treated as a mutually exclusive proposition, mind you. Given the talent at the USWNT’s disposal, there’s the potential to create a near unstoppable balance in attack. With the benefit of hindsight, the federation wanted to ensure the team was better equipped to make smart decisions to score with dependability.
“There was definitely a sense that we need to be better with the ball and have more solutions,” U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said in September. The federation polled players during the coaching search and much of the focus from the tactical feedback involved building the attack, playing through the midfield and having “creative solutions in tight spaces, having the players and the tactics to beat the low block.”After spending an entire cycle moving the ball despite its midfield — the Prayer Circle Formation, as Kim McCauley so brilliantly branded it — they wanted to make use of their engine room.Enter Hayes, a tactical chameleon who’s well-versed in the art of breaking down low blocks at the helm of her Chelsea juggernaut. She plans for the opponent rather than coaching from dogmatic principles. Each game’s instructions are curated with one aim in mind: winning, above all else.You can see the appeal at surface level, hiring a coach who habitually works to overcome the type of cynical tactics that sunk the team last summer. The catch: the team would have to wait while Hayes admitted her “full focus and attention is on what I do for Chelsea” until that season’s end.
If there’s a highlight performance over the last 10 months, it came in the Gold Cup quarterfinal against Colombia. In the preceding group stage, the USWNT was frustrated by opponents like Argentina and Mexico sitting in a low block as Kilgore maintained a possession-oriented structure perhaps too closely akin to Andonovski’s. Patterns of ball circulation slowed the team’s build-up, giving all too much time for defensive-minded opponents to get into their ideal placements.Colombia was a World Cup quarterfinalist last summer, blessed with one of the world’s great young attackers, Linda Caicedo, and a team that suited her skillset on the break. Kilgore strove to exploit those tendencies by letting her team play direct. It achieved two things: greater attacking intensity going forward, and fewer turnovers in the defensive half that would cater to Colombia’s strengths. A 3-0 win was a statement that the USWNT was back with a point to prove.
Taking a similar scoring initiative was impossible in a rain-soaked semifinal slog against Canada, and the team opted for a more controlled style of play in the final against Brazil, winning 1-0. It got results, ensuring the team won the inaugural Gold Cup.Still, the team wasn’t showcasing the type of consistent goalscoring necessary to be better prepared for the Olympics than it was in the World Cup. Fortunately, SheBelieves was right around the corner, providing another pair of games against high-level opponents to showcase Crocker’s desired “creative solutions in tight spaces.”Japan had other ideas. Kiko Seike became the first player to score against the USWNT in a game’s opening minute since 2003, putting the hosts at an early 1-0 deficit. With some savvy high-pressing the U.S. equalized 20 minutes later before a 77th-minute penalty kick sealed a 2-1 win for the U.S. It was a professional result, but not a showcase of the principles U.S. Soccer strove to install.Up next came Canada, which saw Kilgore drop one of her usual four attacking players for a second pivot at the base of midfield. Intentional or otherwise, this saw the team revert to their Prayer Circle tendencies.“Our attack is not built around one individual player and that is by design,” Kilgore said ahead of the final. “It’s important that we have the ability to score goals from a variety of different ways. And even though we have these predictable moments for us that we’re looking for, it’s important that different people are filling different roles and able to recognize when they’re the one that needs to maybe make an early run or get out ahead of the opponent for a cross.”Just over five minutes into the final against Canada, the USWNT seemed to look through its variety of chance-creation methods after a Lindsey Horan tackle sprung Sophia Smith on the counter.
Huh, that’s a let-off for Canada. Time to set up for another wave of attack.
Oh no, not the Prayer Circle.
No, no, no , no, no, no —
Over half an hour later, Canada opened the scoring after a miscommunication between goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and her defense. Once again, the United States was forced to react to the game after allowing the opponent to establish its terms.
Ultimately, a fresh batch of Naeher shootout heroics saw the USWNT become SheBelieves champions again. The two conceded goals could be chalked up to individual errors.
Then again, the same could be said for the USWNT’s showing last summer: a team largely in control of games, but not showing enough bite to convert ball retention into goals — all while being prone to gaffes.
Is this team really better equipped to contend at these Olympics than it was last year?
If we’re looking for evidence of progress since August, we’ll need to start by looking at individual players. Alex Morgan struggled in the World Cup, but her gritty line-leading work was vital to the proactive success against Colombia. Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario returned from injuries that limited their 2023 involvement and largely kept pace with the game around them.
The aftermath of the World Cup was always bound to see some program mainstays give way to the next generation. Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe both had send-off games, while captain Becky Sauerbrunn has faded from involvement. Horan has stepped up as a team leader, while Naomi Girma is already similarly impactful despite being just 23.
Young players benefited from Kilgore’s call-ups. Jenna Nighswonger has been a breath of fresh air at left back, providing sorely needed width in the build-up in a role that was previously instructed to tuck into midfield under Andonovski. Jaedyn Shaw is the latest attacking revelation, showing precocious decision-making in transition while being a capable first-time finisher. Sam Coffey seems poised to be the team’s defensive midfielder of the future, and Korbin Albert’s all-around game makes her seem like a possible successor to Horan in midfield (pending the off-field issues that could impact her locker room standing).
Having promising young players step up is essential to overcoming a bad four-year spell. But how many players like Nighswonger, Shaw and Coffey will need to reassert their readiness once Hayes comes in? It’s remained an open question just how closely Hayes is watching and assessing her upcoming pool of players. If that answer is less than “with a keen eye,” they’ll need to ace their second first impression to stay ahead of more veteran alternatives.
Ultimately, no matter who makes the 18-player Olympic roster, we don’t know how they’ll look to play in Paris. The questions that hung over the program still don’t have definitive answers.
