Though it was overshadowed by the ongoing Euro 2016 festivities in France, it’s the time of year for the European leagues to release their schedules. It’s no secret that this means to get as many games as possible on weekends, with all involved realizing that’s the best time for pro soccer. That might seem strange considering the biggest games on the European calendar, the ones in the Champions League, happen on weeknights but that’s never turned into the norm.
It’s the same problem for MLS, needing to cram in the requisite number of games on the schedule. That includes domestic cups, with MLS once again shifting focus midweek. 14 MLS teams play in the US Open Cup on Tuesday and Wednesday, 16 when adding in the second-leg of the Canadian Championship. Then it’s back to the regular MLS schedule on Friday with four teams in action. Scheduling isn’t easy on either side of the Atlantic, but neither is working against the best interests of the teams involved. Simply put, if it doesn’t make sense make the necessary adjustments.
It’s print only, but Stand’s Tom Reed covers the issues with the Championship trying to fit everything into its schedule in their latest issue along with the immediate future of England’s lower divisions.
Let’s get to the soccer news, starting with the MLS Player of the Week. Philadelphia midfielder Roland Alberg takes the week 16 honors, scoring four goals in two games.
One World Sports’ Frank Dell’Apa counts the positives from the USMNT’s Copa Centenario run. ESPN FC’s Tom Marshall’s take on the tournament as a whole. FourFourTwo’s Graham Parker on what watching Lionel Messi lose feels like. Same topic from Complex’s Rawan Eewshah. Goal.com’s Chris Davie reports on Argentina’s president asking Messi not to quit. Front Office Report’s Richard Whittall with the issues elite club players face playing for their countries. The Economist has soccer picking up in popularity among a younger demographic in the USA.
Brad Friedel tells his story to The Players’ Tribune. SI.com’s Michael McNight talks to former Mexico goalkeeper Jorge Campos. The Oregonian’s Molly Blue profiles Portland Timbers player Zarek Valentin.
The Set Piece’s Neil Wood tries to explain what it’s like to support Newcastle United through another transition. The Manchester Evening News’ Stuart Brennan wonders what tactics new manager Pep Guardiola will use with Manchester City.
First day with the @coloradorapids in the books…Here’s to new beginnings! (Thank God it’s Blue ;) pic.twitter.com/fHwmftF4kO
— tim howard (@TimHowardGK) June 27, 2016
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