Opinion

We've created the ultimate footballer for arguing with the ref

We thought the introduction of VAR would help eliminate all those messy emotions that lead to human error on the pitch, but as ChatGPT is quickly showing us, these technologies all too quickly go from feigning helpfulness to demanding free will.

Players are still free to utilize the dark arts and to work over referees by staying in their ear for 90 minutes, so it's time to fight fire with fire. This time we're using technology for the benefit of the CONCACAF region.

Rumors of slow subscription growth for MLS Season Pass make sense, but Apple won't care (yet)

If the most sensational rumors are to be believed, Apple is looking for a quick exit from its 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with MLS while the league prepares for an NASL kind of collapse into oblivion. 

The Athletic previously detailed an opt-out clause in the contract predicated on Apple obtaining a certain number of subscribers within a set timeframe, but it's impossible to speculate from the outside since Apple hasn't released any viewership statistics through six matchweeks.  

3 midweek U.S. Open Cup games for your consideration

The Second Round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup kicks off Tuesday with clubs from the third (USL1/NISA) and second (USLC) divisions now joining the fray — there will be cupsets. 

After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, 2022 was one of the competition's best years with Union Omaha (USL1) reaching the quarterfinals and Sacramento Republic (USLC) going all the way to the final before MLS side Orlando City won its first piece of major silverware. 

Do ties in MLS have a feel? 5 takeaways from MLS Matchweek 6

A week on from international matches and MLS has returned to full strength. The superstars have reappeared, replacing the excuses that swam in their wake and results are once again indicative of each team’s true ability. 

5 takeaways from MLS Matchweek 6

#1. Columbus is scoring goals for fun

Life under new manager Wilfried Nancy left a bit to be desired for the Crew. The former CF Montréal boss saw his new side secure just four points from its first four matches, but back-to-back dominant displays have given this marriage a new outlook. 

5 reasons why Mexico fans are pissed with their national team

The relationship between the Mexico national team and its fans is far from idyllic. Things are tense and discontent was on display during last Sunday's 2-2 draw against Jamaica. Several players were booed, including Jorge Sánchez, Diego Lainez, Raúl Jiménez and Memo Ochoa.

Yes, Memo Ochoa! The guy who becomes a wall every four years and who's been the most iconic Mexican player of the last decade.

USMNT Striker Power Rankings

The USMNT finished the Nations League group stage with another demonstration of its strength out wide as Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna all had their moments, but Ricardo Pepi made a statement up top with three goals in two games to trigger a storm of "I knew we should've brought him to Qatar!" takes on Twitter. Virgil van Dijk got lucky.

With Umbro supplying, Guatemala and El Salvador are looking better than ever

The USMNT vs. El Salvador match in the CONCACAF Nations League on Monday night yielded two moments of beauty: (1) Ricardo Pepi's filthy game-winner and (2) the Umbro away kits that La Selecta wore at Exploria Stadium.

Here’s the strongest USMNT starting XI for upcoming Concacaf Nations League games

Interim United States men’s national team head coach Anthony Hudson excited fans with an interesting roster selection for the March international window. A mix of usual starters and fringe players has fans eager to see how the team will lineup.

The USMNT have two Concacaf Nations League games to play with a trip to Grenada on March 24 and a home game in Orlando, Florida, vs. El Salvador on March 27.

Here’s a reminder of the 24 U.S. players selected for the pair of games.

‘He’s not good enough to be in Chelsea’s first team’ Ray Hudson blasts Christian Pulisic

Top soccer commentator Ray Hudson went on a fiery rant about Chelsea and USMNT forward Christian Pulisic on Tuesday. Hudson spent about 100 seconds spilling all his ill-feelings about the American star on SiriusXMFC.

Let’s take a listen and break down some of his points.

Weekend review: The major talking points from European soccer

Talking points from the weekend in European soccer leagues:

BARCELONA TAKE HUGE STEP TOWARDS LALIGA TITLE

Barcelona have tightened their grip at the top of the LaLiga standings after an electric 2-1 comeback win in an El Clásico against bitter rivals Real Madrid on Sunday.

Franck Kessié's stunner in added time gave Barça a well-earned victory that left second-placed Real trailing the leaders by 12 points with only 12 games to be played.

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