It's only Decision Day but the MLS Cup Playoffs have started in mind, body and spirit with the Eastern Conference picture now clear.
In a remarkable winner-take-all showdown between Orlando City and Columbus Crew at Exploria Stadium on Sunday, the Crew — needing only a league-leading 17th draw to qualify for the playoffs — threw away a 1-0 lead to crash out of the main event.
Here we are. Decision Day. A season potentially summed up in one moment. For the seven teams whose campaigns still hang in the balance, defeat is simply not an option. For spectators, the tension has been turned up to the max as six of the seven sides play each other in their final games of the season. After 90 minutes of intensity, stress will give way to both elation and agony. As we go into Decision Day, let’s break down what every team is playing for.
With a video featuring Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, MLS and Liga MX revealed the details for the first edition of the highly-anticipated 2023 Leagues Cup — the tournament to revolutionize soccer in North America.
Among those details were the Leagues Cup schedule, dates, format and prizes involved.
This is the all-new @LeaguesCup.
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.
The New York Red Bulls announced a new four-year contract for defender John Tolkin on Wednesday.
The deal runs through the 2027 season and includes an option for 2028.
"We are very excited to sign John to a new contract and keep him with the club," NYRB head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a news release. "He had a very successful season, and we are pleased to have him on our team for years to come."
INKED ✍️
Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain will retire at the end of the season, the 34-year-old said on Monday, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden career that lasted almost 18 years.
Higuain started his career with River Plate but made a name for himself at Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus before moving to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in 2020, scoring over 300 goals in his club career and 31 times for Argentina.
Atlanta United fell to the New England 2-1 on Saturday which means Atlanta is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. An amazing Josef Martínez bicycle kick served as the exclamation point to the season.
With his side trailing 1-0 and time running out, Martínez pulled out the spectacular in the 81st minute.
GET ON YOUR BIKE, JOSEF MARTÍNEZ! WHAT. A. GOAL.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez said Thursday he will be back with the Los Angeles Galaxy next season due to meeting a clause in his contract.
Chicharito revealed the news when asked about his future during a media availability session with reporters.
"I have a clause," Chicharito said. "And when I reach 11 goals and 60 percent of the minutes, it automatically renews."
The business end of the MLS season is upon us, and with the MLS playoffs kicking off in just under a month, every game matters. Only six sides have officially been eliminated from playoff contention going into the international break and the race for the Supporter’s Shield is very much alive. Following Match Week 32, let’s break down what every team is playing for from here on out.
Remaining Opponents: Charlotte FC, Toronto FC
Welcome to Talking El Tri, your new favorite Mexican soccer podcast!
On our first episode, Luis and Yahir discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Liga MX v MLS and the future of each league. They dive in to El Tri's World Cup group and how they see Mexico performing. Yahir talks a little trash and they ask each other fun questions de Los Cantaritos!