In appointing a coach who couldn’t start her job for over half a year, the USSF gambled that her quality is so much more irresistible than any alternatives that it was worth spending half a year in purgatory.
The summer’s trio of friendlies come against South Korea and Mexico, both of which won’t partake in the Olympics, but will no doubt want to claim a win over one of the world’s most celebrated teams of any sport. They’ll provide tests at a time when Hayes will still be studying for answers.
Tuesday also saw the final member of the USWNT’s Olympic group qualify. Zambia joined the U.S., Germany and Australia in Group B. Australia was a semifinalist last summer. Germany has its point to prove after failing to advance from its group, while Zambia is riding high on the back of its first World Cup appearance. It won’t be a given that the U.S. will advance to the knockouts, to say nothing of its medal-winning ambitions.
It will be easy to spin a poor showing in Paris as a short-term sacrifice with a focus on the 2027 World Cup, which could potentially be played on home soil. That said, this isn’t a program that has ever treated any major tournament as a developmental tool. When the United States competes in a women’s soccer tournament, it’s there to win. That’s the benchmark that has been established for generations of players and one that the fans hold to account.
This summer, the players’ every performance will be scrutinized, and their future selections will hang in the balance more than Hayes’ job will (or should). If the program’s decision to spend so many months under interim leadership backfires, the blame will fall on them — and unfairly so.
(Photo: Brad Smith/Getty Images for USSF)
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El Classico this Sunday 3 pm on ESPN+ and ESPN Desportes. The last thing for Barcelona to play for as they travel to Real Madrid just 8 pts behind in the table with 4 games to go. In Germany Leverkusen has won the league but is looking to be the only team undefeated in league play in the top 5 leagues as they travel to Dortmund who needs to win to stay in the top 5 Champions League slots – that game is 11:30 am on ESPN2 Sunday. The EPL has Liverpool traveling to Fulham America to face American Jedi Robinson at 11:30 am Sunday on USA – as Liverpool must win to keep their title hopes alive. Arsenal travels to Wolverhampton Sat 2:30 pm on USA before hosting Chelsea on Tues at 3 pm on USA. Chelsea of course will face Man City in the FA Cup on ESPN+ Sat 12:15 pm from Wembley.
US Ladies Shootout Win over Canada
Wow what a special time to be on hand to see the USWNT hoist another trophy – this time the She Believe’s Cup Trophy at Columbus Crew Stadium. My daughter and I were lucky to be in the American Outlaws section behind the goal where US GK Alyssa Naeher refused to lose as she saved 3 and scored a goal of her own in leading the US ladies to a 2-2 (3-2) win over a solid Canadian Side. Sophia Smith struck this wonder goal just 5 into the 2nd half before moving to the 9 spot as subs Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson added life in the 2nd half on the wings as the young combo eventually fed Smith for the go ahead goal. (full highlights). I thought the reffing was horrific as the Concacaf crew was obviously not used to doing high level women’s games. Crystal Dunn’s penalty was mighty questionable to give Canada the tying goal with under 5 to play. The US certainly did miss Girma as Davidson and Dahlkemper struggled to hold Canada out of the US box – and Davidson especially looked horrific at times trying to work it out of play. All in all the US outplayed Canada and deserved to win the game.
It was great to see and be amongst the sold out crowd in Columbus following the sold out crowd (over 50K) in Atlanta over the weekend. We had an absolute blast watching from the American Outlaws Section – especially when all the players came up our aisle to receive their medals – European FA Cup Style. I was especially happy to see so very many youngsters in the stands – there were a ton of young girl soccer players there – speaks well to our future!! Here’s some quick pics and videos from the game. https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10161587182779104&id=501829103&mibextid=WC7FNe&rdid=hyLM9rF5RakR2VlM
Must See TV – Champions League Action is Unbelievable CBS 3 pm Wed
So sorry I didn’t get this out over the weekend or at least before today’s Champions League action – today’s Dortmund comeback to beat my Atletico and Barcelona’s choke job vs PSG was pure drama all game as multiple goals were scored and the game results were in question until the very end. Now I won’t use this space to talk about how ridiculous Europeans are to not have these games NOT Being played at the same exact time (but lets be real just because they invented the sport does not mean they know how to market it (idiots). Anyway Tuesday’s quarterfinals final legs were spectacular and Wed promises the same as Man City host Real Madrid tied at 2 @ 3 pm on CBS, while Bayern Munich host Arsenal also tied at 2 on Paramount +. The pregame and postgame action is on CBSSN so make plans now to cozy up to the bar or some TV or your phone tomorrow at work. Or at least tape the CBS game and watch the replay of Bayern vs Arsenal on CBSSN at 5 pm.
Europa League Thurs with Milan & Pulisic on CBSSN 3 pm, Liverpool, West Ham, Aston Villa
Europa League action wraps up with AC Milan and Pulisic & Musah tied at 1 traveling to Roma at 3 pm on CBSSN, while Liverpool is down 3 goals at Atalanta on Para+, and West Ham host the hottest team in the world Bayer Leverkusen down (1-3). Aston Villa travels to Lille at 12:45 pm Paramount plus. Oh and El Classico this Sunday 3 pm on ESPN+ and ESPN Desportes.
The ole ballcoach and daughter Courtney in the Outlaws Section !!Full house in KC to see Messi and Miami take down Sporting KC – too bad the game wasn’t on TV! Stupid MLS !
