Off the Pitch

USWNT will receive Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPYS for their equal pay fight

The U.S. women's national soccer team will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at next month's ESPYs in recognition of their fight for equal pay with their male counterparts, ESPN said on Wednesday.

The award, which is given to an individual or group in the sporting world that makes a difference beyond the field of play, will be presented on July 12, before the women's squad kick off their bid for a third consecutive World Cup title on July 22.

Watch: Alex Morgan reacts to the unveiling of her 20-foot tall ‘Liberty Alex’ statue

LOS ANGELES — Fans wishing to snap a picture with U.S. forward Alex Morgan will have a chance at the next best thing as a six-meter, 825-pound (375kg) statue of the soccer star hits the road ahead of the Women's World Cup.

World Cup broadcaster Fox Sports conceived of the statue to promote its programming for the tournament, which kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

Canada’s national teams could be unable to schedule future friendlies due to financial crisis

Canada Soccer is in a dire financial situation and eventually could be forced into bankruptcy, TSN reported Tuesday.

The women's national team is scheduled to compete in the World Cup next month, and the men are playing in the Gold Cup this week. Beyond that, the teams might not be able to play during international windows this fall, per the report.

Ricardo Pepi will stay in Eredivisie with permanent transfer to league giants PSV

Ricardo Pepi will be playing in Eredivisie next season after agreeing to an $11 million transfer to Dutch giants PSV according to Fabrizio Romano.

Toronto FC part ways with head coach Bob Bradley

Toronto FC parted ways with head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley on Monday after a 3W-7L-10D start to the 2023 MLS season.

Toronto also relieved assistant coach and technical director Mike Sorber of his duties and named Terry Dunfield as the interim head coach.

The Reds are in 14th place in the 15-team Eastern Conference through 20 matches. Only Inter Miami (17) and the New York Red Bulls (17) have scored fewer goals in the East than Toronto (18).

Introducing the greatest home decor website of them all

It's always an extremely hit-or-miss trip to the thrift store when you're looking for knickknacks to adorn your shelves. You need to spot something that immediately speaks to your sensibilities, but what if you rounded a corner and bam! You saw this holy union of home decor and soccer staring right back at you.

This would be a legendary thrifting experience. 

Tuesday Pickup home decor

5 animals Lionel Messi should keep an eye on while living in Florida

Among the reasons Lionel Messi decided to play for Inter Miami is the idea of enjoying soccer "in a calmer way" while having more time around his family.

Sure, it sounds like a long-term vacation, a downgrade to an ill-called "retirement league," but the truth is Messi shouldn't let his guard down.  

Not only because there are defenders like Walker Zimmermann and Miles Robinson that can make him run for his money, but also because off the pitch, there are a series of animals and critters living in Florida that he — and his lovely family — should be keeping an eye on.

Forget Messi! Ronaldo's number one enemy is now the wrinkles around his eyes

We spent over a decade thinking Lionel Messi was Cristiano Ronaldo's biggest nemesis, but how wrong we were: the player's real enemy is no other than the wrinkles surrounding his eyes.

He hates them.

I know it sounds egregious, but we have proof.

Cristiano scores a bazillion goals every season and keeps his body in perfect shape, masking the fact he's already 38. But he's no fool. He knows that the passage of time is ruthless, and he's very conscious of it.

Cristiano Ronaldo hates wrinkles

Take, for instance, his last game against Iceland.

Lindsey Horan shares beautiful, romantic engagement photos – who is her fiancé?

Wedding bells in the USWNT! Midfielder Lindsey Horan announced she is engaged!

The Colorado native shared a series of pictures on social media where you can see her fiancé, Tyler Heaps, kneeling and popping the question in front of a breathtaking mountain backdrop. 

"My heart is, and always will be, yours," Horan captioned.

Inter Miami confirms date of Lionel Messi's debut

Lionel Messi is set to play his first game for Inter Miami on July 21 when the Major League Soccer side host Mexico's Cruz Azul in their Leagues Cup opener, managing owner Jorge Mas told the Miami Herald newspaper on Tuesday.

Messi and Miami have agreed terms on a deal and are finalizing paperwork and visas after the Argentine great's announcement this month of his intention to join the club.

The 35-year-old will sign a two-and-a-half year deal worth $50 million to $60 million per year with an option to extend until 2026, according to the Miami Herald.

Pages