Portland
Thorns FC’s Lindsey Horan hit hard by hero Andres Iniesta’s potential Barcelona departure | Portland Timbers
Thorns FC midfielder Lindsey Horan took it harder than most. But for any FC Barcelona fan, Saturday’s game was an emotional moment. When midfielder Andrés Iniesta left the field late in Barcelona’s 5-0, Copa del Rey final victory over Sevilla, followers of the Blaugrana saw another part of the club’s golden era begin fading from its landscape.
Major League Soccer
Chivas fans give Toronto FC ovation after Concacaf Champions League final | MLSsoccer.com
It was a night of triumph for Chivas de Guadalajara, as the Mexican powerhouse won the Concacaf Champions League for the first time on Wednesday. But the crowd at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, showed their appreciation for the second-place team, Toronto FC, after the MLS side battled to a 2-1 win on the night, tying up the aggregate series 3-3.
Toronto FC's Giovinco wins CCL Golden Ball award; Osorio wins Golden Boot | MLSsoccer.com
Toronto FC's 2018 Concacaf Champions League campaign ended in disappointment, but there were two players who could take individual solace in awards earned following the conclusion of the tournament. Toronto lost the regional club title on Wednesday, by a 4-2 margin in a penalty shootout in Zapopan, Mexico, following a 3-3 aggregate score through two legs.
Warshaw: Toronto FC did everything in the CCL they needed to, except win it | MLSsoccer.com
Current LAFC and former USMNT head coach Bob Bradley has a line he uses often these days. It’s one his son, Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley, can be heard invoking, as well: “That’s football.”
Brazilian World Cup legend Ronaldo drops in on Zlatan, LA Galaxy | MLSsoccer.com
Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic swapped Galaxy jerseys -- both emblazoned with their center forward No. 9 -- and the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament and Golden Boot winner shook hands with dozens of Galaxy players, coaches and staff.
Orlando City midfielder Uri Rosell happy to see match minutes
Holding midfielder Uri Rosell made his long-awaited debut for Orlando City against the San Jose Earthquakes with the Lions up 3-1 and looking to close out the match. About 10 minutes later, the match was over. Rosell came on in the 84th minute in Saturday’s match and committed a foul, had three successful passes and intercepted a pass. Then, the full-time whistle blew.
Kelyn Rowe nearly ready for return from knee injury - The Bent Musket
Kelyn Rowe missed two months of action last season while recovering from a knee sprain. So when the midfielder picked up a knee injury in training two weeks ago, many fans feared the worst. But this time, Rowe sustained an injury to his left knee—not the right knee he injured eight months ago. The ensuing MRI showed only minor structural damage. And now, Rowe is already on the verge of making a return.
Tenorio: New York Red Bulls ink midfielder Sean Davis to new contract | MLSsoccer.com
The New York Red Bulls have inked Homegrown midfielder Sean Davis to a contract extension, a source with knowledge of the deal told MLSsoccer.com. The 25-year-old signed a new deal that includes three guaranteed seasons and a one-year option. The deal will keep him under the Red Bulls control through the 2021 season.
Vieira: No one at Arsenal has reached out about replacing Arsene Wegner | MLSsoccer.com
New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira downplayed rumors of him becoming Arsene Wegner’s replacement at Arsenal, telling reporters Monday during the club’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new training facility in Orangeburg, N.Y. that no one at the North London club has yet to reach out.
Armchair Analyst: Three quick thoughts from a painful CCL final | MLSsoccer.com
I'm too spent to really think more clearly or eloquently than that. Toronto FC just made an epic Concacaf Champions League run, beating the greatest Liga MX team in history (Club America) and then the best Liga MX team in recent history (Tigres UANL) in succession in the knockout rounds. That'd be the equivalent of offing the Lakers and then the Warriors in back-to-back playoff games.
Houston Dynamo sign Swedish defender Adam Lundqvist | Houston Dynamo
Lundqvist was acquired by the Dynamo using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) and will occupy an International roster spot. He becomes the second player to join the Dynamo this week. Earlier this week, midfielder Luis Gil joined the Dynamo on loan from Liga MX’s club Queretaro FC.
United States
Christian Pulisic included in USMNT roster against Bolivia - Stars and Stripes FC
We haven’t seen Christian Pulisic in a United States kit since that fateful night in October. But let's not rehash that, let’s go with something positive: Dave Sarachan announced that Pulisic will be called up for next month’s USMNT friendly against Bolivia.
Youth soccer and bio banding: good intentions, bad science - Stars and Stripes FC
t’s been said all too often that the United States produces too many athletes and too few soccer players. And you know, it really is true that native talent from the States is less technical. We don’t produce the best dribblers. We don’t produce a lot of highly creative players. And we don’t develop our players to be able to play in small spaces.
World
Christian Pulisic and Borussia Dortmund teammates testify in bus attack trial
United States international Christian Pulisic and his Borussia Dortmund teammates testified on Wednesday at the trial of the man who admitted setting off three explosive devices as the team bus headed to a Champions League match in April 2017.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's World Cup return ruled out by Sweden
LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be coming out of international retirement to represent Sweden at this summer's World Cup, the nation's football association has announced.
Ibrahimovic, who retired from international competition after Euro 2016, represented Sweden in the World Cup in 2002 and in 2006.
FA receives offer to buy Wembley; NFL backs Shad Khan as new owner
The Football Association (FA) of England has announced it has received an offer to buy Wembley Stadium, with the NFL backing Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan as the potential new owner. The FA said in a statement: "We can confirm that the FA has received an offer to buy Wembley Stadium."