News

On and off the pitch, the beautiful game is heating up with both domestic and international competition taking center stage. While all three playoff races tighten up across the USL Championship, MLS and NWSL, soccer at the Olympics and the Gold Cup enter the knockout stage with the United States advancing in both competitions. Internationally, clubs are making head waves with blockbuster transfers that will change the game's landscape across Europe for the coming season. 

On and off the pitch, the beautiful game is heating up with both domestic and international competition taking center stage. While all three playoff races tighten up across the USL Championship, MLS and NWSL, soccer at the Olympics and the Gold Cup enter the knockout stage with the United States advancing in both competitions. Internationally, clubs are making head waves with blockbuster transfers that will change the game’s landscape across Europe for the coming season. 

United Soccer League

United Soccer League

Phoenix Rising FC maintained a stronghold on the Pacific Division with a 1-0 win over third-place San Diego Loyal SC. The Arizona side is now seven points clear of second place in the division. El Paso and RGV Toros played to a draw in their respective matches, ending the weekend tied atop the Mountain Division with 25 points. Austin Bold FC, who RGV drew with, snuck into the playoff picture with the point.

In the Eastern Conference, Hartford Athletic is now in the thick of the playoff race after a convincing 2-0 win over Miami FC. Tampa Bay Rowdies used a 3-1 win over Loudoun United to pull level with Pittsburgh atop the Atlantic Division, while Birmingham used a stoppage time winner to inch closer to the top spot in the Central Division. Also in the Central Division, Memphis 901 knocked off FC Tulsa to pull within two points of the final playoff spot.

Looking ahead to the Indomitable Club’s next opponent, New York Red Bulls II are coming off a 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds and currently stand with just one July win and 10 points out of a playoff spot. 

Phoenix Rising FC maintained a stronghold on the Pacific Division with a 1-0 win over third-place San Diego Loyal SC. The Arizona side is now seven points clear of second place in the division. El Paso and RGV Toros played to a draw in their respective matches, ending the weekend tied atop the Mountain Division with 25 points. Austin Bold FC, who RGV drew with, snuck into the playoff picture with the point.

In the Eastern Conference, Hartford Athletic is now in the thick of the playoff race after a convincing 2-0 win over Miami FC. Tampa Bay Rowdies used a 3-1 win over Loudoun United to pull level with Pittsburgh atop the Atlantic Division, while Birmingham used a stoppage time winner to inch closer to the top spot in the Central Division. Also in the Central Division, Memphis 901 knocked off FC Tulsa to pull within two points of the final playoff spot.

Looking ahead to the Indomitable Club’s next opponent, New York Red Bulls II are coming off a 3-1 loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds and currently stand with just one July win and 10 points out of a playoff spot. 

Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer

Another week, another historic hat trick for the country’s topflight in men’s soccer. FC Dallas’ Ricardo Pepi became the youngest MLS player ever to record a hat trick in Dallas’ 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy. Pepi signed a five-year extension with the club on Tuesday. Real Salt Lake took bragging rights in the Rocky Mountain Cup with a 3-0 win over the Colorado Rapids, who just acquired Mark Anthony Kaye from an LAFC sitting just behind them in the playoff race.

Seattle retained its spot atop the Western Conference and league, despite taking a second straight defeat after an MLS-record start. The Sounders fell 3-1 in Kansas City, as Sporting is now closing in on the top spot out west with 30 points. Nashville leapt into second place in the Eastern Conference after a commanding 3-0 win over Cincinnati thanks to a brace from C.J. Sapong, and New York City FC put a 5-0 hurt on Orlando City SC with four second-half goals to launch themselves above the red line in the Eastern Conference. 

Another week, another historic hat trick for the country’s topflight in men’s soccer. FC Dallas’ Ricardo Pepi became the youngest MLS player ever to record a hat trick in Dallas’ 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy. Pepi signed a five-year extension with the club on Tuesday. Real Salt Lake took bragging rights in the Rocky Mountain Cup with a 3-0 win over the Colorado Rapids, who just acquired Mark Anthony Kaye from an LAFC sitting just behind them in the playoff race.

Seattle retained its spot atop the Western Conference and league, despite taking a second straight defeat after an MLS-record start. The Sounders fell 3-1 in Kansas City, as Sporting is now closing in on the top spot out west with 30 points. Nashville leapt into second place in the Eastern Conference after a commanding 3-0 win over Cincinnati thanks to a brace from C.J. Sapong, and New York City FC put a 5-0 hurt on Orlando City SC with four second-half goals to launch themselves above the red line in the Eastern Conference. 

