Latest news with #USLChampionship
Edmonton Journal
an hour ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
CF Montreal pledges rebuild in open letter
Article content MONTREAL — CF Montreal has started its rebuild quickly. Article content The Major League Soccer club announced Wednesday that it has acquired 21-year-old defender Efrain Morales from Atlanta United in return for US$450,000 in 2025 general allocation money (GAM) and $350,000 in conditional GAM. Article content Atlanta would also retain a percentage of a future transfer involving Morales Article content Article content The move came hours after club executives published an open letter to fans that acknowledged the team's shortcomings and stated the club would begin a new chapter rooted in ambition, pride and winning. Article content Article content President and CEO Gabriel Gervais, managing director of recruitment and sporting methodology Luca Saputo and managing director of academy strategy and roster management Simone Saputo signed the letter. Montreal is currently languishing at the bottom of the MLS with a 3-15-6 record — for 15 points in 24 games — and dropped out of the Canadian Championship with a quarterfinal loss to lower-tier Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League in a bleak season. Article content The letter said supporters would see concrete steps toward a rebuild in the upcoming transfer windows. The MLS summer window, which allows clubs to sign players plying their trades in other countries, opens Thursday. Article content Article content Montreal had the league's lowest payroll last season. Morales is making $112,019 this year, according to the website Article content Morales began his professional career in 2020 with Atlanta United 2, where he had three goals and an assist over three USL Championship seasons and three MLS Next Pro seasons. Article content He made his MLS debut with Atlanta in a 3-0 victory over the Charlotte Independence in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on May 7, 2024. Article content Over two MLS seasons, Morales has played 648 minutes over nine games and picked up one assist. He also played in three U.S. Open Cup games. Article content 'We have not met the standards we set for ourselves, nor those you have the right to expect. That is why we felt the need to communicate with you directly today. Article content We share your dissatisfaction with the Club's results, and it is our responsibility to build a winning team that we can all be proud of. Article content That is why we have decided to undertake a rebuild and launch a new chapter at CF Montreal. A chapter based on ambition and pride. A new era with victory at the heart of our sporting ambitions, while also honouring our rich history and the connection with you, our 12th player. Article content We know that trust is regained through actions. As such, during the upcoming transfer windows, you will see concrete steps, a committed team, and strong initiatives aimed at rebuilding, together, a Club that deserves your loyalty.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
RIFC and Hartford's rivalry match flopped; Here's what happened
PAWTUCKET — Rhode Island FC struggled again offensively. And Hartford Athletic was content with a draw. Saturday afternoon's Derby Match was the antithesis of a rivalry game. The final result was unfortunate for USL Championship soccer as dives and delays marked the final 45 minutes of a scoreless draw at Centreville Bank Stadium. The first scoring chance, for either side, didn't arrive until the 70th minute. Albert Dikwa's shot from the box was denied by Antony Siaha as the Hartford goalie kicked away a sure score. It incited more crowd noise than anything else that had happened in the match to that point. The announced attendance of 10,619 shouldn't need to wait 70 minutes for something exciting on a postcard day in Pawtucket. Instead, fans saw 36 combined fouls and 12 minutes of second-half stoppage. 'It's not good [for soccer],' RIFC coach, Khano Smith said of the play. 'Fans come to be entertained and for me, it's fast and aggressive [play]. It's shots on goal and it's crosses. When the ball is out-of-play and people are laying on the ground, it's so frustrating, but the rules of the game don't help. For me, the game should be played fast. 'If the officials don't do anything about it, the players are going to do it. They need to warn them, give yellow cards and speed the game up.' Smith's right. The USL bears some responsibility as it just fumbled a chance to grow the league and the rivalry. The neighboring clubs secured a nationally televised match on CBS. And Hartford didn't manage a shot on goal and only five shots total. RIFC opened the field in the second half as JJ Williams subbed on for the home side but even then, they only finished with three shots on target. Williams' free kick, from outside the box, nearly lifted RIFC as the striker found the far post before Siaha made the stop. Williams was a breath of fresh air in his direct play that Smith desires. 