USWNT back in action while training camp gets ready to wrap in North America’s men’s leagues
League action is just about here in the United States. The 2022 season for MLS and USL is almost ready to kick off, with all squads in training camp and making last-minute additions to their squads. In the meantime, the USWNT will be in action in the 7th edition of the SheBelieves Cup, set to kick off on Feb 17 and run through Feb. 23. Check out a rundown of the news from each competition below:
USL Championship
The 2022 USL season is just under a month away, and as a result, all 32 Championship squads are hard at work in training camp getting ready for the opening of play on March 12.
Even with training sessions underway, it hasn’t stopped squads from adding pieces. Expansion club Monterey Bay FC has been hard at work
announcing additions to its inaugural roster, including veteran goalkeeper Rafael Diaz, former Rio Grande Valley FC midfielder James Murphy, and forward Chris Cortez, who spent 2021 with The Miami FC. Charleston Battery made two splashes late last week, adding former San Diego Loyal SC forward Augustine Williams, and securing the services of former Republic FC Academy product Emmanuel Johnson from Scottish club Hiberian FC. A number of other transactions sent new faces to new places, which should provide a competitive boost to a number of in-camp competitions. Check out the USL Championship’s coverage of every transaction here.
In addition, nearly every squad has begun closed-door action, serving as a big evaluation point for technical staffs league-wide. Last week, Republic FC took to Southern California for an exhibition contest with Las Vegas Lights FC, their first of four preseason matches. Phoenix Rising FC wasted no time taking to the pitch against an opposing squad in Arizona’s kind winter weather, taking down MLS side Sporting KC. Back east, the Carolina Challenge Cup saw Charleston Battery grapple with MLS newcomer Charlotte FC, and The Miami FC take the pitch against Columbus Crew.
2022 SheBelieves Cup
International action for the USWNT is back this weekend, when they welcome three visiting nations for the 7th edition of the SheBelieves Cup
invitational. This year’s competition features, in addition to the United States, Iceland, New Zealand, and the Czech Republic, all making their first ever appearances in the tournament.
Action will kick off on Thursday, with Iceland v New Zealand and the U.S. going against the Czechs from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The teams will trade opponents on Sunday, with the action again being hosted from Southern California. The final leg of the round robin, scheduled for February 23, will relocate to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX.
Major League Soccer
After the shortest offseason in league history, MLS clubs find themselves just days from the season opener. Anticipation is growing with every passing day, especially as clubs get closer to finalizing their rosters and polish their strategies for the season.
Possibly the biggest news of camp from Foxborough, when New England Revolution announced the addition of USMNT veteran Jozy Altidore, and announced a future transfer of Matt Turner to Arsenal in June. LAFC appears to be prepping for a big return to the top after missing out on the 2021 postseason, adding USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta and entering with two players in the preseason conversation for the league’s golden boot. Elsewhere, five clubs will get ready for the CONCACAF Champions League, which started earlier this week when defending champion NYCFC, Montreal, Colorado, Seattle and New England represent the United States and Canada in the continental championship.
The 27th season of Major League Soccer will kick off on February 26, when 18 clubs take the pitch from coast to coast, headlined by Portland v New England on FOX at 4:30 p.m. PT.
