Canada stays top of the Octagonal table with a 2-0 shutout of the United States at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario. Cyle Larin scored in the 7th minute, once again showing how dangerous Canada has become on the counterattack. The US played a man down late with an injury to Chris Richards after using all of their substitutes. Sam Adekugbe doubled the lead five minutes into stoppage time. The . . .
The top of the Octagonal in January
Friday's soccer news starts with all three of the top teams winning on the first matchday of the January/February window. With 4th-place Panama losing at Costa Rica, there's now a three-point gap between the automatic qualifying places and the playoff spot. That's good news for Canada (1st-place, 19 points), the United States (2nd-place, 18 points), and Mexico (3rd-place, 17 points) while raising . . .
United States 1 – El Salvador 0, Concacaf World Cup qualifiying
The United States shutout El Salvador 1-0 at Lower.com Field in Columbus in the Octagonal round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. Antonee Robinson scored the game's only goal in the 52nd minute with Matt Turner keeping the clean sheet. The United States travels to Canada on Sunday (3pm - Paramount+) for the second of three qualifiers in the January/February window. "What I'd say is that, first . . .
A closer look at the concept of USMNT fitness in a January window
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 27, 2022) US Soccer Players - Weather aside, one of the top topics of the USMNT's current World Cup qualifying window has been the fitness aspect of competitive matches in midwinter, in a pandemic. The coaching staff had to mesh their European-based cadre of players, most of whom are in full flow thanks to their club schedules, with a domestic group that is . . .
Preview: USMNT vs El Salvador in Concacaf World Cup qualifying
It's another game day across Concacaf as teams look for separation in the Octagonal. Two points separate the top four teams in the standings. With five games left, the teams lower in the table are looking to play more than spoiler in the opening matchday of the January/February window. With that in mind, the USMNT is looking to take home field advantage against El Salvador in Columbus (7pm ET - . . .
The USMNT builds a midfield
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 26, 2022) US Soccer Players - Core strength is big these days. Drive past any mixed-use development or strip mall in a major American population center, and you're bound to catch a glimpse of one of the many gym chains pushing the idea that core strength is where it's at. Row your way to fitness. Do crunches and planks. Use balls, ropes, or bands. Get the . . .
Canada’s World Cup qualifying roster and Dike’s injury
Tuesday's soccer news starts with Canada's roster for the January/February World Cup qualifiers. With Alphonso Davies unavailable, that's going to require an adjustment from the Octagonal leaders. With the focus in the region squarely on Sunday's home game against the United States, Canada opens at Honduras on Thursday and closes the window at El Salvador on February 2. Canada enters this window . . .
Jordan Morris and Aaron Long’s return to the USMNT
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 12, 2022) US Soccer Players - The USMNT's January camp includes two players fighting against bad timing. In December, Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris and New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long returned to the squad and are now part of the group training in Phoenix in advance of the next round of qualifiers. Both were in line to be major contributors in . . .
The USMNT in 2021 and 2022
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 27, 2021) US Soccer Players – The final week of the calendar year usually brings with it stories and commentaries about the past 12 months. While the planet continues to deal with the pandemic, 2021 saw the slow return of sports and some normalcy. In soccer, that return included fans back in the stands in MLS and around the world and major tournaments like the . . .
Yunus Musah opens the scoring in Valencia’s cup win
Friday's soccer news starts in the Copa del Rey second round. Yunus Musah scored in the opening minute of Valencia's 3-1 win at Arenteiro. With the score level in the 8th, it took extra time to decide the game. Hugo Guillamon put Valencia up for good in the 99th and Manu Vallejo added a goal in the 113th minute. Musah subbed out in the 88th minute. Valencia advances to play at FC Cartagena in the . . .