Games on TV
Weds, Apr 17
3 pm CBS Bayern Munich 2 vs Arsenal 2 UCL
3 pm Para+, Tele Man City 2 vs Real Madrid 2 UCL
8 pm mls.com Indy 11 @ Chicago Fire US Open Cup
Thurs, Apr 18
12:45 Para+ Lille (france) vs Aston Villa
3 pm CBSSN Roma vs AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) Europa
3 pm Para+ Atalanta vs Liverpool
3 pm Para+ Leverkusen vs West Ham United
Sat, Apr 20
12”15 ESPN+ Man City vs Chelsea
12:30 pm ESPN+ Union Berlin ( ) vs Bayern Munich
1 pm CBS Washington Spirit vs NY/NJ Gotham FC NWSL
2:30 pm USA Wolverhampton vs Arsenal
7:30 pm Ion KC vs Bay FC NWSL
8 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 @ Colorado Springs
10 pm ion Portland Thorns vs Houston Dash NWSL
10:30 pm ESPN+ Phoenix Rising vs Pittsburgh (Eric Dick GK)
Sun, Apr 21
8:30 am USA Everton vs Nottingham Forest
11:30 am USA Fulham (Jedi) vs Liverpool
11:30 pm ESPN2 Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen
3 pm ESPN+, des Real Madrid vs Barcelona El Classico
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Playing with the big boys now
Coventry gets their shot. By jcksnftsn Apr 19, 2024, 10:52am PDT
There’s an exciting addition to our usual rundown this weekend with Haji Wright and Coventry City looking to play spoiler and continue their unlikely run in the FA Cup. That match will be on Sunday so first let’s take a look at the USMNT club matches we can watch on Friday and Saturday.
Friday
Caligari v Juventus – 2:45p on Paramount+
Timothy Weah has not made it off the bench in the past two matches though Weston McKennie continues to start for Juventus who have really trailed off in the back half of the Serie A season with just two wins in their last eleven league matches. They face Lazio on Tuesday in the second leg of their Copa Italia semi-final matchup so there may be a bit of squad rotation this weekend against fourteenth place Caligari. Juve do hold a twelve point lead for the final Champions League qualifying spot though Atalanta have a game in hand and if Juventus can’t get some wins they could actually make a run.
Saturday
Celta Vigo v Las Palmas – 8a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Luca de la Torre has missed three straight matches due to injury but has been included in the matchday squad for Celta Vigo as they look to continue to hold off relegation this weekend. With seven matches remaining Celta are just three points out of the relegation positions in La Liga heading into their matchup with 12th place Las Palmas
Wolfsburg v Bochum – 9:30a on ESPN+
Kevin Paredes was back on the bench last weekend but did not play a week after missing due to injury. Prior to the injury Paredes had started nine straight matches. Wolfsburg have just one win in their last fourteen matches and currently sit just two points out of the relegation spot and one points ahead of this weekends opponent, Bochum.
Hoffenheim v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally did not make the field last weekend while Jordan Pefok came on as a substitute but had to come off ten minutes later due to an injury in Borussia Monchengladbach’s 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. Gladbach’s opponent this weekend is Hoffenheim who are coming off a 4-1 loss to relegation threatened Mainz with John Brooks coming on in the 60th minute.
Heidenheim v RB Leipzig – 9:30a on ESPN+
Lennard Maloney has reclaimed his starting role for Heidenheim after returning from injury and played the full 90 minutes again last weekend in his team’s 1-1 draw with Bochum. Heidenheim sit in 10th place heading into their matchup with Leipzig this weekend with Leipzig looking to hold off Borussia Dortmund for fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying spot.
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich – 12:30p on ESPN+
Brenden Aaronson started his fourth straight match for Union Berlin last weekend but the team fell to Augsburg 2-0 and remain three points out of the relegation playoff spot just a year removed from Champions League qualification. They face a Bayern Munich side who have had their 11 year reign as Bundesliga champions come to an end as of last week but who also dismissed Arsenal from Champions League play mid-week.
Valencia v Real Betis – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Johnny Cardoso started and went the full 90 for Real Betis last weekend as they snapped a four match losing streak by defeating Celta Vigo 2-1 last weekend. The result drew them within five points of Real Sociedad for sixth place and European competition qualification and they are currently two points back of this weekend’s opponent Valencia who are in seventh and have won two straight matches 1-0.
Sunday
Everton v Nottingham Forest – 8:30a on USA Network
Gio Reyna received his first start since joining Nottingham Forest last weekend and picked up an assist off a corner as Forest drew with Wolves to gain a point on Luton Town for the final relegation spot. This weekend’s match will be a key one for Forest as they take on an Everton side who are a point ahead of them in the standings with a game in hand and coming off a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea.
Aston Villa v Bournemouth – 10a on Peacock
Tyler Adams was held out again last weekend due to injury as Bournemouth drew with Manchester United 2-2. It’s a rough turn of events for Adams who had played in just two matches for Bournemouth before returning to the injury list. Bournemouth are squarely in the middle of the table from a points perspective while Aston Villa are currently holding on to fourth place, three points ahead of Tottenham.
Crystal Palace v West Ham – 10a on Peacock
Chris Richards has missed three straight due to injury but did return to training late this week for Crystal Palace who are coming off a shock 1-0 win over title contending Liverpool. With the win Palace pulled eight points out of the relegation scrap.
Coventry City v Manchester United – 10:30a on ESPN+
Haji Wright and Coventry City will look to continue their FA Cup run as they face Manchester United in the semifinals on Sunday. Coventry have seen their promotion hopes fade, falling eight points back of the playoff positions in the Championship but they can still make a splash this season. Coventry defeated Wolverhampton 3-2 in the quarterfinals after remarkably scoring a goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time followed by Wright’s game winner with the last kick of the match in the tenth minute of stoppage.
Brest v Monaco – 11:05a on beIN Sports
Folarin Balogun and third place Monaco face second place Brest on Sunday morning in Ligue One action. PSG have a solid grip on the league lead but with just three Champions League spots from Ligue One and Lille only three points back of Monaco (who trail Brest by a point) both teams have a lot to play for yet this season. Fulham v Liverpool – 11:30a on USA Network
Tim Ream was not included in the matchday squad last weekend but Antonee Robinson started yet again, he’s started all but one match this season, as Fulham defeated West Ham to move into twelfth place. They will take on a Liverpool side that is licking it’s wounds coming off being bounced from the Champions League quarterfinals by Atlanta and suffering a huge blow to their title hopes in a loss to Crystal Place last weekend that saw Manchester City take a two point advantage in the title race with six matches to play.
