Category: Soccer

Chicago Red Stars Match at Wrigley Field Breaks Single-Game NWSL Attendance Record
9 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Chicago Red Stars Match at Wrigley Field Breaks Single-Game NWSL Attendance Record

In a landmark year for women's sports in North America, yet another attendance record has fallen.

Bay FC defeated the Chicago Red Stars 2–1 Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago in front of 35,038 fans—the largest crowd for a single game in the 11-year history of the National Women's Soccer League.

The mark was previously held by a 0-0 draw between the OL Reign and Washington Spirit on Oct. 6, 2023 at Lumen Field in Seattle, which drew 34,130 fans. A 2-0 Portland Thorns win over the Reign on June 3, 2023 was seen by 42,054 fans, but as part of a doubleheader with MLS rivals in the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers.

Defender Kiki Pickett and midfielder Joelle Anderson staked Bay FC to a 2–0 lead before Chicago forward Penelope Hocking scored three minutes into stoppage time, creating the final margin at the home of the Chicago Cubs.

The milestone NWSL game joins record-shattering attendance and ratings figures for women in college basketball, professional basketball and hockey in 2024.

Bay FC, Chicago Red Stars, Soccer
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Fans Call for Gregg Berhalter's Job After Colombia Routs United States in Friendly
9 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

Fans Call for Gregg Berhalter’s Job After Colombia Routs United States in Friendly

The United States men's national soccer team played an international friendly against Colombia on Saturday as both teams prepare for Copa America and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite the United States starting 11 players from Europe's five most prominent leagues for the first time, not much went well for the Americans. Colombia took a 2–0 lead in the game's first 19 minutes and ran away with a 5–1 win, the biggest margin in a loss of coach Gregg Berhalter's tenure on the United States sidelines.

No team had scored five goals against the United States since Mexico in the 2009 Gold Cup final. It was the United States' first time losing by four or more goals since a 4–0 loss to Costa Rica in 2016 that led to the firing of then-coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Berhalter, who was hired as the USMNT head coach in 2018, was appointed last summer to lead the Americans to the 2026 World Cup. U.S. soccer fans weren't happy with Saturday's result, however, and their calls for a coaching change grew louder.

The United States will face Brazil on Wednesday for another friendly match ahead of Copa America, which is scheduled to begin June 20.

Colombia, Gregg Berhalter, Soccer, USMNT, World Cup
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U.S. Men's National Team Starts 11 Players From Top European Leagues for First Time
8 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

U.S. Men’s National Team Starts 11 Players From Top European Leagues for First Time

For decades, American soccer fans have been dreaming of a United States men's soccer lineup littered with players who ply their trade in the world's greatest leagues.

That dream is now reality.

On Saturday afternoon, the United States started 11 players from Europe's five most prominent leagues—the Premier League in England, Ligue 1 in France, Bundesliga in Germany, Serie A in Italy and La Liga in Spain—for the first time against Colombia.

The United States XI Saturday included goalie Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest), defender Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), defender Antonee Robinson (Fulham), midfielder Gio Reyna (Nottingham Forest, on loan from Borussia Dortmund), midfielder Weston McKennie (Juventus), midfielder Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), defender Tim Ream (Fulham), midfielder Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), striker Folarin Balogun (Monaco), midfielder Tim Weah (Juventus) and defender Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

The landmark game is the Americans' penultimate clash before opening Copa America against Bolivia on June 23.

Colombia, Soccer, United States
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SI.com Sitemap
6 Jun 24 Jimm Sallivan

SI.com Sitemap

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MLB, NBA, NHL, SI, sitemap, Soccer
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Nets' Dennis Schröder Makes Professional Soccer Debut for Low-Level German Team
31 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Nets’ Dennis Schröder Makes Professional Soccer Debut for Low-Level German Team

After playing a full NBA season split between two different teams, many players would have an inclination to rest.

That does not seem to be the case for Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schröder.

On Wednesday, Schröder debuted as a professional soccer player for FC Germania Bleckenstedt in the sixth tier of the German football pyramid. He played 62 minutes against SC Göttingen before being substituted off in a 5-1 loss.

Schröder, who helped lead Germany to its first-ever men's FIBA World Cup title in September, is preparing to represent his country in basketball in the Olympics in Paris. The Germans are grouped with France, Japan, and the to-be-determined winner of a six-team qualifying tournament in Latvia.

FC Germania Bleckenstedt is a member of the Landesliga Braunschweig, a league centered around the German state of Lower Saxony. Schröder was born in Braunschweig, the state's second-largest city, and he spent his early career with Braunschweig-based teams.