National Women’s Soccer League

National Women’s Soccer League

Now winners of three of their last four, the Portland Thorns took sole possession of the top of the NWSL table this past weekend with a 1-0 win over the Houston Dash by way of a Sophia Smith goal in the first minute of play. Gotham FC also won their second consecutive match, snapping Chicago Red Stars’ three-match win streak in a 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena. 

A 2-0 shutout of Racing Louisville launched the Washington Spirit above the red line and into third in the NWSL table. North Carolina Courage continued a steady climb up the table, grabbing points for the first time in their last three outings with a scoreless draw at Kansas City.

Now winners of three of their last four, the Portland Thorns took sole possession of the top of the NWSL table this past weekend with a 1-0 win over the Houston Dash by way of a Sophia Smith goal in the first minute of play. Gotham FC also won their second consecutive match, snapping Chicago Red Stars’ three-match win streak in a 2-1 victory at Red Bull Arena. 

A 2-0 shutout of Racing Louisville launched the Washington Spirit above the red line and into third in the NWSL table. North Carolina Courage continued a steady climb up the table, grabbing points for the first time in their last three outings with a scoreless draw at Kansas City.

2020 Tokyo Olympics

2020 Tokyo Olympics

The United States Women’s National Team moved onto the quarterfinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after finishing second ahead of Australia in Group G on goal differential. The U.S. played to a scoreless draw with the Aussies early Tuesday morning to close out group play, and will face the Netherlands on Friday in a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final. 

The United States Women’s National Team moved onto the quarterfinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after finishing second ahead of Australia in Group G on goal differential. The U.S. played to a scoreless draw with the Aussies early Tuesday morning to close out group play, and will face the Netherlands on Friday in a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final. 

Gold Cup

Gold Cup

After locking up Group B with a 1-0 win over Canada, the United States Men’s National Team used an 83rd-minute goal from Matthew Hoppe to down Jamaica and advance to face 2022 World Cup host Qatar in the Gold Cup semifinals on Thursday. 

Having beaten Jamaica at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Stars and Stripes won’t to travel far for the quarterfinals – the USMNT’s semifinal matchup with Qatar will take place at one of the newest MLS grounds, Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium. Gregg Berhalter’s side is making its 15thsemifinal in 16 Gold Cup appearances, including winning it all in 2017 at Levi’s Stadium.

After locking up Group B with a 1-0 win over Canada, the United States Men’s National Team used an 83rd-minute goal from Matthew Hoppe to down Jamaica and advance to face 2022 World Cup host Qatar in the Gold Cup semifinals on Thursday. 

Having beaten Jamaica at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Stars and Stripes won’t to travel far for the quarterfinals – the USMNT’s semifinal matchup with Qatar will take place at one of the newest MLS grounds, Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium. Gregg Berhalter’s side is making its 15thsemifinal in 16 Gold Cup appearances, including winning it all in 2017 at Levi’s Stadium.

European Transfer Window

European Transfer Window

After the hype of Manchester United bolstering its attack with the signing of Jadon Sancho, Ole Gunner Solskjaer is focusing on the defending third of the pitch with the arrival of Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane. Arsenal extended their new No. 10 in Emile Smith Rowe, then continued their youth movement with the arrival of central midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga from RSC Anderlecht.  

Back in 2013, Tottenham Hotspur sold Gareth Bale and the “Magnificent 7” came to be. Well it’s no more, with Erik Lamela’s departure to Sevilla – Spurs received left winger Bryan Gil in return. 

After his heroics for Italy at the Euros this past summer, Gianluigi Donnarumma has signed with PSG. Donnarumma is the second big name to join the French powerhouse this summer, after Sergio Ramos began a new era and left his post on the back line at Real Madrid. 

After the hype of Manchester United bolstering its attack with the signing of Jadon Sancho, Ole Gunner Solskjaer is focusing on the defending third of the pitch with the arrival of Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane. Arsenal extended their new No. 10 in Emile Smith Rowe, then continued their youth movement with the arrival of central midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga from RSC Anderlecht.  

Back in 2013, Tottenham Hotspur sold Gareth Bale and the “Magnificent 7” came to be. Well it’s no more, with Erik Lamela’s departure to Sevilla – Spurs received left winger Bryan Gil in return. 

