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The making of Weston McKennie: How America's most unique talent reached the top — and the team behind the scenes who helped him along the way

Weston McKennie is one of soccer's most unique talents. Even on the world's biggest stage, the 24-year-old American stands out in the middle of the pitch with his all-action style, covering every blade of grass, arriving first to every contested ball and occasionally looking like a one-man midfield out there.

But Weston would be the first to admit that his meteoric rise to playing for Italy's biggest club and representing his country on the world’s stage is grounded in the help, commitment and sacrifice of teammates, family, friends, and coaches.

19-year-old American Paxten Aaronson transfers to Bundesliga for $4 million plus add-ons

The Philadelphia Union agreed to transfer homegrown midfielder Paxten Aaronson on Thursday to German side Eintracht Frankfurt of Bundesliga for a multimillion-dollar transfer fee.

The Union will also retain a percentage of any future transfer fees for Aaronson, who will join Frankfurt in January.

The18's World Cup predictions

It's time to get laughed at. Here are The18's 2022 FIFA World Cup predictions, although many of our employees have elected the safest route after gazing into their crystal balls.

‘Glue guy’ DeAndre Yedlin serving as the only link to USMNT's World Cup past

DOHA - As the only player on the United States roster with any World Cup experience DeAndre Yedlin has been a man in demand around the American locker room as the team prepare to take on Wales in their tournament opener.

With the U.S. having failed to qualify for the 2018 showcase tournament in Russia coach Gregg Berhalter did not have a large pool of experience to dip into.

The oldest players at the 2022 World Cup

Egyptian Essam El-Hadary is the oldest player ever at a World Cup. The goalkeeper was called-up for Russia 2018 and even had the privilege of playing against Saudi Arabia in a group stage game at the age of 45 years and ten days.

Yeah, kudos to Essam.

His record, by the way, will remain untouchable during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, that didn't stop us from asking who's going to be the oldest players at the tournament. And well, from two Mexican goalkeepers to stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, here's the answer. 

Nike's World Cup commercial is an instant classic

The Nike World Cup commercial 2022 is an instant classic. The full version — clocking nearly four and a half minutes — has it all: past and present versions of Cristiano Ronaldo hitting the "SIU!" together, multiple past versions of "O Fenômeno" Ronaldo getting after it, Kylian Mbappé introducing 2006 Ronaldinho to the low wall, Alex Morgan sipping tea, Edgar Davids just being Edgar Davids and so much more.

The film is part of Nike FC's Footballverse, which has its own snazzy website to explore.

DIRECTV is giving you a chance to win a $500 youth sports scholarship

Ingrained as they are in our social fabric, sports are crucial to bringing people and communities together. And this is especially true when we talk about youth sports. Unfortunately, it's not always a level playing field for those athletes trying to break through when the opportunities are not the same for everybody.

DIRECTV knows about these difficulties and hardships, so in partnership with LeagueSide, they decided to be an agent of change in society by offering a series of sports scholarships nationwide.

Rainbow-themed badge adorns U.S. training facility at World Cup in Qatar

QATAR - The U.S. men's World Cup squad are showing their support for the LGBTQ community by way of a rainbow-themed team logo inside their training facility and media workroom.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar which is hosting the tournament starting on Sunday.

The design features seven rainbow-colored vertical stripes below "USA" in dark blue letters and is part of the "Be the Change" initiative the team adopted in 2020 with the goal of inspiring action on social justice issues.

Ted Lasso puts up billboards to support the USMNT

America’s favorite fictional soccer coach is back at it again. Ever the motivator, we definitely should have seen this coming. Following the USMNT’s roster release, people have spotted billboards with heartwarming messages popping up across the country, and AFC Richmond’s mustachioed manager is the one behind it. 

In the hometowns of players and coaches, on a classic yellow background akin to his famous “BELIEVE” sign, Ted Lasso has made his feelings known through the generous and kind words for which he has become so beloved. 

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