Brooklyn Nets, Dennis Schröder, NBA, Soccer
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Will Ferrell Reportedly Buys Minority Stake in Leeds United
6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Will Ferrell Reportedly Buys Minority Stake in Leeds United

Will Ferrell bought a minority stake in EFL Championship club Leeds United joining the club's group of general partners, according to The Sun.

Ferrell is the latest name of American celebrities to invest in an English club following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's success with Wrexham.

Leeds United was relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. The club nearly achieved automatic promotion back this year, but fell short to Leicester City and Ipswich Town. Leeds will compete in a playoff for the third and final promotion spot.

Ferrell is notably a part-owner of Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC. The club made its MLS debut in 2018 as an expansion side. LAFC won its first and only MLS Cup in 2022 when names like Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini and Carlos Vela played for the side.

Leeds United has not officially confirmed Ferrell's investment, though The Athletic broke down Ferrell's role. "The indication from Elland Road is that Will Ferrell falls firmly into the limited partner category. He’s another famous face in the mix but he won’t be calling any shots in the boardroom," The Athletic's Phil Hay and Ben Burrows reported.

Ferrell joins notable names like Michael Phelps, Jordan Speith, Larry Nance Jr, Russel Crowe and more as part of the ownership collective.

Leeds United plays Norwich City in the EFL play-off across two legs. If Leeds advances, the club will face the winner of Southampton and West Bromwich Albion. Bouncing right back up to the Premier League will be a massive achievement for manager Daniel Farke.

Leeds was promoted back in 2020-21 season and finished in the top half of the table. The 2021-22 season saw Leeds stay up but just three points, but the club was subsequently relegated the following season.

SI, Soccer, The Athletic, Will Ferrell
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David Moyes to Leave West Ham United After 2023/24 Season
6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

David Moyes to Leave West Ham United After 2023/24 Season

Premier League club West Ham United announced May 6 that manager David Moyes will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of the season when his contract expires.

"On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, I would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to David for the contribution he has made to the Football Club during his time as manager," David Sullivan, Joint-Chairman at West Ham United, said in the announcement. “David has been responsible for a period of great progress and success in our history, and we are extremely grateful for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication to the role." Read West Ham United's full statement here.

David Moyes Says Farewell to West Ham United

"I have enjoyed four and a half brilliant years at West Ham, and the Club is in a stronger position than when I returned back in 2019. When I joined West Ham for a second time, the Club was one place above the relegation zone, and it has been a terrific journey to have achieved three consecutive seasons in Europe. After leading the Club to safety, we guided the team to finishes of 6th and 7th in the Premier League, and I was delighted when we won the Europa Conference League title last June – the Club’s first major trophy in 43 years. I would like to thank all the players for their support, and all the success they have achieved, over the last four and a half years," Moyes said in the announcement.

Moyes wrapped things up by thanking everyone at the club and wishing his successor, everyone at West Ham United and the fans all the best for the future.

West Ham United's league form over the past two years has dipped after two successive European qualifications. Not to mention, the Irons have missed Declan Rice in midfield since selling the English player to Arsenal last summer. West Ham United exited the Europa League in the quarter-finals losing out to Bundesliga champions Leverkusen 1-3 on aggregate.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Julen Lopetegui has agreed to terms to become West Ham's next manager. The Spaniard last managed Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. Lopetegui won the Europa League with Sevilla in the 2019-20 season.

Moyes' final home game is May 11 against Luton Town. His farewell will be May 19 away to Manchester City where Arsenal fans hope Mikel Arteta's former manager from his playing days at Everton helps the club win the Premier League.

David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui, Premier League, SI, Soccer, West Ham United
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Bayer Leverkusen Extends Unbeaten Streak to 48, Tying Hallowed European Record
5 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Bayer Leverkusen Extends Unbeaten Streak to 48, Tying Hallowed European Record

For 11 consecutive years, Bundesliga was the fiefdom of Bayern Munich, which won every German league title from 2013-23.

That is not true anymore—and Bayern Munich's dominance has been undone in record-breaking fashion.

Bayer Leverkusen—the already-crowned champions of Germany—crushed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 Sunday to run its unbeaten streak to an astounding 48 games.

With the victory, the Leverkusen-based club tied the record for longest all-competition unbeaten streak by any European club since pan-European competition began in the 1956 season. Portuguese powerhouse Benfica went 48 games without a loss from 1963-65, led by legendary striker Eusébio.

Maestro manager Xabi Alonso's club can break Benfica's mark Thursday against Roma in the second leg of the two teams' Europa League semifinal.