After his heroics for Italy at the Euros this past summer, Gianluigi Donnarumma has signed with PSG. Donnarumma is the second big name to join the French powerhouse this summer, after Sergio Ramos began a new era and left his post on the back line at Real Madrid. 

After claiming a point in Southern California, the Indomitable Club will look to keep its momentum afloat when they welcome their lone Atlantic Division opponent of the season this weekend.

Sacramento salvaged their final 2021 contest with Orange County when Nabi Kibunguchy netted an excellent cross from Mitch Taintor in the final seconds of the match.

Three points will be the goal this weekend when Sacramento takes on New York Red Bulls II. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. PT from Heart Health Park. The match will be broadcast live on KQCA My58, Estrella TV, and ESPN+. Tickets can be purchased here.

After claiming a point in Southern California, the Indomitable Club will look to keep its momentum afloat when they welcome their lone Atlantic Division opponent of the season this weekend.

Sacramento salvaged their final 2021 contest with Orange County when Nabi Kibunguchy netted an excellent cross from Mitch Taintor in the final seconds of the match.

Three points will be the goal this weekend when Sacramento takes on New York Red Bulls II. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. PT from Heart Health Park. The match will be broadcast live on KQCA My58, Estrella TV, and ESPN+. Tickets can be purchased here.

Key Moves

Key Moves

New York has added a few notable signings to its squad this season while remaining active in promoting players from its youth system.

Midfielder Jeremy Rafanello joined the club in March after spending 2020 with Indy Eleven, where he made four appearances and was selected nine times. The winger leads the squad with three assists this season in 12 appearances.

New York has added a few notable signings to its squad this season while remaining active in promoting players from its youth system.

Midfielder Jeremy Rafanello joined the club in March after spending 2020 with Indy Eleven, where he made four appearances and was selected nine times. The winger leads the squad with three assists this season in 12 appearances.

The club also added Anthony Marcucci prior to the season after he was drafted 67th overall by New York’s MLS side in January. The goalkeeper has made nine starts on the season, tallying 27 saves while conceding 21 times over 810 minutes played.

The club also added Anthony Marcucci prior to the season after he was drafted 67th overall by New York’s MLS side in January. The goalkeeper has made nine starts on the season, tallying 27 saves while conceding 21 times over 810 minutes played.

Midfielder Jake LaCava joined Red Bulls II after playing for the club’s youth academy in 2019 and 2020. LaCava has netted three scores to go with two assists on the season across 13 appearances.

Midfielder Jake LaCava joined Red Bulls II after playing for the club’s youth academy in 2019 and 2020. LaCava has netted three scores to go with two assists on the season across 13 appearances.

New York This Season

New York This Season

Despite holding seventh place in a tough Atlantic Division, New York has done well to keep opposing defenses busy. Through 14 matches the club is sixth-league wide in overall shots taken, and have tallied double digits in the category in all but one match this season.

Defense has been a problematic area for Red Bulls II thus far, as they will enter Saturday’s contest as the only club to not post a clean sheet in 2021. They are second to Las Vegas Lights FC in total scores conceded.

Despite holding seventh place in a tough Atlantic Division, New York has done well to keep opposing defenses busy. Through 14 matches the club is sixth-league wide in overall shots taken, and have tallied double digits in the category in all but one match this season.

Defense has been a problematic area for Red Bulls II thus far, as they will enter Saturday’s contest as the only club to not post a clean sheet in 2021. They are second to Las Vegas Lights FC in total scores conceded.

Head to Head

Head to Head

While the two clubs each entered the league in 2014 and 2015, Saturday will be the first-ever meeting between Republic FC and New York Red Bulls II.

While the two clubs each entered the league in 2014 and 2015, Saturday will be the first-ever meeting between Republic FC and New York Red Bulls II.

After a ten day break following the club’s first win since May 12, Republic FC came away from their final matchup of the season with Orange County SC with a point after late-game heroics pulled Sacramento even.

Continued production from the bench and another round of great performances from SRFC Academy products headlined the draw in Southern California. The result looks to keep momentum afloat for the club as they eye a Heart Health Park this weekend when Sacramento welcomes New York Red Bulls II.

After a ten day break following the club’s first win since May 12, Republic FC came away from their final matchup of the season with Orange County SC with a point after late-game heroics pulled Sacramento even.

Continued production from the bench and another round of great performances from SRFC Academy products headlined the draw in Southern California. The result looks to keep momentum afloat for the club as they eye a Heart Health Park this weekend when Sacramento welcomes New York Red Bulls II.

