Those keeping close tabs on the USMNT and Mexico will know all about 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan and 17-year-old Gilberto Mora. The two youngsters represent a new era for both nations, one full of hope and promise as the 2030 World Cup cycle gets underway.

Now, they will come face to face when the Stars and Stripes clash with El Tri in an international friendly on Saturday, battling for glory under the lights at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

The pair might share an age, a burning desire to win and intense expectations, but their journeys on the pitch for both club and country have been remarkably different.

Sullivan’s Meteoric Rise in MLS

Many Major League Soccer fans were introduced to Cavan Sullivan for the first time back in 2024. At 14 years and 293 days old, the Philadelphia-native became the youngest player to ever debut in MLS, overtaking former prodigy Freddy Adu in the league’s history books.

Sullivan had signed his first-ever professional soccer contract with the Philadelphia Union two months prior, a deal that also includes a transfer to the Premier League’s Manchester City once he turns 18 years old. He split his time in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro in 2024 and 2025 before truly establishing himself in the top flight this season.

Following the 2026 World Cup break, Sullivan was granted a more regular starting position and went from a promising talent to an established star. The teenager turned heads with an impressive run of form in August before absolutely exploding in September with a league-high nine goal contributions in just four appearances.

Sullivan was named MLS Player of the Month for September 2026, becoming the youngest recipient of the honor at 17 years and two days old. When the phone call came from Mauricio Pochettino to represent the USMNT this fall, it was really no surprise.

The International Stage Is Sullivan’s Next Challenge

It’s one thing to perform in MLS week in and week out, but it’s a completely different challenge to impress for your country. Sullivan soon found himself surrounded by the best American players in the game, in a locker room with two-time World Cup representatives Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest, among others.

And the legendary Pochettino, who has managed the likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, is now his boss.

It would be easy to balk under the newfound pressure, but that’s never been Sullivan's style. Instead, he impressed Pochettino so much that he got the nod in the USMNT’s first friendly of the international break against Peru.

Sullivan might not have walked away with a goal contribution in the team’s lopsided 4–1 win, but he did enough to garner some heartfelt praise from Pochettino: “I’m so happy with his performance, I feel really proud. At 16 years old, performing, fighting and playing with personality. With character.”

The Stars and Stripes rode their momentum into their next friendly, a 4–2 win over Chile. Sullivan only made a cameo appearance off the bench, which means he’ll be fresh for the USMNT’s date with Mexico on Saturday.

It would be a storybook moment for Sullivan to score his debut goal with the USMNT against its biggest rival. But there will be a teenager in a green shirt hoping to upstage him.

Gilberto Mora: From Unknown to Liga MX Superstar

You could argue that beyond the 1–0 win against Germany in the 2018 World Cup, the greatest contribution former Mexico national team manager Juan Carlos Osorio made for Mexican soccer came in 2024. Upon his arrival to Club Tijuana in the Liga MX Apertura 2024 season, the Colombian boss immediately promoted a then-unknown 15-year-old talent by the name of Gilberto Mora.

Three games later, Mora had become the youngest player ever to start a Liga MX game and the youngest goalscorer in division history. In a league that seemingly refuses to give young players a chance, what Tijuana did with their academy gem was instantly celebrated.

It took no time for Mexican soccer to understand why Osorio disregarded Mora’s age and promoted him. Mora’s rise has been meteoric over the past two years, establishing himself as Tijuana’s best player and one of the greatest teenage talents Liga MX has witnessed this century.

He’s been a Liga MX All-Star the last two years and even scored against the MLS All-Stars in 2025. He has also helped the modest Tijuana make the Liga MX playoffs in two of his four seasons as a professional, after the team had gone 10-straight campaigns without making the eight-team postseason.

Mora has amassed 62 senior appearances for the border city club and has 15 goals to his name—five of them coming during the ongoing Apertura 2026 term. This summer, he was given the No. 10 shirt and a brand new contract with improved terms.

It’s extremely unlikely Mora fulfills his contract, with his Liga MX performances leaving no doubt that he’s ready for the next level. But it’s his performances on the international stage over the past year that have caught the eye of some of the biggest clubs in the world.

More Than the Future, Mora Is Already Mexico’s Present

Since the summer of 2025, Mora has collected 15 senior caps for Mexico, not only breaking a number of records but looking beyond comfortable with the demands of senior international soccer.

It all started during the 2025 Gold Cup. Mora was a surprise inclusion in the roster, but when Luis Chávez tore his ACL early in the knockout rounds, manager Javier Aguirre turned to the 16-year-old gem as his replacement.

Mora started from the quarterfinal round onward, assisting the winner in the semifinal and then stealing the show in his true El Tri breakout against the USMNT in the final. When Mexico lifted the trophy, Mora overtook Lamine Yamal as the youngest player in history to win a senior international trophy.

A year later, a groin injury threatened to end Mora’s 2026 World Cup dreams, but after starting El Tri’s first two tournament games on the bench, the teenager took over. Mora became the youngest player since Pelé to start a World Cup knockout match. He was sensational against Ecuador as Mexico won its first tournament knockout match in 40 years. Although El Tri endured a painful elimination against England, Mora proved he belonged on the pitch against a team packed with world-class talents.

Mora was given Mexico’s No. 10 shirt ahead of the start of the Rafael Márquez era, clearly becoming the face of El Tri for the 2030 cycle. Unfazed by the pressure, Mora scored the first goal of the new era against Colombia last weekend, becoming the youngest goalscorer in national team history in the process.

Unlike Sullivan—who is almost a year younger—Mora is already an established international and is arguably Mexico’s most important player heading into Saturday’s clash. Up next for the Mexican wonderkid is securing what Sullivan has already locked down: a marquee move to European soccer.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cavan Sullivan vs. Gilberto Mora: The Battle to Impress on the Biggest Stage.

Turning to a youthful and highly inexperienced roster for the first international window post-World Cup, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino’s gamble is paying off better than anyone could have imagined. 

The USMNT won its first two friendlies against Chile and Peru, outscoring its opponents 8–3 over 180 minutes. Four of those eight goals have been scored by teenagers themselves, while three others have had direct influences from the American kids.

While Mathis Albert’s strike against Chile at 17 years, 131 days old makes him the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history, 18-year-old Julian Hall also left Tuesday’s win with a bit of history.

With a goal in each game as well as an assist against Peru, the Red Bull New York star became the youngest player ever to score in back-to-back USMNT matches and the 13th player in program history to score in each of his first two caps. 

Two games for Julian Hall.
Two goals for Julian Hall! #USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/Pc1ucRS3CK

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 30, 2026

All of Pochettino’s young call-ups have impressed, but it’s no surprise that Hall is among the first to stand out on the scoresheet. After all, he has played professionally since September 2023, debuting for the Red Bulls at just 15 years, 190 days old. He couldn’t even play past 7 p.m. local time because of New Jersey labor laws for minors. 

“My debut was an amazing moment for me and my family and all of the people in my life,” Hall tells Sports Illustrated, recalling the match against the Chicago Fire. “Honestly, I think for the first couple of minutes, I wasn’t really sure what to do. To be honest, I was looking around, kind of taking in the moment.”

He has come a long way from being that starstruck kid. Hall has already racked up 10 goals and five assists in 26 games this year with Red Bull New York, becoming the youngest teenager to hit double-digit goals in a single MLS season.

New York Star Thriving at Home

Hall’s rise to the USMNT and his prominent role with Red Bull New York all started in Manhattan, where he still lives in an apartment with his mother and nine-year-old brother, Leon. 

Although the trek across the Hudson River to the Red Bull’s facilities in New Jersey is a challenge, it hasn’t stopped him from rising up the ranks since joining the academy at 12.

Earlier this month, Hall learned of his first USMNT call-up while sitting in his familiar apartment, marking the biggest step forward in his career, all while being surrounded by the same four walls that have witnessed him go from prospect to star.

“If I’m being honest, I did not expect to be here right now at 18,” Hall says of his swift rise to the highest levels of the game. “...I definitely did not think this would be happening right now.”

Hall also recently signed a new contract with the Red Bulls through the 2029–30 season, becoming the youngest American U-22 Initiative signing in league history. Now on his second MLS contract, he is eligible to earn as much as a $1 million base salary.

He’s focused on finding consistent success whenever he hits the pitch, and if he continues to do so, more history will certainly be made.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Teenager Julian Hall Becomes USMNT’s Latest History Maker in Dawn of New Era.

Premier League

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is attracting plenty of suitors, and Barcelona are in line to take the first major swing. The Catalans are currently planning a blockbuster £130 million ($172.4 million) offer for the Norway international. (Source: indykaila)

Liverpool and Arsenal are keeping close tabs on City standout Rayan Cherki. Both clubs are ready to pounce should an exodus follow City’s guilty verdict. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Beyond the Premier League, Cherki also has interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Despite City’s current turmoil, Philadelphia Union wonderkid Cavan Sullivan still plans to complete his eventual move to the Etihad Stadium. There is no risk of his deal being hijacked at the current moment. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Mexico starlet Gilberto Mora. The Reds know it will be difficult to secure his signature, though, considering Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are monitoring the teenager as well. (Source: Football Insider)

Still in the market for an attacking reinforcement, Arsenal are reigniting their interest in Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi. PSG also have the France international circled as a potential transfer target, though it would cost either club around £80 million ($106.1 million) to get a deal over the line. (Source: The Sun)

Tottenham Hotspur could also join in the brewing battle for Kroupi amid their dreadful goalscoring woes. Spurs were previously interested in the 20-year-old this summer. (Source: The Sun)

Estêvão might be struggling for minutes under Xabi Alonso, but the Brazilian winger has no intention of leaving Chelsea. The teenager will remain patient for opportunities as the season unfolds. (Source: Football Insider)

The Blues remain focused on acquiring a midfield reinforcement after failing to replace Enzo Fernández. Chelsea have made contact with Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, but so have Aston Villa, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Dinamo Zagreb right back Noa Mikic has caught the attention of Brentford, Ipswich Town and Hull City. But Bayer Leverkusen are the frontrunners to acquire the 19-year-old standout. (Source: fussball-news)

La Liga

Real Madrid have been circling Michael Olise for months, but the Frenchman is close to signing a contract extension with Bayern Munich. The player demanded his new contract have a release clause, though, providing the 15-time European champions with hope. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Barcelona outcast Alejandro Balde is coming around to a move, boosting United’s chances of securing his signature in January. The Red Devils like their odds of snatching him for a discounted rate now that he is a near-permanent fixture on Hansi Flick’s bench. (Source: Football Insider)

On the other flank, Jules Koundé remains out of favor, prompting Barcelona to scour for a potential upgrade. The club is keen on Sporting CP right back Iván Fresneda and is considering putting in a bid for the 22-year-old. (Source: O Jogo)

Atlético Madrid are preparing for life after Jan Oblak. The club has added River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán to its shortlist of potential successors. (Source: Fichajes)

Real Madrid striker Endrick now views a loan move in January a real possibility after falling down José Mourinho’s pecking order. Lyon and Roma remain his preferred destinations. (Source: AS)

Upcoming surgery for center back Raúl Asencio hurts his already dwindling career at Real Madrid even more. But a transfer will be difficult for the club to facilitate once he recovers, considering he is under contract through 2032. (Source: Fichajes)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Ready Blockbuster Haaland Bid; Olise Gives Real Madrid Hope.

Now 25, Berhalter has been a late-bloomer of sorts, becoming a USMNT regular at 24 and establishing himself this year, when he played in every one of the team’s games at the 2026 World Cup. 

This fall, he’s elevated into an even more prominent role in defensive midfield and on set pieces, scoring two goals and a pair of assists in wins over Chile and Peru to open the September-October international window. 

The son of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, the midfielder was always going to carry the weight of his family name. Yet he’s lived up to it and more; he’s now a star with EFL Championship side Middlesbrough after taking the long road through the Columbus Crew academy, a loan to Austin FC and a meteoric rise alongside German legend Thomas Müller with the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

“He can play from the left, can play from the right, can play like a midfielder, box-to-box, but also holding midfielder; he can play as a No. 10, from different positions and he’s always very happy to do anything for the national team,” said U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino after the win over Chile. “To have a player like him is priceless.”

Suddenly, a player who once struggled to carve out a role in MLS at the same age as many of his youthful, teenage USMNT compatriots is one of the best players the U.S. can lean on. How has Berhalter suddenly become such a cornerstone?

The Early Days with Columbus Crew, UNC Tar Heels

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Now in his 20s, Berhalter was tasked with elevating his game, his strength, fitness and overall preparation. Sartini, previously a manager in the Whitecaps academy with a track record in youth development, pushed him forward gently before moving him into greater prominence. 

In 2023, Berhalter improved to two goals, a pair of assists and 1,295 minutes across 28 games, scoring his first goal against the Houston Dynamo and helping the team claim a second Canadian Championship title—one of four he won in Vancouver. 

Promoted Under Vanni Sartini in 2024

The 2024 season marked the first year Sartini began trusting Berhalter as a consistent starter and shifted him closer to defensive midfield, largely giving up on his progress as a wide player. There, he enjoyed his first breakout season and formed a potent midfield partnership alongside Paraguayan star Andres Cubas, behind Ryan Gauld and Brian White’s attacking prowess. 

Berhalter’s season included another Canadian Championship, and he made 18 starts in 31 appearances, with two goals and five assists, marking his first jump to over 1,800 minutes. This was the season when the noise around a potential USMNT call-up began percolating, fueled by his last name, his intensity and the set-piece and long-shooting ability that began to show more consistently. 

The Whitecaps fell in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs to LAFC, ending Sartini’s time on the touchline. Yet, the next move pushed Berhalter on further. 

Jesper Sørensen’s Elevation and a Dream Season

The 2025 season is where everything truly changed for Berhalter and the Whitecaps. Under new manager Jesper Sørensen, largely unknown at the time, the American became a key starter from the start of the season and continued to flourish alongside Cubas. 

His long-range shots and set-piece ability took on greater importance when Gauld, previously the team’s talismanic leader, went down with a knee injury in a March matchup against CF Montréal, keeping him out for most of the season. It meant the Whitecaps needed energy and leadership, two marquee qualities Berhalter brings. 

Sebastian Berhalter seals it for the Whitecaps! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/mjr8RMPSus

— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) May 1, 2025

He played a critical role in helping the Whitecaps reach their first Concacaf Champions Cup final, recording three goals and two assists in eight games. Unfortunately, yellow card accumulation kept him out of the final, and the Whitecaps were lost without him, falling 5–0 in Mexico City as he looked on from the press box, facing the thousands of fans who had made the trip. 

Thomas Müller Enters the Chat

Vancouver and Berhalter took the Champions Cup loss in stride, though. It led to the eventual sale of Pedro Vite, a player brought in with a similar elevation and transfer goal as Berhalter, and the Whitecaps remained at the top of the MLS Western Conference through the spring. 

That’s when the possibility of Thomas Müller, the 2014 World Cup champion and Bayern Munich star came into the picture. Led by former Bundesliga sporting director Axel Schuster, the Whitecaps sold Müller on an MLS move after his European farewell, and his talents, presence and experience further pushed Berhalter. 

The two became quick friends; with Berhalter’s German background, they often played golf, attended NHL games and enjoyed other off-field activities. Müller even pushed Berhalter into the USMNT conversation, repeatedly mentioning his talents. 

Berhalter ended the 2025 season with four goals and 12 assists in 29 MLS games, with a career-high 2,296 minutes. His talents led the Whitecaps to the MLS Cup final, where they fell to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. 

“Thomas is rare in the fact that he wants to win every time he’s on the field. He gives 110% and wants people to be better. Some guys come into the league, put up their numbers and go about their business,” Berhalter told DARBY Magazine of the Müller bromance. “He actively seeks out others to help and improve their game. That’s been the coolest thing—he’ll go to 19-year-olds or 32-year-olds and say, ‘Hey, let’s work on this,’ or ‘What do you think of that?’ He’s even come to me showing clips from games and saying, ‘Let’s look at a couple of these.’

“It’s surreal. As a football fan, you think, wow, this guy really cares. I’ve already asked him how I can be better and what steps I can take. Him doing little things like that means a lot—hopefully I can just keep learning from him.”

USMNT Calls Start to Come in 2025

Amid Berhalter’s 2025 breakout and the Whitecaps run to MLS Cup, he earned his first USMNT call for summer friendlies and the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. He made his debut in a July friendly against Switzerland in Nashville, then tallied two assists in the Stars and Stripes’ run to the Gold Cup final, where they fell to Mexico. 

In a group stage match against Saudi Arabia, he gave the first glimpse of a now common sight for the USMNT, serving in a free kick for Chris Richards to head in, a moment which now stands far more consequential than it felt at the time. 

While the Gold Cup didn’t end in glory, Berhalter enjoyed an even grander USMNT breakout in November, when he scored and assisted in a 5–1 beatdown against Uruguay, establishing himself as a key piece in Pochettino’s 2026 World Cup vision. 

2026 Brings the Next Step: The World Cup and Europe

Going into the 2026 season, it was evident that Berhalter’s time in Vancouver was limited. He had just one year left on his contract, and the Whitecaps had a history of letting players go when they wanted to move on. He stayed in extension conversations in Vancouver before the two sides decided it was best to see what the summer transfer window could bring. 

In MLS, the Whitecaps and Berhalter hadn’t skipped a beat. He returned to his electrifying best, scoring at an incredible clip with six goals and seven assists in 14 regular-season contests, earning a call to Pochettino’s World Cup squad. 

Few realized Berhalter’s May brace in a 3–2 win over FC Dallas would mark his final goal contributions in Vancouver’s colors. 

By the time the summer roster decisions came around and Christian Pulisic’s health struggles emerged, Berhalter had established himself as a potential key piece of the USMNT’s plans in midfield and on set pieces. He impressed with 45 minutes in the tournament opener against Paraguay, helped shut down Australia’s late-game push in a 16-minute showing and then scored his first World Cup goal in the group stage finale against Türkiye. 

With his energy in the squad, it became clear that he could be a key piece for the USMNT moving forward. His performances also caught Middlesbrough's eye, and they signed him from the Whitecaps for a $2 million transfer fee. The MLS club opted to cash in on the expiring player rather than hold him for a trophy push. 

Berhalter teared up in his Vancouver farewell.

Berhalter’s start has gone swimmingly in the U.K., with two goals and two assists in his first 10 games for Middlesbrough alongside fellow USMNT talents and former Crew teammates Morris and Max Arfsten. 

That form has translated right to the international stag this fall and has earned incredible praise. For Berhalter, though, it was far from a smooth ride to this point, and he doesn’t share much with the squad’s teenage prodigies beyond a hopeful outlook for the USMNT's future. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Curious Case of Sebastian Berhalter: From Almost Quitting to USMNT Stardom.

Yet the more significant news came hours after Müller’s extension: the club confirmed plans to play the sprint season at Vancouver’s BC Place under a new lease—its previous deal was set to expire at the end of 2026—to use the government-owned stadium.

The Whitecaps have been publicly for sale since December 2024, but have yet to find an owner or secure a future in the city, with the possibility of relocation looming for the 2027–28 season. Las Vegas groups were interested in purchasing and relocating the club, but interest has significantly waned from all parties, according to reports.

Yet, relocation possibilities still loom despite the club sitting atop the Western Conference in 2026, making the finals of MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup in 2025 and averaging 25,003 fans per home game, good for eighth in MLS. 

At the core of the issue is Vancouver’s stadium situation. The club does not own BC Place and has no priority over dates, meaning some “home” games must be played at other venues. At the same time, the club reportedly takes home only 12% of matchday revenue beyond ticket sales and has not maximized sponsorship opportunities to fill the financial void, which has seen it rank among the lowest revenue-generating clubs in MLS.  

“People should know we’re here; we’re staying in the sprint season," CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster told The Canadian Press. “So the club is not going yet, and nothing is happening yet … And the only way you can show us your support and help is buying tickets and come to the games.”

Müller’s Drive for a Title

With BC Place and Müller locked down until the end of the sprint season, the Whitecaps will get two more shots at MLS Cup with the 2014 World Cup winner. Already, Müller has nine goals and eight assists this season and has helped the Whitecaps reach first place in the Western Conference with 50 points through 26 games—a better pace than the club enjoyed in the previous record season in 2025. 

Yet Müller’s role and the Whitecaps’ outlook have changed significantly since he joined last summer. This year, Scottish DP and club captain Ryan Gauld has returned to health and has three goals and two assists in 702 minutes, while competing for playing time with Müller or shifting to a wider role in order to link up with American striker Brian White.

Thomas Müller extension before GTA 6 🔥🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/VZm8VhpqSk

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) September 29, 2026

Adding to the shifts, USMNT breakout star Sebastian Berhalter left after the World Cup for $2 million to join Middlesbrough, taking away the cornerstone of Vancouver’s midfield, a transitional and set-piece weapon and one of Müller’s closest and most efficient teammates.

Since losing Berhalter, the Whitecaps haven’t won three games in a row, something they did twice times earlier in the season before his move. Oliver Larraz, an experienced MLS option, hasn’t had the same level of influence alongside Paraguayan star Andrés Cubas in midfield, changing the complexion of Vancouver’s transition. 

It’s where Müller has had to adjust as well. 

The now 37-year-old has had to drop deeper in possession to help lead attacks, and has often appeared hesitant to shoot from distance, an area where Berhalter had previously thrived. His open-play production has dropped as a result, and his non-penalty xG has fallen to the 68th percentile among MLS players. 

THOMAS MÜLLER ARE YOU KIDDING 🤯🇩🇪

Raumdeuter takes the run and strikes from outside the box🔥#VANvDC | #VAN 3 - 2 #DC pic.twitter.com/qEdEPvFB5O

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) September 27, 2026

While Müller’s drop from his massive influence last season has been notable, the loss of Berhalter—and the desire to sell a pending free agent for $2 million rather than keeping him for an MLS Cup chase—will be the defining factor of the 2025 campaign. 

Müller’s status, though, keeps the Whitecaps in the global conversation in the hunt for a new owner and future in Vancouver. It also serves as a confidence boost with the club dreaming of an MLS Cup title in 2026 and 2027 after crashing out in the early stages of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and Canadian Championship this season. 

“We go through this together, to have Thomas sending this signal that he’s going nowhere, it’s huge, it’s important, it’s something that will be the glue for all the others,” Schuster told Postmedia.

“There is no other choice but to fight. Thomas is here, no one is leaving. And on the pitch, whatever the result is at the end of the year we’ll continue to fight. Besides all the other conversations, we’re still a top club.”

Significant Ticket Price Increases

The confirmation of the sprint season and Müller’s continued stay on the Canadian West Coast came alongside ticket sales launching for both the 14-game campaign and the first European-aligned 2027–28 season. 

Both seasons see massive jumps in select season ticket packages, with fans sharing frustrations online. One season ticket holder since 2014 said her pair will increase to $11,425 for 2027–28 from $3,200, while another added that prices would jump from $2,477 to $10,440. Other sections were also assigned higher general admission prices, while VIP areas, part of the stadium’s $200 million 2026 World Cup renovation, were among the sections hit by higher prices. 

However, most tickets won’t see a massive increase, with ticket prices 25% lower than the next MLS club and rising only $4 in the last 10 seasons. 

What does it all mean for the Whitecaps’ short-term title hopes and a confirmed long-term future? It remains unclear, but the club has often spoke of the many “steps” needed to reach both goals, and this week they took major strides, all in the hope of a consistent and glorious future in the city.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why Thomas Muller’s New Deal Is Critical to MLS Cup Dreams, Whitecaps’ Future .

At 17 years and two days old, Sullivan is now the youngest player to ever earn the honor. He is also only the fourth Philadelphia Union representative to be named MLS Player of the Month, joining Tai Baribo, Jack McInerney and Sébastien Le Toux in the exclusive club.

Sullivan earned the recognition for his sensational run of form in September. Even though he missed the end of the month to represent the U.S. men’s national team during the newly extended fall international break, the youngster’s contributions for the Union were still too good to ignore.

In just four appearances, Sullivan tallied nine goal contributions, the most among all MLS players in September. Even with stars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min routinely taking center stage across North America, it was the 17-year-old American who produced the most in the final third.

Sullivan recorded five assists and four goals during that span, helping Philadelphia end September without dropping a single point.

Sullivan’s Brilliant Form Dates Back Even Further

As if his production in September wasn’t impressive enough, Sullivan has now recorded at least one goal contribution in his last eight matches for the Union, the longest streak by a teenager in MLS history.

As a result, Philadelphia sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, just four points away from fourth-place Charlotte FC. While the club have no chance of defending last season’s Supporters’ Shield, they are at least in prime position to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs.

Ryan Richter’s men are hitting their stride at the perfect time. In September alone, they scored a league-high 20 goals and also had the best goal differential in MLS (+15).

Philadelphia Union put a modest two goals past CF Montréal to kick off the month before battering FC Cincinnati and San Diego FC with five goals each. They then found the back of the net four times each against Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City.

It’s hard to ignore the obvious takeaway: With Sullivan firing on all cylinders, the team is looking like one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the league.

Sullivan Earning His Place With the USMNT

It was hardly a surprise when Sullivan earned his first-ever senior call-up to the USMNT for the September-October international break. The Philadelphia-native was one of eight teenagers manager Mauricio Pochettino selected for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.

Sullivan got the nod in the team’s 4–1 thrashing of Peru on Saturday, logging 62 minutes on his USMNT debut. Pochettino had nothing but praise for the teenager, who was still 16 years old when he represented the senior national team for the first time.

“I’m so happy with his performance. I feel really proud,” Pochettino said. “At 16 years old, performing, fighting and playing with personality, with character.”

The performance wasn’t enough to earn a second consecutive start, though. Sullivan had to settle for just seven minutes off the bench in the Stars and Stripes’ 4–2 win over Chile on Tuesday.

Unlike fellow debutants Justin Ellis, Julian Hall and Mathis Albert, Sullivan is still waiting to score his first goal with the senior squad. The good news is he has a long, long career ahead of him in red, white and blue.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as USMNT Star Cavan Sullivan Beats Out Lionel Messi to Rewrite MLS Record Books.

The 27-year-old, who represented the Stars and Stripes at the 2026 World Cup this summer, has signed with Homegrown club Philadelphia Union as a Designated Player, the team announced Tuesday. McKenzie will remain with French Ligue 1’s Toulouse until Jan. 1, 2027, upon which time his MLS deal will take effect. He is guaranteed under contract through the 2029–30 season, with a club option for the 2030–31 season.

The defender from Bear, Del. first signed a Homegrown contract with the Union in 2018, en route to 48 MLS appearances, including 46 starts for the club, across three seasons. McKenzie was a key piece of the Union’s run to the Supporters’ Shield in 2020, the first trophy in club history. He finished second in MLS Defender of the Year voting that year, at just 21 years old.

McKenzie’s hometown success earned him the attentions of clubs across Europe, where he has spent the last six years honing his craft. He first played for Belgian side Genk, before becoming a stalwart on Toulouse’s backline. But he knew it was finally time to come home.

“Surreal has been the word I’ve used for the last 36 hours,” McKenzie tells Sports Illustrated. “To leave at the end of 2020, the beginning of 2021, it was this move-on chapter. I was a young kid. I was fresh-faced. I was the baby, the Homegrown on the first team, and had gotten my experience and wanted to go off and start a new chapter.

“At that point I said, ‘Well, I would like to come back to Philly, and I’m not sure if that will happen again, but I’m going to Europe. I’m going to experience all these things that I’ve always dreamt about and see where things go.’”

Flash forward to now, McKenzie is not only a seasoned veteran with 30 caps for the USMNT and experience in the sport’s most prestigious competitions under his belt, but he is also a husband and father.

“Not to come back as just anybody, but to come back as a leader, to come back as a guy who can bring a sense of experience at the highest level. That is, one, a sense of responsibility, but two, a real privilege to even have that trust from the club and from the ownership and players,” McKenzie says.

Leaves a Burgeoning Star, Returns a Seasoned Veteran

For McKenzie, who he left the Union as and who he returns as are not the same person. “I had just started growing my beard,” he chuckles.

“I ended up doing well my first year [in 2018] and then kind of built off that over the next two-and-a-half seasons and went out with a strong bang at the end in 2020, where I really felt like it was probably the best point in my career,” McKenzie reflects. “I was playing at a high level, and the team was successful.

“But I didn’t really know what the highest levels of football were going to be like until I took that step. I wanted to get the most out of myself in my career, so taking that step was important for me. I always wanted to look back and say that I put my best foot forward in whatever environment it was.”

McKenzie may have competed at the sport’s most competitive levels in Europe, including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, but he actually believes the greatest perspective he’ll bring back to the Union is that of being a husband as well as a father to his 1-year-old son.

“Being able to provide that sense of, Hey, there is much more to life than just this game, so let’s not take ourselves too seriously here,” he explains. “Let’s actually just enjoy going out there and being able to do this thing that we love for a living.”

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The World Cup Fairytale

It was actually the 2026 World Cup across home soil that solidified McKenzie’s decision to return to the States.

McKenzie, who made 10 starts for the Stars and Stripes between January 2023 and May 2026, played all 90 minutes in the group stage finale against Türkiye. He recalls the way the American fans completely wrapped their arms around the team this summer amid a fairytale run that saw the USMNT win out the group stage and earn its first knockout stage win in 24 years. It’s those same American fans who are becoming invested in MLS.

“We got to a World Cup in the States, and there’s this sense of energy, there’s this sense of wanting to see the game grow at a high level, but not just at the professional level but at the youth level,” he exclaims.

He adds, “If you had asked me before the World Cup, I would have said, ‘Oh no, I’ll probably stay in Europe.’ But being in the States this summer and really feeling that sense of connection to the fans, the connection to the American soccer community that really had an interest in seeing the game grow, that made me think again.”

The Unstoppable Union

McKenzie left a highly successful Union team, and he will return to one as well. Philadelphia is currently on a 12-game unbeaten streak, a club record. After starting the season in the depths of the league’s bottom standings (without a win across first six matches), the Union have clawed their way back into playoff contention, now sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference.

