Opinion

Is Riqui Puig a serious MVP candidate? 5 takeaways from MLS Matchday 24

Matchday 24 was critical for many of the cellar dwellers in MLS. Important results took different forms, like Charlotte FC’s draw against Cincinnati or Colorado’s first win at home, so let’s take a look at what these results mean for those clubs stranded at the bottom of the table. 

Trinity Rodman takes over: 3 things we learned from USWNT vs. Wales

In front of a sellout crowd at PayPal Park in San Jose, the USWNT battled to a 2-0 victory over Wales in their send-off match before the World Cup thanks to Trinity Rodman's brace off the bench.

The U.S. struggled to breakdown Wales' compact defensive structure in the opening 45 but Rodman's halftime introduction led to the opener in the 76th minute before the 21-year-old added a spectacular second in the 87th.

Inter Miami’s tie fighters and records at the Rose Bowl: 5 takeaways from MLS Matchday 23

What’s better than late-night soccer on the Fourth of July? With a few games remaining before the summer break, MLS treated its fans to a midweek smattering of entertaining fixtures for Matchday 23, including one of the league’s great rivalries at one of the nation’s most storied venues. 

Red-hot Real Salt Lake and NYCFC’s unwanted record: 5 takeaways from MLS Matchday 22

The summer transfer window is almost here, and we’re about to see some real changes. There’ll be new faces and some returning aces, but they aren’t allowed to take the field just yet. For now, teams are still struggling with players out on international duty in a stretch that can make or break a team’s season.

USMNT player ratings vs. Trinidad & Tobago: 3 who excelled, 2 who failed

Job done. The USMNT clinched top spot in Gold Cup Group A on Sunday night after beating Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 in sweltering conditions at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

The win ensured that the U.S. and Mexico can't possibly meet until the final, but it was also an important 90 minutes for players to show that they should be considered for the full-strength USMNT squad when it eventually reconvenes. 

The Jesús Ferreira Catch-22: Doomed if he scores, doomed if he doesn’t

United States men’s national team striker and FC Dallas star Jesús Ferreira became the fastest player in USMNT history to reach double-digit goals. On Wednesday he netted a hat trick in the Gold Cup vs. Saint Kitts and Nevis to bring his goal tally for the national team up to 11 in just 20 games.

The 5 best and worst kits we've seen for the upcoming season

It's soccer jersey weather (there's no better option at an outdoor concert), and clubs across Europe are cashing in by releasing their new threads for the 2023-24 campaign.

Below we've recommended five jerseys for special commendation in the field of aesthetic beauty while we've classified five more as ew don't think so.

Best and worst kits for 2023-24 European club season

Winners

#1. Manchester City home 

When you mess with the Red Bulls, you get the horns and chaos in the Wild West: 5 takeaways from MLS Matchday 21

MLS is now past the halfway point in its season, and the summer break for the new Leagues Cup is quickly approaching. Players are missing important games thanks to international play, including the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but as we saw on Saturday night, some teams’ struggles are other sides’ gains, so let’s see what we learned on MLS Matchday 21.

5 takeaways from MLS Matchday 21

#1. Philly loves a 4+ goal win

What’s the saying about guarantees in life? Death, taxes and the Union scoring 4+ goals against weak opposition? It's not? Well, maybe it should be. 

Magic in Orlando and St. Louis City’s slump: 5 takeaways from MLS Matchday 20

Tucked between the Nations League final and Gold Cup kicking off, MLS Matchday 20 found a way to keep fans excited. The early games brought the heat while the late-night slate kept the stove warm on a day packed with goals despite stars across the league missing out. 

CBS and FOX start calling Nations League a ‘major trophy’ and act like no one will notice

The UEFA and CONCACAF Nations League finals both took place Sunday, and records fell, legends became immortal and history was written as the world came to a standstill to watch the heroics of goalkeeper Unai Simón and a blonded Gio Reyna.

Pages