Arsenal, Liverpool’s moment of truth in Premier League title race
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FCApr 19, 2024, 04:00 AM ET
Arsenal and Liverpool have their own problems right now as they attempt to reignite their Premier League title hopes. But the aching bodies, tired minds and damaged morale that managers Mikel Arteta and Jürgen Klopp must overcome are suddenly threatening to halt Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, too.If the Premier League trophy is to end the season decked in red ribbons rather than blue, this weekend is the final chance for both Arsenal and Liverpool to turn the screw on City and capitalise on their moment of weakness. By the time City return to Premier League action, at Brighton & Hove Albion next Thursday, Arsenal and Liverpool could be four points clear of Guardiola’s team. If that turns out to be the case, don’t underestimate the scale of the task facing the reigning champions.The sight of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne limping out of City’s Champions League quarterfinal defeat against Real Madrid on Wednesday, combined with the looks of exhaustion and failure on the faces of Guardiola and his players, has raised question marks over City’s ability to bounce back and win a fourth successive title. Who knows how significant a blow it will be to City to have their treble hopes extinguished by a penalty shootout defeat? But having gone 27 games without walking off the pitch in defeat — yes, they technically drew over 120 minutes against Madrid, but try telling Guardiola and his players they didn’t lose the game — City have now lost the air of invincibility that they have developed since their 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in December.
Some title races are defined by teams that really hit their stride as they approach the finish line. They deal with injuries, fatigue and opposition “mind games” as though they don’t exist. Leicester City’s fairy-tale triumph in 2016 and City’s hat trick of titles over the past three years are examples of sides blanking out all distractions to clinch the championship. But sometimes the teams at the top wobble, and their physical and mental strength are tested to the limit. In 2012, when Sergio Agüero’s 93rd-minute winner against Queen’s Park Rangers sealed the title for City in the final game of the season, both they and nearest rivals Manchester United built and lost significant leads — United were eight points clear with six games to play — during the run-in.
This season’s title race will be shaped by what happens this weekend. City’s FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea on Saturday (stream LIVE at 12:15 p.m. ET on ESPN+) gives their title rivals the chance to dislodge Guardiola’s side from top spot, with Arsenal away to Wolves on Saturday evening and Liverpool travelling to Fulham on Sunday. But although City’s confidence will have been dented by the Real defeat, Arsenal and Liverpool must also haul themselves off the floor.
Arsenal face Wolverhampton Wanderers having lost their past two games without scoring, against Aston Villa in the league and Bayern Munich in the Champions League, while a run of one point from Liverpool’s past two Premier League games has damaged their own title challenge. The 3-0 Europa League defeat at home to Atalanta between those dropped points against United and Crystal Palace inflicted drained belief at Anfield, too. But although both teams now trail City by two points at the top of the Premier League, momentum can shift quickly, and Arsenal and Liverpool simply have to win this weekend to keep their hopes alive.Arsenal need to buck their recent trend of faltering in the final weeks of a season if they are to win the title. Last season, the Gunners won just four of their last 10 league matches, while in 2021-22 they won five and lost five of their final 10 games. This time, they realistically need to win all six of their remaining games, but if they can claim all three points at Molineux and then beat Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday, a four-point lead (and a significantly healthier goal difference over City) would put Arteta’s team firmly back in the hunt for the title.Liverpool have a track record of finishing strongly in the league, so their recent dropped points are out of character for Klopp’s side. Last season, seven wins and three draws from their final 10 games were almost enough to clinch a top-four finish, while eight wins and two draws during the 2021-22 run-in left them just a point adrift of eventual champions City.Next up is Sunday’s trip to Fulham which, following Thursday’s Europa League elimination despite winning the second leg against Atalanta 1-0 in Italy, is crucial for Liverpool’s title ambitions. Although Liverpool haven’t lost at Craven Cottage since December 2011, they have drawn on their past two league visits to the stadium — a result they can ill afford this weekend. But a win at Fulham, coupled with another victory in the Merseyside derby at Everton o Wednesday, would lift them four points clear of City, who would have played two games fewer than Liverpool and Arsenal by the time they reemerge on league duty at Brighton.There are plenty of ifs and buts surrounding Arsenal and Liverpool, but one thing is absolutely clear: they both have to win this weekend to retain any realistic hope of winning the title. Yet if one or both of them can do the job this weekend and back it up with another win in midweek, a four-point deficit even with two games in hand would be a challenge for City to meet. History suggests Guardiola and his players will deal with that challenge, but the title race isn’t over yet.Real Madrid have shown that City can be overcome, so Arsenal and Liverpool must apply the pressure to make it happen in the Premier League.
Alyssa Naeher heroics, boos for Korbin Albert as USWNT wins SheBelieves Cup on penalties
The USWNT needed penalty kicks and another ridiculous shootout performance from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, but Emily Fox slotted the winning penalty kick to defeat Canada for the SheBelieves Cup trophy on Tuesday night. Despite misses from Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett during the shootout, Naeher once again played hero as she made three saves during the shootout and, as is her new standard, converted her own shot. It’s the seventh SheBelieves Cup trophy for the USWNT.Sophia Smith provided both of the USWNT’s goals during the second half, after Canada went up late in the first. Canada would get an equalizer of their own late in the match after Crystal Dunn was judged to have brought down forward Adriana Leon in the box, with Leon converting the penalty to make it 2-2. Canadian center back Kadeisha Buchanen nearly provided the game-winning goal via her head, but the U.S. was saved by the crossbar on the final, notable chance of the match.