It’s a post-World Cup break surge that has been ignited by 17-year-old wonderkid winger Cavan Sullivan as well as 18-year-old center back Neil Pierre and 20-year-old fullback Frankie Westfield. All three Union Homegrowns made their USMNT senior debuts over the weekend. McKenzie is deeply impressed by the youngsters and eager to help them grow.

“I’m extremely excited for them,” he exclaims. “In reality, this is a full circle moment for me as well. I’m coming back not as a Homegrown, but as an old head in the locker room. But I remember when I was in their shoes ... I had all of these veterans around me, who I looked to as role models and guys that I could lean on for wisdom and insight, and to come back as that guy for these young guys who are honestly so much more talented than I was, it’s full circle.”

Sullivan is up to six goals and eight assists in his last eight league appearances, meanwhile the 6'5" Pierre has established himself as a reliable force on the backline and also somewhat of a prolific goalscorer on set pieces, with four goals so far this season. McKenzie will likely pair up with Pierre on the backline next year.

“For an 18-year-old, he’s extremely mature, the way he has stepped into the team,” McKenzie says of his future teammate. “What impresses me most is his composure, to be, one, that size, but also to have the sense of being on the ball, being able to execute passes when he needs to and being able to win his duels ... His read of the game is really good.

“Being able to work with him just on a regular basis will give the opportunity to feed off one another ... I just want to be able to provide him with whatever is needed to continue to grow and do all the things that he sets his mind to.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as USMNT World Cup Star Makes Long-Awaited Return to Philadelphia Union.

Despite the missing talent, the regular season pushed on with Matchday 28 this week, featuring weather delays, superstar goals, more struggles from Inter Miami and a shocking barnburner between the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps and Eastern Conference strugglers, D.C. United.

With another matchday in the books and with many teams looking at just seven games left in the regular season, it is crunch time. Here’s Sports Illustrated dive into where teams stand after Matchday 28. 

MLS Power Rankings Matchday 28: Clubs 30–11

30. CF Montréal (Previous: 30)
29. Atlanta United (Previous: 29)
28. Sporting Kansas City (Previous: 28)
27. D.C. United (Previous: 26)
26. Colorado Rapids (Previous: 24)
25. Austin FC (Previous: 22)
24. Columbus Crew (Previous: 26)
23. Red Bull New York (Previous: 23)
22. Minnesota United (Previous: 19)
21. L.A. Galaxy (Previous: 25)
20. Toronto FC (Previous: 18)
19. San Diego FC (Previous: 20)
18. Orlando City (Previous: 17)
17. Real Salt Lake (Previous: 16)
16. Portland Timbers (Previous: 12)
15. Seattle Sounders (Previous: 21)
14. FC Cincinnati (Previous: 14)
13. New York City FC (Previous: 13)
12. LAFC (Previous: 11)
11. Houston Dynamo (Previous: 6)

10. San Jose Earthquakes (Previous: 15)

The San Jose Earthquakes have seemingly rekindled their early-season form. Bruce Arena’s men are undefeated in six games and got a brace from Preston Judd in their recent win over the Portland Timbers. It might take a fully in-form and healthy Niko Tsakiris and Timo Werner to challenge for a title, but they’re no easy opponent to face in the MLS Cup playoffs.

9. Charlotte FC (Previous: 8)

A 1–0 loss to the Chicago Fire was rough, but Charlotte FC were missing Idan Toklomati and Liel Abada due to international duty with Israel. Without two attacking cornerstones, finding a goal was going to be tough, even with Allan Saint-Maximin’s intensity in the squad.

8. FC Dallas (Previous: 7)

FC Dallas have won four of their last five games and have proven themselves a threatening team, even without Petar Musa at times. It was center back Osaze Urhoghide with a late-game winner against LAFC, who fired Marc Dos Santos after the game. Trailing the top of the West by just three points, they’re poised to challenge the Vancouver Whitecaps for the top spot.

7. Chicago Fire (Previous: 5)

The absence of Robert Lewandowski, Chris Brady and Noah Allen wasn’t a problem for the Chicago Fire, who found a 1–0 win over Charlotte FC last time out but now face a gauntlet of teams. After taking on Inter Miami, the New England Revolution and Charlotte FC in their last three games, they meet Vancouver Whitecaps, New York City FC, the Philadelphia Union and the Revs again in their next four contests.

6. Inter Miami (Previous: 4)

New manager, same problems. Lionel Messi extended his lead atop the MLS Golden Boot race with an exquisite free-kick against the Columbus Crew, but Miami failed to secure a win. Clearly, there hasn't been a new-manager bump under Kily González, and the Campeones Cup win did little to build confidence.

It’s one win in the last 10 MLS games for the Herons now and they seem to be outside-the-shot MLS Cup contenders, at best. 

5. Philadelphia Union (Previous: 10)

Even without Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield, the Philadelphia Union had no problems in finding a 4–2 win over Orlando City, inspired by a Milan Iloski hat trick. New manager Ryan Richter can’t seem to do anything wrong these days, and they’ve now secured 32 of 36 points since the World Cup break. They are bona fide MLS Cup contenders now.

4. St. Louis CITY SC (Previous: 9)

St. Louis CITY SC didn’t see the pitch last weekend after a weather postponement, but returned on Wednesday to face Red Bull New York. A win would put them level with FC Dallas for second in the Western Conference, and just three points behind Vancouver. At a minimum, Yoann Damet’s group will look to extend their 16-game unbeaten run.

3. New England Revolution (Previous: 3)

A shorthanded New England Revolution lineup without Ilay Feingold, Peyton Miller, Brooklyn Raines or Dor Turgeman didn’t fare well, as they fell 3–0 to Real Salt Lake on the road. They won’t dwell on it too much, though, still sitting third in the Eastern Conference and facing a relatively dreadful Seattle Sounders at home next time out.

2. Vancouver Whitecaps (Previous: 2)

THOMAS MÜLLER ARE YOU KIDDING 🤯🇩🇪

Raumdeuter takes the run and strikes from outside the box🔥#VANvDC | #VAN 3 - 2 #DC pic.twitter.com/qEdEPvFB5O

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) September 27, 2026

The Vancouver Whitecaps have their scoring swagger back, with a 3–0 win over Real Salt Lake and a 3–3 draw against D.C. United in their last two games. While the dropped points to D.C. were disappointing, they hit 50 points, are still on pace for their best regular season ever and have now secured a BC Place lease to avoid relocation for at least the 2027 14-game sprint season. Adding to the good vibes, they’ve also re-signed Thomas Müller for the sprint campaign.

1. Nashville SC (Previous: 1)

Nashville SC restored their 10-point lead atop the Supporters’ Shield table with a 2–0 win over Toronto FC and a draw with D.C. United against Vancouver. Nobody can really catch the Coyotes at this point, making sure that the last stretch of the season focuses on health for the star foursome of Hany Mukhtar, Cristian Espinoza, Sam Surridge and Elias Saad.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Power Rankings: No Cavan Sullivan, No Problem for Philadelphia Union After Matchday 28.

The 38-year-old had told The Sun in July that he “can’t see that there's too much left,” when it came to his international future and that he would “keep playing, but it’s not up to me.”

Nevertheless, the USMNT legend and captain with 86 total caps officially announced his international retirement on Tuesday night, ahead of a ceremony to honor his U.S. Soccer career in his hometown of St. Louis.

“That’s it for me,” Ream said to reporters. “I’m proud of being part of something for 16 years, but it is time to step away from the national team.”

Prior to the USMNT’s friendly match against Chile, Ream was brought onto the pitch at Energizer Stadium and gifted a framed USMNT jersey with the number “86” on the back to commemorate his many appearances.

Ream remains the captain and cornerstone of MLS side Charlotte FC; however, he was left out of USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino’s youthful roster for the September and October friendlies to make way for burgeoning talents.

An International Tenure to Remember

Before shifting to MLS in 2024, Ream was among the few USMNT players to have a consistent presence in overseas soccer, helping to put American stars on the map in the European game.

He spent nine seasons with Fulham, appearing in 312 games across all competitions for the Cottagers and bouncing between the Premier League and EFL Championship from 2015 to 2024. He was integral in Fulham’s 2022–23 EFL Championship victory.

Amid his consistent career in England, Ream became a key piece of the USMNT, aligning himself in the setup of several different managers over 16 years and two World Cups. In 2022 Qatar, he started and played every minute of the USMNT’s run, and four years later, he was the named the team’s captain, starting in four of five matches on home soil en route to the round of 16.

He helped the Stars and Stripes win the 2020 and 2024 Concacaf Nations League titles and led the team to four Concacaf Gold Cup finals, despite never reaching regional supremacy. 

“[Ream] was great for us,” Pochettino said of his captain ahead of the ceremony in St. Louis. “Always [he] is going to be an amazing part of my career because to meet a person like him, and human being, was massive for me to adapt to here, in that culture in the U.S.”

“I think he was humble enough,” the manager added. “He was always defending his team, the teammates, but always with empathy for [the coaching staff] and helping in every single decision.”

Without Ream at the helm, the USMNT is on the hunt for a new team leader and full-time captain, but he won’t be easily replaced. The 2026 skipper will remain a key piece of American soccer history, influencing the future beyond his playing days.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as USMNT World Cup Legend Tim Ream Announces International Retirement.

The career of the 28-year-old, who is now a key player for New York City FC and a World Cup star, began with a pair of Wawa breakfast sandwiches.

He joined the Philadelphia Union’s youth academy at 17 years old, but unlike the other teenagers, he wasn’t around all the time.

“It was a little bit unusual because I was playing high school soccer,” Freese tells Sports Illustrated. “I couldn’t do the academy full time. I wasn’t on the team ... so I would go to training in the morning at 8:00, 7:30 and then drive to school.

“I would get a Wawa breakfast sandwich on my way to school, go to two or three classes and then leave for my high school soccer game or high school soccer practice.”

He later adds, laughing: “I don’t know why I lied. I’d get two Wawa breakfast sandwiches. I’d eat them while I’m driving.”

Unlike the players Freese was training with on those cold mornings—and especially today’s top youth prospects, all of whom dedicate themselves from 12 or 13 years old to training full time within the newly established MLS Next youth academies (2020), Freese didn’t join the Union’s youth ranks full-time until his last semester of high school in 2017.

“To see the drastic difference between [my experience] and now, and obviously, that was still great training. It set the foundation. The coaches did an amazing job,” Freese explains. “... But to see the transition into what it is now, full-time residential, academy systems all over the country, is incredible.”

But that wasn’t the last time Freese diverged from the soccer status quo.

Becoming a Scholar

Unlike the majority of soccer stars around the globe, Freese went to college. Not just any college, either, but Harvard University, the oldest and most-esteemed institution of higher learning in the U.S.

“I wanted to go pro as soon as I could,” Freese admits, “and when I was 17 or 18, I started getting offers to go pro, talking to some European teams and potentially staying home with Philly [Union].”

“My parents wanted me to go to college,” Freese adds, speaking about the pair of highly educated scientists. “To at least do my first semester or two and see what happens.

“I spoke with them, and obviously, they’re your parents and you listen to what they say.”

The 6'4" goalkeeper had two highly successful seasons tending the net for the Crimson, recording 77 saves across his time. He was named Second Team All-Ivy his sophomore year and even conducted a research project on penalty kicks; however, he knew he couldn’t stay. He sat down with his parents to have the tough conversation.

“I told them, ’It’s time for me to leave,’” he recounts. “‘I’ll finish school eventually, but it’s time for me to commit my whole life to the game.’”

He eventually graduated from Harvard with a bachelor’s degree in economics, finishing his coursework online and walking across the stage at graduation in 2022.

Signing a Homegrown Deal

Upon leaving Harvard, the Wayne, Pa. native signed a Homegrown contract with the Union in 2018. He became the 10th Homegrown signing in club history and was joined on the active roster by fellow Homegrowns Auston Trusty, Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie, three players he didn’t know would one day become his 2026 World Cup teammates.

Although he played in six games his rookie season (2019), which “as a goalkeeper is pretty much unheard of,” the transition to the pros was nonetheless challenging.

“You go from a three-month season where there is no formalized gym program,” Freese recalls of the collegiate level. “You’re on a bus for eight hours going to and from a game, and obviously, the level [in MLS] is a massive jump up as well. It’s a very difficult transition.

“My first year was full of really high highs and really low lows and a ton of injuries. My body wasn’t ready for an 11-month season where you’re getting killed every day.” He suffered two serious injuries that year, one to his abdominal muscles and another to the hamstring, missing a total of 23 games.

He found his strides in subsequent seasons, though, thanks to the additional opportunities he had for growth with the Union’s reserve squad. He made 31 appearances for Philadelphia Union II between 2019 and 2022. The team joined MLS NEXT Pro in 2022, the year that the reserve league launched.

“I would occasionally play NEXT Pro games,” Freese says.

“Every step along the journey, every step along the way throughout that journey was vital to prepare you for the next one,” he adds. “Even if in the moment you’re playing NEXT Pro games and thinking, ‘I’m ready for the MLS. I want to play MLS games,’ you learn when you finally get to that level and become a starter and play 100-plus games in the MLS, you realize, well, a lot of the lessons I’ve learned came from my academy days and my NEXT Pro days.

“It’s incredibly vital, even if you don’t realize it in the moment.”

He then signed a contract with New York City FC in 2023. He quickly became the club’s primary starter and was even named the 2024 club MVP. After 276 saves and 20 clean sheets across 83 total appearances, Freese earned a contract extension in 2025, set to remain with the Pigeons through the 2030 season. He received his first MLS All-Star nod this summer for his dominant start to the 2026 season.

“After very high highs and lows my rookie year, the next seven, eight years have gone much more smoothly,” he shares. “I learned how to really keep it consistent and never get too high. I never get too low.”

Another factor that has propelled Freese forward is his commitment to outworking everyone.

“What got me through difficult emotions was working hard and promising myself that there’s a bright future because of all the hard work I’m going to put forward,” he says.

“I never knew it was bright, but I believed I could make it bright,” he adds.

And he certainly did.

Taking Soccer’s Grandest Stage

Every step along the winding and rather unorthodox journey of Freese’s career led him to soccer’s grandest stage: the World Cup.

His success between the sticks for New York City FC earned him the attentions of U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino. He received his first senior call-up in January 2025 and his first cap that June in a friendly against Türkiye. He was then the designated starter for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup later that month, playing all six matches en route to the final, a 2–1 loss to Mexico.

It had been a swift rise to the top for Freese. Just a year after making his debut for the Stars and Stripes, he found himself on soccer’s grandest stage, starting between the sticks at a home World Cup. He played in four of the USMNT’s five total matches, including both knockout stage games.

“Playing for the United States is really more than a dream come true,” Freese expresses. “It’s really difficult to put into words what it means to pull on that jersey and to be wearing No. 24 in a World Cup, when I was watching Tim Howard wear that number at World Cups growing up.

“It makes all the work, all the sacrifices that went into this career, in this job and chasing a dream, it makes all of that worth it ... I could have gone through even more, knowing what an honor it is and what it feels like to put on that jersey.”

It was largely a fairytale run for Freese’s USMNT across North America this summer. Fueled by the fervor of the home fans, the Stars and Stripes soared in the first two matches, winning out Group D with a game to spare, before defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, their first knockout stage victory in 24 years.

“Feeling the support from the fans was from another world,” Freese recalls. “Everywhere we looked, the fans wrapped their arms around us and supported us and cheered us on.”

It wasn’t all a dream, though. The USMNT, and especially Freese, faced incredible hardship in the round of 16 against Belgium, losing 4–1 to crash out of the tournament at the same stage that has bested them in recent editions. Freese whiffed a clearance just before the hour mark, handing the Belgians their third goal of the afternoon. It ended up being the one the visitors needed to run away with victory.

Belgium finds a third pic.twitter.com/0m1Hu4qzwR

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 7, 2026

Freese has experienced much criticism in the wake of that match—and no shortage of “boos.” It’s a harsh reality he has chosen to take in stride.

“Criticism is part of this job,” he admits. “If people weren’t criticizing you, then it means they didn’t care, and that’s also an honor. That’s weird to hear, I’m sure, but it’s an honor to get criticism because it means they care.

“It means the fans want more, and believe me, we want more too. We want to be the best team in the world. We want to win the World Cup.”

Freese even admitted to “agreeing” with the criticism. “I have high aspirations for myself and for every team that I’m on.” He is already turning his attentions to the 2030 World Cup, hoping to be on that global stage again to bring the USMNT greater success and do right by the fans.

“It was such an honor to play for [the fans],” Freese says. “That type of support pushes you in the hard moments, but it also motivates you to make them proud and to be back there in four years to have those moments with them again and hear their support.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Wawa Sandwiches, Harvard and Hard Work: Matt Freese’s Unconventional Road to MLS Success, World Cup Fame.

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The MLS Cup’s Most Historic Clubs

Seattle Sounders: Between 2016 and 2020, there was no team as consistently good in MLS as Brian Schmetzer’s Sounders. They reached the MLS Cup final in four of his first five years in charge—the one year they didn’t reach the Conference final was because they lost a dramatic penalty shootout to Portland Timbers—and four Western Conference title were picked up along the way.

Houston Dynamo FC: Before the Seattle Sounders’ golden period came a spell of sustained success for the Dynamo, who won back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007 before reaching consecutive finals in 2011 and 2012—though on those two occasions they came up short.

D.C. United: MLS was formed in 1996, off the back of the hugely successful 1994 World Cup, and the early ‘Manchester United’ of the league was D.C. United. Three of the first four MLS Cups ended up in the capital team’s trophy cabinet—they were beaten finalists in 1998—before a fourth crown was lifted in 2004.

LA Galaxy: Without a doubt, the most successful franchise in MLS Cup history is LA Galaxy. No team has come close to matching their number of appearances in finals. nor can any team hold a candle to their six MLS Cup wins (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024). Throw into the mix that David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Zlatan Ibrahimovič have been part of those successes and you understand why the Galaxy are so steeped in MLS history.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Quiz: Beat the Clock to Name Every MLS Cup Champion Ever.

Lionel Messi continued his goal-scoring dominance, notching his 21st of the season across just 23 league competitions with a stunning free-kick finish; however, it ultimately wasn’t enough to lift Inter Miami to a much-needed victory.

Meanwhile, San Jose Earthquakes’ Eduard Löwen likewise wasn’t deterred by a seemingly impossible angle, finding the back of the net to help his side extend its recent unbeaten streak to six games.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. The Commanding Header

Osaze Urhoghide with authority! 😤@FCDallas get on the board first at home.

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/lf8HY4MGPu pic.twitter.com/C7bMlnfYDZ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026

Osaze Urhoghide wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass. Off of Joaquín Valiente’s in-swinging corner kick in the 34rd minute, the 26-year-old center back Super Man-launched himself over two LAFC defenders to head the ball into the back of the net.

It proved the only goal Dallas needed on Saturday night to walk away with victory, holding the visitors scoreless after a match-high 12 defensive contributions from Urhoghide himself.

4. An Improbable Angle for Eduard Löwen

Eduard Löwen with the finish from the tightest angle to double the lead for @SJEarthquakes 🫨 pic.twitter.com/hq10s0oacl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026

Löwen doubled the San Jose Earthquakes’ lead over the Portland Timbers on Saturday night, taking the ball to the goal line before scoring a left-footed shot into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles. It marked the 29-year-old German’s fourth goal of the season.

The Earthquakes walked away with a 3–1 victory, enjoying a current positive spell in response to a dismal July and August.

3. Calvin Harris’s Pure Instinct

Calvin Harris with the finish off the lovely buildup by @SportingKC 💪 pic.twitter.com/pMEK1mifLl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2026

There was perhaps nobody more stunned by Calvin Harris’s goal than Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.

The 26-year-old winger for Sporting Kansas City, on pure instinct, simply threw out his left foot to redirect a cross from André Luiz into the near post. Bond—who was certainly anticipating some sort of turn or a traditional shot, given that Harris was heavily marked—did not even attempt to save Harris’s improbable redirection, merely falling to the ground in slow motion.

Kansas City walked away with a 2–0 victory over one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Although still last in the league, Sporting KC have won two of their last three matches.

2. 99th Minute Game-Winner

JAMAL THIERE WINS IT FOR THE @COLUMBUSCREW IN THE 99TH MINUTE OVER MIAMI 😱 pic.twitter.com/Sp5zGfJFyW

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 28, 2026

Columbus Crew’s Jamal Thiere had a single minute of stoppage time left to score, so he did. Teammate Brais Méndez blasted a shot just outside the box, which Inter Miami goalkeeper Roccos Ríos Novo saved but subsequently spilled. Thiere was right there for the clean up, darting into the box to volley the ball into the back of the net in the 99th minute before Novo could even attempt to recover.

Thanks to the heroics of Thiaré, who had only substituted onto the pitch in the 83rd minute, the Crew earned an improbable 2–1 win against the Herons.

“I just want to help my team and bring some energy because we work really hard during the week,” Thiaré said postgame. “We know what we can do, and it happened tonight. I’m so happy and would like to thank the fans.”

1. An Impossible Lionel Messi Free Kick

FREE KICK MAGIC FROM LEO. 🎯✨ pic.twitter.com/s6gT7fDFki

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 27, 2026

Although it wasn’t enough to mount the Herons’ first league victory in five games, Messi’s free-kick goal in the 33rd minute will be remembered.

The soccer legend is known for scoring from set pieces; however, this free kick was special. Taken from a nearly-impossible angle, far outside of the box toward the corner flag, Messi still buried the shot. His perfectly-curved ball travelled up and over the out-stretched hands of goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the side-netting of the far post.

It signified Messi’s second free-kick goal in as many games and brings him to 76 total in his career, two away from the most of all time.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Lionel Messi, Eduard Lowen and More.

The Herons have become accustomed to getting by without Messi during international windows. While domestic action is put on pause throughout Europe, MLS trudges along no matter how many players are busy on international duty.

Messi is typically one of the big names missing, but he officially retired from international soccer following the 2026 World Cup. After 207 appearances, 125 goals, two Copa América titles and one World Cup triumph, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hung up his boots for La Albiceleste.

He is still scheduled to play a farewell match for Argentina on Oct. 6 against Benin, hence his call-up this fall, but until that emotional day, Messi is sticking with the Herons.

The captain will look to continue his scintillating form on Sunday evening. Messi has recorded at least one goal contribution in his last nine-consecutive matches for Inter Miami, tallying a total of nine goals and five assists in that span. He leads the MLS Golden Boot race with 20 goals thus far.

Inter Miami Missing Key Faces for Columbus Bout

Inter Miami can call on Messi against the Columbus Crew, but they will still be without several crucial players who are representing their respective countries during the three-week window.

Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair is with Canada, while striker Germán Berterame is representing Mexico. Paraguay enlisted the services of midfielder Matías Galarza, and Ecuador called up Fricio Caicedo. Alexander Shaw is also unavailable, playing for the U.S. U-19 side.

The reigning MLS Cup winners will also be without Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti. The two players are expected to miss the clash due to injury.

Inter Miami Desperate to Get Back to Winning Ways

Missing faces or not, Inter Miami cannot afford to keep up their current run of form in MLS. The Herons are on a four-game winless run, stretching back to the first week of September.

Messi and Co. settled for draws with Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, Nashville SC and San Diego FC. So many dropped points eliminated any remaining hope of a Supporters’ Shield title for the South Florida outfit.

Inter Miami now sit third in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing first-place Nashville by 14 points. They also only have a four-point cushion to the Fire in fifth place.

A win against the Crew would finally bring three points back to Nu Stadium, while also giving the team a much-needed confidence boost. The good news for the Herons is that Columbus are stuck in 14th place of the Eastern Conference with just two wins in their last eight league matches.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Will Lionel Messi Play for Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew?.

The largely-unknown 19-year-old sent a glancing header past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to get the Stars and Stripes on the scoresheet inside of four minutes against Peru. It was an electric start for Mauricio Pochettino’s men—and a dream moment for Ellis in his first-ever match representing the nation’s senior squad.

The striker was quickly swarmed by his teammates before taking in the moment with the crowd at Inter.co Stadium, a venue he knows well as an Orlando City homegrown product.

It’s hard to believe that just six months ago, Ellis was not even playing first-team soccer with the MLS outfit.

Ellis’s Slow Burn at Orlando City

Young talents have taken center stage in MLS this season. Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre are making waves with the Philadelphia Union, Julian Hall continues to impress at Red Bull New York and Zavier Gozo earned himself a blockbuster move to Crystal Palace after a breakout campaign with Real Salt Lake.

Operating somewhat in their shadow was Ellis. The teenager, who came up through the ranks at Orlando City’s academy, was stuck playing for the club’s reserve team over the last few years.

Ellis kept his head down and put in the work, proving himself with each head-turning performance. He was named the 2025 U-19 MLS NEXT MVP and also helped Orlando win the U-18 title at the 2025 Generation adidas Cup, taking home the Golden Boot for his six goals.

Still, Ellis kicked off the 2026 season stuck on the fringes of the first team. Despite getting called up for Orlando City matches against Red Bull New York and Inter Miami, he never left the bench. Then he went back down to the B team, where he scored two goals in three appearances.

A cyclic pattern soon developed. Ellis would get called up, remain an unused substitute, return to Orlando City B, impress in MLS NEXT Pro and get called up again. He sat on the bench in the Lions’ thumping loss to Nashville SC and then bagged three goal contributions against Inter Miami II.

Ellis returned to the first team’s ranks in April, where he did not play a second in Orlando’s 6–0 loss to LAFC and 1–1 draw with Columbus. While other clubs across the league allowed their young talents to shine, Ellis was stuck waiting—and waiting—for his moment.

Everything Soon Changed for Ellis

Finally, Ellis was given the green light from interim manager Martín Perelman. The teenager played 90 minutes in the team’s April win over FC Naples in the U.S. Open Cup and never looked back.

Ellis went on to start nine of his next 10 appearances for Orlando City across all competitions. He tallied two goals and three assists along the way before domestic action halted for the 2026 World Cup.

Even though he already had the starting job, Ellis returned in July like he still had everything to prove. Helping his game up top was the addition of 2018 World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann to Orlando’s attack.

Suddenly, Ellis had an icon playing alongside him, one that quickly made MLS his new playground. The two developed a fast chemistry that catapulted Ellis into the conversation among the league’s top young players.

He recorded nine goal contributions in the span of 15 games, unselfishly creating chance after chance for his teammates. Ellis also showed off his versatility, lining up as a No. 9, winger or midfielder depending on Orlando’s formation.

It earned him the attention of USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino and a call-up to the national team for the September-October international break.

Ellis Seizes the Moment for the USMNT

On paper, Ellis looked like a depth option for Pochettino. The American would typically be behind Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi in the striker pecking order.

Except Pochettino left Balogun at home, and Pepi had to withdraw from international duty due to injury. Ellis blinked, and suddenly, he was the man entrusted to lead the USMNT’s line on Saturday against Peru.

Within four minutes, Ellis had a goal to his name. Within four minutes, Ellis had an unforgettable debut to remember for the rest of his life. Within four minutes, Ellis was the symbol of a new era for the USMNT.

Those watching his ascent at Orlando City were likely not surprised, but those who hadn’t heard of him until that very moment were learning in real time just what an asset Ellis can be for a USMNT side embracing a blended roster of young talent and seasoned veterans.

“This is stuff you dream about since, I don’t know, before you can even remember,” Ellis gushed after the game to TNT Sports. “I’ve probably been dreaming about this day probably 500 to a 1,000 times in my life, and it came true. I don’t even know how to explain it.

“I have my family here, a lot of family and close friends that were with me, even when times were difficult. It’s just unbelievable to score at the place where the club that I play for gave me everything. It’s unbelievable. I can’t even describe. It’s crazy.”

It remains to be seen whether Ellis will keep his place in Pochettino’s XI for the team’s upcoming matches against Chile, Mexico and Peru, but one thing’s for certain: He is no longer an afterthought.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Justin Ellis: From MLS Afterthought to USMNT Goalscorer in Six Months.

Scheduling conflicts mean several teams will be without their best stars. At the same time, the injuries and absences across the league make the slate primed for some surprises. 

It all gets underway with 14 games on Saturday night, before Inter Miami once again take center stage for Sunday night soccer. Lionel Messi’s Herons are looking to simply hold on in the race for the top four spots in the Eastern Conference, making a win against a Columbus Crew team currently in hot water especially critical.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it could all unfold.

Atlanta United vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Atlanta United got back to winning ways with last week’s 1–0 victory over the Portland Timbers, but they will face a massive task at home this weekend, with Miguel Almirón, Fafá Picault, Breel Embolo, Alexey Miranchuk and three others absent for international duty. While they face a Matt Freese-less New York City FC, finding a victory, even with the home crowd behind them, won’t be easy.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 0–2 New York City FC

Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Chicago Fire let a chance to climb into the top three of the Eastern Conference slip away with a loss to Nashville SC on Matchday 27 and will have to force an upset to win against Charlotte FC this weekend. Gregg Berhalter’s men in red will be without star forward Robert Lewandowski, starting goalkeeper Chris Brady and newly-acquired defender Noah Allen. The odds are against the Fire, and a Charlotte win could propel the Crown into the top two of the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: Charlotte FC 3–0 Chicago Fire FC

CF Montréal vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

FC Cincinnati can consider themselves lucky that Evander is Brazilian. Their most influential player is nowhere near his national team’s roster, which lets them keep top talent through the international break. While Pat Noonan’s side won’t have Pavel Bucha, Kévin Denkey, Ender Echenique or Miles Robinson, they should still have enough to secure all three points on the road against CF Montréal. 

Score Prediction: CF Montréal 1–2 FC Cincinnati

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY SC are in incredible form with a 16-game undefeated streak in MLS and an upcoming U.S. Open Cup final, the team’s first chance at a trophy since 2023. This weekend, they'll be near full strength, missing only depth striker Damion Downs, who's off with the USMNT. Despite the journey to Newark, N.J., they should have no trouble securing a big win against a Julian Hall- and Adri Mehmeti-less Red Bull New York. 