Consistent Chance Creation

Consistent Chance Creation

Sacramento’s offense continued generating scoring chances with ease in Saturday’s draw, posting nine shots to go with six chances from close range. Cameron Iwasa led the offensive attack for the second straight contest, tallying three shots, including one that nearly put Sacramento ahead in the 12th minute. The Indomitable Club has averaged 12 shots per game over their last five matches dating back to July 3.

Sacramento’s offense continued generating scoring chances with ease in Saturday’s draw, posting nine shots to go with six chances from close range. Cameron Iwasa led the offensive attack for the second straight contest, tallying three shots, including one that nearly put Sacramento ahead in the 12th minute. The Indomitable Club has averaged 12 shots per game over their last five matches dating back to July 3.

Saturday marked the second game in a row that SRFC scored from the long ball. The club’s last three goals have been put in from aerial assists, starting with Tucker Bone’s second goal against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Republic FC didn’t let up offensively in the second half, logging seven shots after two in the first half for a total of nine on the night. SRFC also bested OCSC 9-8 on created chances, led by three from Mario Penagos.

Saturday marked the second game in a row that SRFC scored from the long ball. The club’s last three goals have been put in from aerial assists, starting with Tucker Bone’s second goal against Las Vegas Lights FC.

Republic FC didn’t let up offensively in the second half, logging seven shots after two in the first half for a total of nine on the night. SRFC also bested OCSC 9-8 on created chances, led by three from Mario Penagos.

Academy Players Continue to Shine

Academy Players Continue to Shine

Republic FC Academy products Hayden Sargis and Mario Penagos logged their sixth and fourth starts for the season, continuing their development as part of the Boys in Old Glory Red. Sargis led all players with ten clearances, and paced SRFC with three interceptions in the opening 45 minutes. The 19 year old also assisted Sacramento’s first score of the night, finding Kharlton Belmar on a perfectly placed long ball in the 23rd minute. Penagos completed 83% of his passes and tallied one shot in his second consecutive start.

Republic FC Academy products Hayden Sargis and Mario Penagos logged their sixth and fourth starts for the season, continuing their development as part of the Boys in Old Glory Red. Sargis led all players with ten clearances, and paced SRFC with three interceptions in the opening 45 minutes. The 19 year old also assisted Sacramento’s first score of the night, finding Kharlton Belmar on a perfectly placed long ball in the 23rd minute. Penagos completed 83% of his passes and tallied one shot in his second consecutive start.

Subs Strike Again

Subs Strike Again

Sacramento’s depth again paid dividends, as the club entered Saturday down six players including Darek Formella, Tucker Bone, and Duke Lacroix.

Republic FC’s last second equalizer from Nabi Kibunguchy continued the trend of high-impact performances from reserve players. Kibunguchy’s score came just three minutes after coming on for Kharlton Belmar, and was assisted by 80th minute entry Mitch Taintor. The tandem’s late-game heroics marked the third time this season the club has come back to win or tie behind excellent showings from the bench- who also led the club to a last second draw in San Diego on July 3 and a win over LA Galaxy II on April 30.

Sacramento’s depth again paid dividends, as the club entered Saturday down six players including Darek Formella, Tucker Bone, and Duke Lacroix.

Republic FC’s last second equalizer from Nabi Kibunguchy continued the trend of high-impact performances from reserve players. Kibunguchy’s score came just three minutes after coming on for Kharlton Belmar, and was assisted by 80th minute entry Mitch Taintor. The tandem’s late-game heroics marked the third time this season the club has come back to win or tie behind excellent showings from the bench- who also led the club to a last second draw in San Diego on July 3 and a win over LA Galaxy II on April 30.

After 10 days of rest following Sacramento’s exciting 2-1 victory in Las Vegas, the Boys in Old Glory Red re-take the pitch in Southern California on Saturday as a part of a great slate of games across the league in Week 14. 

All but one USL Championship squad will see action this week, with a plethora of matchups in a crowded Atlantic division taking place both Friday and Saturday and the Pacific Division sure to see some movement as well.

After 10 days of rest following Sacramento’s exciting 2-1 victory in Las Vegas, the Boys in Old Glory Red re-take the pitch in Southern California on Saturday as a part of a great slate of games across the league in Week 14. 

All but one USL Championship squad will see action this week, with a plethora of matchups in a crowded Atlantic division taking place both Friday and Saturday and the Pacific Division sure to see some movement as well.