Earlier in the night, Brazil and Japan also went to penalties to decide the third-place team. Brazil ended up with that honor, as Japan struggled to convert any attempts in the shootout.
With decent weather and no torrential rain, we finally got a real look at what a true soccer game between the U.S. and Canada looks like right now — though somehow we ended up in the exact same place of needing penalties to decide a winner, while many U.S. fans made their displeasure with Korbin Albert known repeatedly throughout the night. Here are the takeaways from this edition of this matchup.
The USWNT celebrates after beating Canada. (Carmen Mandato/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Naeher redemption
Even at her heights during the 2019 World Cup cycle, few would mistake Alyssa Naeher for being a sweeper-keeper. The Chicago Red Stars netminder is an exceptional shot-stopper on her day and a capable defensive orchestrator, providing a level-headed approach that has kept games from going off the rails. Nevertheless, she’s not the type who will converge onto a ball before an attacker sets up their shot, and is more of a traditional stay-near-the-net shot-stopper.
Canada’s opening goal exposed that fact, one that has only gotten more apparent with each passing year.
Even without the “Naeher won’t beat Ashley Lawrence in a footrace” factor, Naeher decided to close the angle far too late into Canada’s counter. Any split-second of indecision works against a goalkeeper who needs to time that challenge, and it was likely the difference between a last-gasp clearance and the actual result, which was an attempted clearance off of Lawrence’s shin right to Deanne Rose. The indecision also cost the USWNT time to adjust its defensive shape, leaving Rose with an easy pass to Adriana Leon for an empty-net finish.Of course, the resolution of the game — another tournament that ends with Naeher saving at least one penalty in a shootout — does reinforce her bona fides in the big moment. She remains one of the world’s best, if not its standard-bearer, in terms of handling spot-kick responsibilities in a big moment. Her resolve helped the U.S. bounce back from Rodman having the first penalty of the shootout saved. Naeher took control of the moment by making a save of her own, then immediately stepping up to take the U.S.’s third shot, then turning around and making two more saves. It was complete domination.
That said, and it goes without saying: a team only gets to penalties if it fails to win in the 90 or 120 minutes preceding it. When a team concedes goals like the one that opened the scoring tonight, coming up big in a shootout is a mandatory recompense.
If the team is determined to play a possession-based game that invites opponents to threaten on the counter, Naeher’s decision-making in similar situations could make or break the USWNT’s quest to earn a gold medal.
The U.S. fan base is still largely unhappy with Albert
Korbin Albert was a substitute in both games, and in both games she received boos when entering the field, though they were clearly audible even on Tuesday night’s television broadcast. In Columbus, where the in-stadium announcer had to re-do the substitution announcement when Albert came on for Shaw, Albert was booed both times, and yet again after the game when her name was read during the trophy ceremony.
Leaving aside that the team did look worse when Albert came on — who wouldn’t look worse with Shaw substituting off from the No. 10? — it’s clear that some fans are left unsatisfied by Albert’s apology and subsequent statements from USWNT leadership that, while they condemn anti-LGBTQ behavior, they are handling the issue privately.
Make it a double for Smith
Listen, it’s absolutely clutch for the USWNT to get Sophia Smith back in this goal-scoring form, but both of her goals help illustrate the sort of success this team can see when they move the ball with purpose and nail their first touch or one-time passing.
We’ve seen how playing a more direct approach has worked this year during the Gold Cup against Colombia, and when you think about the attacking talent (and depth of that talent) on this team, the direct approach is actually providing more options. Smith will get the credit for Tuesday’s two goals, but it was the introduction of Swanson and shifting Shaw back to the No. 10 that unlocked a more successful interplay between the forward line — and as we noted above, Shaw was involved on both goals in the build-up.Her decision to simply lay it off for Smith on the equalizer, in particular, was the perfect example of what happens when you make the simple, quick decision and trust the player on the other side of that call.
The double pivot is back…ish
Against Canada, the United States opted for a more defensive setup with Sam Coffey and Emily Sonnett in a double pivot. But playing Coffey and Sonnett together there — and keeping Lindsey Horan in the midfield, as well — obliges you to shift Jaedyn Shaw out of the midfield, which is what happened as Shaw moved to the left wing. The 19-year-old Shaw looked a little discombobulated to start; it would’ve been really interesting to see her start at the No. 10 two games in a row, instead of asking her to adjust positionally. With more experience, that’s the kind of switch that Shaw will no doubt make more seamlessly, but in this game, it left the U.S. hunting around for some kind of outlet to penetrate Canada’s box.
The U.S. shifted tactics a bit in the second half, returning Shaw to the No. 10 by substituting Coffey for Mal Swanson. With Shaw closer to Smith, it enabled Smith to drop into the pocket in the half space instead of staying wide and having to fight past a defender, helping to create the equalizing goal in the second half. Shaw also helped create the second goal by picking out Rodman on a nicely weighted pass.
Having looked at both setups across the halves, it feels hard to argue for the more stultifying double-pivot, although that may have been affected by players adjusting positions between games and the loss of Naomi Girma to injury. It also suffered from some baffling usage of Dunn, who sat out on the touchline in space by herself for long minutes without ever getting the ball.
Of course, there’s no rule that the U.S. has to use one formation forever, and against Canada in a friendly, why not examine a more defensive setup and see if you can score out of it? The team’s willingness to make adjustments in the second half paid off in the end, and that’s really what matters.
(Top photo: Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Stars vs. balance: USWNT overcomes perpetual problem to lift SheBelieves Cup
Jeff Kassouf ESPN FC
Apr 9, 2024, 09:55 PM ET
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Another game United States–Canada matchup, another victorious penalty shootout for the Americans.