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 3–1 Red Bull New York

Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Philadelphia Union have been in world-beating form, and last week’s 4–3 comeback win against Sporting Kansas City won’t soon be forgotten. Unfortunately, the 11-game unbeaten streak and five-game winning run could end this weekend, without stars Neil Pierre, Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield, Danley Jean Jacques and Andre Blake in the group. Antoine Griezmann should have some fun for Orlando City in this one, even without his strike partner, Justin Ellis.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 0–3 Orlando City

Austin FC vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Austin FC are just two points short of the Western Conference playoff spots and are jockeying for a place above the cutoff line with currently 10th-place San Diego FC. Neither team is missing their best players for this weekend’s test, but San Diego found some form with a 2–2 draw against Inter Miami last time out, putting them in a solid position to find all three points in a pivotal fixture. 

Score Prediction: Austin FC 1–1 San Diego FC

FC Dallas vs. LAFC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

With five games undefeated, including three wins before last week’s scoreless Copa Tejas draw with Austin FC, FC Dallas are quickly rising up the table. They will look to lay claim to second place in the Western Conference this weekend, where they’re currently tied on 44 points with the Houston Dynamo and St. Louis. Lucky for Eric Quill’s men, they face an out-of-form LAFC side missing Son Heung-min, Denis Bouanga, Jacob Shaffelburg, Mathieu Choiniére, and several others. 

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 3–0 LAFC

Houston Dynamo vs. Sporting Kansas City

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Sporting Kansas City will want to quickly move on from last week’s 4–3 loss to the Philadelphia Union, which saw them collapse in the second half to suffer their 17th loss of the 25-game season so far. While André Luiz has come into form, don’t expect much improvement this season. The Houston Dynamo should secure all three points in Texas on Saturday night. 

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 4–0 Sporting Kansas City

Nashville SC vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Less than three weeks ago, Toronto FC pulled off a shocking 2–1 win over Nashville SC at BMO Field, despite scoring one of the most egregious own goals in MLS history. After that embarrassing loss, Nashville will look to get revenge on the Reds on Saturday at GEODIS Park, hoping to hold off the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Supporters’ Shield push and build on last week’s 3–0 win over the Chicago Fire. At 16 goals, star striker Sam Surridge is also looking to stay in the Golden Boot race, currently four behind Lionel Messi’s lead. 

Score Prediction: Nashville SC 4–1 Toronto FC

Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Minnesota United are quickly falling down the Western Conference table after four-straight losses, but remain just three points beyond the playoff bar. Away against a struggling Seattle Sounders side, they face all the pressure, and a loss could prove a massive blow to any postseason aspirations. Neither side has been very good in 2026, and neither are missing many international players, though, making this one of the most likely draws of the weekend slate. 

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1–1 Minnesota United 

Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

Currently chasing second place in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville SC, the New England Revolution have a chance to separate themselves from the pack this weekend as they take on Real Salt Lake in a cross-conference battle. Things won’t be too easy without USMNT’s Peyton Miller and Brooklyn Raines or Israel’s Ilay Feingold and Dor Turgeman, but the team should still have what it takes to find what could be a pivotal three points. 

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 0–2 New England Revolution

L.A. Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Colorado Rapids have found some form with two draws and a win in their last three MLS contests, and new marquee attacking signing Morgan Whittaker scored a brace in last week’s 3–3 draw with Seattle to get off the mark on U.S. soil. While Matt Wells’s side will be missing Georgi Minoungou, Wayne Frederick and Sayed Abu Farkhi, finding anything but a victory against the downtrodden L.A. Galaxy would be a massive disappointment. 

Score Prediction: L.A. Galaxy 0–2 Colorado Rapids

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

If Niko Tsakiris had been healthy for the last few months, he likely would be with the USMNT this window. Instead, his injury held him out of the summer, and he has only recently returned to form, allowing the Earthquakes to retain more talent through the international break. They welcome the Portland Timbers this weekend, but won’t be able to take advantage of a team without star center back Finn Surman or starting goalkeeper James Pantemis. Both will stay for the game before then departing for international duty with New Zealand and Canada, respectively. 

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–2 Portland Timbers

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. D.C. United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The international break largely spared the Vancouver Whitecaps, and they should be favorites in this match, even without starters Andrés Cubas, Édier Ocamp and Jeevan Badwal. The Western Conference leaders will have the pleasure of a near full-strength team, as they welcome an internationally-burdened D.C. United this week. The Eastern Conference team is missing top attacking options Tai Baribo, Louis Munteanu and Nathan Ordaz. Expect a straightforward win for the Whitecaps.

Score Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 3–0 D.C. United

Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 27
• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Inter Miami are struggling. Even after securing a confidence-boosting trophy in the Campeones Cup against Liga MX’s Cruz Azul, they weren’t able to see out a late 2–1 lead against San Diego FC last weekend and have now settled for a draw in each of the last four MLS games. They have just a single win in the last nine. The Eastern Conference 13th-place Columbus Crew—who are also experiencing a scandal involving the reserve team manager—should offer an easier test; however, Herons could be without Lionel Messi and will be missing Germán Berterame, Fricio Caicedo, Matías Galarza, Daniel Pínter and Dayne St. Clair. 

Score Prediction: Columbus Crew 2–2 Inter Miami 

MLS Predictions: Matchday 28

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Playoff Races Heat Up Ahead of Matchday 28 .

Higuaín, the brother of former Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo, was sent off during an MLS NEXT PRO match last month when he refused to let go of the referee’s hand. He then told the official “don’t forget this is a man’s game.” before receiving his marching orders.

The league only hit Higuaín, who served as Columbus Crew’s reserve team manager, with a two-game ban. The lax punishment prompted widespread backlash, led by the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA).

Columbus Crew then cut ties with Higuaín. “We determined it’s in the best interest of our Club, players and support staff to dismiss Federico Higuaín from his responsibilities,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall in a club statement.

“After conversations this week and further assessing the past month, our Club’s standards of what’s expected from a leader for one of our teams have not been met.”

Higuaín spent much of his playing career in MLS, representing the Crew for seven years before he had brief stints with D.C. United and Inter Miami. The Argentine then became a reserve team manager with the Herons before reuniting with the Crew in January 2025.

The PSRA’s Statement Demands More From MLS

MLS came under fire for ignoring policies in place by U.S. Soccer, as highlighted by the PSRA, when handing out Higuaín’s punishment. The PSRA spelled out its grievances in an unwavering, pointed statement.

“A male head coach committed two deliberate acts of physical abuse and sexism against a female official—squeezing her hand and refusing to let go after being told to stop three times,” the PSRA wrote.

“This physical intimidation was compounded by a demeaning, sexist remark to the official: ‘Don’t forget, this is a man’s game.’

“Women make every level of this game better. They should not have to endure intimidation or degrading comments to prove it. Our female officials have proven their excellence on the world stage. They deserve the same respect, dignity and safe working environment as every other official.

“US Soccer policy states a ‘forceful grab’ like this requires a minimum three-game suspension. Acts of discrimination also require a minimum three-game suspension. The league’s response falls drastically short of the right message to the participants, the referees and the public. It needs to be re-evaluated.”

Higuaín Showed ‘Lack of Accountability’

It’s worth nothing the Crew did not decide to fire Higuaín until after the PSRA’s takedown. Initially, the club released the following statement:

“The Crew actively collaborated with MLS NEXT Pro throughout the review process and fully accepted the additional discipline issued in accordance with league policies. We condemn any action or notion that contradicts our mission of uniting and uplifting all communities and genders through the global game.”

Yet ESPN report internally, Columbus were not “satisfied” with Higuaín’s response to the incident. The 41-year-old showed a “lack of contrition” and refused to publicly apologize to the female referee.

There was also a general “lack of accountability” on his part, prompting the club to ultimately part ways with Higuaín.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Man’s Game’—MLS Coach Fired for Sexist Remarks to Female Referee.

Kane is in the process of extending his contract with Bayern Munich, with an agreement confirmed by the player himself to be “fairly close.” The England captain turns 34 next summer and a new two or three-year extension up to the age of 36 or 37 wouldn’t be a surprise.

He has no intention of leaving elite soccer any sooner than he has to. “If people know I am still on the top of my game here with football, it is not a conversation that would be had,” Kane clarified, but trying out for the NFL is something he wants to “look at a bit more seriously.”

He added: “It all depends on what happens in my career over the next five or six years, the motivation and what I want to do.”

The 2026 Ballon d’Or contender sees it as “a lot more realistic” than his other sporting ambition—to make it as a professional golfer.

Kane’s love of the NFL dates back to 2011 when he watched a documentary about Tom Brady. He subsequently became a fan of the New England Patriots and now counts Brady among his friends. Kane even named one of dogs Brady and the other Wilson, after now-retired quaterback Russell Wilson.

What Would Make Kane a Good NFL Kicker?

Kane has spent his life kicking a ball. He kicks it hard, far and accurately. It might be a different shape and a different target, but the basic skillset and biomechanics are not all that different.

“I take penalties and it is a very similar pressure and technique,” Kane said, although he is not pretending it would be a straightforward transition.

“If I did that, in terms of training, I would be closer to that more than to any other sport. But as I know, with all elite sports, when you watch it on TV, people make it look easy, and you think it is possible, but that is not always the case. If I was to do it, it is something I would take seriously. I would take six months to a year to try and practice before.”

Kane wouldn’t be the first person from another sport to get to the NFL if he were successful. Football has many skill positions, but also offers opportunities for naturally gifted athletes to learn a role if they have the dedication. Even getting onto a practice squad is an achievement.

Louis Rees-Zammit was an accomplished rugby player for Wales before earning a place on the practice squads for the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. Lawrence Okoye, an Olympic discus thrower for Great Britain, got onto the practice squads of seven NFL teams. It’s not uncommon to make a practice squad, but getting onto a full roster is another level of hard.

The best examples for Kane are soccer players who became kickers. Matt Bahr didn’t play soccer much beyond a collegiate level, a defender for Penn State in the mid-1970s. But he entered the 1979 NFL draft and was a sixth-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His NFL career lasted 16 years, until 1995, winning Super Bowl XIV with the Steelers and Super Bowl XXV with the New York Giants.

Right now, former Toronto FC center back Brandon Aubrey—he never made a senior appearance for the MLS team—is a three-time Pro Bowl kicker with the Dallas Cowboys. He played soccer in college at Notre Dame and didn’t enter the NFL until the age of 28.

Kane Teases Dual MLS-NFL Career

Major League Soccer has seen its international profile soar again in the years since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami. Robert Lewandowski was the latest superstar to join the league this past summer when he signed with the Chicago Fire upon leaving Barcelona.

Kane wouldn’t rule out extending his soccer career by making a similar move. But, with age a factor and the NFL something he genuinely wants to try, maybe he could do both at the same time?

“Maybe if I am in the MLS in the future or somewhere like that it might be a thing where you could connect the two, with the seasons,” Kane mused.

That might once have been a more workable plan. The NFL season runs from September to February, making it one of the shortest across professional team sports. MLS currently runs from February to December. The overlap is therefore minimal—but MLS is changing.

To align with Europe’s top soccer leagues, 2027 ushers in a new era. The 2026 season will finish as normal, with the regular season wrapping in early November and the playoffs following until the MLS Cup on Dec. 18. Next year, there will be a shortened season from February to May that includes a mini-regular season and playoffs.

Then a 2027–28 season begins in late summer that is a more direct clash with the NFL. If Kane really wants to try it, his soccer career—by the time he’s ready for MLS would be winding down anyway—might need to be the sacrifice.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Harry Kane ‘Serious’ About NFL Career—but Dual MLS Move Is Unlikely.

After all, the Stars and Stripes enjoyed a dreamy run this summer on home soil, even if it ended rather nightmarishly, with a 4–1 thrashing to Belgium in the round of 16. Perhaps it was that fateful Tuesday that convinced Pochettino there is still much work to be done.

The Argentine boss has completely overhauled his roster for the upcoming September–October international camp, a squad less than half of which is comprised of players that actually competed for him in the World Cup a few months ago (13).

Twelve have earned their very first senior call ups, eight of whom are merely teenagers. They will be tasked with leading the charge in the four fall friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada—and eventually, the 2030 World Cup, should all go to Pochettino’s enterprising plan.

“It’s exciting to have ... the new players in this roster to try to be sure that they can express their potential, their real potential,” Pochettino said after his roster announcement.

Who exactly are these fresh faces taking over the USMNT? Considering they could be here to stay, it may be worthwhile getting to know them.

Meet the USMNT’s 12 Newcomers

1. Mathis Albert

Seventeen-year-old Mathis Albert is a midfielder for Borussia Dortmund, and he’s making a name for himself in Germany. This spring, he became the youngest American ever to play in the Bundesliga, breaking the record previously set by USMNT star Gio Reyna and pushing U.S. Soccer legend Christian Pulisic to third on the list.

Albert has struggled for minutes in Dortmund’s new season, but he’s gaining Champions League experience, which not many teenagers can say.

2. Cole Campbell

Another American in Germany, Cole Campbell is a winger for Bundesliga club SV Elversberg. The 20-year-old is a consistent starter on the left flank and scored his first goal of the season against USMNT star Malik Tillman’s Bayer Leverkusen last month.

3. Justin Ellis

Justin Ellis is an exciting name in MLS right now. The 19-year-old forward rose from the ranks of Orlando City’s reserve team earlier this season and has since established himself as a key piece of the Lions’ senior attack. Now a regular starter, he has accumulated three goals and 11 assists across all competitions.

4. Zavier Gozo

It’s been quite the year for Zavier Gozo. The 19-year-old winger started the MLS season with Real Salt Lake, where he racked up six goals and five assists by summer and received an MLS All-Star nod. He then earned a blockbuster move to Crystal Palace worth a whopping $15 million.

The teenager is now learning from the very best in the English Premier League, no one more significantly than Palace teammate and USMNT star center back Chris Richards, who will also be competing in the fall window.

5. Julian Hall

Eighteen-year-old striker Julian Hall is pegged to be the USMNT’s goal-scoring future. Playing under former USMNT captain Michael Bradley at Red Bull New York, Hall is learning from the very best in American soccer and thriving because of it.

He has become a consistent starter for the MLS side, scoring 13 goals across all competitions thus far this season, including three against Columbus Crew in May to become the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat-trick.

6. Adri Mehmeti

Hall’s teammate, Adri Mehmeti, also received Pochettino’s call. The 17-year-old midfielder has become accustomed to pulling the Red Bulls’ strings, and he’s quite good at it. He has one goal and five assists thus far this season.

7. Peyton Miller

Eighteen-year-old Peyton Miller is a versatile and highly-reliable star for the red-hot New England Revolution. Similar to USMNT star Sergiño Dest, he can play anywhere along the flanks, on the right or left side of the field.

He has shined as a starting winger for the New England Revolution as of late, racking up seven goals and four assists.

8. Neil Pierre

The USMNT left the World Cup needing to shore up its defense, especially with the impending retirement of 38-year-old Tim Ream. That means it’s the perfect time for 18-year-old Neil Pierre to stake his claim to the backline.

The towering 6'5" defender rejoined the Union this summer after a loan spell with Danish side Lyngby and has been at the foundation of the MLS club’s resurgence. The Union are undefeated in the last 11 league matches since Pierre’s return.

His height denotes his ability to win balls easily in the air. Pierre is also a lethal aggressor on set pieces and crosses, scoring four goals already this season.

9. Brooklyn Raines

Another New England Revolution man, 21-year-old Brooklyn Raines is a stalwart in the team’s central midfield, known for his creative vision and dynamic off-the-ball movements.

After starring at the 2025 U-20 World Cup, he was named a finalist for 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year.

10. Brian Schwake

Nashville SC’s goalkeeper Brian Schwake is a big reason for the club’s unparalleled success this season. The club sits first in the league with 57 points, eight more than the next team in either conference (the Vancouver Whitecaps). Nashville are considered a shoo-in for the Supporters’ Shield, a reality made possible through the team’s mere three losses this season and Schwake’s 12 clean sheets.

Schwake, named a 2026 MLS All-Star, leads the league’s goalkeepers in save percentage (76.1%), per FBref stats.

The 25-year-old is expected to contend for the starting USMNT goalkeeper position, especially in the wake of Matt Freese’s uneven World Cup performance.

11. Frankie Westfield

Twenty-year-old Francis “Frankie” Westfield is a right back for the Philadelphia Union, a consistent starter beside Pierre in the backline. Westfield is known for his enterprising ability to get in on the attack and break lines. He employs his speed to break past players before dishing a pinpoint cross or lofted ball overhead. Westfield has raced up three assists in the last two league matches.

12. Cavan Sullivan

The “It” boy.

Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan is by far the most exciting newcomer for American fans. He is not only the youngest player included in Pochettino’s roster (and should he take the pitch, he will be the USMNT’s youngest debutant since Freddy Adu in 2006), but he is already one of the best players in all of MLS.

Since earning a consistent starting role for the Philadelphia Union this summer, the midfielder has been an unstoppable force, racking up seven goals and nine assists since mid-August and 10 goal contributions in the last five games alone. He has the silky foot skills, work ethic and charisma of a true star in the making, and everyone is expecting him to command the Stars and Stripes in four years’ time.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Real Potential’—Meet the 12 New Faces of the USMNT This Fall.

We’ve heard those famous words uttered no fewer than eight times already. Messi has redefined the meaning of the Ballon d’Or and is synonymous with the greatest individual prize in soccer. Many felt his European exit in 2023 would end his association with the award, but evidently, that is not the case.

It has been three years since Messi got his hands on the Ballon d’Or, but he’s right back in the running again this year after a glorious 2026 that has reminded even his fiercest critics exactly why he is considered arguably the greatest player in history.

There are some big names chasing this year’s prize, but Messi has a strong case for his ninth Ballon d’Or.

World Cup Resurgence

Performing on the biggest stage is a massive part of the criteria for the Ballon d’Or, and nobody can argue against Messi’s success in that regard.

Those that had perhaps taken somewhat of a back seat following Messi since his MLS switch were swiftly reminded that this guy is still superhuman at the World Cup. He bagged eight goals on the global stage and added a further four assists, contributing to at least one goal in every single game apart from the final. That is unbelievable.

Argentina’s fall in the final meant Messi only walked away from the World Cup with the Silver Ball, but had his team won the whole thing, Rodri’s Golden Ball would undoubtedly be sat in Messi’s trophy cabinet now.

Outperforming Rivals at World Cup

It’s not just that Messi was great at the World Cup. We cannot ignore how much better he was this summer than the vast majority of those in the running for the award.

Harry Kane scored six goals and blanked for England in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Lamine Yamal only scored once for Spain. Only Kylian Mbappé can compete with Messi in this regard, and two of his goals this summer came in the inconsequential third-place playoff.

Messi rose right to the top this summer, leading by example with more eyes on our sport than ever before. That cannot be undervalued.

Confirmed Shortlists

• Ballon d'Or Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

• Kopa Trophy Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

• Yashin Trophy Nominees (Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year)

• Club of the Year Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

• Coach of the Year Nominees (Men’s and Women’s)

Timeless Brilliance

The narrative surrounding Messi’s journey with the international team this summer made it hard to forget the fact he is in the twilight of his career, but if you did manage to ignore that talk and simply enjoyed what he was offering up on the pitch, you’d be forgiven for overlooking the fact he has just turned 39.

At 39, most players have already called time on their careers. Those still playing have almost certainly dropped their levels, begrudgingly accepting the fact they simply cannot keep up with the youngsters running today’s game. Not Messi.

Nobody has ever been as good at 39 years of age as Messi is right now, and it’s not even close. He ran the show at the World Cup in a period of his career in which he should have been watching from home in a comfy pair of slippers. Messi’s Ballon d’Or wins have all been built on making us question logic and reality, and he is still forcing those conversations to this day.

MLS Impact

We can talk all day about Messi’s on-field brilliance, but the reality is the Ballon d’Or is not only decided by that. Voters are also asked to consider each nominee’s wider impact on the sport.

As far as MLS goes, nobody has ever been more influential on the league than Messi who, without disrespecting the rest of the league, has brought unparalleled attention to the entire sport of soccer in the U.S. and elevated the sport across the entire country.

Let’s go one step further. Has anyone ever done more for a single league than Messi has with MLS? Soccer, as a sport, feels like it reaches a better place each and every year thanks to the diminutive Argentine.

Backing From Soccer World

The award is voted on by journalists, but if it was decided by a jury of his peers, Messi would seemingly run home with the Ballon d’Or.

“The Ballon d’Or should go to Leo Messi,” Argentina teammate Cristian Romero argued. “Until he retires, that is clear.

“Putting aside what he is as a player and what he has achieved throughout his career, he is still the best in the world. What makes him even greater is that I have shared a dressing room with him, and he possesses a humility that very few have. Those things make him stand out.”

Another international comrade, Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool, followed suit: “He had an incredible World Cup and I don't see why he shouldn’t be awarded it.”

“When you see him do things like this, when you see him have the World Cup that he’s had, there is no one at 39 that’s doing that, and doing it at that level,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. “He deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it.”

Finally, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who has watched Mbappé and Yamal close up in La Liga this year, was left in no doubt about Messi’s credentials.

“Messi, without a doubt,” Simeone revealed as his pick for the prize. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Five Reasons Why Lionel Messi Should Win the Ballon d’Or.

A 17-year-old Julian Hall got the nod from new manager Michael Bradley. He’d be leading the line against Orlando City. It was a remarkable trust that the striker didn’t expect, but certainly one he wasn’t going to waste.

By the eighth minute, Hall had found the back of the net, tracking the movement of teammate Emil Forsberg into the box before posting up at the back post for a damning finish. The teenager added a second goal just before the half, pouncing on a bouncing cross near the goal mouth. Red Bull New York left with a 2–1 victory in Orlando to kick off the 2026 season, while Hall left forever changed.

“With my coach, Michael, and the rest of the coaching staff in the organization trusting me to start the first game of the season, that was huge for me and my confidence,” Hall, now 18, tells Sports Illustrated.

“I wasn’t necessarily sure yet if I was ready to be starting all the time,” he adds. “That kind of just gave me that boost, like ‘I’m able to live in these games.’”

Emil Forsberg ➡️ Julian Hall. 💥@NewYorkRedBulls off to a hot start under Michael Bradley. 🔥

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/hCknmnEYTL pic.twitter.com/4JBVBP5N91

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2026

That temperate Florida day ignited a goalscoring spree for the now-permanent starter, who added 10 more goals across all competitions by mid-May, including three in a 3–2 win over Columbus Crew to become the youngest player in MLS history to record a hat trick. As a result, he was named an MLS All-Star in July, the youngest player to be included in the league-wide roster.

“That [first game] kind of just led to everything for the rest of the season,” Hall says.

His latest honor is earning his first-ever senior call-up to the U.S. men’s national team. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has included Hall in his 28-man roster for the September–October international window, where Hall will likely feature in some or all of the Stars and Stripes’ four fall friendlies. The American-Polish dual national had previously only featured at the youth levels for U.S. Soccer, including at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Hall’s Record-Setting MLS Debut

It’s been a swift rise to the top for Hall, but he has nonetheless come a long way from his record-setting debut at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

He first took the pitch for the Red Bulls’ senior team in September 2023 in the waning minutes of a match against the Chicago Fire. At just 15 years, 190 days old, the Homegrown forward became the club’s youngest debutant and the second-youngest player to debut league-wide, trailing only D.C. United wunderkind Freddy Adu (14 years, 206 days old), who debuted back in 2004.

“My debut was an amazing moment for me and my family and all of the people in my life,” Hall says.

“Honestly, I think for the first couple of minutes, I wasn’t really sure what to do. To be honest, I was looking around, kind of taking in the moment.”

15 years, 190 days.@NewYorkRedBulls' Julian Hall becomes the second youngest player in MLS history to make his debut. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/pu7dlRAV7m

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 1, 2023

There were over 20,000 fans in the stadium that Saturday night, a much larger crowd than the few thousand he was used to playing in front of with New York Red Bulls II.

“If I was still playing the way that I was feeling in that moment, it would be pretty tough, to be honest,” Hall chuckles. “I’ve definitely found my way this season for sure.”

Hall’s Rise Through the Ranks

Hall’s career trajectory proved that the league’s new youth academy, MLS NEXT, could do exactly what it was designed to do: provide calculated, step-by-step growth for young players within MLS franchises until they’re ready to compete at the highest league levels.

Hall’s debut came just 23 days after he inked a three-and-a-half-year Homegrown contract, a deal he earned through his standout careers in, first, RBNY’s academy and then the MLS NEXT Pro team. Hall joined the Red Bulls’ academy in 2020, the same year MLS NEXT was founded, and played three highly-successful seasons in the youth ranks. He scored 28 goals in 39 total matches and even led the U-15 squad to the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup, earning tournament MVP awards for his five goals en route to the trophy.

He began competing with RBNY II in MLS NEXT Pro in the spring of 2023, getting his first career professional goal and assist under his belt that June, three months before signing his first-team deal.

“I joined the Red Bulls academy when I was around [12], and honestly, as soon as I joined, I felt like I was a part of a family, really,” Hall says. “The way they developed me to move to the second team and the first team, I’m super grateful for it. It was a great experience.

“Red Bull, specifically, we are a team that is more physical,” he adds. “We like to run a lot, and they impose that with the academy. To find that physical presence, [explaining] that’s what you’re going to need when you move to the pros. It’s not easy going to that new environment, so I would say the Red Bulls specifically did a really good job with that.”

The commitment to Hall’s development didn’t end when he made his debut, though. He continued to split his time and compete with the second team through the 2025 season, not fully transitioning to the first team until this season.

Hall Inks New Deal

Hall affirmed his future with the Red Bulls, signing a contract extension last month through the 2029–30 season and becoming the youngest American U-22 Initiative signing in league history.

Although the financial terms of his new contract were undisclosed, the star forward could be set to receive a huge pay increase, as he is now eligible to earn as much as $1 million base salary by occupying a U-22 Initiative roster spot in his second league contract. Hall made a base salary of $175,000 as a Homegrown signing last season, with $257,241 in guaranteed compensation, per MLSPA.

“If I’m being honest, I did not expect to be here right now at 18,” Hall says of his swift rise. “For me, it was more about doing as much as I can to try to become pro. It’s not a guarantee, a minimal amount of people make it to the MLS.

“There’s more of a spotlight on MLS NEXT and people developing, but I definitely did not think this would be happening right now.”

Hall Achieves His International Dreams

Representing the USA with pride 🇺🇸

Red Bull New York's Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti Named to United States Men’s National Team Roster.

🔗: https://t.co/rIEidG2MP6 pic.twitter.com/HHSuCpfLGH

— Red Bull New York (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 17, 2026

Hall will be one of 12 first-timers in Pochettino’s international camp this fall.

“I got the news on Monday,” Hall told reporters Thursday after Pochettino’s roster announcement. “I got the news with my mom. It was an emotional moment for me. I grew up watching the national team and the World Cup, so it was a great moment.”

It was a particularly consequential moment for Hall, who had previously expressed indecision regarding representing the U.S. or Poland. He even wears his mother’s maiden name, “Zakrzewski,” on the back of his Red Bulls jersey, a nod to his mother and his Polish heritage.

“I don’t really have a preference,” Hall told Sports Illustrated back in July. “I’ve had talks with the Polish Federation, and I’ve already represented the U.S. as a youth player.”

Hall has now seemingly made his choice; however, he will be eligible to switch representation even after the international camp, should he choose to do so. FIFA’s rules regarding dual-nationals dictate that only once a player under the age of 21 features in more than three competitive international matches for a nation, they are locked into representing that country. The USMNT are playing four friendlies this fall, and friendlies do not count at any age toward locking in representation.

The teenager will have two USMNT stars in his corner as he begins this new chapter of his career. Most prominently, Red Bulls manager Bradley is a U.S. Soccer legend and former captain, racking up 151 caps with the men’s national team before turning to a career in coaching.

“He gave me a lot of advice on how to approach going to the national team,” Hall said Thursday. “It was a decision between myself and my family, and the team and Michael just want what’s best for me.

“To be able to talk to somebody like that, get advice from somebody like that, I am super grateful,” he added.

Hall will also have the support of World Cup star Tyler Adams, who likewise graduated from the Red Bull youth academy graduate and was included in Pochettino’s fall camp.

“I had never really spoken to [Adams] before, but he contacted me,” Hall said. “I am very grateful that he did. He’s someone I looked up to coming through the academy. He was one of the guys who did the pathway for Red Bulls.

“He just wished me luck. Obviously, he’s going to be there too. He said he was excited to link up with me.”

Hall was one of eight teenagers to receive the call from the USMNT, amid a push from Pochettino to train and develop more young talents in preparation for the 2030 World Cup. It’s a grand stage Hall is determined to be at.

“I’ve been dreaming of it since I was a little kid, and I think that’s something I definitely want for myself in the future,” he says.

“I was able to watch it in person [this summer], and the atmosphere and the environment, it just made me want to be on the field, a part of it,” he adds. “And that definitely lit a fire under me to want to be there the next time.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Julian Hall’s Swift Rise to MLS Stardom and USMNT Stature.

Lionel Messi scored his 20th goal of the season in a 2–2 draw with San Diego FC. It marked the eighth consecutive league match with at least one goal contribution from Inter Miami’s dazzling talisman.

Meanwhile, $18 million newcomer, André Luiz, has already proved his weight in gold for
Sporting Kansas City, scoring his second and third league goals on Saturday in just his fourth MLS appearance.

As for Red Bull New York youngster Julian Hall, he is back on top. The 18-year-old striker, riding high on a first-ever call up to the U.S. men’s national team this fall, secured his side’s win in the Hudson River derby and ended his recent goal drought.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. João Klauss’s Nontraditional Header

João Klauss equalizes for @LAGalaxy! pic.twitter.com/1CujgmUdha

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

L.A. Galaxy striker João Klauss stunned on Saturday night at Allianz Field with a nontraditional header off of Marco Reus’s free kick. The Brazilian ran toward the front post before launching himself into the air and bending his body backward to flick the ball toward the back post. The ball screamed into side netting, equalizing the match, 2–2, for the Galaxy in the 76th minute.