'Disappointed to not get three points, but we were better in the second half,' Smith said. 'We created enough to win the game, but unfortunately when you don't take opportunities and don't score, especially at home, you won't win.' Rhode Island, who is tied for second to last in goals scored, has been without Williams' direction this season as he rehabbed from a calf strain. Hartford never had any offensive direction and seemed happy with its 41.8% possession. 'Our fans showed up once again,' Smith said. 'For us, we haven't probably given them the results that they want. But they keep showing up and it's another sell out.' Siaha earned a yellow card in the 112th minute for his extracurricular postgame celebration. Celebrating a scoreless draw, rivalry or not, should earn a card every match. Hartford returns to Pawtucket next Saturday for the Jägermeister Cup, we should all hope for a better product. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RIFC and Hartford's rivalry match didn't meet expectations
Scottish Sun
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Hearts boss Robbie Neilson back in football – as assistant to former Hibs manager
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THEY went head-to-head in the dugout in the Edinburgh derby. Now former Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has linked up with his old Hibs rival in Belgium. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Robbie Neilson is back in football in a surprise new role Credit: Andrew Barr 2 He has reunited with Lee Johnson abroad Credit: SNS Neilson, 45, has reunited with ex-Hibs boss Lee Johnson as his No2 at Belgian outfit SK Lommel in a surprise appointment. Neilson has been looking for his next role in football ever since he was axed by USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies in April. The former Hearts manager and captain was appointed manager of the American club in 2023 and stayed there for two years before his dismissal earlier this year. That was his first manager job since being given the boot by the Jambos and his first gaffer role outside of the UK following stints at MK Dons and Dundee United, as well as the Gorgie side. Now he's back in football after a three-month exile, where he will begin working alongside Johnson at the City Football Group club. Johnson was appointed Lommel manager in March after a short spell working with Manchester City in a role which saw him prepare their fringe and development players ahead of the 2024/25 season. Lommel currently play in the Belgian Pro League - the nation's second division - where they finished in 11th place last season. Neilson will begin working with the team right away alongside Robin Henkens who will also serve as an assistant to Johnson. The ex-Hearts boss told the club's website: "I spent a few days in Lommel at the end of last season. "I was very impressed with the professional work environment and the talent within this group. Robbie Neilson Released by Rangers, finding a home at Hearts, and splitting the Old Firm "The discussions that followed were excellent, and I'm thrilled to be joining this club. Together with the rest of the staff, we'll do everything we can to get the most out of this group!" Neilson and Johnson crossed paths in Edinburgh in the 2022/23 season when the Englishman took over at Easter Road. Johnson failed to beat his counterpart on three occasions as the first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, while Hearts came out on top in the next two meetings with 3-0 wins, including a Scottish Cup triumph at Easter Road. Neilson was axed in April, 2023, just days before Johnson picked up his first and only win over the Jambos. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Minnesota United FC vs Chicago Fire: Live Stream U.S. Open Cup Soccer, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup continues on Tuesday as Minnesota United takes on Chicago Fire FC in the quarterfinals. The winner will head to the semifinals in September to face the winner of the San Jose Earthquakes vs Austin FC game. Tune in to CBS Sports Network on Tuesday night to see which team advances in the U.S. Open Cup. Michael Boxall #15 of Minnesota United FC jumps for a header over Fonseca Pedrinho #20 of FC Dallas during the MLS soccer game between FC Dallas and Minnesota United FC at Toyota Stadium on July... Michael Boxall #15 of Minnesota United FC jumps for a header over Fonseca Pedrinho #20 of FC Dallas during the MLS soccer game between FC Dallas and Minnesota United FC at Toyota Stadium on July 4, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. More Photo byHow to Watch Minnesota United FC vs Chicago Fire Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 