The USWNT defeated Canada in a shootout on Tuesday for the second time in 34 days, again after Canada equalized late in a match for a 2-2 draw. The win brought a seventh SheBelieves Cup title in nine editions of the tournament for the USWNT. While a trophy is nice, the most important aspect of the night was what did and did not work tactically as the Americans continue through this transition phase three months ahead of the Olympics.
On Tuesday, USWNT interim coach Twila Kilgore made four changes to the lineup that defeated Japan2-1 three days earlier. The “who” of the changes was far less important than the “how,” and they captured the essence of one of the biggest questions impending head coach Emma Hayes must address upon her arrival next month: Does she try to get her most talented 11 players on the field, or will she make necessary sacrifices to find her most cohesive squad?
The pitfalls of the former approach were on display Tuesday and stood in stark contrast to a dominant USWNT performance against Japan. On Tuesday, Jaedyn Shaw moved back to a winger role after thriving in the No. 10 position against Japan. She flanked striker Alex Morgan on the left, with Sophia Smith lining up on the right. Lindsey Horan pushed higher into the No. 10 role, but the net result was a familiar problem for USWNT: several players who prefer to occupy central spaces are tasked with providing width.
Horan tended to drift toward the right side alongside Smith in the first half, presumably to allow Shaw the freedom to tuck inside. The net result, however, was that the US was left without a central passing option in the space a No. 10 would traditionally occupy. At one point late in the first half, Shaw drifted all the way to the right touchline alongside Smith to find the ball.
“The first half, I felt their midfielders were going places they didn’t want to go because I think we did shut off the middle of the pitch,” Canada coach Bev Priestman said.
The problem was clear enough to require a change coming out of half-time: Mallory Swanson — likely on minutes restrictions as she returns from injury — replaced Sam Coffey, which shifted Horan deeper into midfield and Shaw inside to formally take over the No. 10 role. The changes paid off almost immediately: Smith equalized five minutes after half-time on an assist from Shaw. Eighteen minutes later, Shaw was the central playmaker again, finding second-half substitute Trinity Rodman, who fed a through ball to Smith for a second goal.
“I thought once we sorted out right after half-time where our pocket players were and making sure that we consistently had players in the pocket, the game changed for us,” Kilgore said. “That just comes down to basically creating our shape and getting into our shape as quickly as possible, and then being dynamic in it. I think the team has really bought in on that and it’s definitely something that we’ll carry forward with us.”
Shaw was a catalyst of the USWNT’s attack on Saturday in a convincing team performance against Japan. Swanson and Rodman ran the wings on each side of Morgan in that game, meaning the USWNT’s front four were all in their preferred and most natural positions. The USWNT looked out of sorts on Tuesday with those players shuffled, but balance was restored as soon as the half-time changes were made.
There lies the issue for Hayes — and it is a good problem to have.
If Shaw’s performances continue to command the starting No. 10 role — she certainly made that case against Japan and in the second half against Canada — and Horan shifts deeper into a No. 8 or double pivot role, what does that mean for a healthy Rose Lavelle or Catarina Macario?
And with Swanson and Rodman most comfortable in the winger roles, and Morgan continues to reassert her claim as the team’s central target, what happens to the uber talented Smith, recent NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner? Smith is dominant in the NWSL for the Portland Thorns but has struggled to grasp hold of an exact role at the international level, in part because of this positional dilemma. It is no coincidence she scored both goals in the second half, including her second tally right after she moved to the No. 9 role.
“I think we just had a really good, fluid movement among the front three,” Smith said about the second half. “At any given time, I could find myself at any position and same with the other two players up front. We’re not shy of movement and interchanging, and I think that just works out really well for us. It keeps the defense on their toes and just presents different challenges for the other team.”
None of these issues are new, but a different coach will now be tasked with solving them. Hayes must figure out how to optimize a talented squad.
Last year’s tepid Women’s World Cup showing from the USWNT was a product of individualistic play and a team that lacked chemistry, in part because it couldn’t figure out its identity. Smith shoehorned into a wide role with Morgan as the striker, and the U.S. rotated its midfield in search of answers for a recovering and then injured Lavelle. Those solutions came too late, and the USWNT was bounced by Sweden in a penalty shootout in the round of 16.
Hayes previously criticized the USWNT for its lack of technical players, so the evolution of Shaw into a star before her eyes before she even arrives on the sideline is a fruitful development.Tuesday’s match reiterated that how the USWNT lines up is as important as who is on the field. There is not and never was, even through the struggles of recent years, a shortage of talent in the American player pool; there was a shortage of ideas and viable solutions — from coaches and players alike.Hayes was hired — and worth the wait as she finishes her time at Chelsea — because U.S. Soccer feels like she is the best coach to solve those issues. She will have only a few months to do so ahead of the Olympics, but the signs of what is and is not working were on display again on Tuesday in a tale of two halves.
Why Barcelona can only blame themselves after imploding vs. PSG
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondentApr 16, 2024, 05:52 PM ET
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Barcelona‘s wait for a first Champions League semifinal appearance since 2019 goes on after Xavi Hernández’s side imploded against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday following Ronald Araújo‘s first half sending off at the Olympic Stadium.
Barça were leading 1-0 on the night, 4-2 on aggregate after last week’s first leg win in Paris, when Araujo lightly bundled Bradley Barcola down just outside the area in the 29th minute. The referee quickly branded a red card, and with it Barça’s hopes of reaching the last four disappeared as quickly as Barcola had dropped to the deck, with the game ending 6-4 on aggregate.
PSG’s comeback was led by Ousmane Dembélé on his return to Barcelona. He left Barça for France last summer in a transfer worth €50 million and fierce whistles greeted his every touch. He could afford a smile when he equalized just before half-time, converting Barcola’s cross to get his side back in the tie. It was just the third goal he has scored this season — two of them have come against Barça in the last week.