Klauss’s side eventually walked away with a 3–2 victory over Minnesota United.

4. Julian Hall’s Determination

Julian Hall chases it down and opens the scoring for New York! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JxUzEPoITR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 19, 2026

It had been 13-consecutive games without getting on the scoresheet for Julian Hall, dating back to May, and the teenager’s determination to put a conclusive end to the unwanted streak was on full display. The striker pounced on a poor defensive pass by New York City FC’s James Sands and darted past goalkeeper Matt Freese to find the back of the net in the 57th minute.

It was the lone finish of the night, allowing the Red Bulls to walk away from Yankee Stadium with the Hudson River derby trophy. Hall’s triumph, which USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was in person to witness, will give the young star a confidence boost heading into his first senior national team camp.

3. Morgan Whittaker’s MLS Introduction

MORGAN WHITTAKER STRIKES TWICE ‼️

The @ColoradoRapids newcomer extends the home side's lead to 3-1! pic.twitter.com/VhPzplvIgU

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

Morgan Whittaker, who completed a transfer from Middlesbrough for $13 million on Deadline Day, scored a brace in just his second MLS appearance for the Colorado Rapids. The second goal for the 25-year-old English winger was a blistering strike into the roof of the Seattle Sounders’ goal, taken with his first touch off a bouncing ball just inside the box. Perfect execution.

2. André Luiz’s Solo Mission

André Luiz, that is unreal. 🤯

A solo stunner to remember for @SportingKC! pic.twitter.com/uHzyIJs4bl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

André Luiz was a man on a mission this weekend, scoring two goals against the Philadelphia Union at home at Sporting Park. He opened his account on Saturday in just the fifth minute.

Luiz settled a wayward ball from the air, despite the intense pressure at his back. He then darted into the Union’s half, beating the same defender once again, before beating a second defender to enter the 18-yard box, and then taking a left-footed shot to the far post.

1. A Classic Lionel Messi Free Kick

Messi puts the ball in a dangerous spot and somehow finds its way in. 👀 pic.twitter.com/jlYIpiIi4n

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 20, 2026

Messi effortlessly curved a left-footed free kick over the heads of his San Diego opponents and under the diving body of goalkeeper Carlos Dos Santos. The ball ricocheted off of the goal post and into the back of the net, marking the soccer legend’s 101st MLS goal and 75th-career free kick goal. Messi now has nine goal total contributions across the last five MLS games.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Lionel Messi, Andre Luiz, Julian Hall and More.

It was yet another landmark week for Messi, who bagged his 100th goal for Inter Miami in the 2–0 win against Cruz Azul to lift the 2026 Campeones Cup—a one-match final between the reigning MLS and Liga MX champions.

At 39, Messi continues to be the talismanic figure for the Herons up front, and Wednesday’s win saw him lift the 48th trophy of his illustrious career, extending his own record as the most decorated player in soccer history.

Inter Miami are the second club at which Messi has reached the century-goal mark, after the 600-plus he bagged for Barcelona.

It took Messi 115 games to reach his 100th for the Herons, which quickly resurfaced the never-ending comparisons with career arch-rival Ronaldo, who scored his 100th goal for Al Nassr in an alarmingly-similar timeframe.

Messi and Ronaldo’s Quest to 100 Goals at Inter Miami, Al Nassr

Messi and Ronaldo’s Stats After 115 Games for Inter Miami, Al Nassr

It took Ronaldo two fewer games to reach the century mark for Al Nassr, scoring his 100th goal in 113 appearances for the Saudi side. By his 115th appearance, Ronaldo had added one more goal to his account.

Still, a detailed breakdown of Messi and Ronaldo’s goalscoring numbers after 115 games played at their current clubs sees the Argentine get the edge in many significant categories.

Only five of Messi’s 100 Miami goals came from the penalty spot, while Ronaldo scored 27 penalties by the time he reached the century mark. Ronaldo, unsurprisingly, has 14 headed goals to Messi’s 6, but the left-footed magician has double the amount of free kick goals with a 10 to five split.

The most glaring difference comes in the form of minutes played. Ronaldo had already eclipsed the 10,000 minute mark by the time of his 115th game for Al Nassr. Meanwhile, Messi has played just over 9,500 minutes, considerably less than the Portuguese striker.

As a result, Messi’s goals per minute average is higher, giving him the edge in another major statistical category by the time they reached the century mark.

Fast forward to the present, and Ronaldo is now on 132 goals in 155 appearances for Al Nassr, as his pursuit to reach 1,000 career goals closes in on the promise land. At this rate, Messi could continue to post similar numbers as long as he continues donning Miami’s pink.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Lionel Messi’s Race to 100 Inter Miami Goals Compares to Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

The 16-year-old wonder kid has completely taken over Major League Soccer this summer, even pushing soccer legend Lionel Messi down the pecking order in terms of the league’s most eye-catching headlines. Sullivan, who has racked up five goals and four assists in the last seven consecutive matches for the Philadelphia Union, is being heralded not only as a burgeoning star of the game, but more significantly, a generational legend in the making.

That’s a lot of weight to bear for a young teenager who still lives at home with his family and gets reprimanded by his mother “if he curses too much” and is “on his phone too much.” How do you reconcile being a normal teenager with a simple love for the game when the world is watching every move you make on the pitch, and then comments on it?

It’s a level of pressure former teenage phenom Freddy Adu knew all too well, and it’s ultimately what broke him.

What Went Wrong for Freddy Adu?

Deemed the “new Pelé,” the spotlight on Adu was perhaps even greater than the one currently on Sullivan. When a 14-year-old Adu—known for ball control and savvy footwork not dissimilar to Sullivan’s—signed with D.C. United in 2004, he became the youngest American athlete to sign a major league contract in more than 115 years and soon became the youngest player ever to debut in the league. The latter is a record Sullivan has since broken, debuting for the Union in July 2024 at 14 years and 293 days old, just 15 days younger than Adu was a little over 20 years earlier.

MLS, in an desperate attempt to legitimize the league, pinned everything to young Adu in 2004—the league’s hopes, dreams and expectations. It was an intense treatment for a player ultimately still a child and a choice that long-time MLS commissioner Don Garber has come to deeply regret.

“I loved him. I thought we didn’t handle Freddy right,” Garber said back in April. “He was a kid, and we pushed him, and the team pushed him, and I’m not sure that was the best thing for Freddy. He wasn’t ready, the league wasn’t ready. We needed something ... I hope he’s doing O.K.”

Adu’s $500,000-a-year contract made him the highest-paid player in MLS, while he also signed a million-dollar deal with Nike and actually starred alongside Pelé in an ad for Sierra Mist. Everything about his career quickly became performative, that perhaps, in his mind, he lost all sense of the sport itself.

“Everything just kind of happened so fast,” Adu said to CBS Sports Golazo in 2023. “...All of a sudden, my name just started getting bigger and bigger. People started to recognize me, and once we went to the U-17 World Cup [in 2003], right after that, it just kind of took off. When I signed with Nike and MLS, everything just kind of blew up after that.”

“I remember how cool I thought everything was,” Adu said. “Because that was the dream, right? The dream was always to become a professional soccer player. I achieved it so young. I was so happy. My family was set. It was an amazing time.”

“But I would have said [to my younger self], ‘Put all the distractions aside and focus on your craft.’”

The pressure to meet the standards of others, not only professionally but also financially, was ultimately something Adu couldn’t handle. He was not equipped with the tools he needed when thrust forcefully into the limelight. By 2007, his career began spiraling downward. He lost his love of the game. He was tossed from club to club, playing for 15 different teams—including Sullivan’s Union—before ending his career in 2021 with third-tier Swedish side Österlen FF.

MLS learned its lesson and has taken extra precautions when it comes to Sullivan over the past two years, easing him into the first team atmosphere and limiting his time in the spotlight. “I think we’re more thoughtful about how to manage a player’s career,” Garber added. “How do you get the coach, the technical director, whatever relationship you have with his manager and his family to be sure that you’re a caretaker of his future?”

Welcome to the show, Cavan Sullivan. ✨

The 14-year-old becomes the youngest player to debut in MLS history. pic.twitter.com/qbgjh4QRns

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2024

But now that Sullivan is earning more significant minutes, having become a regular starter post-World Cup, it’s as if all the barriers MLS had put up to protect him have come swiftly crashing down.

It’s a crazed fandom that has only heightened this week upon Sullivan’s selection to the U.S. men’s national team’s fall roster, where he is expected to play in some or all of the four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico beginning at the end of this month. Should he make his debut, he will be the youngest debutant since—you guessed it: Adu. He also recently broke Adu’s record for most goal contributions by a player aged 16 or younger in a single season (10), notching his 11th earlier this week with a brace against San Diego FC.

The parallels between the two players’ early careers are astounding. How can Sullivan make sure they don’t end the same too?

Preserving Sullivan’s Career Isn’t All Down to Him

The onus should not be on Sullivan himself. It is on every staff member, coach and mentor in his orbit to check in on him and limit his over-exposure to the league.

Interim manager Ryan Richter has promoted Sullivan to a full-time starter, and the winger has proven his coach’s decision right time and time again over the past few months. It’s no longer his minutes that necessarily need to be managed in terms of preserving his longevity in the sport. Rather, it’s his time in the activities spent off the field.

It’s easy to fall into the arms of hype. It’s exciting. It makes money and it generates new fans. Nonetheless, his exposure to the media, both socials and the press, should be limited, as, perhaps, should the media he consumes regarding his play. The outside world and its limitless pressures can only encroach so far when walls are put up.

When it comes to integrating Sullivan into the USMNT—an even higher level of competition and even brighter spotlight, Pochettino plans to take precautions.

“The most important thing is that we need to have a clear idea how to—I don’t want to use the word ‘help’—but yes, be with him and try to provide the best platform for him to evolve every day,” Pochettino said after Thursday’s roster announcement. “We need to be the people that go there and push to evolve [but] sometimes put the limits.”

It will be a delicate balance of not overwhelming Sullivan, yet ensuring that he is “encouraged to keep going, doing what he’s doing.”

“We need to make him keep believing [in what] he’s doing, but also trying to show that he’s about to really work hard and evolve because it’s all about growth,” Pochettino added.

Sullivan has boundless potential. It will be up to the people around him to help him see it through.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Can Cavan Sullivan Avoid Suffering the Fate of Fallen USMNT Prodigy Freddy Adu?.

The action gets started on Friday night with what could be the final Hudson River Derby at Yankee Stadium, pitting New York City FC against Red Bull New York, a matchup which features Matt Freese, Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, three players recently called up to the U.S. men’s national team’s fall roster.

It’s not the only derby of the weekend, as FC Dallas face Austin FC with a chance to win the Copa Tejas on the line, a trophy awarded to the best MLS team in Texas.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday night with recently-crowned Campeones Cup winners Inter Miami traveling cross-country to San Diego FC. The Herons seek a first league victory under new manager Kily González.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it could all play out.

New York City FC vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Friday, Sept. 18
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The Hudson River Derby kicks things off this weekend with a Friday night affair at Yankee Stadium, potentially marking the last time that the matchup will take place at the hallowed baseball diamond before NYCFC moves into Etihad Park in 2027. 

Red Bull New York come into the match after snapping a six-game winless skid with a 1–0 victory over the Columbus Crew last week and will have plenty of confidence after teenagers Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall were called into their first USMNT camp for the fall friendlies against Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. 

NYCFC may have the upper hand, though. Since the beginning of 2024, the Pigeons have won five of their seven meetings across all competitions with the Red Bulls.

Score Prediction: New York City FC 2–2 Red Bull New York

D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Charlotte FC have found some swagger in attack since Allan Saint-Maximin joined the group this summer and will hope to carry it into this week’s clash with D.C. United. While Saint-Maximin has yet to score, his involvement has elevated Liel Abada and Pep Biel, and provided more chances for Idan Toklomati in front of the goal. 

Can Charlotte extend their seven-game unbeaten streak? To do so, they’ll have to silence Tai Baribo and D.C.'s attack in an away effort at Audi Field.

Score Prediction: D.C. United 0–1 Charlotte FC

CF Montréal vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

CF Montréal are flying high, despite sitting second-to-last in MLS. On Wednesday, the Québec club secured a 3–2 win on aggregate against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, punching its ticket to the Canadian Championship final and looking to win the title for the first time since 2021.

Prince Owusu scored twice in that game to bring him to 14 goals across all competitions this season, and he will hope to add to his tally at home against a Columbus Crew side, also middling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. 

Score Prediction: CF Montréal 1–1 Columbus Crew

New England Revolution vs. Orlando City

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The New England Revolution have back-to-back wins after a vital victory over the Chicago Fire last week and take on Antoine Griezmann’s Orlando City this weekend, with a chance to surpass Inter Miami for second place in the Eastern Conference. 

While Dor Turgeman, Jack Harrison and Carles Gil will lead their efforts, wingback Peyton Miller will have plenty of confidence as well, after the 18-year-old earned his first USMNT call-up for the fall window. 

Orlando, meanwhile, have plenty going their way. Griezmann has scored eight goals since his arrival and pushed the Lions up to sixth in the table. He has also formed a potent partnership with 19-year-old striker Justin Ellis, who also earned a spot on the USMNT for the fall. 

Score Prediction: New England Revolution 3–2 Orlando City

San Jose Earthquakes vs. LAFC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Although Niko Tsakiris was left off the USMNT for the fall, the 21-year-old has returned to early-season form with the San Jose Earthquakes since coming back from injury and is leading the way, with Timo Werner out of the squad since Aug. 22 due to an injury. 

With back-to-back wins against San Diego FC and the Houston Dynamo, they see themselves as favorites at home against an LAFC side that fell to last-place Sporting Kansas City last weekend. 

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–0 LAFC

FC Dallas vs. Austin FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Copa Tejas returns this week for a clash between FC Dallas and an Austin FC side brimming with confidence after a 2–1 win over Western Conference-leading Vancouver last weekend. 

With FC Dallas sitting on six points in the three-team Texan competition, they can clinch the Copa Tejas with a win.

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 3–1 Austin FC

FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Having allowed 12 goals in the last three games, FC Cincinnati are desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend against a stingy Houston Dynamo side, who hope to stay in the race for the top spot in the Western Conference. 

Cincinnati come into the match after a slight improvement with a 3–3 draw against Charlotte FC last week. They will turn to Kévin Denkey’s rekindled form after his brace brought him to 13 goals and two assists on the season. 

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2–1 Houston Dynamo

Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Philadelphia Union are in the best form of any MLS team right now, riding a 10-game unbeaten run and getting exceptional play from 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan and 18-year-old Neil Pierre, both of whom are celebrating their first calls into the USMNT’s senior camp. 

Sullivan has five goals and seven assists in his last seven games and will be the key to Philadelphia’s attack. It could get ugly as well, despite the last-place Sporting Kansas City having some momentum after last week’s 3–1 win over LAFC. 

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 5–1 Sporting Kansas City

Minnesota United vs. L.A. Galaxy

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

How safe is Greg Vanney’s seat, given the L.A. Galaxy’s mere seven wins this season? While most teams with ambitions like the Galaxy might see their manager in danger, Vanney doesn’t seem to be in trouble. A win over Minnesota United this weekend could push the Galaxy above the playoff bar, despite a frustrated fanbase and an underwhelming campaign. 

A visit to Minnesota won’t be too threatening either, with the Loons having dropped their last three games, including last weekend’s 4–2 loss to the in-form St. Louis CITY SC. 

Score Prediction: Minnesota United 1–3 L.A. Galaxy

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

St. Louis CITY SC are enjoying their best form ever, riding a 15-game unbeaten streak in MLS play and advancing to the U.S. Open Cup final with Wednesday night’s win over the Colorado Rapids. It’s hard to be down on them right now, and Rafael Navarro has only made the group better, despite being cup-tied to the Colorado Rapids.

Up against Toronto FC at home this week, they’ll be overwhelming favorites, especially after Toronto’s recent hot streak ended with a disheartening 3–0 loss to Orlando City a week ago. 

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 3–0 Toronto FC

Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The Seattle Sounders may not be losing anymore, but they've gone for four straight draws and 12 games without a win. They’ve dropped below the MLS Cup playoff line, but a win could put them back in the race. The Rapids, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a U.S. Open Cup semifinal loss to St. Louis.

Score Prediction: Seattle Sounders 1–1 Colorado Rapids

Nashville SC vs. Chicago Fire

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC played three games in an eight-day spell last week and came away with just two points. Amid a three-game winless run for the first time this season, they face a critical home opportunity against Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire, hoping to maintain a massive lead atop the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield. 

If Chicago find all three points, they’ll likely loft themselves into the coveted top four spots in the East heading into the final stretch of the season. 

Score Prediction: Nashville SC 3–2 Chicago Fire

Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps are desperate to get back into form after falling 2–1 to Austin FC last week and crashing out of the Canadian Championship semifinals to CF Montréal, falling short of a fifth-straight title in the competition. 

While Brian White leads all U.S. goal-scorers in MLS with 15 goals this season, he wasn’t called up to the USMNT’s fall friendlies, largely due to his age. Yet, he continues to be a potent attacker and will hope to break Real Salt Lake’s backline this week—which could include Canadian World Cup star defender Luc De Fougerolles, recently acquired on loan from Fulham. 

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 1–3 Vancouver Whitecaps

Portland Timbers vs. Atlanta United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Portland Timbers are clinging to a playoff position in the Western Conference, sitting just two points above the cutoff, with a tense race happening just below them in the table. After falling 2–1 to FC Dallas last weekend, they will hope to rekindle their form against Atlanta United at home, facing a team that is still struggling despite signing Swiss World Cup star Breel Embolo.

Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 3–3 Atlanta United

Inter Miami vs. San Diego FC

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 20
• Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

Lionel Messi had a goal and an assist in Inter Miami’s 2–0 win over Cruz Azul to hoist the Campeones Cup on Wednesday, securing the club’s fourth title and the 49th of his career. The win could reinvigorate Inter Miami as they look to snap a seven-game MLS winless skid. They will also see new manager Kily González make his MLS coaching debut against San Diego FC. 

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 2–2 San Diego FC

MLS Predictions: Matchday 27

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Hudson River Derby, USMNT Call-Ups Headline Matchday 27.

Speaking to Apple TV after Messi’s 100th Inter Miami goal and an assist helped secure a 2–0 triumph over Cruz Azul to win the 2026 Campeones Cup, Beckham shared his affection for the Argentine, who now holds a world record with 49 career trophies.

“There’s no one at 39 who is doing that and doing it at that level. So he deserves to be considered for the Ballon d’Or and in my opinion, he should win it,” the former England and LA Galaxy star, turned Inter Miami co-owner, said.

“When you see him do things like this tonight, when you see him have the World Cup that he had, it’s not luck that he’s being considered for the Ballon d’Or again. He was probably the best player in the tournament... That’s special.”

Celebrating with your fans 🫶@InterMiamiCF brings the trophy over to the supporters after winning @CampeonesCup. pic.twitter.com/TGdPGKsjQz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026

Beckham went on to name “great players,” including FC Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane as well as Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, but urged his support for Messi, mere moments after the two-time MLS MVP lifted his latest, and potentially last, piece of silverware in the twilight years of his career.

“I still can’t believe we have him here in Miami playing for our team,” Beckham added. “That’s why I go to training every day and watch him, and that’s why I turn up and watch him every time possible because we all want to see Leo play forever.”

Casemiro, making a rare appearance in front of reporters after the match, also urged voters to lean in favor of Messi, despite knowing the slight MLS can put on those favoring European club competitions.

“With him, anything is possible. He proved that at the World Cup, but that’s not for me to say,” the Brazilian said. “Naturally, when you play with a teammate, you always want him to win, and of course he wants to win too. But that’s up to the voters... All I wish for him is good luck, and I hope people remember what he accomplished at the World Cup, because that’s very important.”

Beckham Hoping for Miami Spark

While Messi is set to wrap up his time with Argentina’s national team in the upcoming international window with a send-off match on home soil, he is under contract with Inter Miami through 2028.

It leaves plenty more trophies for Miami to chase, headlined by the still-elusive Concacaf Champions Cup and the U.S. Open Cup, the only trophies in the region Miami have fallen short of.

With new manager Kily González now at the helm, and the continued leadership of Messi and his fellow Miami superstars, Beckham is confident a promising future could be on the horizon.

"In my opinion, he should win [the Ballon d'Or]."

David Beckham on Messi. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/oGVTKvlTpo

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026

“Any trophy for this club is very special, and to win this trophy in our new stadium, the first trophy in this stadium, is very special,” Beckham added.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle in the last six weeks, but the team keeps grinding away. They keep getting the results, and they’re not always the results that we want, but they’re grinding away, and they’re working as a team. We have a new coach who came in and started yesterday, so today’s a good start for him.”

Once Messi retires, he is set to join Beckham and co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas with an equity stake in Inter Miami, but will want to do so with more trophies to his name.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as David Beckham Leads Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Campaign With Indisputable Fact.

Messi, 39, opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a rare header, marking just the second time he has scored a header in a final and the first since doing so for FC Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final. 

Later, in the 81st minute, Messi curled in a corner kick to Brazilian international Casemiro, who rose and headed home to seal the victory, securing Miami their fourth trophy and adding the Campeones Cup to the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup. 

MESSI HEADS IT IN! 😱

Leo's 100th career goal for @InterMiamiCF opens the scoring against Cruz Azul in @CampeonesCup. pic.twitter.com/M1cI6nOIhC

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 17, 2026

At the same time, the goal marked Messi’s 100th for Miami in 114 games across all competitions since joining the club in 2023, when he made his debut and scored his first against the same Cruz Azul side in the Leagues Cup. 

While the trophy win and the growth of Messi’s legend stole the headlines, it also marked the first game under new manager Kily González, who took to the touchline three weeks after being named as Guillermo Hoyos’s replacement. Delays in U.S. work visas pushed González’s introduction, but few would have imagined a better start than a trophy win in front of the home crowd and a victory that snapped a nine-game winless skid across all competitions. 

Here are Sports Illustrated’s three takeaways from the match. 

Lionel Messi’s Legend Grows

In every year since he joined the Herons, Messi has delivered a trophy. While the Campeones Cup might not be as important as other titles and doesn’t serve as a qualifying stage for other competitions, it could be the final piece of silverware in the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career. 

Playing on the left wing in González’s first starting lineup, which allowed longtime teammate Luis Suárez to shift into a center-forward role, Messi was electric as always, dancing on the ball and creating three chances and completing three dribbles, in addition to his goal and assist. 

At 39 and having recently announced a farewell game with Argentina after deciding to retire from international play, it would have been fair for the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominee to prioritize MLS play over a one-match trophy competition. Instead, he was determined to add the silverware and help Miami out of their poor form. 

It was evident how much lifting a trophy meant to him post-match, as he danced with supporters and celebrated among his teammates, likely knowing that the opportunities to embrace silverware victories are fleeting—especially given Miami’s struggles for consistency in MLS play, which make the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup a relatively lofty goal. 

González Changes Defensive Setup

González will continue to make adjustments with Inter Miami as they look to build form in MLS before the MLS Cup playoffs, but his personnel shifts to bring Facundo Mura back into the starting right-back position for the first time since Aug. 22 could prove formative. 

Having Mura in the position behind Rodrigo De Paul in right midfield allowed for a more conservative defensive effort, and offered cover to 18-year-old center back Fricio Caicedo, who continued to play out of position as a left back. At the same time, Casemiro’s drop into central defense remained a strong solution for a team that has struggled to create any sort of defensive cohesion in recent seasons. 

In the midfield three of the 4-3-3, González also gave Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza his first start, pushing him in front of Caicedo in left midfield to secure that side when the ball dropped to the left.  

The shifts may have been small defensively, but they made a difference and limited Cruz Azul to four shots on target, while moving Messi wider than he has often played continued to let him influence the game. González will certainly evolve further, but his early moments on the touchline marked plenty of promise.

Can Inter Miami Find Form?

With the win snapping the nine-game winless run, Miami could use it as a springboard to greater success through the final nine games of the season. Currently nine points behind Nashville SC for the top of the Eastern Conference and the Supporters’ Shield, the Herons hope to cut the deficit and claim at least the No. 2 spot as an advantageous position in the postseason. 

Fortunately, the Herons have one of the easiest remaining schedules in MLS, with six of the nine remaining opponents below seventh in their respective conferences as they head into the final third of the season, starting with Saturday’s matchup against Western Conference ninth-place side, San Diego FC. 

After a dire post-World Cup spell, Miami desperately needed a new voice on the touchline and a unifying moment to rekindle some hope in the group. Getting those moments on the same night could be a turning point, with the season’s biggest still looming.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Three Takeaways As Lionel Messi Extends World Record Trophy Haul With Inter Miami’s Campeones Cup Victory.

While the international break won’t offer competitive games, it provides a chance to bring in new faces alongside veterans, with the hope of learning where the USMNT player pool stands heading into November’s Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal. 

Pochettino will still seek a balanced roster as he looks for his first wins against Canada and Mexico since taking over the Stars and Stripes. There will still be opportunities, though, for young talents to leave their marks, given the lack of pressure now compared to the pre-World Cup window. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into three teenagers who could earn a call when Pochettino’s roster is announced Thursday. 

Cavan Sullivan

• Club: Philadelphia Union
• Age: 16
• Position: Winger

If it were entirely up to Pochettino’s discretion, calling in a 16-year-old likely wouldn’t be in his plans, considering his use of the terms “confidence” and “arrogance” when describing the attributes young players need to use in the right way to mature into a senior national team player. Yet, the Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan might just be making it undeniable at this point, given his impressive form in MLS. 

The Union winger is a superstar in the making and has had a breakout under interim manager Ryan Richter, who has ushered the club into MLS Cup playoff contention despite sitting last in the Eastern Conference heading into the break. 

Sullivan’s deft touch, command of the ball at his feet, audacious dribbling and intelligent off-ball runs are well beyond his years and have been evident in his recent form. In his last seven games, he has five goals and seven assists, headlined by a backheel flick goal in a recent 5–0 win over San Diego FC. 

With 11 assists this year, he’s already surpassed Alphonso Davies’s record for the most in a single MLS season by a teenager, and combined with his six goals, he sits just three goal contributions behind Diego Fagúndez’s record for the most by a teenager in a regular season campaign. 

Should the Manchester City prospect crack the roster, expect Pochettino to be far more careful with his involvement than Philadelphia have been, likely only giving him a few minutes off the bench across the four games as he gets used to the responsibility and demands of wearing a national team shirt.

Neil Pierre

• Club: Philadelphia Union
• Age: 18
• Position: Center back

Rising alongside Sullivan in a youthful push in Philadelphia, Neil Pierre is quickly establishing himself as one of the premier center backs in MLS. At 6'7”, there are no players similar to him in the player pool. Add in a likely vacancy in the heart of defense, given Tim Ream’s age, and Pierre could contend for a starting role sooner than many would otherwise expect of an 18-year-old. 

Pierre has quickly adjusted to starting demands with the Union through the second half of this season, after returning from a loan with Lyngby in Denmark’s top flight. In addition to his defensive prowess and vision to build out of the back, he is establishing himself as one of the best set-piece attackers in the league, scoring four times off set pieces in the Union’s good run of form. 

Like Sullivan, he probably isn’t ready to take on full-time USMNT duties just yet, but the first window of a new cycle should allow him to get a taste of the space, and zone-in on the aspects that could make him a better option in the future. Next year, he’ll also likely play alongside USMNT center back Mark McKenzie with the Union, a partnership that could further pave his road to becoming a key part of the national team. 

Zavier Gozo

• Club: Crystal Palace
• Age: 19
• Position: Wingback

Zavier Gozo made a late push for the 2026 World Cup roster but ultimately missed the cut despite his six goals and five assists in 16 MLS games. While his contributions weren’t enough to get into Pochettino’s summer plans, they were enough to earn him an MLS All-Star Game call and then a $15 million transfer from Real Salt Lake to Premier League side Crystal Palace. 

The 19-year-old versatile fullback and wingback has bounced between Crystal Palace’s U-21 squad and the senior team so far in 2026–27, but has proven a step too slow for the physical and speed demands of the Premier League at this point, highlighted in his second appearance against Ipswich Town after a slightly more promising debut against Manchester City. 

At this point, given Gozo’s sporadic playing time and the USMNT depth at the position, he’s unlikely to get meaningful minutes at the senior level. However, he has great potential and could develop into a more significant international talent, while also contending for Steve Cherundolo’s squad for the U-23 U.S. team competing at the L.A. 2028 Olympics.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Three Teenagers Mauricio Pochettino Could Call Up for USMNT’s Fall Friendlies .

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has spent his entire career—more than a decade—in North America, bouncing from team to team all over the league.

“The league is growing very fast,” the Orlando City shot-stopper tells Sports Illustrated. “... Better players are emerging. There’s more football. In terms of watching the games, there’s more quality on the field.”

“You can tell that the people in the country are watching the sport,” he adds. “It’s growing on the field and off the field as well. The MLS of 13 years ago is another story to the MLS today. It’s fantastic to see the progression in the past decade.”

MLS has grown immensely during Crépeau’s time, and the shot-stopper has grown right along with it, fostering a journey that has culminated in the greatest period of his entire career: the summer of 2026.

The Early Days of MLS and Crépeau

Crépeau got his start in Montréal, present from the very beginning of the city’s MLS era. He joined the brand-new youth academy of what was then known as Montréal Impact in 2010, just as the franchise won its bid to become the latest member of the U.S.’s top flight.

“Born and raised in Montréal, growing up in the system of the academy, it was an exciting thing around the city to have your own team into the first division,” Crépeau recalls.

Crépeau was a young teenager at the time, just trying to absorb everything he could from a brand-new MLS team captained by soccer legend Davy Arnaud and led by now-Canada manager Jesse Marsch.

“Training with the first team, at 15, and playing with the academy, it was very important because you you could tell what aspects that you needed to work on, the discipline on and off the field,” Crépeau says. “It gave me the repetitions and the trust to allow myself to make mistakes, to learn from them as well, whether it’s training or a game.”

