Thursday's soccer news starts with FIFA president Gianni Infantino releasing his plan. Marking four years in charge, Infantino is pushing forward with what he calls the true globalization of the sport. "My vision is for the organization to help develop football in all regions of the world so that many more can compete at the very highest level," Infantino writes. "The goal is to have at least 50 . . .
Shutout for Fortuna Dusseldorf, Robinson, Palmer-Brown, and Novakovich score
The roundup of USMNT players in Europe and Mexico starts in the Bundesliga. Alfredo Morales subbed out in the 67th minute for Fortuna Dusseldorf in their 2-0 win at Freiburg. Andre Hoffmann scored in the 37th minute with Erik Thommy doubling the lead in the 61st. The result has Fortuna 16th in the table holding the relegation playoff place two points and -2 in goal differential from safety. "It . . .
Nashville and MLS play stadium politics
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Feb 21, 2020) US Soccer Players - Lawsuits, flea markets, asbestos, backroom deals, government double-crosses, a coveted racetrack, and even a mayor's extramarital affair. All that might sound like plot elements for the bygone TV soap "Nashville." It's actually just a snippet of the drama with the Music City's professional soccer club in its quest for a . . .
De Boer’s situation in Atlanta
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Feb 19, 2020) US Soccer Players - Pressure is a function of the schedule, except when it isn't. For coaches headed into the 2020 season with expectations already in place, it's possible to be under the gun even before the games begin. The real heat will come with the matches that count, but not every job is created equal. History is a burden and a blessing. That's . . .
LAFC stumbles in Mexico
Wednesday's soccer news starts with the latest installment of an old story for MLS teams in the Concacaf Champions League. The team that dominated the regular season in 2019 didn't find success playing in Mexico. LAFC lost the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 series 2-0 at Club Leon. Jean Meneses put Leon up in the 21st minute with Angel Mena scoring in the 88th. William Yarbrough . . .
Is the Concacaf Champions League important?
By J Hutcherson (Feb 18, 2020) US Soccer Players - For better or worse, part of the job of a confederation is to run championships for its region. The history of Concacaf's efforts for club and country are stories of relevance, issues, money, and if we're being honest, relevance all over again. The club version, in particular, is a story of trying to force meaning on a competition that may not . . .
USMNT players in the Champions League
Tuesday's soccer news starts with the two clubs featuring USMNT players left in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League. Christian Pulisic's Chelsea is a week away from their round of 16 series with Bayern Munich with Pulisic working towards match fitness. Tyler Adams strained his calf in training last Friday and is expected to miss RB Leipzig's Champions League first-leg against Spurs on . . .
Familiar expectations for MLS in the Champions League
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Feb 17, 2020) US Soccer Players – It’s a question MLS teams participating in the Concacaf Champions League ask themselves every winter. How will we be able to win a trophy while Mexican clubs continue to dominate? It’s a puzzle MLS teams, currently in preseason, have to ponder seriously. In a way, participation in the Concacaf Champions League has become a . . .
Manchester City’s situation
Monday's soccer news starts with the same thing most of soccer is talking about, UEFA banning Manchester City from European competition for two seasons over Financial Fair Play. For a team like Manchester City, that means no Champions League and no point for the vast amount of money the club spends. That's what has them in trouble, how they accounted for incoming revenue to stay on the right side . . .
Holmes injured in Derby County draw
The roundup of USMNT players in Europe and Mexico starts with Duane Holmes subbing out in the Derby County's 1-1 home draw with Huddersfield Town. Holmes subbed out in the 29th minute with an ankle injury. Derby's Tom Lawrence scored in the 61st minute with Huddersfield equalizing in the 81st. "With Holmes, it is an ankle issue," Derby County manager Phillip Cocu said. "He got a kick and then . . .