Barça may pin their collapse on being down to 10 men, but the truth is they made PSG’s route back into the game easy. Vitinha was left unmarked on the edge of the box from a corner in the 54th minute. He duly smashed in to the bottom corner and then, just after the hour mark, João Cancelo clattered into Dembéle inside the box. Kylian Mbappé, anonymous in the first leg, dispatched the resulting penalty to give PSG the lead in the tie.
The home side did have chances to level, but they came and went, with Mbappé adding his second goal on the counter-attack in the 89th minute to seal PSG’s passage into the semifinal as flares were set off in the away end in the second tier behind the goal where he had just scored.
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If that was the end to this frenetic tie, it is unlikely to be the end to the developing rivalry between the two clubs. Manager Luis Enrique was in the Barça dugout in 2017 when they beat PSG 6-1 to overcome a 4-0 first leg deficit. Now he has helped PSG overturn a first leg defeat in the competition for the first ever time. Before the game, he had said he was convinced that would be the case.
In between those two comebacks, PSG have taken Neymar, Lionel Messi and Dembéle from Barça, while they also hammered the Catalans at Camp Nou when the two sides met in 2021 in the last 16, Mbappé netting a hat trick on that occasion. All of those factors have added an edge to this fixture and it was apparent here, with the extra police presence palpable and supporters chanting their dislike for each other throughout the day in the city all the way up to the stadium in Montjuic.
When 16-year-old Lamine Yamal roasted Nuno Mendes in the 12th minute to set up Raphinha, it looked like the travelling supporters would finally be silenced. Barça were unbeaten in 13 games coming into this match, dating back to Xavi’s January announcement that he will step down when the season ends. They have kept six clean sheets in a row in LaLiga. With a two goal advantage, it looked like tie over.
Robert Lewandowski blazed a chance to add another goal for Barça over the bar before the game swung definitively just before the half hour mark. Araujo was adamant he had not fouled Barcola. The touch was light, but it existed and it is not the sort of decision VAR often intervenes in.
How Barça reacted to losing a man is what will haunt them. Iñigo Martínez came on for Yamal, limiting their counter attack ability, and PSG set up camp in the final third.
Xavi said about going a man down: “We are annoyed. The red card has marked the tie. We were well-organised 11 v 11. The referee was really bad. I told him, he was a disaster. He killed the tie. I don’t like speaking about refs but it has to be said. I don’t understand it.”
Dembélé’s goal just before the break bred confidence and PSG poured forward at the start of the second half. Marc-André ter Stegen was almost caught out by a skidding effort from Achraf Hakimi, Fabián Ruiz shot wide and then, finally, Vitinha made it 2-1 on the night and 4-4 on aggregate. The penalty soon followed as Barça, who conceded two goals in three minutes in the first leg, once again lost their bearings.
Once behind, they did rally. There was a penalty shout turned down on Ilkay Gündogan, which led to a fuming Xavi being sent off for protesting and kicking a barrier on the sideline, before goalkeeper coach José Ramón de la Fuente also received his marching orders. The anger felt as much about a loss of control of the match as it did the decisions on the pitch.
Still, Gianluigi Donnarumma had to save from Lewandowski, with Marquinhos preventing Ferran Torres from tapping in the rebound, and then Raphinha dragged a cross-shot just wide as Barça’s European campaign faded out.
In the 88th minute, Dembélé was whistled off, and a minute later, Mbappé sealed PSG’s passage to the semifinal. The French side will meet Borussia Dortmund in the last four as they continue their bid to win a maiden Champions League trophy.
Barça, meanwhile, head to Real Madrid for El Clásico on Sunday. With Madrid eight points clear at the top of LaLiga, anything but a win would now effectively end their hopes of silverware this season.
‘Special’ Sophia Smith leads USWNT to SheBelieves Cup title
Jeff Kassouf
Apr 9, 2024, 11:23 PM ET
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Scoring exceptional goals is nothing new for Sophia Smith, but she’s making a habit of finishing them against Canada.
It was the USWNT’s second penalty shootout victory over Canada in 34 days after prevailing in a Gold Cup semifinal, and Smith’s individual play was another example of the 23-year-old forward “being a special player in a special moment within our team concept,” USWNT interim coach Twila Kilgore said.
Smith scored an equalizer from outside the box five minutes after halftime and the go-ahead goal 18 minutes later, when she got on a through ball from second-half substitute Trinity Rodman.
“The first goal was just class,” Kilgore said. “Sometimes individuals just do special things. It was a left-footed finish for Soph in a crowded box, just an exceptional moment, but also there’s a big team concept there.”
Smith started the game on the right wing, a position she has been asked to play often in her blooming USWNT career but not her preferred No. 9 position, which she plays for the Portland Thorns. She won National Women’s Soccer League MVP and a league title in 2022 and the Golden Boot in 2023. Portland recently rewarded Smith with the largest annual contract in NWSL history.
Four minutes after Smith moved to her preferred No. 9 role Tuesday, she tallied her second goal. Jaedyn Shaw found the ball centrally after moving into the attacking midfield role, then Shaw turned and played a vertical ball to Rodman, who found a streaking Smith in behind.
Smith acknowledged that it is good to be versatile when the Olympic roster is only 18 players deep.
“I just try to do my job when I’m told I need to step up,” Smith said with her tournament MVP trophy beside her in the stadium tunnel Tuesday. “I don’t think anything of that. I try to lead this team in any way I can and if that’s putting the ball in the back of the net for the PKs or in the game, that’s what I pride myself in and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
The USWNT nearly wasted Smith’s efforts. Crystal Dunn conceded a penalty kick late when she fouled Canada forward Adriana Leon, and Leon stepped up to bury a late equalizer from the spot — just as she had 34 days earlier in the 127th minute of the Gold Cup semifinal.