Three years later, he became the youngest player to join Montréal’s senior team, inking a Homegrown contract in 2013. He wouldn’t make his first-team debut until 2017, though, struggling to break out of his third-string position. In the interim, he trained harder and improved his skills by competing with FC Montreal, the senior club’s affiliate USL side, and with the Impact U-23 team.

Crépeau on the MLS Move, Again and Again

Although Crépeau was eventually promoted to Montréal’s backup goalkeeper, he still craved more reps, choosing to take a step down professionally and go on loan with the USL’s Ottawa Fury for the 2018 season.

That stepping stone proved integral to Crépeau’s growth. He was voted the league’s goalkeeper of the year after setting a single-season record for shutouts (15). His success earned him the attentions of the Vancouver Whitecaps and paved a distinct path to an MLS starting role. He signed with the Whitecaps ahead of the 2019 season, remaining there until 2022, and he was named Whitecaps Player of the Year twice in that span (2019, 2021).

Crépeau was then traded to LAFC in January 2022 and served as the California side’s stalwart between the posts en route to MLS Cup victory, his first time hoisting the league’s coveted trophy. It wasn’t all glorious, though, as Crépeau devastatingly suffered a broken leg in extra time of that title match while attempting to defend a breakaway. It meant Crépeau missed much of the following year.

He regained full fitness through a five-game stint with LAFC’s reserve side, which competes in MLS NEXT Pro—another stepping stone he deemed imperative to his overall journey. Once fully healthy again, he signed with the Portland Timbers in January 2024.

Crépeau Earns First MLS All-Star Nod

Crépeau lost out on his starting position at Portland in 2025 and subsequently saw his contract expire. He signed with Orlando City as a free agent ahead of the 2026 season, meaning he was yet again put on the move.

“It shapes your personality and your career, what you have to go through sometimes in adversity,” Crépeau says. “If it doesn’t work out in one spot, you’ll try to find a second wind, find a solution for yourself.”

“You adapt a little bit to everything that gets thrown at you sometimes,” he adds.

He immediately became the Lions’ primary starter between the sticks and made a whopping 62 saves in the first 14 league matches en route to a career-first nod to the 2026 MLS All-Star game this summer. He was just one of three MLS goalkeepers selected, alongside Matt Freese and Brian Schwake.

In the July 29 clash against the Liga MX All-Stars, Crépeau made six saves in less than a half hour, securing a 4–3 victory for the MLS players, all while stunning the crowd in Charlotte and putting himself in serious contention for MVP of the match.

That cross-country trek to sunny Florida had proved integral to Crépeau’s career, as did every one of his pit stops around MLS along the way.

“Moving in the league for the past six or seven years made me adapt, football-wise and city-wise. People only see the field, but there is a life outside the field as well,” Crépeau says.

Crépeau’s Record-Breaking World Cup Summer

That winding and often-arduous journey through MLS also led him to soccer’s grandest stage: the World Cup.

But first, it brought heartbreak. Crépeau’s broken leg in the 2022 MLS Cup caused him to miss Canada’s trip to the Qatar World Cup less than a month later. Although it was devastating, it ultimately lit a fire in him to be there when his country, alongside the U.S. and Mexico, co-hosted the tournament four years later.

“It was a big blow,” Crépeau says. “We won the MLS Cup and had a fantastic year, [I was] so happy, but the big blow was to miss the 2022 World Cup and the rehab after that one. It took me about nine to 10 months to feel good. I lost about a year.”

He adds: “I honestly told myself that the next one—the one that we just lived—was non-negotiable for me to be there. It was almost a promise to myself. I said, ‘2026 is mine.’”

It sure was, as Crépeau somewhat-unexpectedly won out the fierce competition with 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and fellow Canadian, Dayne St. Clair, for Canada’s starting job and led the Canucks on a wildly historic tournament ride.

Crépeau started all five of Canada’s World Cup matches, playing a key part in the nation’s first-ever tournament victory, an emphatic 6–0 win against Qatar in Group B play. That result also signified Canada’s first-ever World Cup clean sheet, a nice feather for Crépeau’s cap. He then led Canada into its first-ever knockout stage, as the country finished second in the group behind Switzerland to automatically advance.

The Canucks then made history with their first World Cup knockout stage win, defeating South Africa 1–0 in the round of 32, another clean-sheet performance from Crépeau. He manned the posts in the nation’s round of 16 appearance, and although it was an eventual 3–0 loss to African powerhouse Morocco, it didn’t taint the magic of the summer and the incredible progress Canada made as a soccer nation.

“Winning the first game, knockout game and having a clean sheet, for instance, there’s plenty of little boxes that we were able to check, so [I’m] very proud of it,” Crépeau says.

“It was a beautiful thing to see the country moving with us,” Crépeau adds. “It was the first time that I [saw] the streets full, a sea of red everywhere. You’ve got flares going off. You’ve got walks to the stadium.

“It’s the first time you really felt the country united ... It’s something that will stay with me for a long time.”

Crépeau, MLS Growing Together

Crépeau’s growth over the past 13 years wouldn’t have been possible without the growth of the league that has fostered every stage of his career.

“Everything is trending the right way,” he says of MLS, especially post-World Cup.

The most exciting aspect of the league’s growth for Crépeau is the throngs of young players following in his footsteps, coming up through the ranks of the relatively new MLS NEXT program.

“MLS NEXT is a fantastic tool for every player that wants to work on their craft and to allow themselves to be dreaming about a career in the game,” Crépeau says of the youth pipeline founded in 2020. “You see so many MLS NEXT players evolving and then signing their deal with the first team and then having a breakout.

“It allows them to have a platform to perform and to develop into the players they are today. Honestly, there’s no way around it. It’s mandatory to have a team like that. For the kids in the city, it’s unbelievable.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as It Was the Summer of a Lifetime for Maxime Crepeau—Decades in the Making.

Since Quinn’s return from an ACL injury in late July, the two have combined for seven goals and 12 assists across all competitions, commanding the Union to a now 12-game unbeaten streak and up from the depths of the MLS standings to legitimate playoff contention.

Stealing the show is teenager Cavan, who is enjoying a breakout campaign. The midfielder himself has recorded six goals and seven assists in the past two months, with at least one goal contribution in all of the Union’s last five games. He is quickly establishing himself as one of the best teenagers in MLS history and the bright future of the U.S. men’s national team.

The Sullivan brothers are far from the only family duo to make a name for themselves in MLS play, though. Over the league’s 31 years, some of the best players have played alongside their brothers, with some winning U.S. Open Cup, MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup glory. Some have even played at the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Sullivan brothers have one more full season together before Cavan turns 18 years old and joins the Premier League’s Manchester City. Should they continue to perform at such heights through the rest of this season and the next, then they could certainly rank among the best brotherly duos in MLS history. 

To do so, though, they’d have to knock off some highly-touted others. Here, Sports Illustrated ranks the top pairs of MLS brothers, a premier list the Sullivans have yet to crack.

5. DaMarcus and Jamar Beasley

The Beasley brothers were largely defined by DaMarcus Beasley’s long-term success in MLS, but also by four seasons of action from his older brother, Jamar Beasley.

As a versatile left back and left winger, DaMarcus made 222 MLS appearances between 1999 and 2019, enjoying a 20-year career that also took him to Europe and Mexico. He also earned 123 caps with the U.S. men’s national team, becoming the only USMNT player to feature in four World Cup tournaments (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014). During his MLS tenure with the L.A. Galaxy, Chicago Fire and Houston Dynamo, he won three U.S. Open Cup titles, but never won the MLS Cup. 

Jamar, meanwhile, amassed 66 appearances with the New England Revolution and the Chicago Fire between 1998 and 2001, joining DaMarcus in Chicago for that final year, before returning to an illustrious indoor soccer career that took him to two Futsal World Cups and made him a legend in indoor and arena soccer in the U.S. 

4. Chris and Stephen Wondolowski

The brotherly duo of Chris and Stephen Wondolowski has scored more goals than any brothers in MLS history. Chris Wondolowski still ranks as the league’s all-time leading scorer with 171 goals and 42 assists in his career—and that’s what lofts them into the category of the highest-scoring duo. His brother, Stephen, never scored an MLS goal, making four appearances across all competitions with the Houston Dynamo in 2008. 

The pair were teammates at Dynamo in 2005, but Wondolowski’s best moments came in San Jose, where he became a club legend across two iterations of the club, after the Earthquakes relocated to Houston and later returned to San Jose as an expansion team.

While there weren’t any remarkable moments from their shared 2008 season together, they do qualify for this metric in a similar fashion to the NHL’s best brotherly duo, the Gretzkys, featuring 2,857 points from Wayne Gretzky and just four from his brother, Brent. 

3. Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos

Giovani dos Santos will always have a special place in the hearts of L.A. Galaxy fans, despite not being able to deliver an MLS Cup to the most-decorated team in the league during his tenure from 2015 to 2018. While he was the face of an era of Galaxy soccer, his younger brother, Jonathan dos Santos, also played a key role, overlapping for two seasons in 2017 and 2018 and remained at the club through 2021. 

Giovani, who spent time with Barcelona, Villarreal Tottenham Hotspur, among other European clubs, served as an overseas beacon for the Mexico national team, at a time when Javier “Chicarito” Hernandez was largely the only other prominent El Tri figure overseas. Jonathan, too, had time with Barcelona and Villarreal, but didn’t quite establish himself in the same lore as Giovani did.

Together, the two brought plenty of attention from L.A.’s Mexican community to the club and helped lay the groundwork for the team’s eventual MLS Cup championship return in 2024. Giovani ended his MLS career with 26 goals and 22 assists in 77 games. Jonathan netted six goals and seven assists as a central midfielder over 103 MLS appearances before moving to Club América.

2. Cristian and Alex Roldan

The Roldan brothers are West Coast soccer to the core. The two grew up in California and have spent their entire professional careers with the Seattle Sounders, establishing themselves as a preeminent pair who have defined several eras of MLS in Seattle, from the Fredy Montero and Clint Dempsey years to the current squad. 

Cristian Roldan, now 31, has 322 MLS appearances for the Sounders, with 40 goals and 56 assists. During that time, the midfielder has helped Seattle win two MLS Cup titles in 2016 and 2019 and the 2025 Leagues Cup. He also led the Sounders to 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup, who became the only MLS team to win the continental tournament since 2000. 

With that consistency and leadership, Cristian earned the captain's armband at several points and became a fixture on the USMNT under several managers, playing in both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.

Alex, meanwhile, has four goals and 23 assists in 211 regular-season appearances at fullback for the Sounders, helping fortify their defense since 2018 and playing a key role in the 2019 MLS Cup, Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup titles. 

While others on this list may shine a little brighter, the Roldans are royalty in U.S. soccer and the only MLS brothers to have played at a FIFA Club World Cup together, doing so in 2025.

1. Diego and Yimmi Chara

No other MLS brotherly duo has been as dominant and club-defining as the Chará brothers were with the Portland Timbers. In fact, the elder Diego Chará is still going strong at 40, having been with the club since his MLS debut in 2011. The younger of the pair, Yimmi Chará, played for the team from 2020 to 2023 and now plays in Colombia. 

While neither was prolific attack-wise, their durability stands out. Diego has amassed 445 MLS appearances since making his debut in 2011, scoring 12 goals and adding 37 assists in that time. He has played a key role in every Timbers era, peaking with the run to the 2015 MLS Cup title. 

In addition to his MLS regular-season games, he has played 26 MLS Cup playoff games, while additional competitions bring him to a whopping 503 appearances, making him an MLS legend in every sense of the word. Yimmi, meanwhile, scored 15 goals and 29 assists in 115 MLS appearances as a winger over four seasons and helped the Timbers win the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament. 

The two stand as the pinnacle of longevity, success and production, while also becoming beloved players to the fanbase through several chapters of MLS.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Where Do Cavan and Quinn Sullivan Stand Among the Best Brother Duos in MLS History?.

While Sullivan’s impressive showings in two 5–0 wins over FC Cincinnati and San Diego FC took center stage, the week also saw a dramatic pair of draws for Inter Miami, a wild Nashville SC loss to Toronto FC and more. There was even a soccer-loving squirrel that halted play for a few minutes. 

With Matchdays 25 and 26 in the books, here’s where teams stack in Sports Illustrated’s latest MLS Power Rankings.

MLS Power Rankings Matchday 26: Clubs 30–11

30. CF Montréal (Previous: 29)
29. Atlanta United (Previous: 28)
28. Sporting Kansas City (Previous: 30)
27. Columbus Crew (Previous: 26)
26. D.C. United (Previous: 27)
25. L.A. Galaxy (Previous: 21)
24. Colorado Rapids (Previous: 25)
23. Red Bull New York (Previous: 23)
22. Austin FC (Previous: 24)
21. Seattle Sounders (Previous: 19)
20. San Diego FC (Previous: 16)
19. Minnesota United (Previous: 15)
18. Toronto FC (Previous: 20)
17. Orlando City (Previous: 22)
16. Real Salt Lake (Previous: 14)
15. San Jose Earthquakes (Previous: 18)
14. FC Cincinnati (Previous: 11)
13. New York City FC (Previous: 12)
12. Portland Timbers (Previous: 13)
11. LAFC (Previous: 8)

10. Philadelphia Union (Previous: 17) ⬆️

CAVAN SULLIVAN BACKHEEL?! 😲

The 16-year-old gives @PhilaUnion the lead in San Diego just before halftime! pic.twitter.com/oSvyKnvfRp

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2026

Mauricio Pochettino spoke of “arrogance” and “confidence” when asked about integrating young players into the U.S. men’s national team for the upcoming September international friendlies. Cavan Sullivan, whom Pochettino may have been subtly referencing, is backing up his attitude with brilliance on the field, though.

As has been the case for several weeks, Sullivan was the heartbeat of the Philadelphia Union’s two victories this week over FC Cincinnati and San Diego FC. There are few players in better form right now than Sullivan, and this week proved he’s experiencing more than just a break-out summer—he’s a bona fide superstar. 

With Sullivan’s impeccable form, the Union’s surge continues. The team is now undefeated in the last 10 league matches, dating back to May, and sits seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.

Just how high can they go? Nothing is stopping Philadelphia right now.

9. St. Louis CITY SC (Previous: 10) ⬆️

Spending $12 million on a cash-for-player trade was a lot of money for St. Louis CITY SC, but it is already paying off. Star striker acquisition Rafael Navarro scored four goals in two games, bringing his season total to 14 after starting the year with the Colorado Rapids. 

While manager Yoann Damet’s side went through a complete rebuild in the summer, with Carlo Holse and Navarro replacing Marcel Hartel and Eduard Löwen, the new core has hit full stride without any hiccups. This week, a draw against the Portland Timbers and a win against Minnesota United pushed St. Louis up to fifth in the Western Conference. 

8. Charlotte FC (Previous: 8) 🤝

Allan Saint-Maximin has changed how Charlotte FC approach games, with the bravery to attack half-spaces and shift into more central playmaking roles. At the same time, he has allowed Pep Biel and Liel Abada to adapt into more balanced attacking roles, which led to a 2–1 win over CF Montréal and a rather disappointing 3–3 draw with an FC Cincinnati side they were better than for most of the match. 

Unfortunately, Charlotte’s path forward could get harder. Abada exited the draw with Cincinnati with an injury, and Saint-Maximin’s impact wasn’t as noticeable through the second half. They’ll hope Abada can come back as soon as possible, with next week’s clash against D.C. United offering them a chance to punch into the Eastern Conference’s top three.

7. FC Dallas (Previous: 8) ⬆️

FC Dallas’ identity has entirely shifted post-World Cup, as Croatian attacker Petar Musa is no longer their sole attacking threat. Logan Farrington, Kaick Ferreira and Santiago Moreno showed their game-changing abilities in a pair of 2–1 wins this week against Minnesota United and the Portland Timbers. 

With the wins, Dallas were the only team in the West to win all three of their games in the last eight days, and they could be set to rocket up the standings even beyond their current third place in the Western Conference. After playing no home games between May and last weekend’s win over Sporting Kansas City, they now look toward a schedule in more familiar terrain.

6. Houston Dynamo (Previous: 5) 📉

The Houston Dynamo seem to be missing Jack McGlynn. On the weekend their former attacker scored his first overseas goal for Stoke City in the EFL Championship, the club suffered a 1–0 clean-sheet loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.

As brilliant as MLS Newcomer of the Year favorite Guilherme has been, he has cooled off in recent weeks, with his goal and assist against Real Salt Lake midweek as his only contributions in the last six games, while the Dynamo’s attack has struggled in general to create chances. 

After getting picked apart in the loss to San Jose, the Dynamo’s five-game, clean-sheet win streak from last month feels like a distant memory. They’ll try to rekindle their defensive form and chance creation next week against FC Cincinnati.

5. Chicago Fire (Previous: 4) 📉

It was a “prove it” week for the Chicago Fire. If they had come away with wins against Inter Miami and the New England Revolution, then they would be a clear MLS Cup contender. Right now, though, with a dramatic 1–1 draw against Miami and a 2–1 loss to the Revs, plenty of questions remain about manager Gregg Berhalter’s outlook for the group. 

The decision to bring in Robert Lewandowski and sell Hugo Cuypers at the striker position continues to loom over every game. Lewandowski doesn’t contribute as much as Cuypers in pressing or defensive efforts but has a similar goal rate with six goals in eight games. That shift has changed how Chicago generates chances.

Looking ahead, it’s a scary road for the Fire. Next week, it’s a battle with the Supporters’ Shield-leading Nashville SC, then a duel with Charlotte FC, followed by a clash with the currently Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps. In the next few weeks, it will become clear how good the Fire truly are.

4. Inter Miami (Previous: 2)📉

It’s a disastrous time for Inter Miami. A 1–1 draw against Chicago Fire and a 2–2 draw against Nashville SC sent them to third in the league table and keep them nine points behind the Supporters’ Shield lead with nine games to go. 

While Lionel Messi’s ability to dominate a game remains exceptional, Miami have collectively lost the winning edge that defined them through many stints of the Messi era thus far. It’s evident that frustrations have caught on as well, with Messi in tears after Nashville’s late-tying goal and Rodrigo De Paul sparking a fight with Lewandowski in the Chicago game. 

Miami have already pulled the coaching change card but have yet to get Kily González on the touchline as he awaits U.S. work permits, leaving the Herons to struggle with interim manager Guillermo Hoyos at the helm. It’s nine games across all competitions without a win now, and there’s no clear pathway out of the rut, other than Messi. Can Miami figure this one out in time for the playoffs? 

3. New England Revolution (Previous: 6) ⬆️

The New England Revolution were unlucky to fall 2–1 to the L.A. Galaxy last weekend, but their Eastern Conference tour de force pushed them back to form with vital 2–1 wins over New York City FC and the Chicago Fire this week. With those victories, they’re up to fourth in the Supporters’ Shield and third in the Eastern Conference, while making winning look relatively easy.

Against NYCFC, Dániel Gazdag netted a winner in second-half stoppage time, and his approach to the game looks reenergized compared to the year he spent with the Columbus Crew before the recent move. His addition emphasizes how deep and multifaceted New England’s attack can be, allowing Carles Gil to drift into central spaces, while Gazdag and Jack Harrison wreak havoc out wide.

Combine the attacking restructure with the outstanding form of Matt Turner—who made 11 saves this week—and there’s plenty of reason for the Revolution to be dreaming of a long playoff run in manager Marko Mitrović’s first season.

2. Vancouver Whitecaps (Previous: 3) ⬆️

The Vancouver Whitecaps had a mixed week. On Wednesday, a full-strength lineup thrashed the L.A. Galaxy 3–0, with Bruno Caicedo’s penalty earning plenty of attention for counting as a goal without actually hitting the net or post. Then Sunday, they fell 2–1 to Austin FC, despite dominating the shots 20 to four.

While the Whitecaps remain the best team in the Western Conference, they haven’t been able to fully separate from the pack, and they’ve struggled to win consistently and finish chances with ease.

With that inconsistency, it’s difficult to pinpoint where the team stands in MLS Cup playoff hopes. At their best, they’re good enough to win the whole thing, but keeping consistent form through the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs could prove a mighty challenge. 

In addition to the inconsistencies, Thomas Müller could be out for a while. He missed the match against Austin with a quad issue after leaving the Galaxy clash in the first half.

1. Nashville SC (Previous: 1) 🤝

Nashville SC picked up just a single point from a possible six this week. Yet, the dramatic 91st-minute goal from Sam Surridge to secure a 2–2 draw against Inter Miami in the weekend’s headline fixture saved an otherwise awkward week—and their place atop these MLS Power Rankings. 

Midweek, Nashville were gifted an own goal from a ghastly Toronto FC defensive error, but went on to lose 2–1, marking just their fourth loss of the season. It didn’t rock them too much, though, as manager B.J. Callaghan’s group quickly rebounded, ensuring they wouldn’t lose a massive lead in the Supporters’ Shield race. They ended the weekend with an eight-point buffer over second-place Vancouver Whitecaps.

While Surridge was the key difference-maker against Miami, concern is growing about the depth of Nashville’s attack outside of Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, Cristian Espinoza and Elias Saad, whom they may be over-reliant on. Whether Nashville ever run into a situation where a supporting cast is truly called upon remains the sticking point. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Power Rankings: Sullivan’s Red-Hot Philadelphia Union and More After Matchday 26.

Lionel Messi continued his brilliant run of form, scoring his 19th goal of the season in a huge 2–2 draw with Supporters’ Shield leading-Nashville SC. It marked his eighth goal contribution in the past four games.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan continued dragging the Philadelphia Union up the leaderboard. The teenage sensation scored a skillful brace in an emphatic 5–0 victory over San Diego FC, the team’s second-consecutive five-goal thumping. The Union extended their unbeaten streak to seven games and now sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, coming a long way from dead last pre-World Cup.

As for Atlético Madrid legend Antoine Griezmann, he has adjusted to life in MLS seamlessly and more than played his part in Orlando City’s 3–0 win over Toronto FC with an exquisite highlight-reel finish.

Here are the top five goals from the weekend.

5. Rafael Navarro Chooses Brains Over Brawn

Rafael Navarro gives @stlCITYsc their third ‼️ pic.twitter.com/Hi7gDrV9qQ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 13, 2026

New St. Louis CITY SC signing Rafael Navarro is proving his weight in gold. Acquired two weeks ago from the Colorado Rapids in a league-record $12 million trade, the Brazilian scored his second-consecutive brace on Saturday, lifting St. Louis to a 4–2 win over Minnesota United.

In his first of the night, Navarro outsmarted both his defender and the onrushing goalkeeper, opting to the drop the ball over the head of Drake Callender, instead of attempting a low, blasted shot, which the goalkeeper would have been expecting.

4. Sullivan Nutmegs Goalkeeper

Now he's nutmegged the keeper 😳

Cavan Sullivan gets his brace in style for @PhilaUnion! pic.twitter.com/IjinRebcch

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2026

Sullivan capped off a brilliant individual display on Sunday night with a goal that did nothing but utterly embarrass the goalkeeper. The teenager got onto the end of a through-ball into the opposition’s box, before blasting a left-footed shot between the legs of Duran Ferree, a sequence the 19-year-old goalkeeper will find hard to forget.

3. Messi Blasts 20-Yard Shot

Messi. Left foot. 20 yards out. 🐐

Miami takes the lead on Nashville! pic.twitter.com/DuBJI7gxOz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 13, 2026

It’s almost a guarantee that Messi will find the back of the net at some point during the game, and Saturday’s outing against the league-leading Nashville proved no different. Close teammate and fellow Argentine star Rodrigo De Paul slotted a short pass to Messi at the top of the D. The soccer legend just needed one touch to blast it left-footed into the upper corner of the net. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake didn’t stand a chance.

2. Griezmann Performs Silky Slide

Slidding in 🛝

Antoine Griezmann boots it to the upper net to move @OrlandoCitySC into the lead before the half!

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/yWKKho7Yn4 pic.twitter.com/dY4IeYOgHD

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 13, 2026

Griezmann knows what he wants, and Orlando City are determined to give it to him. The French soccer legend, dashing into the box, pointed to the back post, and exactly one second later, the ball found him there. The 35-year-old slid into the goal mouth to reach it, using his body’s momentum to launch the ball into the roof of the net. It marked his fifth-consecutive game with at least one goal, scoring seven in that span.

1. Cavan Sullivan Gives Cheeky Back-Heel

CAVAN SULLIVAN BACKHEEL?! 😲

The 16-year-old gives @PhilaUnion the lead in San Diego just before halftime! pic.twitter.com/oSvyKnvfRp

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 14, 2026

When you’re Sullivan, perhaps scoring a normal goal is just too botring. Indiana Vassilev found the youngster open at the top of the six-yard box. Sullivan certainly had an extra half-second to turn and shoot, yet instead, he opted for a sneaky back-heeled pass. He didn’t even glance at the goal until the ball was trickling over the line.

The finish perfectly summed up how much Sullivan’s confidence has skyrocketed in MLS post-World Cup and marked his fifth-consecutive match with a goal contribution.

Vote for YOUR MLS Goal of the Week!

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Goals of the Week: Messi’s Blast, Sullivan’s Backheel, Griezmann’s Slide and More.

Last season, USMNT World Cup striker Haji Wright scored 17 goals for Championship side Coventry City, finishing second in the Golden Boot race. In the early stages of the new 2026–27 season, Canada’s Cyle Larin sits atop the goalscoring charts with seven goals in seven games. 

While goalscoring may be the most flashy aspect of North Americans competing in the English second tier, it serves to highlight a major trend of USMNT and Canadian players dominating the level overseas.

In addition to Larin’s hot start with Southampton, some of the USMNT newcomers, joining the Championship from MLS this summer, have hit high-flying form in the opening weeks. This weekend, former Vancouver Whitecap Sebastian Berhalter scored a brace in Middlesbrough’s 4–3 win over Norwich City, and former Houston Dynamo star Jack McGlynn scored his first European goal for Stoke City in a 2–1 victory over Watford.

First Boro goal ✅
Second Boro goal ✅

A fine afternoon's work for Seb Berhalter 👏 pic.twitter.com/8zXYyIj6bP

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) September 13, 2026

“It’s an intense league,” Berhalter said after the recent performance. “The referee lets a lot of things play, and I love that. It's fun that the games are end-to-end, and the fans are right there helping you and giving you that support.”

The instant impact of Berhalter, McGlynn, Max Arfsten, Aidan Morris etc.—all of whom hailed from the U.S.’s top flight—raises the question, though: Is the Championship really a step up in soccer level? MLS, despite being non-European, may be equal to, or actually better than, the Championship. 

If so, then what exactly makes the Championship such an attractive league for MLS players and North Americans, in general? Here, Sports Illustrated looks at a few key factors.

MLS Has Higher Talent Ceiling Than the Championship

For what MLS lacks in promotion and relegation, it makes up for with immense talent from around the world, headlined by global superstars still playing at an elite level, such as Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Thomas Müller. 

The level of the league’s best players is far beyond that of the Championship and helps demand more out of the younger domestic talents. At the same time, MLS’s restrictive roster rules force domestic talent into lineups unlike those in other leagues, giving North Americans more opportunities to adapt to the league's rising international pedigree. 

By being the world’s most diverse league, with players from 79 countries, MLS also offers different challenges than a typical EFL Championship team. Some weeks, players face aging global stars; others, young South American talents brought in on high-paying U22 Initiative contracts and fighting to use the league as a stepping stone, like former Inter Miami forward Diego Gómez, now of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Those diverse challenges—backdropped by the league’s unique physicality and long travel stints—force MLS talents to adapt, giving them an edge that can translate into a higher overall average talent level. That level can then be put on display in the Championship, where rosters can be more balanced from top to bottom, but less star-studded than what MLS players experienced at the upper echelon. 

EFL Championship Money, Premier League Opportunity

Beyond the Championship’s reduced travel compared to MLS, the wage disparity also makes the English second tier more attractive, as does the opportunity to battle for a spot in the Premier League. 

While salaries aren’t public in the same way as they are in MLS, the lofty transfer fees, such as the $11 million Stoke paid for McGlynn and Luca Bombino, the $7 million Derby County paid for Patrick Agyemang and the combined $10 million Middlesbrough paid for Max Arfsten and Berhalter, indicate that the players would likely reach a new salary tier. 

In MLS, for context, Agyemang earned $105,000 in 2025, while Berhalter made $305,000, far below the 2025–26 average for a player in the Championship, who earned  $1.08 million per season. The MLS average, meanwhile, sat at approximately $354,390 in 2025. 

At the same time, earning a spot in the EFL Championship and helping push a team toward the top of the table can serve as an easier road into the highly attractive Premier League than a straight move, such as the one Zavier Gozo made this summer. Gozo has since struggled to adapt to the immediate step up, despite Crystal Palace sending a $15 million transfer fee to Real Salt Lake. 

Go make us proud, Gozo. ❤️@realsaltlake transfers Zavier Gozo to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/b0gSVaumPe

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 18, 2026

The Championship is an attractive option for MLS talents as a lateral move into a more lucrative and potential-laden league.

Given the enormous stakes the Premier League and European soccer can present, the Championship has quickly become the perfect stepping-stone league for MLS and North American talent looking to establish themselves across the pond.

Yet, it’s no longer a leap in talent level, but rather a leap toward boundless opportunity.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Why USMNT Players Are Dominating Their New Ventures in Europe.

Taking a page out of Inter Miami and LAFC’s playbook this summer, the club shelled out $18 million on 24-year-old Brazilian attacker André Luiz, bringing him in from Greek Super League side Olympiacos on a deal through 2030-31. 

While the club has floundered at the bottom of the MLS table all year and currently sits dead last in the 30-team table, Saturday’s win brought a glimmer of hope for the future. Luiz, seen as the first true piece of what is likely a long-term rebuild, scored his first goal for the team with a deft dribble, lethal cut and perfectly-placed shot into the top corner, beating French World Cup champion Hugo Lloris between the sticks. 