Pacific Division Update

Pacific Division Update

Following Republic FC’s July 14 victory in Las Vegas, the Pacific Division has suddenly found itself crowded as four teams all sit within one point of fourth place. 

Following Republic FC’s July 14 victory in Las Vegas, the Pacific Division has suddenly found itself crowded as four teams all sit within one point of fourth place. 

A recent skid for Orange County SC has allowed San Diego Loyal to enter the week tied for second in the division after Landon Donovan’s squad took a 2-1 result from their northern neighbors last Wednesday. Loyal SC has a tough matchup this week against division leader Phoenix Rising, who they defeated in their last meeting on June 25. 

Las Vegas, Tacoma, and LA Galaxy II all enter the weekend tied with 13 points, while Republic FC sits just behind them with 12. This week has Las Vegas traveling to take on Real Monarchs; while LA Galaxy II will welcome Oakland Roots at home.

A recent skid for Orange County SC has allowed San Diego Loyal to enter the week tied for second in the division after Landon Donovan’s squad took a 2-1 result from their northern neighbors last Wednesday. Loyal SC has a tough matchup this week against division leader Phoenix Rising, who they defeated in their last meeting on June 25. 

Las Vegas, Tacoma, and LA Galaxy II all enter the weekend tied with 13 points, while Republic FC sits just behind them with 12. This week has Las Vegas traveling to take on Real Monarchs; while LA Galaxy II will welcome Oakland Roots at home.

The Miami FC vs. Hartford Athletic 

The Miami FC vs. Hartford Athletic 

Just behind Atlantic Division leaders Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh, The Miami FC and Harford Athletic enter their Saturday meeting separated by just three points. 

Just behind Atlantic Division leaders Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh, The Miami FC and Harford Athletic enter their Saturday meeting separated by just three points. 

Miami (7-5-2, 23 points) comes into Saturday fresh off a stretch of three matches in 10 days— two of which were against Atlantic Division leader Tampa Bay. The South Florida club took a 2-1 result at home against the Rowdies on July 7, and defeated Loudoun United FC 4-1 on July 10 before taking a second straight match from their upstate rivals July 17. A win for Miami this weekend could put them in first place in the Atlantic Division should Tampa be upset by Loudoun United.

Hartford Athletic (6-3-2, 20 points) could tie Miami in the standings with a victory on Saturday. Prior to their 3-1 loss to Charleston Battery this last weekend, Hartford put together two excellent showings in a 2-2 draw with Red Bulls II and a victory over Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

Miami (7-5-2, 23 points) comes into Saturday fresh off a stretch of three matches in 10 days— two of which were against Atlantic Division leader Tampa Bay. The South Florida club took a 2-1 result at home against the Rowdies on July 7, and defeated Loudoun United FC 4-1 on July 10 before taking a second straight match from their upstate rivals July 17. A win for Miami this weekend could put them in first place in the Atlantic Division should Tampa be upset by Loudoun United.

Hartford Athletic (6-3-2, 20 points) could tie Miami in the standings with a victory on Saturday. Prior to their 3-1 loss to Charleston Battery this last weekend, Hartford put together two excellent showings in a 2-2 draw with Red Bulls II and a victory over Tampa Bay Rowdies. 

United Soccer League

United Soccer League

Louisville City FC widened its lead in the Central Division after a convincing 3-1 win over an OKC side clinging to thedivision’s final playoff spot. 

Out west, Orange County followed Tampa Bay’s suit of dropping two matches and entering uncharted territory. Despite the recent results, OCSC’s playoff positioning remains strong: the Southern California side now sits tied for second in the Pacific Division with San Diego Loyal SC, who downed OC in San Diego in last week’s midweek action. Phoenix Rising FC, meanwhile, returned to winning ways with a 5-0 drubbing of LA Galaxy II and Austin Bold climbed into the playoff race with a 1-0 win at Real Monarchs. 

Another #USLonESPN game is on this week as well, as San Antonio FC face New Mexico United on ESPN 2 on Wednesday. 

Louisville City FC widened its lead in the Central Division after a convincing 3-1 win over an OKC side clinging to thedivision’s final playoff spot. 

Out west, Orange County followed Tampa Bay’s suit of dropping two matches and entering uncharted territory. Despite the recent results, OCSC’s playoff positioning remains strong: the Southern California side now sits tied for second in the Pacific Division with San Diego Loyal SC, who downed OC in San Diego in last week’s midweek action. Phoenix Rising FC, meanwhile, returned to winning ways with a 5-0 drubbing of LA Galaxy II and Austin Bold climbed into the playoff race with a 1-0 win at Real Monarchs. 

