Opinion

#AlwaysWatchAtlanta and Austin FC in crisis mode? 5 things we learned from MLS Matchweek 4

Week four of the MLS season was one of the best yet. The matchweek featured great games like LAFC traveling to Seattle and New England hosting Nashville. Philadelphia’s last-minute loss to Montreál sent shockwaves across the league, reminding fans that nobody is safe from the drama that is MLS. With over three goals per game on Saturday, you’d be forgiven for finding it difficult to follow every match, so let's take a look at what we learned from MLS Matchweek 4. 

3 teams still haven’t scored and are Miami frauds? 5 things we learned from MLS Matchweek 3

As the weeks go on and the league table begins to take shape, favorites begin to emerge and we can start to see trends more clearly. MLS has belonged to Philadelphia and LAFC for the past year, but is that the case anymore? Sure, Denis Bouanga can’t stop scoring, but other teams are finally having their say. After MLS Matchweek 3, here are five things we learned.

Leeds USA draw Brighton, but we need to talk about Brenden Aaronson’s poor form

Leeds United sit in the relegation zone after drawing Brighton 2-2 at Elland Road on Saturday. Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson started for Leeds while Weston McKennie came on as a second half substitute.

We’ll get to showing the highlights here in a bit, but first we need to discuss yet another lackluster performance from Aaronson. The American forward transferred to Leeds from Red Bull Salzburg before the 2022-23 season and he’s arguably been a bust.

Leeds reportedly paid $30 million for him and in return he has produced one goal and two assists in 29 appearances.

Farewell Messi-Neymar-Mbappé, you were far better in theory than in practice

For the second consecutive season, a Paris Saint-Germain club entirely hellbent and solely existing for Champions League glory has failed to advance beyond the competition's last 16.

PSG now faces over six months of deep contemplation before the start of the 2023-24 UCL group stage, and although they'll rue Vitinha's inability to score on an open net/Marco Verratti carrying on the club's tradition of having the softest midfielders in the game, those failures should only emphasize how the entire squad needs investment. 

Charleston Battery might have the best jerseys in America

As one of the oldest operating professional clubs in the United States, the Charleston Battery had to celebrate their 30th anniversary (founded in 1993) with something special.

The club has entered a new era under the ownership of Rob Salvatore, highlighted by a move to Patriots Point Soccer Complex and the recent hiring of 2022 USL Championship Coach of the Year Ben Pirmann. These are exciting times for the Black and Yellow, and now the team has one of the year's best kits.

After viral indoor goal, Dutch phenom knocks Barça out of UEFA Youth League with another stunner

I've seen enough. I'm declaring 17-year-old AZ Alkmaar phenom Kees Smit the winner of the 2023 Golden Boy Award, and there's nothing some preciously talented La Masia graduate at Barcelona can do about it. 

Over a month ago, the Netherlands youth international came to my attention with an incredibly inventive goal during an indoor match. It's as beautiful as a Rembrandt.   

USMNT player rankings from Leeds USA vs. Fulhamerica FA Cup clash

Fulham defeated Leeds United 2-0 in the FA Cup on Tuesday to advance to the last eight of the tournament. The match saw five different United States men’s national team players involved. Here’s how they performed.

USMNT rankings for Fulham vs. Leeds United

Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream started in defense for Fulham while Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie lined up in the Leeds midfield. Brenden Aaronson came on as a substitute in the 74th minute.

Messi named FIFA men's player of the year 2022

PARIS - Lionel Messi was named FIFA player of the year 2022 on Monday as Argentina scooped all major men's awards after winning a vintage World Cup final last December.

The 35-year-old forward scored two goals in the final against France, with the South Americans emerging triumphant on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time in Qatar.

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