OH MY ANDRÉ LUIZ! 😮‍💨

His first MLS goal gives @SportingKC the lead!

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/GmNnEFF3Ch pic.twitter.com/2yrdAskN4a

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 13, 2026

The win marked SKC’s fifth of the season and first in eight games, snapping a run that saw them secure just one of a possible 21 points. After Luiz’s 18th-minute opener, Taylor Calheira and Jacob Bartlett added two more, while Bouanga ensured LAFC didn’t leave in total embarrassment.

“That’s why we brought him,” SKC manager Raphaël Wicky post-match . “That’s why he’s here. He’s a very good player. From the first moment he trained with us, you could see his quality, his individual quality, his change of pace, his one-on-one, and obviously what he showed today here.”

Luiz’s transfer ranked as the fourth-most expensive incoming deal in MLS history, with LAFC’s 2025 deal to bring in Son topping the list at a $26.5 million fee. A few other teams have joined Kansas City in emptying their pockets this year. Atlanta United signed Breel Embolo for $18 million this summer, while Toronto FC inked Josh Sargent to a $21 million transfer right before the season. Inter Miami spent a $15 million fee on striker Germán Berterame in January.

SKC’s investment comes after owner Peter Mallouk took a majority stake in the club and promised to increase spending. Before signing Luiz, the team chased former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and, in 2023, were the closest MLS team to signing Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Sporting Kansas City’s Push for Confidence

As much as the win brings some confidence back and serves as a beacon of hope for the club’s diehard supporters, any dreams of making something of the 2026 season are unrealistic.

Heading into next week’s clash with the Cavan Sullivan-led Philadelphia Union, SKC sit 12 points out of the Western Conference MLS Cup playoffs and are on pace for just 25 total.

While the team has finished last in the Western Conference three times, it has never finished at the bottom of the entire league table. Although the playoffs may be out of reach, managing to stay above that dreaded last spot on the table remains a viable possibility, only trailing 29th-place CF Montréal by three points. 

“We don’t talk about that,” Wicky added, about the fear of finishing last. “When we come into the training facility, there are a lot of TVs around, and the standings are on every TV every day, all day, and that’s enough; we don’t need to talk. I see the standings every day, and it hurts every day, but we’re trying to take it game by game.”

After facing Philadelphia, SKC’s daunting schedule continues, with six of the remaining 10 opponents all currently sitting above the MLS Cup playoff line, including Supporters’ Shield leaders Nashville SC.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Worst MLS Team’s Multi-Million Dollar Investment Leads to Massive Upset, Bit of Hope.

On Saturday night, a squirrel darted onto the pitch in FC Cincinnati’s 3–3 draw with Charlotte FC, briefly stopping play and attracting cheers from the crowd as it trotted across the field and eventually down the players’ tunnel.

The oddity commanded a bewildered head shake from Charlotte manager Dean Smith, who hails from West Bromich, England and was perhaps questioning the bizarre nature of American wildlife and its starring role in MLS.

We've got a pitch invader 🐿️ pic.twitter.com/GK21rQdmwF

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) September 13, 2026

Dubbed “Squirrelinho” online, the rodent is just latest in a long string of odd, non-soccer-related moments that have commanded the attentions of MLS and its fans during games lately.

Here, Sports Illustrated takes you down memory lane. 

Remembering “Raquinho”

RACCOON ON THE FIELD!!!

MIDWEEK @MLS AT ITS FINEST pic.twitter.com/tO8AJUrkJw

— Andrew Wiebe (@andrew_wiebe) May 16, 2024

The most famous wildlife sighting on an MLS pitch is often the raccoon. One of the most common urban animals in the United States and Canada, the rodent has made its way into several MLS games. 

Two years ago, one took center stage and earned the nickname “Raquinho” after a high-stakes chase around the Philadelphia Union’s pitch, eventually leading to Mark Mello and Ryan Haines, the Union’s groundskeepers, sprinting with a garbage can to trap the animal for removal. 

“We promise you that you are not watching the nature channel right now,” play-by-play Calum Williams said on the Apple TV match broadcast, while laughing through the commentary: “We’re told that pest control is on the way to remove a rather adventurous raccoon from the field.”

The Union also enjoyed another animal adventure in 2023 when Concacaf Champions Cup play had to be halted in the 68th minute on account of a dog chasing down the ball and taking a bite out of it.

Was this on your bingo card?

Yeah the @PhilaUnion is a good team and all, but this doggo is even better 🐶⚽️ pic.twitter.com/cK882huibw

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 8, 2023

D.C. United’s Raccoon, Real Salt Lake’s Cat, Vancouver’s Mouse

Other MLS teams have had run-ins with animals too. D.C. United’s former home, RFK Stadium, was known for having frequent wildlife interactions. Raccoons actually established a more permanent home in the ceiling, only discovered after a dark-colored liquid began dripping from the roof, according to a report by The Athletic. 

DC. United eventually embraced the furry friends, naming the collective “Ronnie Raccoon,” and even released plush toys, which they gave to players at the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. To date, Ronnie Raccoon is the club’s secondary mascot. 

Real Salt Lake’s America First Park also housed a raccoon above the press box roof, which made its way out mid-game to the scare of journalists in 2022. Three years prior, a cat had made a darting run across the field before play was stopped in a Leagues Cup match against Tigres UANL.

Last season, Austin FC’s Brad Stuver removed a mouse from the pitch at BC Place in an away match against the Vancover Whitecaps, a stadium that often sees pigeons flying around inside.

Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver just CAUGHT A MOUSE ON THE FIELD in Vancouver

I love this league. pic.twitter.com/oh85oVvvmq

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) April 12, 2025

What About the Babies?

A baby got on the field during Minnesota United’s win in San Jose 😭 pic.twitter.com/VRUXRO8SFs

— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) August 23, 2026

While the animals bring plenty of laughter, there have undoubtedly been some concerned parents across MLS in the last few years too. 

Last season, a security guard ran onto the field after a child walked onto the pitch in D.C. United’s match against the Chicago Fire, and just a few weeks ago, a baby darted onto PayPal Park’s pitch as the San Jose Earthquakes battled Minnesota United. 

Baby on the field! 😂 pic.twitter.com/68tDmyt0Jo

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 8, 2025

With 30 teams across the league as the world’s largest top division, there’s always excitement in MLS—sometimes not even from the players themselves.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Squirrel Halts Match, Joins Dogs, Babies in Growing List of MLS’s Wild Pitch Invaders.

While the gap Miami must make up remains the same, the South Florida side now has just nine games to close in and a loss to San Diego FC next week could see the Herons fall as low as fifth in the league table.  

Yet, there’s little blame to place on Lionel Messi. The only MLS nominee for the 2026 Ballon d’Or scored his 19th goal of the season with a stunning, curled effort from outside the penalty area, one of his eight shots on the night. 

Surridge equalizes in stoppage! 😳

Nashville and Miami searching for a winner late! pic.twitter.com/hkjmF1bHJz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 13, 2026

As has been the case so often for Miami, though, a lack of help around Messi defined the game, and Nashville’s Sam Surridge scored a brace with goals in the fourth and 91st minutes to ensure a point. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into Miami’s continued struggles as their recent form dropped to one win in the last seven games.  

Berterame’s Struggles and Miami’s Finishing

This night showed just how good Miami could be if Germán Berterame were the striker they hoped for. For their opponents, Surridge showcased himself as the finishing magician and the best outright striker in MLS, making the most of two clear-cut chances on a night Nashville didn’t control.

In contrast, Berterame struggled with three missed shots and one blocked effort, showcasing his inability to make the most of his chances and the hesitancy he showed even when in the right positions to score. With a 14% shooting percentage this season, it leaves plenty to ponder about where Miami could be if they had a player like Surridge in the squad. 

While the poor finishing form has largely been a Berterame-focused issue, each of Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and others missed key chances on Saturday, with the Herons hitting the post three times on otherwise clear-cut chances. Those woes dropped their shot-conversion percentage for the season to 40%.

Without big goals in key moments from players other than Messi, the high-stakes games—starting with the Campeones Cup one-game final on Wednesday—will be more challenging down the line. 

Messi Loves Nashville, but Is He Miami’s Only Hope?

Messi loves a game against Nashville. In just 14 appearances, he has scored 17 goals—the Tennessee side are the only non-Spanish opponent he has scored more than 10 goals against. 

While the domination began in the 2023 Leagues Cup final and has seen Miami post emphatic wins in the MLS Cup playoffs, the rivalry has also seen Nashville slash Miami 4–1 in MLS play earlier this year and knock the Herons out of the Concacaf Champions Cup. 

Messi. Left foot. 20 yards out. 🐐

Miami takes the lead on Nashville! pic.twitter.com/DuBJI7gxOz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 13, 2026

“God gave him this gift,” interim manager Guillermo Hoyos said of Messi’s performance, a trope he has often repeated, instead of critiquing his team’s performance. “He’s a one-of-a-kind player; he’s one of a kind. He cannot be repeated.”

The worrying thing for Miami, though, is that Nashville have proven to be the better team on every occasion this season, and the Herons would likely have to get past them in the playoffs for any hopes of emerging from the Eastern Conference. At this point, one has to wonder whether any of Miami’s other talents have what it takes to step up and secure a victory against the clear-cut best team in the league.

Frustrations Boiling Over

There’s lots to be frustrated about for Inter Miami these days. A third-straight draw, and seven of eight games without a win is just one factor, and the added sting of giving up a late tying goal to a team they’re chasing is salt in the wound. 

Add to that the fact that Kily González was named the new manager Aug. 27 and still doesn’t have the required U.S. work permits to take on the role. Meanwhile, Hoyos trots the sideline for a struggling team and, understandably, sees the fan backlash grow. After all, this is a club with massive expectations which have fallen short for nearly two months. 

While the fans’ frustration is evident, it appears to have affected the players as well. At the tail end of the midweek draw against the Chicago Fire, a fight broke out between Rodrigo De Paul and Robert Lewandowski, with others flying in soon after. A similar scene unfolded in the Quinn Sullivan-Ian Fray altercation in Philadelphia, and in the Alonso Coello altercation in the loss to Toronto FC. 

This weekend, new signing and Paraguay World Cup star Matías Galarza earned a yellow card for kicking the ball away after a foul, limiting Miami’s late momentum and letting his team’s approach wander from a composed, defensive effort to see out the result. Soon after, De Paul offered a lackluster effort in tracking back, leading to Surridge’s eventual tying goal. 

Frustrations have Inter Miami imploding at the moment, and it will take a string of games to rekindle that swagger. Lucky for them, the schedule presents San Diego FC and D.C. United as the next two opponents, a much easier test than Nashville.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Three Takeaways As Lionel Messi’s Brilliance Falls Short for Inter Miami.

Following Wednesday’s 14-match midweek slate, MLS returns with 15 matches across Matchday 26, a weekend of play highlighted by long-anticipated fixtures between the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. 

While Cavan Sullivan hype skyrockets for the red-hot Philadelphia Union, Inter Miami look to rescue their Supporters’ Shield dreams against Nashville, and the Vancouver Whitecaps seek a runaway chance in the Western Conference. It’s poised to be a big weekend. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how it could all play out.

FC Cincinnati vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

For a team once among the MLS elite just a few months ago, it has been tough sledding for FC Cincinnati. After Wednesday’s 5–0 loss to the Philadelphia Union, they fell to seventh in the Eastern Conference and have conceded nine goals without scoring in the last two games. Evander, a borderline MLS MVP candidate, has also been limited in his involvement. 

Given their recent form and Charlotte FC’s rise since introducing Allan Saint-Maximin to the squad, The Crown can be confident in finding a positive result, even in the intense atmosphere of TQL Stadium. 

Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 1–3 Charlotte FC

Columbus Crew vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

After securing a confidence-boosting 3–0 win over the Colorado Rapids last weekend, the Columbus Crew returned to poor form midweek with a 2–1 loss to D. C. United, marking their fifth loss in six games. Back at home this weekend, they’ll still see themselves as favorites against a Red Bull New York side that boasts just one goal in the last three games and hasn’t won in six straight. 

Columbus, under Laurent Courtois’s interim leadership, seems poised for a breakout. It’s still early for the midseason additions of Brais Méndez and Josef Martínez, while new striker Santiago Rodríguez has enjoyed a stellar start with goals in his first two match. Expect a late-season playoff push from that group. 

Score Prediction: Columbus Crew 1–1 Red Bull New York

D.C. United vs. Atlanta United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

For a few weeks, things seemed to be turning around for Atlanta United, who were on a three-game winning streak and welcomed new signings with a glimmer of hope. That all evaporated in the last two weeks, though, with losses to Charlotte and Orlando and a draw with Miami. The Orlando loss in particular came with two own-goals to crush spirits and topple confidence.

New star striker signing Breel Embolo, who scored on his MLS debut against the Herons, will look to link up with attacking midfielder Tristan Muyumba this week, in order to expose a D. C. United backline that has conceded 10 goals in the last six games.

Score Prediction: D.C. United 2–2 Atlanta United

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

It’s the most important week of Inter Miami’s season. Without a win against Nashville SC on Saturday, the Lionel Messi-led group can effectively bid farewell to any hope of winning the Supporters’ Shield. A win would put them six points behind the Coyotes, while a loss would extend Nashville’s buffer atop the Eastern Conference to 12 points with nine games remaining. 

The Herons will also have to balance their team selection with Campeones Cup approaching on Wednesday, which gives them a chance to lift a trophy—albeit one not recognized by FIFA—in a one-match playoff against Liga MX’s Cruz Azul.

For Nashville, a win would secure them an MLS Cup playoff spot just over two-thirds into the season, as the group headlined by the attacking foursome of Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, Cristian Espinoza and Elias Saad look to bounce back from a shocking 2–1 loss to Toronto FC midweek.

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 3–4 Nashville SC

Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

The meme of Antoine Griezmann trying to cool down in the sweltering Florida humidity may have gone viral, but there is no doubt that he is still thriving on and off the pitch since arriving in MLS. On Wednesday, he scored a brace against Atlanta United to reach seven goals in nine games and celebrated with an American football-style celebration, embracing his long-standing love of the NFL. 

The Florida humidity had Antoine Griezmann fighting for his life 🇺🇸😭 pic.twitter.com/sxgISu4ekR

— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) September 6, 2026

He has also changed how Orlando sees itself. With three wins in the last four games, the Lions have risen to sixth in the Eastern Conference, and the Frenchman has helped elevate 19-year-old Justin Ellis, among others. Toronto FC may be flying high after their midweek win over Nashville, but Orlando should come away with all three points.

Score Prediction: Orlando City 3–1 Toronto FC

FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

With the rate of high-scoring games in MLS these days, there could be some fireworks between two sides jockeying for position in the Western Conference. It’s FC Dallas’ second home game since May, and they’re in good form with back-to-back wins over Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United in the last week. 

Logan Farrington and Santiago Moreno may have to lead the frontline again, as they did Wednesday, with Petar Musa’s status in doubt after missing the last match with an upper-body injury. Even without their leading scorer, though, Eric Quill’s side can be punishing, especially against a Timbers side that has scored seven goals and conceded six in its last two games. 

Score Prediction: FC Dallas 3–2 Portland Timbers

Sporting Kansas City vs. LAFC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

LAFC’s inconsistency in 2026 has made for quite an intriguing race in the Western Conference, but the Black and Gold might be back on track. They snapped their six-game winless skid with a 2–0 win over Red Bull New York midweek. 

The opportunity for Denis Bouanga, Son Heung-min and 17-year-old academy breakout star Jude Terry to enjoy another win this weekend is as good as it gets. Coming up against Sporting Kansas City, any result other than a massive win would be disappointing, and they should be able to get it. 

Score Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 0–4 LAFC

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Minnesota United

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

It took little time for Rafael Navarro to find his scoring form with St. Louis CITY SC, scoring a brace in a midweek 2–2 draw with Portland in just his second game since joining for $12 million from the Colorado Rapids. 

Yoann Damet has St. Louis playing exceptionally well right now, riding a 14-game MLS unbeaten run with 10 wins. Facing Minnesota United at home and having to shut down the red-hot Marcus Caldeira won’t be straightforward, but this is a team that simply doesn’t seem to lose anymore.

Score Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 3–0 Minnesota United

Colorado Rapids vs. CF Montréal

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The Colorado Rapids have scored just a single goal since selling Rafael Navarro. While the early returns on the deal certainly diminished Colorado’s attacking possibilities, the situation should improve once ex-Middlesbrough striker Morgan Whittaker finds his way into the squad, barring the U.S. Visa process. For now though, it’s all on Darren Yapi and Paxten Aaronson. 

Luckily, this weekend sees them welcome a struggling CF Montréal side to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Despite adding 37-year-old Alexis Sánchez, Montréal have lost their last three matches and sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They could rotate in this match too, given the greater importance of Wednesday’s clash with Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal, which is tied 1–1 after the opening match.

Score Prediction: Colorado Rapids 2–1 CF Montréal

Real Salt Lake vs. New York City FC

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

August was a month to forget for New York City FC, and September hasn’t started much better. Entering this weekend on a seven-game winless run and without a victory since July, the hope of a high MLS Cup playoff ranking is beginning to evaporate. This week, it’s vital they return to form against a Real Salt Lake side on an even worse run—10 games without a win, dating back to May 16. 

It’s unclear whether Real Salt Lake could see Canada World Cup star Luc De Fougerolles in their lineup for this one, but the center back on loan from Fulham should elevate their group once he is ready to go. Both sides are hovering around the playoff cutoffs in their respective conferences, and three points from this match would go a long way.

Score Prediction: Real Salt Lake 1–1 New York City FC

L.A. Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders

• Date: Saturday, Sept.12
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

It’s been a while since Dejan Joveljić last played for the L.A. Galaxy, helping them prevail over Red Bull New York to win the 2024 MLS Cup. Yet, given that slice of history and his return to a West Coast rival after joining the Seattle Sounders from Sporting Kansas City, it should be a key storyline this weekend. 

Both teams are desperate for a win to stay in the mix for the MLS Cup playoffs, but both are amid poor form, with Seattle’s franchise-record 11-game winless run and the Galaxy’s measly two wins in their last 10 performance. The Sounders, though, could be primed for a breakout—they’ve got to win another game, eventually.

Score Prediction: L.A. Galaxy 0–2 Seattle Sounders

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo

• Date: Saturday, Sept.12
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

Take a deep breath, San Jose Earthquakes fans. Your best and most exciting player is back; Niko Tsakiris is balling out again. On Wednesday, the 21-year-old USMNT hopeful netted a goal and two assists, including an outside trivela assist to steal the midweek highlight reels. It marked his first goal contribution since returning from groin surgery in May and could be the spark San Jose need to get back to their early-season form. 

That will be tested against the Houston Dynamo, though. The Texas side pulled off a late 2–1 win over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and are just three points behind the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps, having won six of their last nine games. Expect a fun game,  and for San Jose to recapture some of that spring magic.

Score Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 1–0 Houston Dynamo

Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
• Time: 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT

One of the weekend’s marquee games kicks off the Sunday slate, as the New England Revolution and Chicago Fire battle for the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference, with both sides in stellar form. 

Chicago, with Robert Lewandowski’s six goals in nine games, probably stands as the favorite in this one, playing at home just a few days after a 1–1 draw against Inter Miami in front of over 63,000 fans at Soldier Field. While they’ve drawn each of the last four games, the Fire will be expecting a victory this time around, especially considering New England will likely be without Jack Harrison.

Score Prediction: Chicago Fire 4–2 New England Revolution

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Austin FC

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps are back to flying, with Brian White up to 14 goals in 21 games as the top U.S. goalscorer in MLS. They also have a three-point lead atop the Western Conference after a dominant 3–0 win over the L.A. Galaxy midweek. Taking on a retooling Austin FC at home should be a fairly straightforward result for the Canadian side, despite potentially missing Thomas Müller, who left the Galaxy match with a dead leg in the first half. 

However, the Whitecaps could rotate as well, given their upcoming midweek Canadian Championship semifinal match against CF Montréal. Even so, the depth should be enough to find a win against Los Verdes. 

Score Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 3–0 Austin FC

San Diego FC vs. Philadelphia Union

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
• Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Can the Cavan Sullivan hype get much louder at this point? While there could be reservations about getting too excited about a 16-year-old’s potential, his three goals and six assists in the last six games give plenty of reason to believe in his hype and the recent rise of the Philadelphia Union, who enter the weekend above the playoff cutoff. 

The long away trip to San Diego FC won’t be easy, but with the reliance on youth for interim Philadelphia boss Ryan Richter, the travel may not hit as hard as it would for more veteran teams. Both sides will fancy themselves to play well, but the Union’s vibes are hard to beat right now, and they should come away with a pivotal three points. 

Score Prediction: San Diego FC 2–3 Philadelphia Union

MLS Predictions: Matchday 26

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Inter Miami, Nashville Battle Atop Eastern Conference in Matchday 26.

On Wednesday, the Herons face Liga MX powerhouse Cruz Azul in the one-match, winner-take-all Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium. The trophy, contested since 2018 and always hosted by an MLS team, pits the reigning MLS Cup and Liga MX champions against each other.

The title is not recognized by FIFA or Concacaf, though, meaning it would not count toward Messi’s world record-trophy haul of 47, the last of which was the 2025 MLS Cup. Nevertheless, it could give the Argentine legend a chance to lift some silverware after falling short of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and 2026 Leagues Cup, while also sitting nine points behind in the Supporters’ Shield race. After the Campeones Cup, only the unlikely push to the Shield and the MLS Cup remain on the line.

If Inter Miami don’t claim any silverware this season, it would mark just the third season since Messi began playing professionally in 2004 that he has not won a team trophy. Other years on that record include 2013–14 and 2019–20, when Barcelona fell short of victory in every competition. 

Finding a result Wednesday won’t be easy, though. Cruz Azul have been one of the best teams in the Western Hemisphere in recent years, winning the 2026 Liga MX Clausura and defeating Toluca in the Campeón de Campeones final, all after earning continental glory in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. Meanwhile, the Liga MX side has prevailed in each of the last three editions, with New York City FC the last MLS side to win the Campeones Cup in 2022.

Messi’s Miami Face Massive MLS Test

While Miami will have silverware on the mind on Wednesday, Saturday’s home match against the Supporters’ Shield-leading Nashville SC is arguably more important if the Herons stand a chance of climbing back into regular-season contention. 

Last month, the Herons fell 4–1 to Nashville at GEODIS Park, and since then, have fallen as many as 10 points back of the Tennessee side. Heading into Matchday 26, though, they sit nine points behind the leaders and two points behind Vancouver Whitecaps for third place. A loss could put them 12 points behind Nashville with nine games remaining, effectively ending any hope of a late-season push. 

If Miami fall short of the Supporters’ Shield, they’ll face a tougher road to defending the MLS Cup, likely having to play more than one away game in the postseason and unlikely to earn hosting honors for the final, which are determined by the higher-ranked team in the Supporters’ Shield table.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Face Crucial Week With Trophies at Stake.

As the USMNT approaches its first games since falling out of the 2026 World Cup on home soil in the round of 16 against Belgium, the new roster and path to 2030 begin in earnest. For Pochettino, it comes with a new contract and a long-term vision, with the LA 2028 Olympic U-23 tournament also a priority for U.S. Soccer. 

In the coming weeks, Pochettino will call in an expected expanded roster for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico, with all of those considerations a part of the mix.

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into four currently uncapped players who could make their way onto the list later this month. 

4. Cole Campbell (SV Elversberg)

SV Elversberg, representing a town of just 11,000 people, is one of the best stories to start the 2026–27 European season. In the latest chapter of their meteoric rise from the depths of German soccer, they have secured three wins in their first three Bundesliga matches.

Cole Campbell, a 20-year-old right winger, has played a big part in the early-season success, scoring in an opening 3–2 win over Bayer Leverkusen and amassing 129 minutes through the first two games. 

While Pochettino’s attacking positions have relative depth at this point, it would be borderline malpractice for the Argentine not to give an in-form youngster a chance this fall. At the very least, he is worth a look at the national team level and could be a perfect fit for the Olympics in just under two years. 

3. Zavier Gozo (Crystal Palace)

Zavier Gozo is not in as good a position to contribute to the USMNT as he was when he made a late push for the World Cup roster amid a stellar start to the season with Real Salt Lake. While he set a record for the most expensive outgoing homegrown sale this summer with his $15 million move to Crystal Palace, he has played just 39 minutes since leaving MLS at the senior level. 

Still, bringing in the transition-minded wingback could be worthwhile in the expanded roster and would at the very least give him some needed minutes. It is also expected that Steve Cherundolo will be a part of the camp, and giving Gozo a chance to impress in front of the U.S. Olympic manager for the Los Angeles 2028 Games could be worthwhile, given the likelihood that Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest maintain their starting roles on the USMNT’s first-choice squad.

2. Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union)

The future of the center back position is in serious doubt with the expected retirement of World Cup captain Tim Ream. Crystal Palace stalwart Chris Richards will maintain a leadership role at the heart of defense, but the other position on the backline will see experimentation over the next period. 

Neil Pierre will certainly get a look at some point, and the relatively low-stakes fall friendlies, with an expanded roster, could be the perfect time to give him a first look. Standing at a towering 6’7”, the 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout MLS campaign alongside Cavan Sullivan with the Philadelphia Union, amassing 754 minutes this season and developing into a starting-caliber central defender. 

While he’s not likely to be the option next to Richards in important fixtures just yet, that potential is there and is a worthwhile look. His height and set-piece threat, with four goals this season, would also add an aspect the USMNT doesn’t currently have.

1. Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)

It would be very easy for Pochettino and the USMNT to fully dive into the Cavan Sullivan hype. 

The 16-year-old phenom is starring for the Philadelphia Union in MLS and has hit breakout form with three goals and six assists in his last six games,  pushing his side back into the MLS Cup playoff picture.

But standing in his way is Pochettino. Speaking to reporters this week, the Argentine boss poured cold water on those hoping to see a mass influx of young talent into the senior men’s national team. He emphasized the need for targeted arrogance and confidence, as well as patience, to balance experience and youth in this new wave. 

It’s clear Sullivan’s play is deserving of a call-up and he will probably get his first this fall. Once the teenager gets into the camp, though, expect a much more sheltered approach than he is experiencing with the Union. 

“We need to be careful,” Pochettino said of young players, “because when you are young, of course you need to be confident. You need to have the trust in yourself, the belief that you can perform and you can do well, but the thing is that there’s a limit. The balance is the most important, and one of our responsibilities is to protect these guys.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Four Uncapped Players the USMNT Could Call for Fall Friendlies—Ranked.

The atmosphere at Soldier Field was already charged after both teams traded goals on either side of halftime. Lewandowski opened the scoring with a sensational volley before Casemiro answered with a header to bring the game level in the 47th minute.

Both sides went all out for the win as the minutes ticked on, but there was not another goal to be had in the 1–1 draw. There was, though, a head-turning clash between De Paul and Lewandowski. The latter got into it with Miami fullback Ian Fray, both pushing each other to the ground before a set piece.

Lewandowski soon charged forward to go and confront Fray a second time, but he instead was met with an angry De Paul. The two former European stars pushed each other and fiery words were exchanged before they were physically separated.

It only took a few moments for the two players to end up next to each other again, this time with De Paul rifling things off to smiling Lewandowski, who eventually laughed off the encounter and turned his attention back to the set piece.

What Set De Paul, Lewandowski Off?

Este intercambio de palabras entre Rodrigo De Paul y Lewandowski 👀🔥

(vía MLS por Apple TV) pic.twitter.com/luepiNEFLd

— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) September 10, 2026

There was no official confirmation about what was said between De Paul and Lewandowski on Wednesday night, but reports soon emerged claiming the Argentine did what he was known for during his days at Atlético Madrid—instigate.

According to Spanish outlet AS, De Paul said, “Who are you, you fool? I have won the Copa América and the World Cup. What about you?”

If De Paul indeed tried to taunt Lewandowski using trophies, it was a bold move from the midfielder, who has just five in his cabinet compared to the rows and rows of silverware the Pole has to his name.

Lewandowski might not have any major international titles, but he surely has them at the club level. The prolific striker won the Bundesliga 10 times between his days at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. He also won 13 other prizes from his time playing in Germany, including the 2019–20 Champions League title.

The winning didn’t stop once he made the move to Barcelona. Lewandowski won a hat-trick of La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles, while also lifting the Copa del Rey.

De Paul, in comparison, has only ever lifted one trophy at the club level—and it was last season’s MLS Cup with Inter Miami.

What’s Next for Inter Miami, Chicago Fire?

The MLS Cup playoffs are just a few months away, and both Miami and Chicago have put themselves in good positions to qualify for the postseason. The Herons sit second in the Eastern Conference standings with 44 points in 24 games.

The Fire are two spots below them in fourth, with 39 points and a game in hand.

Neither side has looked all that up to winning the MLS Cup as of late, though. Miami have won just one game in their last eight matches across all competitions. Chicago, meanwhile, find themselves on a five-game winless run.

Lionel Messi and Co. would love to come up against a struggling team to get their grove back, but instead, they have a date with Supporters’ Shield frontrunners Nashville SC at the weekend.

Things are not much easier for Lewandowski’s Fire. They take on third-place New England Revolution on Sunday.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Rodrigo De Paul Confronts Robert Lewandowski in Heated MLS Clash.

While Miami’s road show has been a major draw across MLS, with Herons away games standing in four of the top nine MLS regular season attendances of all time, it had become evident that the novelty factor of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was wearing off. Add in another former Barcelona star to the mix and a battle between two bona fide MLS Cup contenders, and all that excitement comes right back. 

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI.

The heavyweights are going at it and Lewandowski hits first. 🥊 pic.twitter.com/XmEttvXxGo

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 10, 2026

Wednesday saw both Messi and Lewandowski start, before the Polish star striker drew first blood in the 10th minute, scoring his sixth goal in nine MLS games with a perfectly timed volley off a curled-in cross from Andrew Gutman. Messi, however, wouldn’t be kept quiet, picking up his 13th assist of the season in the 47th minute as Casemiro barreled in a corner kick to draw the match level. 

