Free Kicks

LAFC wins MLS Cup after Gareth Bale scores 128th minute equalizer in greatest MLS game ever

The greatest game in Major League Soccer history was played on Saturday as LAFC defeated the Philadelphia Union to win MLS Cup 3-0 on penalty kicks after tying 3-3. There aren’t adjectives adequate to describe the excitement, heartbreak and drama this game had.

With the Philadelphia Union leading 3-2 in the final minutes of extra time, Gareth Bale was the hero of Los Angeles when he scored the latest goal in MLS Playoff history. A powerful header in the 128th minute saved his team which was on the brink of defeat. 

Sly Lucas Zelarayan scores the longest free kick in MLS history

Andre Shinyashiki scored in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time for a 2-2 tie against visiting Columbus on Wednesday, but Charlotte FC were still eliminated from playoff contention in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte trailed 2-0 in the second half.

The Crew (10-7-16, 46 points) currently hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the East. Inter Miami previously sat below Columbus, but they defeated Orlando 4-1 later Wednesday night and now sit at fifth in the conference. Cincinnati, which also has 46 points, sits at sixth.

Magical Paulo Dybala goal helps Roma complete comeback over Inter

The San Siro, Italy’s modern Colosseum, was the stage for a battle between two of Serie A’s finest. Roma traveled north to face Inter Milan on Saturday, and after a thoroughly impressive beginning to the season for new signing Paulo Dybala, The Eternal City appears to have a new Caesar. 

Mexico ruins USMNT U-20's unbeaten run with a phenomenal Joshua Mancha free kick

A nine-game unbeaten run dating from November of 2021 came to an end for the USMNT U-20 on Saturday night after a tough 2-1 loss against Mexico in the Revelations Cup. 

And although it is always difficult to lose against your biggest rival, it is also hard not to recognize the fact that one of the Mexican goals was an absolute beauty. 

Joshua Mancha free kick goal vs USMNT U-20

Mexico set the pace of the game at the beginning of the first half and built a 2-0 difference in less than 25 minutes, thanks to Christian Torres and Joshua Mancha.

Lindsey Horan Has All Of France Screaming ‘Magnifique!’ With Latest Effort

Lyon kept pace with rival PSG at the top of the Division 1 Féminine table by beating Soyaux 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

After opening the season last weekend with a commanding 5-1 victory over Stade Reims behind a Daniëlle van de Donk brace, Lyon found things more difficult on the grounds of the Groupama OL Training Center. 

The match required a moment of magic from American midfielder Lindsey Horan in the 32nd-minute to open the scoring. After failing to get off the bench in Lyon's first game, Horan started alongside Van de Donk and Sara Däbritz in a three-woman midfield.

Jesse Marsch Sent Off As Leeds Lose To Brentford

A flying start to the Premier League season is quickly unraveling for Leeds United following a 5-2 loss to Brentford. After Ivan Toney completed his hat trick for the Bees on Saturday, Leeds’ day went from bad to worse as manager Jesse Marsch was sent off following his protest of a non-penalty call just after the hour mark.

Gonzalo Higuaín Is Really Good At Free Kicks

Gonzalo Higuaín is making a habit of scoring worldies for Inter Miami. Almost a month ago, the Argentine scored a ridiculous free kick from just outside of the box against Cincinnati. Tonight, he hit copy and paste against the New York Red Bulls. 

Romeo Beckham's First Inter Miami Goal Is A Bending Free Kick For Dad

Brace yourself for the sequel, Bend It Like Beckham 2: Going Bottom Bins On Orlando City B, because 19-year-old Romeo Beckham, son of Old Golden Balls himself, has curled home his first set-piece goal for Inter Miami CF II in MLS Next Pro.

Romeo's first foray into football was back in 2014 with Arsenal's Academy, but he was released and briefly pursued a fledgling tennis career while training alongside Andy Murray. However, he returned to the sport last year by joining Miami's reserve team and it looks like the correct decision. 

Italians In MLS: The Best And Worst Signings In League History

Last month, MLS club LAFC completed the signing of Giorgio Chiellini on a free transfer from Juventus. He's the league's second major Italian signing this summer after Lorenzo Insigne joined Toronto FC on a free transfer.

USMNT Hires Revolutionary Set Piece Coach Ahead Of World Cup

Heading toward the World Cup, the USMNT needed to do something drastic to alter its approach to set pieces. 

In the 14-game qualifying cycle, the U.S. managed only three goals from set pieces. They all came in a single match — the 3-0 victory over Honduras in Minnesota. It's also worth noting that Kellyn Acosta, the best dead ball specialist in the squad, provided the service on all three and is expected to start on the bench in Qatar as Tyler Adams' backup.

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