Tuesday’s match went straight to a shootout, and it played out much like the previous meeting. USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher put in another dazzling shootout performance, saving three penalty kicks and burying one of her own to lift her team to victory.”I think it’s just something that we put the time into in training,” Naeher said of her focus in shootouts. “It’s just part of the game. Even on the men’s or women’s side, the champion of a World Cup or different tournament has statistically some very high number has had to go through at least one shootout within the tournament, so it’s something that we just put a lot of preparation into. The more you do it, the more confident [you are]. I think we’ve got 23 players that can step up and be comfortable taking a shot at any moment.”
Next up for the USWNT is the long-awaited arrival of head coach Emma Hayes at the end of May. Hayes was announced as the team’s next coach in November, but she stayed with Chelsea throughout the European season to finish her decade with the club.
In the interim, Kilgore has been working with Hayes to implement her plans ahead of her arrival. That process has been successful of late despite a concerning group-stage loss to Mexico at the Gold Cup. Since then, the U.S. has won or advanced in five straight games, picking up two trophies in just over a month.
“Now we’re just at a point where we are tried, true, battle-tested,” Kilgore said. “This is five games back-to-back against teams that have qualified for the Olympics. There’s only one more game that puts you into a final, for context.”
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Madrid struggled last time out against Liverpool (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona thrashed Bayern on Matchday three (David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Netherlands celebrates scoring the opening goal against the U.S. (Maurice Van Steen / Getty Images)
The U.S. celebrates Williams’ go-ahead goal. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
Alyssa Naeher clears the ball during the international friendly match against the Netherlands (Pau Barrena / Getty Images)
Alyssa Naeher leads the huddle during USWNT training at ADO Den Haag Stadium. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
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Lloyd is the first player to score a hat trick in a Women’s World Cup final. (Christopher Morris / Getty Images)
Lloyd’s comments have long divided the U.S. fanbase, and at time players. (Ira L. Black – Corbis / Getty Images)
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Russo in action for North Carolina in 2019 (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Bronze in action for North Carolina in 2009 (Brett Wilhelm/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Moorhouse has become an influential player for Orlando (Elsa/Getty Images)
Jess Carter, right, scored against former club Chelsea in a pre-season friendly (Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
Pepi celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth against Groningen (Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
The familiar sight of Pepi replacing De Jong (Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Aaronson holds off NEC’s Rober Gonzalez (Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Booth replaces Miguel Rodriguez against NEC (ANP via Getty Images)
Reyna urges his team on against Freiburg (Hesham Elsherif/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Tim Ream during the loss to Mexico last month. (Ulises Ruiz / AFP / Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino wants his players to be more cunning. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino was an old-school defender. (Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images)
USMNT looked better against Jamaica. (Tim Vizer / AFP / Getty Images)
Cesar Hernandez, Staff Writer, ESPN FCOct 27, 2024, 08:48 PM ET
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CEO of U.S. Soccer JT Batson, technical director Matt Crocker, Pochettino and president Cindy Parlow (Luke Hales/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Pochettino is presented to the media at Hudson Yards (Luke Hales/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The video board announces Pochettino’s appointment at the friendly against New Zealand in Cincinnati (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
Matt Crocker was already close to Mauricio Pochettino (Candice Ward/Getty Images)
U.S. Soccer officials met with Klopp multiple times (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Gregg Berhalter was paid significantly less than Pochettino will get (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Emma Hayes was an advocate for Pochettino (Patricia De Brad Smith/USSF via Getty Images)
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Morgan in her final game (Meg Linehan/The Athletic)
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Giroud and Griezmann could be among the overage selections for France (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
Yamal could be in the Spain squad (Jorge Guerrero/AFP via Getty Images)
Hayes previously spent time coaching in New York. (Photo by USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Hayes won five consecutive WSL titles with Chelsea. (Photo by Clive Brunskill, Getty Images)
Ian Darke, ESPN.com writerMay 21, 2024, 01:00 PM ET
Pulisic has played well at right wing for AC Milan this season (Getty Images)
Zendejas has played well for Club America but misses out on the USMNT roster (Alfredo Moya/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Emma Hayes’ side won 6-0 at Old Trafford on the final day of the season (Alex Livesey – The FA via Getty Images)
The moment Chelsea were confirmed as WSL champions (Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
Aitana Bonmati celebrates winning the 2023 World Cup with Spain (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Infantino announces the venues for the 2026 men’s World Cup (Brennan Asplen – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Sane fires in Bayern’s equaliser (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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Kane slams home his penalty (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Courtois was a welcome presence on the Real bench (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Fullkrug hammers home the opening goal (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)
Sancho’s dribbling came to the fore in the first period (Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images)
Dembele after his miss (Oliver Hardt – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Adeyemi was effective in defence as well as attack (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Lunin was Madrid’s hero against City (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Lunin helped Ukraine qualify for this summer’s Euros (Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images)
Dest has been a key performer in PSV’s outstanding campaign (ANP via Getty Images)
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Klopp consoles Diaz (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Klopp and Van Dijk (Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
Tim Weah has been used as a right wingback with Juventus (Click Thompson/Getty Images)
Girma is one of the few defenders from the USWNT’s World Cup roster who is still receiving regular starts. (Photo by Brad Smith, Getty Images for USSF)
Nighswonger earned her first USWNT cap in December 2023 (Photo by Andrea Vilchez, Getty Images for USSF)
Lavelle was left off the SheBelieves roster due to injury. (Photo by Omar Vega, Getty Images)
Morgan has adapted to a new role with the young USWNT. (Photo by Carmen Mandato, Getty Images for USSF)
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The USWNT celebrates after beating Canada. (Carmen Mandato/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondentApr 16, 2024, 05:52 PM ET
The Ole BallCoach 