Despite the draw and positive performance, Miami couldn’t secure three points and saw their dismal form drop to just one win in their last seven games, while squandering a chance to make significant strides in the now nine-point Supporters’ Shield gap after Nashville SC lost 2–1 to Toronto FC. 

Casemiro Settles As Center Back

Inter Miami’s backline may not have two natural center backs at the moment, but defensive midfielder Casemiro has elevated his game in the position in recent weeks and enjoyed a standout performance against Chicago. 

Despite Miami struggling against a wide-focused and high-pressing start from the Fire, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star dropped deeper to make up for unmarked areas left by defensive partner Maxi Falcón. He was also patient in possession and showcased his exquisite vision, picking out Germán Berterame on a direct aerial ball in the 16th minute, which the Mexico international was unable to finish. 

As much as those defensive qualities and ability to spark attacking momentum help the Herons, he also scored his third goal of the season, once again finishing a header off a set piece, as he has thrived on since shifting to the center back role. 

Casemiro heads it home for the equalizer. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/7O2wr2cAyz

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 10, 2026

While the winning formula for extended success deep into the playoffs likely doesn’t include Casemiro in the heart of defense, he has become a more than serviceable option in the role and was rarely caught out of position like his counterparts. 

Once Micael and Gonzalo Luján return to full health and become options again, it could be in Miami’s interest to shift Falcón—who struggled to keep track of Lewandowski—out of the lineup and pair a new face alongside Casemiro in the heart of defense.

Flipping the Intensity

Slow starts have been an issue for Inter Miami all season. Yet, the Herons found their way out of their early rut just 15 minutes in, stopping Chicago’s early onslaught led by Phillip Zinkernagel, Andrew Gutman and Lewandowski’s efforts. 

The shift came largely from a vocal Rodrigo De Paul in midfield, who seemed more impassioned than he often does in MLS regular-season games. Telasco Segovia joined in with attacking runs forward giving a shot of energy to a group that had struggled for momentum. 

While the Herons will play completely differently once Christian “Kily” González comes into the role, it seems the spell of one win in six games, against teams with far more intensity, helped them learn how to turn momentum. Add in the massive crowd on hand at Soldier Field, as the Herons’ stars were accustomed to in Europe, and elevating their control and intensity seemed to come easier than it had before. 

Finishing Struggles Arise

Inter Miami had more energy than in recent games and pushed until the final stages in the most difficult test of the recent slate, but they couldn't finish despite more promising performances from their attacking talents. 

Down the right flank, 18-year-old Fricio Caicedo’s link-up efforts with Telasco Segovia allowed for a more balanced attacking transition when combined with Ian Fray’s darting runs down the left. Yet they largely failed to create chances for Luis Suárez, who was ineffective as a winger while Berterame took up the center forward position. 

What a save from Brady to deny Berterame 🚫

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/WJWizbK6eb pic.twitter.com/aUOQFVNqIl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 10, 2026

Overall, Miami failed to score more than once on 20 shots, putting just seven of those on target, on a night where even Messi’s free kicks failed to be difference-makers. 

Now, it’s a real struggle for Miami. With just one win in seven games and a lack of clarity when it comes to Gonzalez’s arrival on the touchline, they will have one more chance to cut into Nashville’s lead atop the table in Saturday’s match. A loss in that one, and that will likely be the finishing blow to any hopes of a Supporters’ Shield comeback. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Three Takeaways As Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Upstaged by Robert Lewandowski.

In 2026, MLS clubs spent a record-$370 million across the winter and summer transfer windows, with four incoming fees ranking among the league’s top 10 in history. Josh Sargent had a record-shattering move to Toronto FC in February worth $22 million, while Breel Embolo just completed an $18 million transfer to Atlanta United a few weeks ago. Andre Luiz likewise made an $18 million move this summer, to Sporting Kansas City. Meanwhile, Inter Miami signed Germán Berterame in late January for $15 million.

The combined incoming transfer fees from all 30 teams doubled from two years ago, despite the league adding only San Diego FC in that time. Last season, clubs shelled out $336 million, while 2024 saw a then-record $188 million spent across the entire league. Between 2021 and 2023, teams spent between $163 million and $173 million, highlighting the drastic leap in investment in the most recent seasons.

While major transfer fees for global stars drove much of the spending, other legends of the game actually joined the league for free in 2026. Decorated European stars Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski and Casemiro, joining Orlando City, the Chicago Fire and Inter Miami respectively, all signed as free agents. 

How MLS’s Spending Compares to Europe’s Top Leagues

As much as MLS’s combined spending of over $370 million stands out in the U.S., it still heavily trails the bill paid by the teams of the English Premier League. In just the recent summer window ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, the Premier League teams spent a world record-$4.7 billion, even despite having 10 less participating teams than MLS. Manchester City alone spent a whopping $439 million this summer just on three new midfielders (Enzo Fernández, Elliott Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi).

MLS’s summer expenditure also did not crack the top 10 amongst global soccer leagues. Each of the Premier League, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga, Spanish La Liga, French Ligue 1, EFL Championship, Turkish Süper Lig, Saudi Pro League, Liga Portugal and Belgian Pro League spent more in the transfer window.

MLS Sales Hit Record High

MLS’s activity on the selling side of the summer transfer market made waves too, headlined by Real Salt Lake’s $15 million sale of 19-year-old Zavier Gozo to the Premier League’s Crystal Palace, and multi-million dollar deals that saw USMNT World Cup players Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten leave Vancouver Whitecaps and the Columbus Crew for Middlesbrough of the English second tier. 

In total, seven MLS clubs set records for outbound transfers, including the Colorado Rapids’ $23 million sale of teenage Australian center back Lucas Herrington to Hull City and the L.A. Galaxy’s $12 million sale of Gabriel Pec.

The Portland Timbers also sold forward Kevin Kelsy to Scotland’s famed Rangers for $12 million, marking the first time in over a decade that the Edinburgh club spent upwards of $11 million on a single talent. 

In addition to the outgoing and incoming transfers, MLS also saw teams hit new highs in the internal market through cash-for-player trades. Despite not officially counting as transfers due to MLS’s single-entity structure, several of these deals were in the multimillions, headlined by Rafael Navarro’s $12 million move from Colorado to St. Louis and Dejan Jovejlić’s $6 million trade from Sporting Kansas City to the Seattle Sounders. 

With MLS’s upcoming calendar change set to be introduced in 2027, MLS teams are expected to make even bigger splashes in future transfer windows, potentially competing with the biggest European clubs for top talent over the next few seasons.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Hits Record-Spend in Summer Transfer Window—And the Sum Is Eye-Watering.

In the Eastern Conference, Nashville SC hope to return to winning ways up against a suddenly hot Josh Sargent and Toronto FC, while Inter Miami and Chicago Fire battle for the No. 2 spot behind the Tennessee side. Meanwhile, the Western Conference sees the Vancouver Whitecaps clinging to the top of the table, and likely needing a strong result against an L.A. Galaxy side enjoying back-to-back victories. 

Here, Sports Illustrated dives into how each game could play out on Matchday 25 of the MLS regular season. 

Atlanta United vs. Orlando City

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

A week after seeing new star signing Breel Embolo score his first goal for the club to earn a 2–2 draw with Inter Miami, Atlanta United are set for another Southern U.S. matchup, this time against Antoine Griezmann’s Orlando City. 

While the Five Stripes are still five points below the Eastern Conference’s MLS Cup playoff spots, their last five games—three wins, a loss and a draw—have shown they aren’t the walkover result many of their opponents found at the start of the season. Instead, Embolo has re-energized the attack, Tristan Muyumba and Fafa Picault have hit form, and there are slivers of hope. They’ll have plenty of belief this Wednesday against the Lions at home.

Score Prediction: Atlanta United 2–2 Orlando City

D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Despite showing promise at points throughout the 2026 regular season, it’s been tough sledding for D.C. United. On the weekend, they endured a storm-related postponement of their match against FC Cincinnati, forcing a reschedule and further compressing an already busy fall schedule. Now, they’re back home against the Columbus Crew, looking for what would be just a second win in the last 12 games. 

The Crew, meanwhile, are quickly integrating new signings after having the busiest transfer window among all 30 MLS clubs. Former La Liga attacker Brais Méndez already has two goals and an assist in six games, while Gonzalo Tapia and Josef Martínez are starting to hit their stride, and that’s without considering the potential of former NYCFC striker Santiago Rodríguez to their attacking setup. 

After a 3–0 win over the Colorado Rapids, Columbus are back firing. Now, after sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they’re already dreaming of playoff soccer once again. 

Score Prediction: D.C. United 0–3 Columbus Crew

CF Montréal vs. Charlotte FC

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Allan Saint-Maximin was never on Alexis Sánchez's level when the two enjoyed their European soccer forays. Still, the former Newcastle United winger is doing plenty more for Charlotte FC than the Chilean and ex-Barcelona man has done for CF Montréal, so far. 

Already bringing crowds to their feet with deft dribbles, skill moves and line-breaking passes, while also putting in a defensive effort, Saint-Maximin has revived manager Dean Smith’s side and elevated fellow attackers Idan Toklomati, Liel Abada and Pep Biel.

The Crown won’t have Ashley Westwood in this one after his sending-off in a scoreless draw with the Houston Dynamo, but there’s confidence in the rest of the squad to pull out what should be a fairly straightforward result.

Score Prediction: CF Montréal 1–3 Charlotte FC

Toronto FC vs. Nashville SC

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Toronto FC knows how to score goals, as shown in recent 3–3 and 4–4 draws against Charlotte FC and the Chicago Fire. On Wednesday, the task becomes much harder against the Supporters’ Shield-leading Nashville SC, who have conceded a measly 17 goals in 23 games, ranking among the best defensive records in MLS history at this point in the season. 

Toronto, though, has proven pesky. After Josh Sargent’s demands, midfielder Djordje Mihailovic revitalized the attack and led the USMNT hopeful to his first professional hat trick. There’s more belief than there has been in half a decade among the TFC faithful. While Mihailovic won't be available, the Reds will welcome new DP midfielder Niklas Dorsch back from injury, so expect a formidable Toronto effort and a thrilling matchup, but for Nashville SC to get back to winning ways.

Score Prediction: Toronto FC 2–3 Nashville SC

Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 7:45 p.m. ET / 4:45 p.m. PT

Cavan Sullivan’s form is nothing short of exceptional. The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union phenom has three goals and three assists in his last six games and is among the best players in the last few weeks of MLS action. His push into star status has lifted the Union above the cutoff for the MLS Cup playoff spots as well, and he’ll get a chance to battle with Evander, one of the league’s best, on Wednesday. 

As much can be said of Sullivan’s form and the Union’s eight-game undefeated run, which includes six wins, the same does not apply to the once-red-hot Cincinnati, who fell 4–0 to Nashville last time out and had their weekend clash canceled due to weather. A positive result is vital, but it’s going to be a tough one to find at Subaru Park.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2–1 FC Cincinnati

New York City FC vs. New England Revolution

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

The New England Revolution were by far the better team in their weekend 2–1 loss to the L.A. Galaxy, but missed chances from Carles Gil and Dor Turgeman came back to haunt them, as they lost ground in the race for the top spots in the Eastern Conference. On Wednesday, they’ll look for better luck at Yankee Stadium, taking on a pesky New York City FC side, with the full confidence of finding a strong result in a battle of USMNT backstops Matt Turner and Matt Freese. 

With a win, the Revs could pass the Chicago Fire for third in the Eastern Conference as well, depending on what happens elsewhere.

Score Prediction: New York City FC 1–2 New England Revolution

Austin FC vs. Colorado Rapids

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Colorado Rapids will have to be measured in how they want to approach the next week, with Wednesday’s game against Austin, a Saturday clash with CF Montréal and the prominent U.S. Open Cup semifinal next week against St. Louis CITY SC. 

While the transfer window was formative and saw them ship out star striker Rafael Navarro and bring in ex-Middlesborough standout attacker Morgan Whittaker, manager Matt Wells still has plenty of balance to do for the rest of his squad to be best suited for a busy run of games. 

Austin FC, who have struggled to find consistent production from stars Facundo Torres and Myrto Uzuni, will still stand as a formidable foe, especially considering the likely rotated Colorado lineup.

Score Prediction: Austin FC 2–0 Colorado Rapids

Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Inter Miami failed to make the most of Nashville SC’s dropped points on the weekend, and weren’t able to make up any ground in the Supporters’ Shield race with a 2–2 draw with Atlanta United. Now, they look to regain form against a Chicago Fire side that showed plenty of attacking fortitude in a 4–4 draw against Toronto FC on the weekend. 

While Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski’s battle of ex-Barcelona stars takes center stage in the battle between the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the East, it will also mark a reunion for left back Noah Allen, who stands as Miami’s all-time appearance leader and made the move to the Chicago Fire just over a week ago. 

With both sides' defensive struggles and the star power in attack, expect this game to have goals, but for neither side to find the three points they desire. 

Score Prediction: Chicago Fire 2–2 Inter Miami

Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

The Houston Dynamo have allowed just three goals in their last nine games, but have struggled to find consistent attacking production from Mateusz Bogusz, Guilherme or Duncan McGuire, with the latter striker now amid a 12-game scoreless run. The defensive focus will have to lead the way against a Real Salt Lake side that leans on Sergi Solans’s four goals in seven games, and rekindled form from Georgian attacker Saba Lobjanidze, who found the back of the net against LAFC in the 2–2 weekend draw. 

Although the matchup no longer includes USMNT hopefuls Zavier Gozo and Jack McGlynn, it could see the debut of Canadian international center back Luc De Fougerolles, who joined Salt Lake on loan from Fulham at the end of the transfer window and could make a name for himself as one of the best defenders in MLS.

Score Prediction: Houston Dynamo 0–0 Real Salt Lake

Minnesota United vs. FC Dallas

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

A hard-fought 4–3 win over Sporting Kansas City was far from what FC Dallas would’ve imagined for their first home match since May, but the win lifted them to fourth in the Western Conference and Petar Musa’s brace pushed him level on 18 goals with Lionel Messi atop the MLS Golden Boot standings.

Hitting the road on Wednesday for a clash against Minnesota United could be beneficial. Manager Eric Quill’s systems aren’t reliant on possession or control of the game as home teams tend to have, and returning to the road as part of a short away swing, instead of a lengthy spell, could be exactly what this team needs to shift to a more balanced home and away split for the rest of the season. 

Should the Musa-led Texas side find all three points, they could rise above LAFC into third in the Western Conference and tie their Copa Tejas rivals, the Houston Dynamo, for second on points, despite trailing on the total wins tiebreaker. 

Score Prediction: Minnesota United 0–3 FC Dallas

LAFC vs. Red Bull New York

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

It’s a battle of roster-building theories between LAFC and Red Bull New York on Wednesday night. For the Black and Gold, it’s a team led by Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, without significant homegrown talent, while Red Bull lack similar star power but lean on youthful homegrown likes of Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti to lead their fortunes. 

Neither side have enjoyed great form of late, but are pesky enough to make things difficult. For the California side, it will be about hitting on the counter-attack through Bouanga and Son, while Red Bull hope to see a return to goalscoring for Hall, who has gone 10 MLS matches without a marker and could be on the outside of Mauricio Pochettino’s expected youthful call-ups for the USMNT’s fall window if he’s unable to get into more advantageous form. 

Score Prediction: LAFC 1–1 Red Bull New York

Portland Timbers vs. St. Louis CITY SC

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

Vincent Janssen’s name won’t soon be forgotten among Portland Timbers supporters after the Dutch attacker scored the club’s first-ever hat trick on the weekend in a 5–4 win over Minnesota United. For their midweek clash, they’re back at home against one of the league’s hottest teams, taking on St. Louis CITY SC, who captured a dominant road win against Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday and are enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run. 

St. Louis CITY will have to balance the roster ahead of next Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal against the Colorado Rapids. Yet, that could pave the way for a first start for transfer-deadline signing Rafael Navarro, who made his debut last week off the bench but won’t be eligible to play against his former team in next week’s pivotal matchup. Should he start, expect him to have some fun against the fragile Timbers’ defense. 

Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 1–4 St. Louis CITY SC

San Diego FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

Missing Jeppe Tverskov’s midfield presence was a big blow for San Diego FC in their weekend 1–0 loss to Orlando City, and welcoming the midfielder back into the lineup for Wednesday’s clash with their California foes, the San Jose Earthquakes, should be a game-changer. 

San Jose, meanwhile, are sputtering along in an eight-game winless run, having not celebrated a full three points since before the World Cup. Luckily, it’s still early days for the attacking midfield partnership of new signing Eduard Löwen and the recently recovered Niko Tsakiris, and having the two of them working alongside each other should lead to better days ahead, even if not quite yet.

Score Prediction: San Diego FC 2–1 San Jose Earthquakes

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. L.A. Galaxy

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps were outplayed by a wide margin in a 3–1 loss to St. Louis CITY on the weekend and face a critical match against the L.A. Galaxy, hoping to hold on to—if not extend—their lead atop the Western Conference. With a win and a Houston loss to Real Salt Lake, Thomas Müller’s side could rise to a six-point lead atop the table, while opposite results would see the Dynamo rise to a tie on 43 points, despite Vancouver currently holding the tiebreaker in total wins. 

Heading north, the Galaxy come to Vancouver with a solid bit of form after beating the New England Revolution 2–1 on the weekend. Manager Greg Vanney’s group is starting to see the best of Sergi Roberto’s veteran class and could mount a late-season charge towards the MLS Cup playoffs. A win on Wednesday would do wonders for both clubs. 

Score Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 2–2 L.A. Galaxy

MLS Predictions: Matchday 25

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Predictions: Top of Conference Battles, Lewandowski vs. Messi Highlight Matchday 25 .

Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain boast no fewer than 10 of the 30 players on the men’s shortlist, including reigning champion Ousmane Dembélé and midfielder Vitinha, who ended last season’s running in third.

Lionel Messi features on the shortlist as he seeks to win his ninth Ballon d’Or, while 2024 winner Rodri is back in the picture after a Golden Ball-winning summer at the World Cup with Spain.

Here are all the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Men’s 2026 Ballon d’Or Nominees

The race for this year’s Ballon d’Or is as open as it ever has been, with a number of big names chasing immortality.

Among the favorites are the usual suspects like Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has been backed for a high finish after a stunning season yielded 73 goals for club and country.

Yamal is one of three Barcelona nominees, alongside center back Pau Cubarsí and new signing Rodri, who joined from Manchester City in the summer. Ferran Torres is nominated thanks to his exploits with Barcelona but has since signed for PSG to become one of 10 representatives of the French champions.

Ousmane Dembélé is looking to retain his prize but has backed teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as PSG’s best hope this year.

Marc Cucurella takes Real Madrid’s number of nominees up to four, joining Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham on the 30-strong list.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi forced his way into the conversation with some stellar performances at the World Cup with Argentina, but there is no space on the shortlist for long-time career rival Cristiano Ronaldo. There is, however, spot for another Al Nassr forward, Sadio Mané.

It is Messi’s 17th nomination for the Ballon d’Or, one behind Ronaldo’s record of 18.

Women’s 2026 Ballon d’Or Nominees

Injuries have robbed Aitana Bonmatí of the chance to win a fourth successive Ballon d’Or Féminin, but her absence from the shortlist opens the door for a new winner—perhaps just the fifth different player to ever win the prize.

Alexia Putellas is among the favorites but would not be bringing the trophy back to Barcelona, having joined London City Lionesses during the summer. Instead Blaugrana striker Ewa Pajor is likely the Catalan side’s best hope, but Patri Guijarro and Caroline Graham Hansen will hope to finish towards the top of the standings as well.

OL Lyonnes star Melchie Dumornay is also expected to be in the running alongside the prolific duo of Pernille Harder and Khadija Shaw, of Bayern Munich and Manchester City, respectively.

The NWSL is represented by back-to-back MVP Temwa Chawinga, Kansas City Current teammate Lorena, Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda.

2026 Kopa Trophy Nominees

Two-time winner and reigning champion, Lamine Yamal is in the running for a third straight Kopa Trophy, and will be competing against Barcelona and Spain teammate Pau Cubarsí, among others.

There are nominations for Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande, Man City’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery and plenty of others in a star-studded shortlist.

Barcelona also have two nominees for the Women’s Kopa Trophy. Vicky López, last year’s winner, is joined on the shortlist by midfield sensation Clara Serrajordi, with Chelsea’s Veerle Buurman, Real Madrid’s Felicia Schröder and USWNT star Lily Yohannes of OL Lyonnes rounding out the top five.

• Ballon d’Or 2026: Full List of Kopa Trophy Nominees

2026 Yashin Trophy Nominees

A total of 10 male players are up for the Yashin Trophy, named after the only goalkeeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or, Lev Yashin.

Arsenal’s David Raya, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Barcelona’s Joan García have emerged as the early favorites to take the crown away from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who won in 2025 but was not nominated this time around.

The three finalists for last season’s Women’s Yashin Trophy—Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona’s Cata Coll—are all back up for the award.

• Ballon d’Or 2026: Full List of Yashin Trophy Nominees

2026 Coach of the Year Nominees

Spain nearly boasts a clean sweep of the men’s nominees. Alongside national team manager Luis de la Fuente, there are nominations for Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and PSG’s Luis Enrique.

There is more variety on the Women’s Coach of the Year shortlist. OL Lyonnes’ Jonatan Giráldez, Manchester City’s Andrée Jeglertz, Barcelona’s Pere Romeu and BK Häcken’s Elena Sadiku feature alongside former Japan boss Nils Nielsen.

• Ballon d’Or 2026: Full List of Coach of the Year Nominees

2026 Club of the Year Nominees

Some serious heavyweights are competing for the 2026 Club of the Year award.

European champions PSG won this award last year and are now up against Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Flamengo and Bodø/Glimt in pursuit of a second consecutive triumph.

For the Women’s Club of the Year award, Barcelona have to be seen as favorites, but they face fierce competition from Bayern Munich, Man City, OL Lyonnes and Club América.

• Ballon d’Or 2026: Full List of Club of the Year Nominees

When Is the 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?

For the first time since 2019, the Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held away from the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The festivities are heading to London, England, to honor inaugural Ballon d’Or winner Stanley Matthews.

The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be unveiled at the ceremony on Oct. 26.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Ballon d’Or 2026: Full List of Nominees.

USMNT hopeful Josh Sargent scored his first professional hat trick in a 4–4 draw between Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire, which saw Derrick Etienne Jr. score a stoppage-time tying goal. Later on, the Portland Timbers got their club’s first-ever hat trick with Vincent Janssen’s three-goal showing leading the way in a dramatic 5–4 win over Minnesota United. 

Add in Switzerland World Cup star Breel Embolo enjoying a sliver of revenge with a goal on his Atlanta United debut, stealing a win out of the grasp of Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, and top it off with St. Louis CITY SC trouncing the Vancouver Whitecaps on the road and you’ve got quite the weekend. 

It’s fair to say the league didn’t offer any respite when it came to the first matchday after a chaotic end to the summer transfer window, but the entertainment value was better than ever. Antoine Griezmann, though, as seen below, might want a bit of a break after scoring his fifth goal in eight games. He’s clearly adapted to MLS by this point, but not so much to the Florida heat and humidity. 

The Florida humidity had Antoine Griezmann fighting for his life 🇺🇸😭 pic.twitter.com/sxgISu4ekR

— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) September 6, 2026

With the dramatic weekend now in the rearview, Sports Illustrated dives into where teams stand in the MLS Power Rankings after Matchday 24. 

MLS Power Rankings Matchday 24: Clubs 30–11

30. Sporting Kansas City (Previous: 30)
29. CF Montréal (Previous: 27)
28. Atlanta United (Previous: 29)
27. D.C. United (Previous: 26)
26. Columbus Crew (Previous: 28)
25. Colorado Rapids (Previous: 23)
24. Austin FC (Previous: 25)
23. Red Bull New York (Previous: 20)
22. Orlando City (Previous: 24)
21. L.A. Galaxy (Previous: 22)
20. Toronto FC (Previous: 20)
19. Seattle Sounders (Previous: 18)
18. San Jose Earthquakes (Previous: 17)
17. Philadelphia Union (Previous: 19)
16. San Diego FC (Previous: 15)
15. Minnesota United (Previous: 14)
14. Real Salt Lake (Previous: 15)
13. Portland Timbers (Previous: 12)
12. New York City FC (Previous:11)
11. FC Cincinnati (Previous: 9)

10. St. Louis CITY SC (Previous: 16) ⬆️

St. Louis CITY SC had a big week. First, they shelled out $12 million to sign star striker Rafael Navarro from the Colorado Rapids before the MLS transfer deadline, and also brought in USMNT-capped frontman Damion Downs. It ended a chaotic window that also saw sporting director Corey Wray’s group part ways with key stars Marcel Hartel and Eduard Löwen. 

It’s an entirely new core for manager Yoann Damet’s team. Still, they didn’t let that hamper their efforts this weekend, as the two new attackers came off the bench for their debuts in a thrashing 3–1 win against the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps. 

Caught out under Vancouver’s high press early in the match. Damet’s group found their footing and took advantage of ball-watching from Vancouver’s fullbacks, leading to a flurry of goals before halftime. Tomas Totland led the way with a goal and an assist, as St. Louis dominated the run of play in a way few teams have in Vancouver over the last two seasons. 

It’s 13 games undefeated now for St. Louis. They’ve got the U.S. Open Cup semifinals in two weeks, but they can start dreaming of even loftier goals.

9. FC Dallas (Previous: 10) ⬆️

After seeing Lionel Messi score four goals last week, FC Dallas star Petar Musa needed a strong showing to stay in the race for the MLS Golden Boot. It took a chaotic 4–3 win against the worst team in the league, but he got his brace and pulled level on 18 goals with the Argentine, even if he trails on the tie-breaking assists metric. 

Returning home for the first time since May 13 and ending a nine-game road swing, manager Eric Quill’s group had to adjust their counterpressing and quick-hit style to a more possession-based approach, given the home advantage and the level Sporting Kansas City offers as one of the worst teams in MLS history. 

It meant some uncomfortable moments in transition, but fortunate calls and strong play from wingers Bernard Kamungo and Herman Johansson to create central opportunities for Musa led the way to the victory. 

Dallas won’t be overly pleased with the performance, but can exhale with the three points and look to alter their approach on home turf ahead of Wednesday’s clash with a Minnesota United side coming off their own chaotic 5–4 defeat against the Portland Timbers. 

8. LAFC (Previous: 6) 📉

Marc Dos Santos’ seat might just be getting warm. On a night when the two marquee attackers, Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, scored standout goals, Real Salt Lake quickly broke down the defensive systems, leading to a 2–2 result and a third straight draw for the Black and Gold. 

It’s a little unclear where this LAFC team really stands. Son hasn’t contributed as much since the group opted to absorb more pressure, shifting away from last year’s quick-break tactics under Steve Cherundolo, and the backline has been frail. Add in the recent sale of David Martínez and the lack of star incoming talent through the transfer window, and it becomes harder to see this team reaching any great heights this season. 

Fortunately for Dos Santos, they sit third in the Western Conference and will likely make the postseason by a comfortable margin. The questions will then come in the shorter offseason: can they make a bona fide MLS Cup chase in the 14-game 2027 Sprint Season? 

7. Charlotte FC (Previous: 8) ⬆️

Ashley Westwood’s 71st-minute red card didn’t make things easy on Charlotte FC this weekend, but a starring goalkeeping performance from Kristjan Kahlina and standout defending from veteran center back Tim Ream helped them preserve a point against an in-form Houston Dynamo side. 

While there weren’t any goals on offer, the defensive contributions from attackers Pep Biel, Idan Toklomati and Liel Abada also stood out in the late stages of the match. At the same time, manager Dean Smith played his hand well, charging for a go-ahead goal with new star winger Allan Saint-Maximin for 12 minutes at 10 men before making a defensive change and settling for the point. 

Now on a run of five games undefeated, The Crown sit fifth in the Eastern Conference heading into Wednesday’s battle with CF Montréal, a game in which they should be poised to collect all three points and potentially rise to third in the table.

6. New England Revolution (Previous: 5) 📉

Saturday night in L.A. will be one the New England Revolution won’t want to dwell on for too long. Despite outshooting the home L.A. Galaxy 24-8, putting up 2.64 xG to the Galaxy’s 1.47, and having 43 touches in the attacking area compared to their opponent’s 20, the Revs couldn’t find the three points in an eventual 2–1 loss. 

It was a starring six-save performance from the Galaxy’s JT Marcinkowski, which largely determined the result, but Revolution attackers Dor Turgeman and Carles Gill will need to be more clinical on their multiple shots in the penalty area. Top-end contenders don’t lose games that they dominate, and that’s the evolution the Revs will need next. There wasn’t anything wrong with the performance, other than a poor night in front of goal. 

5. Houston Dynamo (Previous: 7) ⬆️

The Houston Dynamo just don’t really concede goals anymore, and that’s pretty cool. While they failed to score despite 19 minutes of a man advantage against Charlotte FC, it marked the team’s 11th clean sheet of the season. It also brought their post-World Cup defensive record to just three goals conceded in nine games, putting together one of the cleanest defensive runs in MLS history. 

However, as great as the defensive efforts are, there should be worries about the attack after selling midfielder Jack McGlynn to Stoke City ahead of the transfer deadline. The scoreless draw brought striker Duncan McGuire to 12 straight games without a goal, and Guilherme, despite creating four chances, failed to post any type of attacking production for the third straight game. 

Manager Ben Olsen has one part of the team operating at a maximum and has taken the “defense wins championships” cliché to heart. Unfortunately for him, any championship team likely needs to score goals, and that production has dried up over the past three games, with just a single goal to show for it.

4. Chicago Fire (Previous: 4) 🤝

The Chicago Fire have scored six goals in their last two games and have just two points to show for it. After staging a late comeback against the Seattle Sounders to secure a 2–2 draw on the road last week, they fumbled their four-goal showing in a dramatic 4–4 draw against Toronto FC north of the border on Saturday. 

