The soccer news starts with the only USMNT player left in this season's European competitions. Christian Pulisic's Borussia Dortmund lost 2-1 at home to Red Bull Salzburg in the first-leg of their Europa League round of 16 series. Valon Berisha converted a 49th penalty and doubled Salzburg's lead in the 56th. Pulisic subbed on in the 61st minute and setup Andre Schurrle's goal a minute later. The . . .
Borussia Dortmund advances in the Europa League
The soccer news starts with Borussia Dortmund moving on to the round of 16 in the 2017-18 Europa League. It wasn't easy, with Dortmund coming back to draw their second-leg 1-1 with Atalanta to advance 4-3 on aggregate. With Atalanta's home stadium not meeting UEFA requirements, the game was moved to Sassuolo's Mapei Stadium. Atalanta took the lead from a Rafael Toloi goal in the 11th minute. . . .
Borussia Dortmund’s 2017-18 Europa League story
The soccer news starts with the 3rd-place Champions League teams now looking to advance in the Europa League round of 32. That includes Borussia Dortmund, keeping a USMNT player in European competition this season. It might not be what the Bundesliga club wanted at the start of the season, but the Europa League matters as long as a club remains involved. Manchester United doubled down on that . . .
The 2018 Deloitte Money League makes a familiar point
Tuesday's soccer news starts with the latest release of the Deloitte Money League table. That's where we learn that Manchester United barely hangs on as the biggest money making club in world soccer. €676m euros in total revenue, €1.7m more than Real Madrid and it shouldn't be lost on anybody what that means in practical terms. Last season's Europa League winner did better financially than . . .
Mourinho games the Europa League
Not too long ago, there was a push to add some kind of meaning to the Europa League. On the surface, it was easy to dismiss the tournament as close to irrelevant. Winning meant lifting a trophy, sure, but few confused that with an overwhelmingly successful season. The Europa League was what it was, Europe's second-tier competition. Then UEFA decided to add a Champions League place for the . . .
Ajax vs Manchester United
The 2016-17 Europa final (2:45pm ET - FS1) tells its own story. Once a super club vs still a super club, even if Manchester United needs the Europa League title to qualify for the Champions League. Somehow, Ajax only spending to realistically compete at Eredivisie level has turned into a story of youth and forced decisions. Maybe, but it's also a club choosing to sell and using every available . . .
Mourinho and Manchester United point to the schedule
Once again, it's Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho asking questions about the Premier League. This time, it's scheduling a game for Sunday when his team plays the Europa League final on Wednesday. Even though the Premier League wants all of the finales to at the same time, Mourinho certainly has a point. The Premier League isn't big on moving games to suit the midweek European schedule, a . . .
Manchester United in the Europa and Premier Leagues
Friday's soccer news has Manchester United's Europa League strategy paying off in the first leg. With the Premier League season getting away from the super club, it's Europa League ho! Even if people are questioning why Europe's secondary tournament is now an opportunity for the kind of clubs that don't belong in it. UEFA created this scenario by offering a place in next season's Champions League . . .
Wins for Toronto and Sporting KC
Thursday's soccer news starts with last night's MLS action. At BMO Field, Toronto beat Orlando City 2-1. Seb Giovinco put Toronto up in the 9th minute with Jozy Altidore assisting and doubled the lead in the 38th. Kaka pulled a goal back for Orlando in first-half stoppage time. "First and foremost we are really disappointed with the loss," Orlando coach Jason Kreis said. "We have a different . . .
Does the Europa League count?
Manchester United talked themselves into an odd scenario prior to the quarterfinal round of the 2016-17 Europa League. All of a sudden, a super club was showing interest in winning Europe's secondary competition. United was all in on the Europa League, a way to qualify for next season's Champions League by other means. The reason for this was obvious. United is struggling in the Premier League, . . .
