It’s been an exciting month in soccer, with the game delivering some signature moments across all levels of competition. On the international side, the quest for Gold in Tokyo has delivered some excellent play, and the wrapping of the Gold Cup here in North America brought with it some must-watch football. MLS, NWSL, and USL play has all stayed as competitive as ever as the three leagues inch towardsthe halfway points of the 2021 season.
It’s been an exciting month in soccer, with the game delivering some signature moments across all levels of competition. On the international side, the quest for Gold in Tokyo has delivered some excellent play, and the wrapping of the Gold Cup here in North America brought with it some must-watch football. MLS, NWSL, and USL play has all stayed as competitive as ever as the three leagues inch towardsthe halfway points of the 2021 season.
United Soccer League
United Soccer League
While the Boys in Old Glory Red were taking care of business against New York, Phoenix Rising stayed hot in USL action, taking down Rio Grande Valley in an inter-division matchup between first place teams. The Toros were unable to keep up with Phoenix’s offensive attack, which netted three scores before the 30 minute mark.
Back East, Tampa Bay continued their recent skid, falling to Charlotte Independence 2-0 and dropping out of first place in the Atlantic Division. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, who defeated Hartford Athletic 3-1 for their third straight victory, take over the top spot in the division.
Louisville City FC defeated OKC Energy for their 10th win of the year, keeping them one ahead of Phoenix for the most points in the league with 33. A 2-2 draw between Birmingham and Atlanta widened their lead in the Central Division Standings to seven points.
While the Boys in Old Glory Red were taking care of business against New York, Phoenix Rising stayed hot in USL action, taking down Rio Grande Valley in an inter-division matchup between first place teams. The Toros were unable to keep up with Phoenix’s offensive attack, which netted three scores before the 30 minute mark.
Back East, Tampa Bay continued their recent skid, falling to Charlotte Independence 2-0 and dropping out of first place in the Atlantic Division. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, who defeated Hartford Athletic 3-1 for their third straight victory, take over the top spot in the division.
Louisville City FC defeated OKC Energy for their 10th win of the year, keeping them one ahead of Phoenix for the most points in the league with 33. A 2-2 draw between Birmingham and Atlanta widened their lead in the Central Division Standings to seven points.
Gold Cup
Gold Cup
The CONCACAF Gold Cup wrapped up Sunday after an exciting three weeks of competition, with the United States taking down Mexico for the title in a thrilling contest in Las Vegas. A 117th minute score from Miles Robinson off an excellent cross fromKellyn Acosta secured the United States its second major tournament victory on the year after taking down Mexico in June’s CONCACAF Nations League final.
The CONCACAF Gold Cup wrapped up Sunday after an exciting three weeks of competition, with the United States taking down Mexico for the title in a thrilling contest in Las Vegas. A 117th minute score from Miles Robinson off an excellent cross fromKellyn Acosta secured the United States its second major tournament victory on the year after taking down Mexico in June’s CONCACAF Nations League final.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner of New England Revolution was awarded the tournament’s best goalkeeper award, while Mexico’s Hector Herrera was named the tournament’s best player.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner of New England Revolution was awarded the tournament’s best goalkeeper award, while Mexico’s Hector Herrera was named the tournament’s best player.
Tokyo Olympics
Tokyo Olympics
It was an eventful weekend of Olympic action, as both the Men’s and Women’s competitions inched closer to the final rounds.
Canada pulled off a stunning upset of the United States’ Women to move on to Thursday’s final, where they will take on Sweden for Olympic Gold. The U.S. will play Australiafor Bronze on Thursday at 1:00 a.m. PT.
It was an eventful weekend of Olympic action, as both the Men’s and Women’s competitions inched closer to the final rounds.
Canada pulled off a stunning upset of the United States’ Women to move on to Thursday’s final, where they will take on Sweden for Olympic Gold. The U.S. will play Australiafor Bronze on Thursday at 1:00 a.m. PT.
On the Men’s Side, Spain defeated Japan 1-0 to advance to Saturday's Gold Medal match. They will take on Brazil, who defeated Mexico in a penalty shootout in the semifinal round.
On the Men’s Side, Spain defeated Japan 1-0 to advance to Saturday’s Gold Medal match. They will take on Brazil, who defeated Mexico in a penalty shootout in the semifinal round.
MLS
MLS
In a hard fought match between conference foes, San Jose Earthquakestook down Western Conference leader SeattleSounders 1-0 for their first win since May 7. Their lone score of the night came off the foot of winger Cristian Espinosa, who found the net from just outside the penalty box in the final seconds of the first half. San Jose would nearly double their advantage in the game’s final minutes, but a Chris Wondolowski score in the 90th would be overturned by VAR.
Seattle maintains first place in the Western Conference after their second straight loss, but falls to four points back of New England in the Supporters Shield race.
Atlanta and Orlando City played what could be considered the match of the week on Friday. Atlanta took control early, scoring just 45 seconds after the opening whistle from the foot of Josef Martinez. Orlando would pull evenjust before the break, and both clubs would trade scores in the second half before going into the final minutes tied 2-2. Orlando would take the victory in dramatic fashion when Naniheaded in the deciding goal in the 87th minute off an excellent cross from Silvester van der Water.
In a hard fought match between conference foes, San Jose Earthquakestook down Western Conference leader SeattleSounders 1-0 for their first win since May 7. Their lone score of the night came off the foot of winger Cristian Espinosa, who found the net from just outside the penalty box in the final seconds of the first half. San Jose would nearly double their advantage in the game’s final minutes, but a Chris Wondolowski score in the 90th would be overturned by VAR.
Seattle maintains first place in the Western Conference after their second straight loss, but falls to four points back of New England in the Supporters Shield race.
Atlanta and Orlando City played what could be considered the match of the week on Friday. Atlanta took control early, scoring just 45 seconds after the opening whistle from the foot of Josef Martinez. Orlando would pull evenjust before the break, and both clubs would trade scores in the second half before going into the final minutes tied 2-2. Orlando would take the victory in dramatic fashion when Naniheaded in the deciding goal in the 87th minute off an excellent cross from Silvester van der Water.
NWSL
NWSL
At the midway point of 2021, NWSL play remains as tight as ever, with six clubs all within three points of one another in the standings.
Portland Thorns notched their third straight victory on Saturday, taking down Kansas City behind a 10th minute own goal credited to Kristen Edmonds and a 42nd minute score from Marissa Everett. Undefeated since June 26 against North Carolina Courage, the Oregon club will look to keep their momentum rolling in the nation’s capital this week when they face off against Washington Spirit.
At the midway point of 2021, NWSL play remains as tight as ever, with six clubs all within three points of one another in the standings.
Portland Thorns notched their third straight victory on Saturday, taking down Kansas City behind a 10th minute own goal credited to Kristen Edmonds and a 42nd minute score from Marissa Everett. Undefeated since June 26 against North Carolina Courage, the Oregon club will look to keep their momentum rolling in the nation’s capital this week when they face off against Washington Spirit.
OL Reign inched closer to .500 with a win over Racing Louisville SC Saturday. While still on the outside looking in, the performance secured the club its third win in its last four contests. Things are trending up for the Northwest club after a slow start to the season, as they find themselves just two points outside of a fourth place tie.
OL Reign inched closer to .500 with a win over Racing Louisville SC Saturday. While still on the outside looking in, the performance secured the club its third win in its last four contests. Things are trending up for the Northwest club after a slow start to the season, as they find themselves just two points outside of a fourth place tie.