Another #USLonESPN game is on this week as well, as San Antonio FC face New Mexico United on ESPN 2 on Wednesday. 

Not only did Colorado Springs’ 3-2 loss to San Antonio throw to the wayside a golden opportunity to strengthen the Switchbacks’ playoff positioning, but it allowed Austin to leapfrog them in the Mountain Division into fourth.

Not only did Colorado Springs’ 3-2 loss to San Antonio throw to the wayside a golden opportunity to strengthen the Switchbacks’ playoff positioning, but it allowed Austin to leapfrog them in the Mountain Division into fourth.

Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer

Minnesota United secured its first win in club history over Seattle as an MLS side, putting a stop to the Sounders’ MLS-record 13-match unbeaten run to open the season.

Minnesota United secured its first win in club history over Seattle as an MLS side, putting a stop to the Sounders’ MLS-record 13-match unbeaten run to open the season.

Toronto FC and Orlando City SC played to a 1-1 draw in the first game at BMO Field in almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as Jozy Altidore scored in the Reds’ long-awaited return to their home pitch.

Columbus Crew SC also stymied NYCFC as both clubs look to lock up a playoff spot. 

As if that wasn’t enough drama for the country’s men’s topflight, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar entered the MLS record books with a hat trick in a six-minute span to help Nashville beat Chicago 5-1. 

Toronto FC and Orlando City SC played to a 1-1 draw in the first game at BMO Field in almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as Jozy Altidore scored in the Reds’ long-awaited return to their home pitch.

Columbus Crew SC also stymied NYCFC as both clubs look to lock up a playoff spot. 

As if that wasn’t enough drama for the country’s men’s topflight, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar entered the MLS record books with a hat trick in a six-minute span to help Nashville beat Chicago 5-1. 

New England Revolution increased its hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference against an Atlanta United side that’s in the market for a new manager, while the Los Angeles Galaxy squandered a chance to climb the Western Conference ladder after Seattle’s loss and Sporting Kansas City’s bye week. 

New England Revolution increased its hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference against an Atlanta United side that’s in the market for a new manager, while the Los Angeles Galaxy squandered a chance to climb the Western Conference ladder after Seattle’s loss and Sporting Kansas City’s bye week. 

National Women's Soccer League

National Women’s Soccer League

You asked for drama? Enter the NWSL.

Having now won their last three matches, Chicago Red Stars are steadily creeping up the table after a 3-1 win over OL Reign on Sunday. But if you thought a six-minute hat trick or stopping a league-record streak was wild, yesterday’s win over Reign made it five – yes, five – consecutive own goals for the Windy City side.

You asked for drama? Enter the NWSL.

Having now won their last three matches, Chicago Red Stars are steadily creeping up the table after a 3-1 win over OL Reign on Sunday. But if you thought a six-minute hat trick or stopping a league-record streak was wild, yesterday’s win over Reign made it five – yes, five – consecutive own goals for the Windy City side.

Meanwhile, Portland tightened its grip on the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pride after an absolute screamer from Sophia Smith while Gotham FC climbed into the playoff picture with a 3-2 win over Washington Spirit to wrap up a quiet weekend in the NWSL.

Meanwhile, Portland tightened its grip on the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Orlando Pride after an absolute screamer from Sophia Smith while Gotham FC climbed into the playoff picture with a 3-2 win over Washington Spirit to wrap up a quiet weekend in the NWSL.

Gold Cup

Gold Cup

The United States Men’s National Team secured the top spot in Group B at the Gold Cup with a 1-0 win over Canada on Sunday. Shaq Moore etched his name into the USMNT record book with the fastest goal in team history, scoring just 20 seconds into the match.  

The United States Men’s National Team secured the top spot in Group B at the Gold Cup with a 1-0 win over Canada on Sunday. Shaq Moore etched his name into the USMNT record book with the fastest goal in team history, scoring just 20 seconds into the match.  

The U.S. and Canada entered Sunday level on both points and goal differential, with the win giving the U.S. the group outright.

Knockout play awaits the Stars and Stripes next, as Gregg Berhalter’s side will face the Group C runner-up on Sunday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. PT in Arlington, Texas.

The U.S. and Canada entered Sunday level on both points and goal differential, with the win giving the U.S. the group outright.

Knockout play awaits the Stars and Stripes next, as Gregg Berhalter’s side will face the Group C runner-up on Sunday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. PT in Arlington, Texas.