While Josh Sargent’s attacking burst led the way for Toronto, Chicago allowed him to cash in on loose balls in the box and allowed too much space for his third goal from distance, where Djé D’Avilla was slightly caught ball-watching on his supposed defensive assignment. 

As strong as Chicago have been, it is clear that D’Avilla isn’t the crowning piece in the No. 10 role and that the team needs more of a chance creator, even after inking winger Philip Zinckernagel to a new deal. Those moves could come in the winter, but for now, they have to sort out the backline. This week sees tough tests, with new signing Noah Allen set to lead the way against his former Inter Miami side, before next weekend’s clash against the Revoluton.

3. Vancouver Whitecaps (Previous: 2) 📉

For a team that has been defined by its incredible depth over the last two seasons, the Vancouver Whitecaps finally fell short in that department in their loss to St. Louis, with star right back Édier Ocampo injured and replaced by 21-year-old Mihail Gherasimencov, who struggled to keep track of St. Louis’s quick transitions. It led to an early deficit, and the Western Conference leaders couldn’t push out of it. 

Outside of the errors on the goals, manager Jesper Sørensen’s side couldn’t find an attacking rhythm. Thomas Müller, who was the only Designated Player in Vancouver’s starting lineup after not starting in the midweek Canadian Championship semifinal against CF Montréal, was hesitant in the attacking third and didn’t have the qualities of fellow DPs Brian White or Ryan Gauld to lay off to. By the time reinforcements entered at halftime, it was too late. 

The Whitecaps squandered an early go-ahead goal from Emmanuel Sabbi in the loss and weren’t able to build themselves a six-point cushion atop the Western Conference. They’ve got a critical matchup Wednesday now, welcoming the L.A. Galaxy to BC Place.

2. Inter Miami (Previous: 3) ⬆️

Lionel Messi made more history this weekend, becoming the first player in MLS history to have three seasons with a combined 30 goals and assists. While he was unable to push his side to the full three points in a 2–2 draw with Atlanta United, he continued his strong run, setting up Casemiro’s second goal from a corner kick this season and helping in the buildup to Luis Suárez’s finish alongside Telasco Segovia. 

The Herons also got improved goalkeeping from Dayne St. Clair between the sticks, as he enjoys a resurgence of sorts after serving as Canada’s backup at the World Cup. With four saves, including a penalty stop on Miguel Almirón, he’s showing glimpses of what earned him the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors. 

Miami’s primary issue, though, remains the backline. Casemiro lined up at center back and had issues defending Atlanta’s Embolo, while Maxi Falcón did little to offer any cushion to his partner. At the same time, 18-year-old center back Fricio Caicedo was beaten several times while playing out of position at left back, making Ian Fray the lone high-level player in the right position. 

Plenty of questions remain for this Miami side, and some may be answered when Kily González eventually takes over from interim manager Guillermo Hoyos. Until then, the Herons are simply holding on to second in the Eastern Conference. 

1. Nashville SC (Previous: 1) 🤝

Nashville SC might have the attacking juggernaut identity with a frontline led by Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge, Christian Espinoza and Elias Saad, but their defense is equally emphatic. With a scoreless draw against New York City FC, they lowered their goals-conceded rate to 0.74 goals per game, the second-best rate in MLS history. 

While manager B.J. Callaghan’s side had chances and saw Mukhtar miss a golden scoring opportunity—his worst miss of the season—they were largely unable to play the usual expansive style on Yankee Stadium’s smaller field. 

Instead of the potent attacking force that has defined their campaign—and their 10-point lead atop the Supporters’ Shield table and Eastern Conference—Nashville shifted to a defensively focused approach. Center back Maxwell Woledzi finished the night with a game-high in defensive contributions, the latest in a season in which he should be in contention for the MLS Defender of the Year Award, while Brian Schwake set a franchise record with his fifth clean sheet of the campaign. 

As disappointing as the draw was for Nashville, seeing both Vancouver and Miami drop points gives them an even greater lead in the Supporters’ Shield race, one they could extend on Wednesday night against Toronto FC.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLS Power Rankings: St. Louis Make Statement, Inter Miami Hiccup on Matchday 24.

After completing the 2026 World Cup cycle with a round of 16 exit against Belgium on home soil, recently-extended manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to lead the charge in the new quadrennial.

It is expected that many of the American players included on the 26-man World Cup roster this summer won’t be in Pochettino’s plans for much longer. For example, veteran captain Tim Ream, 38, is likely done with the program, and others could be on the fringes, including 31-year-old goalkeeper Matt Turner. In their places, young, emerging stars are expected to slide right in, gaining exposure and reps ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

And there could be a space for a once-common call-up: Josh Sargent, who has fallen out of Pochettino’s favor.

The 26-year-old striker was overlooked for the 2026 squad in favor of Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright. Sargent has largely been left out of the mix since Pochettino took over in Sept. 2024, earning just six caps since playing a key role at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Yet, his recent form could be turning the tides. While he struggled at Norwich City and was exiled as he looked to force a transfer in the final weeks of the 2025–26 season, he has since made Toronto FC his home and Major League Soccer his grand stage. 

Josh Sargent bagged his first MLS hat trick in style 👏 pic.twitter.com/Ww3zxwOwRA

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 6, 2026

After completing a club-record transfer fee of $22 million to sign as a Designated Player in February, Sargent got off to a slow start in Toronto, but he has since hit his best form in years, now up to four goals and an assist in his last four games. He has seven goals and two assists total in 16 league matches thus far.

On Saturday, he secured his first professional hat-trick in a 4–4 draw with Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire, pushing the Reds within a point of the MLS Cup playoff spots and bringing energy back to a franchise that has struggled since losing the 2019 MLS Cup final. 

His finishes, too, were exceptional, smashing the ball past USMNT World Cup goalkeeper Chris Brady with unrelenting force, and cashing in on chances that had eluded him for the earlier parts of the season.

“It’s been a while, so happy to finally get my first professional hat trick,” Sargent said postgame. “My kids have been waiting for this moment. They’ve been pestering me, saying, ‘You gonna score today? You gonna score today?’ So I’m very happy about it, of course.”

Josh Sargent Begs For Chances

Sargent’s previous struggles to pick up the scoring pace weren’t entirely on him. Manager Robin Fraser had difficulty curating ample attacking opportunities, and Toronto were often left exposed in midfield until the recent signing of former Bundesliga defensive midfielder Niklas Dorsch.

Sargent was often left isolated up top due to a lack of transition efforts, and injury-riddled chance-creators, such as Djordje Mihailovic, had not been able to create consistent high-quality chances for Sargent or the others on the front line.

Noticing this trend, Sargent striker begged Mihailovic to simplify the attack against Chicago. 

“We talked before the game actually, and I just spoke with him and said, ‘Find me. You get on the ball, find me, try to play me into dangerous spots,’ and it's exactly what he did,” Sargent said. “It worked.”

Winning the USMNT Striker Battle

With his recent form, there’s a real chance Pochettino turns an eye to Sargent for the fall friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, which begin later this month. The Toronto striker will be 30 years old at the next World Cup and is familiar with representing his nation, holding 29 previous caps. 

At the same time, there’s a lot of uncertainty among the USMNT’s European-based talent. World Cup hero Folarin Balogun has yet to play for AS Monaco this season and endured a dramatic, failed move to Everton, while Haji Wright isn’t expected to return from injury until November. 

That leaves just Pepi at the No. 9 position. He has three goals in five games with PSV Eindhoven, proving to be the most in-form American talent under age 30 in Europe.

Sargent could easily slide into a depth role for Pochettino, but will have to beat out other in-form MLS strikers, including 17-year-old Julian Hall of Red Bull New York or the Vancouver Whitecaps’ 30-year-old Brian White, who stands as the top U.S. striker in MLS with 13 goals this season.

Falling in the middle of Hall and White age-wise, though, could benefit Sargent. His hat trick alone won’t earn him a USMNT return, but with Pochettino expected to experiment during the fall window, there could be a chance for Sargent to score his way back into international duty.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Is Josh Sargent Playing His Way Out of USMNT Rejection?.

The Philadelphia Union’s 16-year-old wonder kid set yet another record on Saturday night after scoring a 75th-minute rebound in the 2–0 victory over CF Montréal. It was a left-footed blast, which the attack-minded midfielder celebrated by performing LeBron James’s infamous ‘Chalk Toss,’ an ode to Philadelphia 76ers’ recent offseason acquisition of the basketball legend.

Back in 2024, Sullivan, at 14 years, 293 days old, overtook former soccer prodigy Freddy Adu to become the youngest player ever to debut in the league. Sullivan is no stranger to making history, and Saturday’s goal wrote some more.

Notching his fifth goal contribution in as many games, the Philly native broke another long-held Adu record, this time for the most goal contributions by a player 16 or younger in a single season. Adu had 10 goal contributions in 2005, and Sullivan is now up to 11—four goals and seven assists—with no sign of slowing down.

Cavan Sullivan slams it! 🔥

The 16-year-old doubles the Philadelphia lead and celebrates Lebron-style. pic.twitter.com/Wb3QVa0ldx

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 6, 2026

“I was in the box, that’s where things happen,” Sullivan told reporters post-game. “I followed it up ... it was at that awkward height where it just slid right in. No, I’m really happy.

“And the celly, I was waiting to do that for a while. I had Kim, our photographer, holding the chalk for multiple games. I just kept missing out on it, or I was away. But tonight, great crowd, and it was the perfect time.”

Across all competitions this season, Sullivan is up to 14 goal contributions (seven goals and seven assists across 27 outings), half of which have come in the past month in just six appearances. Sullivan attests his surge in form to the appointment of interim manager Ryan Richter, who has increased trust in the teenager, understands his potential and has given him more consistent minutes as a starter on the pitch.

“He is finishing plays off,” Richter said post-match. “Getting himself into positions to score goals that don’t all need to be like his goal against Red Bull [New York on Aug. 29], when he makes an incredible individual play.

“You can contribute to the game and get your goals and assists, be decisive and productive in the game by being in the right place at the right time. And that’s where he was tonight, and he finished the play well.”

Sullivan’s attacking prowess has been integral to the Union’s own resurgence, going undefeated in the last eight leagues matches to climb from the depths of last place in the league to now ninth in the Eastern Conference. It is the first time all season that the Union have occupied a playoff spot in the standings.

The teenager’s Homegrown contract includes a clause that sees him cross the Atlantic and join English Premier League giant Manchester City when he turns 18 years old. Taking no time at all to dominate MLS, the shining star appears ready for a more competitive stage and perhaps an even bigger spotlight.

‘Keep in Touch’—Cavan Sullivan Eyes Premier League Future

Dominating MLS obviously occupies Sullivan’s mind; however, the youngster is keeping tabs across the pond too.

“We keep in touch,” Sullivan tells Sports Illustrated about the blue side of Manchester. “But mainly I’m just focused on doing my thing here.”

The Cityzens had a busy season in the summer transfer window, acquiring a whole new—and mightily expensive—midfield ahead of the 2026–27 season, one that Sullivan could feasibly be a part of further down the line

New manager Enzo Maresca most notably acquired Enzo Fernández from Chelsea through 2031 for a Premier League record-matching $169 million (£125 million), excluding bonuses. The Argentine superstar joined other pricey signings, Elliot Anderson ($153 million, £116 million) andAyyoub Bouaddi ($117 million, £86 million), in the center of the park to create a new midfield worth a whopping $439 million (£327 million). Anderson and Bouaddi are also signed through 2031, remaining in Manchester long after Sullivan plans to arrive in 2028.

“They got some really good signings, guys on long-term contracts and maybe future teammates,” Sullivan adds. “It’s cool to see and think about.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Is 16-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan Already Ready for Man City?.

On Saturday, Messi picked up a pair of assists in Inter Miami’s 2–2 draw with Atlanta United, becoming the first player in MLS history to hit 30 goal contributions in three separate seasons. He now has a Golden Boot-leading 18 goals and 12 assists in just 20 league appearances this year.

Messi whipped in a corner to Casemiro, which the Brazilian veteran headed home in the 32nd minute for his second goal of the season. 15 minutes later, Messi threaded a perfect through-ball to Luis Suárez, who buried it for his 12th MLS goal of the season. 

Between the sticks, Dayne St. Clair stopped a penalty from Miguel Almirón before allowing a late spot kick against Breel Embolo. It gave the Swiss World Cup star his debut goal against Messi, shortly after earning a red card in the World Cup quarterfinal match between the two. 

“No revenge, it’s always a pleasure to play against the greatest, [but] it’s two different games,” Embolo told Apple TV post-match.

Gerardo Martino’s Emotional Embrace 

The draw marked an emotional return for Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the Argentine manager from Messi’s own hometown of Rosario. Martino led the Herons to the best regular season performance in MLS history back in 2024 (74 points), before leaving the job for “personal reasons,” which remain unknown. 

Martino also coached Messi at Barcelona (2013–2014), stepping down after a brief, trophy-less stint, and for the Argentina national team (2014–16), enduring two-consecutive losses in the Copa América final. The now 63-year-old, who is back with an Atlanta side he helped win the 2018 MLS Cup, made sure to embrace his former star player after the match. 

🚨 WATCH: Leo Messi ran over to embrace Tata Martino ahead of today’s game against Atlanta United. 🤩💗🖤

🎥 Pablobe First via IG pic.twitter.com/8tJxrOy5Il

— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) September 6, 2026

“I wish I could have done it before, but this was my first chance,” Martino said of the hug, which has since taken over Argentine social media. 

“He has been through a lot in the past two months, from a soccer standpoint and family issues. I wanted to give him that hug ... As much as it hurt all of us Argentines to hear him say he is done playing for that shirt, we all knew this day was coming. We are all selfish and want him to keep playing for that shirt. But the time has come for him to be with his family and enjoy his life.”

Miami’s Defensive Issues Remain

Messi’s brilliance continued to shine, but the Herons failed to make up any ground in the hopeful race for the Supporters’ Shield. Despite league-leading Nashville SC dropping points in a scoreless draw against New York City FC, Inter Miami’s result kept them 11 points behind the leaders and third in MLS. 

Part of it comes down to a flawed defensive setup. For the second-straight game, Casemiro departed his usual defensive midfield role to line up at center back and wasn’t as composed as he was the week prior, making a giveaway on Atlanta’s first goal and conceding a penalty. 

Falcón, meanwhile, struggled with Atlanta’s press and pace alongside Casemiro. At the same time, Fricio Caicedo conceded a penalty and committed five fouls while playing left back instead of the 18-year-old’s usual center back role. 

After selling all-time club appearance leader Noah Allen to the Chicago Fire, the Herons are left with very little versatility in defense, which became a central story on Saturday. 

Now, the focus turns to a road battle with Chicago Fire FC and Robert Lewandowski on Wednesday, before returning home for a vital clash against Nashville SC on Saturday, which could be the nail in the coffin for the Herons’ Shield dreams. 

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lionel Messi Sets Latest MLS Record in Starring Performance vs. Ex-Barcelona Manager .

Tevez enjoyed stints at Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus before he largely ended his career the same way it started—with boyhood club Boca. The Argentine made 279 appearances in a blue and gold shirt, scoring 94 goals and winning 11 titles along the way.

To celebrate his legacy at the club, Tevez is playing one final match at La Bombonera in December. Reports out of Argentina claim the 42-year-old wants to field an XI of his friends, both from his playing days and his childhood.

The opposing team is slated to feature players he has shared time with throughout his career. Messi and Ronaldo are both named in the report for their connections to Tevez; the former was his teammate on the Argentina national team while the latter shared the pitch with him at United.

It’s unclear whether Messi and Ronaldo would be on the same team or on opposite sides, as they have been their entire careers, but either option could make for a momentous occasion in Argentina.

When Was the Last Time Messi, Ronaldo Faced Off?

At the height of their careers, Messi and Ronaldo were constantly battling on the pitch for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, as well as off it, competing for Ballon d’Or awards and every other record in the sport.

Since the two left La Liga, though, their meetings have been few and far between. The two greats last clashed on Jan. 19, 2023, when Ronaldo headlined a Saudi Pro League All-Star team against Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain in an exhibition match.

The world was hoping to see Portugal and Argentina lock horns at this summer’s World Cup, but the 2016 European champion was eliminated by eventual winner Spain in the round of 16, preventing what would have been a show-stopping reunion between the icons in their final World Cup tournament.

Tevez’s farewell match would give Messi and Ronaldo likely their last chance to play against one another—or their first chance to be on the same team.

Will Messi, Ronaldo Play in Tevez’s Farewell Match?

As of now, there’s no confirmation whether the two superstars will take the pitch in Argentina this December. Messi and Ronaldo’s ties to Tevez are obvious, but logistics might get in the way.

Argentine outlet TyC Sports report the game could unfold on the weekend of Dec. 12 and 13 or the following weekend on the 19th or the 20th.

Should Inter Miami make a run to the MLS Cup final, which unfolds on Dec. 18, Messi would not be able to compete in the match. If the Herons make an early exit in the MLS Cup playoffs, though, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would be free.

Ronaldo’s schedule allows a little more leeway. The Real Madrid legend would not be able to make the trip to Argentina during the first proposed weekend since Al Nassr are set to take on Al Fateh on Sunday, Dec. 13.

That match is the last for the reigning Saudi Pro League champions before the winter break. Ronaldo is therefore technically available for an exhibition match the following weekend.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as When Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Could Play Against—or With—Each Other.

While the league has found itself in a complicated position with the world’s main transfer window in the summer, it has led to some intriguing midseason additions across the 30 teams. Add in the second year of the newly introduced cash-for-player trades within MLS, and the drama only intensifies. 

This summer’s transfer window saw a mix of everything, from returning players in their prime to aging European veterans and star transfers within the league for lofty fees. With all that said and done, the league’s top teams are ready to chase the MLS Cup. 

Here, Sports Illustrated takes a look at the top seven incoming transfers among MLS teams this summer. 

7. Rafael Navarro to St. Louis CITY SC ($12 Million)

St. Louis CITY SC have been a good team all year, but finishing has been a problem. Now, they’ve signed one of the best attackers in MLS, bringing in Brazilian frontman Rafael Navarro from the Colorado Rapids for $12 million, breaking the record for the most expensive cash-for-player intra-league transfer in MLS history. 

With 38 goals and 15 assists in 97 MLS appearances with the Rapids, there’s no doubt that Navarro will score goals with a St. Louis CITY side that has shown an elevated level this season. At the same time, he cushions the losses of Eduard Löwen and Marcel Hartel, and can create goals out of half-chances. 

When compared to some of the other attacking prices paid this summer, $12 million for an MLS-proven striker is quite tidy business. He has the potential to push St. Louis into fringe MLS Cup contention this year, and further into his deal running through 2029–30.

6. Robert Lewandowski to Chicago Fire (Free)

It had been years of “big fish” hunting for the Chicago Fire. They tried to sign Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar Jr., but finally secured their superstar by inking Robert Lewandowski to a deal through 2027–28. 

While the addition of the Polish attacker led to the exit of MLS Golden Boot leader Hugo Cuypers, it’s an upgrade to the club’s relevance in MLS, as well as in the local and global marketplace. Plus, replacing him with Lewandowski hasn’t negatively impacted the team’s form. 

What it has done, though, is shift the focus to winning immediately. With Cuypers, there could be several years of progression and roster building, whereas Lewandowski at 38 years old means building a roster to contend for the MLS Cup right now. So far, that path has led to Philip Zinckernagel inking a new contract, and a loan for now ex-Inter Miami standout defender, Noah Allen. 

Lewandowski is still a pristine goalscorer and has transitioned to MLS with four goals in his first seven games. Now, the chase to the MLS Cup playoffs becomes the focus—and few players know more about winning and performing in big moments than he does.

5. Santiago Rodríguez to Columbus Crew ($6 Million)

The Columbus Crew needed a boost. In a massive summer transfer window that saw them bring in MLS legend Josef Martínez, Spanish midfielder Brais Méndez and former Manchester United center back Eric Bailly, it’s Santiago Rodríguez that may stand out as the most significant addition. 

Coming in from Botafogo, the Uruguayan has ample MLS experience, previously recording 24 goals and 32 assists in 116 games with New York City FC across four seasons. Many of those goals came on the smaller pitch of Yankee Stadium, giving him more space to make attacking runs, but a chance to link up with Méndez could loft Columbus back into Eastern Conference relevancy. At the same time, he’s already obtained a U.S. Green Card, making him a domestic player in the team’s roster construction. 

It’s a long road ahead for the Columbus Crew, who sit in the doldrums of the Eastern Conference, but locking in Rodríguez, still just 26 years old, through 2029–30 should pave the way for a better next era. 

4. Allan Saint-Maximin to Charlotte (Free)

When Wilfried Zaha parted ways with Charlotte FC at the start of the summer, there was concern around the team’s future on the wing. Then, they added veteran winger Allan Saint-Maximin with a level of doubt, but the early returns have been impressive. 

The former Newcastle United attacker has played two games, posted two assists and ranks among the best in MLS in several attacking categories. He’s in the 100th percentile in successful dribbles per 90 minutes with 4.78, a massive upgrade on Zaha’s tenure, which saw him average 1.70 per 90. At the same time, he ranks above the 95th percentile among MLS wingers in successful crosses per 90 and chances created per 90. 

Having adjusted to North American soccer by scoring three goals in 16 appearances with Club América, then returning to Europe for a brief spell with Lens, MLS seems like the perfect fit for Saint-Maximin. He could be the piece Charlotte has needed to elevate the rest of their roster. 

3. Luc De Fougerolles to Real Salt Lake (Loan)

Real Salt Lake needed some help at the back after the wingback loss of Zavier Gozo’s sale to the Premier League and the shift to a three-man and five-man backline, given the injury to star veteran defender Justen Glad. 

In a shrewd move, they were able to land Luc De Fougerolles, who comes in on loan from Premier League side Fulham for the rest of the season, with an option to extend for the 14-game 2027 MLS sprint season. Instantly, it gives the Claret and Cobalt a starting center back option, likely to take over in the middle of the back three for Juan Jose Arias.

Despite his tender age of 20, De Fougerolles played last season on loan from Fulham with FCV Dender E.H. in the Belgian first division, and thrived as one of their key players despite a relegation-bound effort. At the World Cup, he played each one of Canada’s games and stood out as the top non-Spanish defender in the “FIFA Power Rankings” metric. With 18 international caps, he’s got a chance to become an elite defender in MLS, and it’s a massive coup for RSL to lock him down, when each of three Canadian clubs were likely interested.  

2. Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City (Free)

Antoine Griezmann signed a pre-contract in the spring to join Orlando City after the European season wrapped up, and finally made his move this summer. With four goals and three assists in his first seven games, and the vibes lifted around Orlando City, it seems as though it’s already been a massive success. 

His penchant for finding the back of the net has headlined his addition to the group. Still, Griezmann has also proven to be a key piece in elevating U.S. youth international Justin Ellis in attack, touting the 19-year-old striker as a talent who could one day make an impact in Europe. 

At the same time, Griezmann has shown a level of commitment to the team far greater than many of its past Designated Players. He arrived early to gain fitness and adjust to his new teammates before MLS resumed after the World Cup. He’s offered mentorship to younger players around him, all while embracing the fans and providing regular media appearances. 

There are still plenty of flaws with Orlando City’s setup under interim manager Martín Perelman, but Griezmann has been a breath of fresh air after the dismissal of Óscar Pareja and could be the piece to usher in a new era for the Lions.

1. Dejan Joveljić to Seattle Sounders ($6 Million)

The best move of the window, and best value by far, has to be Dejan Joveljić’s move to the Seattle Sounders from Sporting Kansas City on a respectable $6 million transfer fee. For the Sounders, it brought a key goalscorer into a struggling team and marked their first midseason signing on a fee in four years.

While some teams prefer making moves for overseas talent for their big-money spends, the Sounders knew that Joveljić was a proven commodity in MLS and the Western Conference. He is also a tactically intelligent player who could make his own opportunities despite lackluster creation due to a heavily injured roster. 

Two goals on his debut were a near-dream for Joveljić, and both showcased his adept play-reading and positional awareness, putting him in strong scoring positions unlike other Sounders strikers in recent seasons. Instantly, Joveljić’s transfer seemed a win for the Sounders, but it only looks better given some of the fees flying around across MLS, primarily the $12 million that St. Louis CITY spent on Navarro.

The question now is whether the Serbian could potentially loft the Sounders into the MLS Cup playoffs as soon as this fall.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Top 7 Signings of 2026 MLS Transfer Window—Ranked.

That’s the life of 16-year-old star midfielder Cavan Sullivan, the Philadelphia Union’s wunderkind and the one many pin the future of the U.S. men’s national team on. Yet despite the spotlight—and the immense pressure—he claims his life is actually pretty normal.

“I still got to do dishes, laundry. I got to do everything,” Sullivan says about life living in his family home in Norristown, Pa. “I do all the stuff around the house.

“Mom still gets mad if I curse too much, if I’m on my phone too much. Yeah, somewhat normal.”

He may not go to high school, having graduated two years early from the Union’s YSC Academy, but like all teenagers, he fights the perennial mental battle of, Do I rot in my bed today, or do I actually go out and meet my friends. It’s just an existential choice that has to come after soccer training at the Union’s state-of-the-art Sportsplex.

“I don’t like walking the dogs,” Sullivan says, speaking about his Great Danes. “I’m just rotting away, a lot of laying in bed. But no, I like golf. I like the mall. Maybe not even going shopping, just going out somewhere because staying in the house too long is terrible.”

The Philly-native has been under the spotlight since he was 14 and inked a deal with the Union, becoming the youngest player in club history to be added to the first-team roster.

Just two months later, he broke Freddy Adu’s 20-year record by becoming the youngest person ever to debut in MLS—or any North American professional sports league for that matter, skyrocketing him to further fame. Sullivan was 14 years and 293 days old at the time, and when he stepped onto the pitch in a July 2024 match against the New England Revolution, his life was forever changed.

Any sense of preserved normalcy is thanks to his parents and his three older brothers, the eldest of which actually stars alongside him for the Union: 22-year-old Quinn Sullivan.

“I always had three people to play with,” Cavan Sullivan says. “If the two didn’t want to do something, the one was always down to play a game, a video game, anything.”

His brothers have since moved out of the suburban home, leaving him to embark on a new adventure: utterly dominating MLS.

Cavan Sullivan’s Summer Surge

Since the return from the World Cup international break, Sullivan has been unstoppable.

In his last five outings across all competitions, the teenager has been stellar on the right flank, demonstrating his creativity on the ball, poise and explosiveness all while netting three goals and three assists. Philadelphia has not lost a match in that span with him on the pitch.

It’s a surge in production that Sullivan insists has nothing to do with anything different on his end. Sure, he took no time off this summer, choosing to train with the second team instead of vacationing on some sunny beach with his teammates. Nevertheless, he attests his recent success to the trust of interim manager, Ryan Richter, who took the helm in late May after the club fired Bradley Carnell following a poor start to the season.

Richter, a former Union player, served as the manager of the Union II team last season, which up until Carnell’s exit was the squad where Sullivan built his foundation. Richter was quite familiar with the potential of the burgeoning star and has since entrusted him with a more prominent role in the senior team.

“A lot of credit to coach Ryan Richter for putting his trust in me and giving me substantial minutes,” Sullivan says. “I didn’t change as a player all that much.

“I went out and worked on some things with my dad [who had a brief professional career], and I stayed fit training with the second team. But [it was] having a new coach and one that believed in me. A lesson I learned—it was a tough one—is that not everyone is going to like you. It’s a tough lesson for a 14-, 15-year-old kid.”

Sullivan has since become a regular starter for the Union, with Richter entrusting him with at least 60 minutes each match.

Richter has completely turned around the Union’s season, a feat which can be in no small part due to Sullivan’s on-field contributions. After a club-worst start, winning just one match in the first 16 games of the new season (1-4-10 record), Philadelphia has now risen to 12th in the Eastern Conference and is just one point away from playoff contention.

The Union’s resurgence is also aided by the return of Sullivan’s brother. The midfielder suffered a torn ACL last September, sidelining him until last month. The elder Sullivan has slowly increased his minutes in his return to the pitch, playing a fiery role off the bench.

Cavan Sullivan Enters USMNT Conversation

Sullivan’s recent success has also landed him at the forefront of conversations surrounding the future of the USMNT, especially as American fans put the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly in their rearview and ponder what’s on the horizon.

The teenager has repped the U.S. at the youth levels on several occasions, including the U-17 World Cup last year. He has yet to receive a call from USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino, but it appears imminent considering his recent run of form.

According to USMNT legendary goalkeeper Tim Howard, Sullivan should be playing every game with the Stars and Stripes ahead of the 2030 World Cup, starting with the upcoming September international window.

“We don’t get a lot of players like yourself [Landon Donovan], Clint [Dempsey], like Christian Pulisic, like Cavan Sullivan,” Howard told fellow USMNT legend Landon Donovan on their podcast. 

“Play him now. Let him make his mistakes. Let him bleed into the team, so that in 2030 at the World Cup, we have a 20-year-old who’s like, ‘Give me the ball. Give me the ball on the biggest stage,’ and that sounds far-fetched to us, but every other country does it.”

Sullivan is aware of the chatter.

“I saw Tim say that,” he says. “That was kind of cool to hear. Obviously, he’s a U.S. legend and a really good dude. I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s a really nice guy, so it’s nice to hear those things. That’s not necessarily what gives me motivation to do great things, though. That’s sort of my own mindset and goals, but it is nice to hear and nice to hear all the support from the U.S. fans.”

It’s hard to stay level-headed as a teenager with so much of the soccer nation hyping you up at every turn. He’s trying nonetheless.

“A lot of people mistake my confidence for arrogance,” Sullivan says. “I would just say that I’m confident in myself, but I’m also humble, and I understand that I haven’t really done anything yet in the sport, or nothing substantial.”

The kid is just getting started, and whatever “substantial” means, it feels destined to be here soon.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cavan Sullivan Is Just a Normal Teenager—That No One Can Stop Talking About.