Time: 8:00 PM EDT Channel: CBS Sports Network Stream: Fubo (Try for free) Minnesota United beat Louisville City FC 1-0 in the Round of 32, then took down fellow MLS side St. Louis City SC in the Round of 16 3-2 to advance. The team has never won the U.S. Open Cup but did finish second in 2019. Chicago Fire FC opened play in the Round of 32, knocking off USL Championship team Detroit City FC 4-0, then defeated the New England Revolution 3-1 in the Round of 16. The team last won this tournament in 2006. Outside of the U.S. Open Cup, Chicago currently sits ninth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 28 points, while Minnesota United is in third place in the Western Conference with 37 points. Live stream this U.S. Open Cup match on Fubo. You can also stream Wednesday's matchup between the Philadelphia Union and the New York Red Bulls, which will also air on CBS Sports Network. Start your free trial now to catch the soccer action. Live stream the Minnesota United FC vs Chicago Fire FC game on Fubo: Start your free trial now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Diego Luna: 5 lesser-known facts about USMNT star ahead of Gold Cup final
Diego Luna is the undisputed 'player to watch' in the upcoming Gold Cup Final. The United States Men's National Football Team (USMNT) star drew all the applause and eyes in the room when he insisted on continuing play despite a broken nose during a game against Costa Rica in January. Luna's pass to Brian White helped the Americans score a crucial opening goal in what became a 3-0 victory. United States' midfielder #10 Diego Luna looks on during the CONCACAF Gold Cup quartefinal match between USA and Costa Rica (AFP) 'Big balls,' coach Mauricio Pochettino told FOX post-game. 'He showed great character.' Given his performance in the tournament, here are five lesser-known facts about the USNMT star that fans would be intrigued to know ahead of the Gold Cup Final: An unconventional path Luna's path to the USMNT was anything but usual. Rather than going the traditional route of MLS academies or European clubs, he chose to leave his family and home in Sunnyvale, California at age 15 in order to join the Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona. He then signed with El Paso Locomotive in the USL Championship three years later before joining Real Salt Lake in 2022, as per FOX Sports. He had to work on his defense strategy As part of the El Paso Locomotive at age 18, his Real Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni urged him to commit to defending and working both sides of the ball rather than just being an attacking player. He recalled he would frequently say, 'You're not Messi' to FOX Sports. After working on it for more than three years, Mastroeni now feels confident in Luna's style and ability. 'He's engaged defensively, but he's also scanning defensively and he's playing cat and mouse. He's made that his own craft and he's really, really good at that,' he said to FOX Sports. Mental health struggles and therapy Staying away from home and the weight of competitive pressure at a young age crumbled Luna from within and he ultimately resorted to seeking therapy which he feels made 'an automatic difference'. Within a week, there was a change in mentality with [my] emotions and feelings and how I felt internally, which allowed me to be free and mentally clear when performing on the field. Therapy is a great tool and I think that's something a lot of people shouldn't be afraid to do,' he recalled to FOX Sports. Worked at a local Dutch Bros coffee shop Not only is he skilled on the field, but Luna also tried to keep himself occupied during periods of lull by taking up a secondary job as a barista at a local Dutch Bros coffee shop. Mastroeni feels the move was more to help Luna break the barrier and communicate better with people than any monetary gains, which were quite meagre. He shared with FOX Sports, 'It was just about getting to know people in town and feeling a part of the community.' Due to his busy schedule in 2023, Luna had to drop his free outlet as a barista to focus on his primary goals instead. Snubbed from Paris Olympics 2024 Pochettino enlisting Luna for the Nations League Final in March raised many eyebrows, not just for the obvious ignorance towards more established players but also due to Luna being snubbed in the U-23 roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics just recently. Despite being named MLS Player of the Matchday after producing 1g/3a in a 5-2 rout of Atlanta United and bearing the record for third-most assists (12) in MLS, his snub from the team left many shocked. "He's such an immense talent. It's really hard to understand how he's not on that plane,' wrote MLS Season Pass analyst Calen Carr. Later, Luna also opted out of being one of the four alternates for the France tournament. By Stuti Gupta