Bayer Leverkusen still has a ways to go to beat the continent's all-time record, however. That mark is held by Scottish powerhouse Celtic, which went 62 matches without a loss from 1915-17.

Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt, Soccer
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Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: Preview, How to Watch on TV and Prediction
5 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: Preview, How to Watch on TV and Prediction

For some Manchester United fans, the end of the Premier League season can't come quick enough.

Erik ten Hag's side are not going to be competing in next season's Champions League because of a real lack of consistency, and it feels like a real turnover in personnel is needed to deliver the change the Dutchman has continually called for.

First though, there's the small matter of beating in-form Crystal Palace, who picked up results just when they needed them to pull away from the relegation zone.

In Jean-Philippe Mateta, Palace have one of the Premier League's sharpest shooters of late, and you can rarely take your eyes of the talented duo of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze - both players who have taken the interest of United's scouting department.

What could follow is a fun Monday night encounter in south London.

Where to watch Crystal Palace vs Man Utd

  • United States (USA Network, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com)
  • Canada (fuboTV)
  • United Kingdom (Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky GO)

Crystal Palace team news

Palace should be able to call on Eze and center-back Marc Guehi, another United transfer target who has been out injured for the best part of two months.

There's no such luck for Cheick Doucoure. Sam Johnstone, Rob Holding and Matheus Franca though, with the quartet in no condition to take part at Selhurst Park.

The impressive Adam Wharton should continue in central midfield, providing the energy and spark for the talented trio ahead of him to do their thing against a United defence who like to ensure their goalkeeper Andre Onana has plenty to do.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup: Henderson; Munoz, Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Wharton, Hughes; Olise, Mateta, Eze.

Man Utd team news

Ten Hag pointed to United's terrible injury record in a recent interview, when asked why he's not been able to deliver the same level of resullst achieved in his first season in charge.

The casualty room is as full as ever heading into the final few games, with the list of unavailable defenders pretty staggering. Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Willy Kambwala are all out, with veteran Jonny Evans also not in great shape.

Further forward there's likely to be no Marcus Rashford, while doubts remain over how just fit midfield duo Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay are.

Man Utd predicted lineup: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

Crystal Palace vs Man Utd prediction

There's rarely a dull moment watching Manchester United and it should be a pretty even game that's contested on Monday night.

Palace have stepped up their game to move away from danger and are playing far more freely under the management of Oliver Glasner. They will fancy their chances of raining shots down on Onana's goal, putting the Cameroonian further in the spotlight.

United can be sharp at the other end when they want to be, and with a fifth-place finish still possible because of Tottenham's recent poor form, they should have enough in the tank to reply and take home at least a point.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Man Utd

Premier League, SI, Soccer
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Gerardo 'Tata' Martino Reacts to Historic Lionel Messi Performance
5 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino Reacts to Historic Lionel Messi Performance

Inter Miami boss Gerardo "Tata" Martino wasn't surprised by Lionel Messi's record-breaking performance against New York Red Bulls, telling reporters post-match that the eight time Ballon d'Or winner "always does something new".

Messi set a new MLS record for most goal contributions and assists in a single game to help Miami come from a goal behind to win 6-2 at Chase Stadium.

First, Messi laid the ball off for Matias Rojas to smash home from long range, before scoring the go-ahead goal himself as Miami stole the ball deep in Red Bulls territory. He then laid on a further four assists, helping long-time buddy Luis Suarez to a superb hat-trick.

"All [goals] were fundamental to the game, but Leo did something historic tonight with five assists and one goal," Martino told the assembled press.

"But I can't forget Suarez's three goals and Rojas' two goals. The first, well both, but the first Rojas goal was amazing. But because of the technical aspect of Leo on the assist I will choose Luis Suárez's scissor goal as my favorite."

"Messi had exceptional games in Barcelona, during my time with him," Martino continued. "But I also remember a semifinal with Paraguay in the Copa America in Chile, where he didn't score a goal and he was still the best player on the field.

"In Barcelona, he had a game against Valencia where we were losing 2-0 and then won 3-2 with three goals from him. And there was another against Sevilla where we were losing 1-0 and then he scored three goals and we won 4-1. I always say this, and it's redundant at this point, but he always does something new. To have involvement in all six goals of a team's 6-2 is something that will be difficult to see again."

The seamless link-up play from Messi and Suarez showed they have lost none of the magic that sparkled during their hugely successful stint at FC Barcelona, despite both players now being in the twilight of their playing careers.

Maintaining momentum will be the key message to Messi, Suarez and the rest of Miami's team, who now sit comfortably at the top of MLS' Eastern Conference standings.

Inter Miami, SI, Soccer
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