Informational/Did You Know

Your Ultimate Guide To The 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs

With Decision Day behind us, it’s time for the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs! Actually, we’ve got to make it through an international break, but then — it’s time for the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs! It’s our first taste of the newfangled MLS playoff schedule, with the top seven teams from each conference battling it out in single-elimination matches. Play begins on Saturday, Oct. 19, and concludes with MLS Cup 2019 on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Here’s a look at the MLS playoff schedule 2019, including match dates, times, TV information, previews and predictions.

Ever Wanted To Own An Actual World Cup Winner’s Medal? Now You Can, For A Price

She retired as the greatest to ever play her sport. Many would argue she’s still the most dominant women’s footballer to have ever graced the pitch. Now you can own her most legendary trophies, medals and memorabilia thanks to an incredible Michelle Akers auction from Goldin Auctions.

What ESPN Snatching Bundesliga TV Rights From Fox Means For All Parties, Including Fans

ESPN announced this week it had obtained the U.S. English-language Bundesliga TV rights, starting in the 2020-21 season. 

Why Doesn’t New Zealand’s Soccer Team Perform The Haka?

New Zealand opened its 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign with a 23-13 victory over South Africa on Saturday in Yokohama, Japan, and it's easy to see why the All Blacks are favorites to win the tournament for a third straight time.

I’m not talking about their play out there — I didn’t wake up at 4:45 a.m. to watch it — I’m talking about their first haka. I’m no rugby expert but I don’t think anyone is going to beat these guys. I’m looking at the schedule now and next up is Canada on Oct. 2. Send all your thoughts and prayers to Canada.  

MLS Partners With BodyArmor — Is It The Best Sports Drink Out There Today?

Major League Soccer announced a multi-year partnership with BodyArmor on Tuesday, making the brand the Official Sports Drink of MLS beginning in 2020. So instead of the customary Gatorade shower, Adrian Heath will be doused in a premium blend of coconut water-infused Knockout Punch after Minnesota United wins the MLS Cup next year. 

The Best Fast Food To Eat Before A Game

It’s almost game time and your fridge is empty, your pantry barren and stomach grumbling. You gotta eat something fast, but you don’t have anything in your house. What do you do? Ideally, you’re not stupid enough to let this happen, but we get it, sometimes you just forget. In that case, we’ve got just the list for you: the best fast food to eat before a soccer match.

We at The18 have done our due diligence to find the best fast-food items to eat before a game, taking into account price, taste and how you’ll feel after, with a little effort toward trying to eat healthily. 

Five Cuban Players Defect After Nations League Match With Canada

Cuba’s national team left Toronto on Saturday having not only lost its opening Nations League match to Canada 6-0, but having lost five of its players permanently.

UEFA Technical Report Says Ronaldo Scored The Goal Of The Season, Not Messi

The 2018-19 UEFA Champions League technical report was released today, and it’s got 51 pages of highly entertaining and valuable information that analyzes specific tactical and technical trends at the very top of the world’s game. The comprehensive overview of last season’s competition includes some fascinating insights.

How To Drink Before A Game: The Sweet Science

Getting older sucks. I say this as a 21-year-old kid entering his last year in college, so that statement should have given folks some good laughs.

“This kid has no idea what he’s talking about.”

Well, you’re right, but I can tell you that even at 21, I’m missing the days when my fitness levels were not something I had to work hard to upkeep, summers were actually a break and the responsibilities were minimal. The upside of being 21 is being able to join beer leagues and drink legally, which I’m totally new to…

Who Are The Youngest Head Coaches Across Professional Sports?

Do you ever look at Wikipedia pages to see what age people accomplished things and think, “Hey, Charles Bukowski didn’t publish his first novel until 50, I’ve got plenty of time,” but then you see that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at the age of 18 and you say, “It’s over, bury me out back.” 

Is that a thing you do? 

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