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No Coach Roasts His Own Players More Regularly Than Thierry Henry

In the aftermath of Thierry Henry’s disastrously short reign at Monaco, stories began to leak of the treatment the legendary striker had subjected his players to. There’s something to be said about the effectiveness of tough love, but Monaco’s squad eventually stopped responding positively to Henry’s barbs and jabs.

Champions League Is Still An Utter Mess On CBS All Access (And Tuesday Was Its Worst Day Yet)

I take back every nice thing I said about CBS’s coverage of the Champions League. CBS All Access is still an utter mess and it’s clear the broadcasting giant doesn’t give any fucks about us soccer fans.

Andrea Pirlo Hints At Starting Weston McKennie In Wednesday’s Clash With Barcelona

Juventus should not require a slap to wake up even if the atmosphere at grounds is soporific, coach Andrea Pirlo said after the Serie A champions stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Verona on Sunday.

Pirlo said he could understand players might be influenced by appearing in near-empty stadiums during the COVID-19 pandemic but added that it was something they would have to adapt to.

Goal! The Dream Begins: Santiago Muñoz Makes Santos Laguna Debut

Santiago Muñoz’s path to Real Madrid via Newcastle United is beginning! On Sunday, the very close namesake of the famous Goal! film series (Santiago Munez) logged his first Liga MX minutes with Santos Laguna during his side’s 2-1 win over Atlético San Luis. 

El Tráfico Showcases Improving LAFC, Godawful LA Galaxy

El Tráfico took center stage on Sunday afternoon as Los Angeles FC hosted the LA Galaxy at an empty Banc of California Stadium but with thousands watching the action unfold on national television. 

The standings — LAFC entered fifth in the Western Conference, the Galaxy dead last — and ESPN.com’s promo photo juxtaposing Bradley Wright-Phillips and Sebastian Lletget told you everything you needed to know about how much has changed for these two clubs over the past year.

An American Teenager Played All 90 Minutes In El Clásico — And Didn’t Look At All Out Of Place

There’s no doubt Saturday’s El Clásico was an unusual one. For starters, no fans were allowed in the Camp Nou, as Covid-19 precautions are still keeping stadiums empty. Then there was the fact neither side came into the match among LaLiga’s top two teams in the table, with Barcelona all the way in 10th and Real Madrid coming off two straight defeats. 

And perhaps most notably this side of the pond, for the first time ever, an American was playing in the match.

Sergiño Dest Becomes First American To Play In El Clásico

With a quick tweet of the ref’s whistle and a swift kick from Karim Benzema, 19-year-old Sergiño Dest made history. The fullback became the first American to play in El Clásico on Saturday, starting on the right flank of Barcelona’s defense alongside Gerard Piquè, lining up opposite of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.

Major League Soccer Changes Course On Awarding The Supporters’ Shield (Again)

The top team in this year's Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season will receive the Supporters' Shield after all, in a reversal of an earlier decision, the league said on Friday.

The Supporters' Shield Foundation said last week that awarding the prize "goes against the spirit of the Shield," amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has disrupted the season and resulted in fans being barred from stadiums.

But the foundation has reversed the decision after discussions with the MLS Independent Supporters Council.

USMNT Confirms Date, Opponent For First Match Since Covid

The U.S. men's national team confirmed Friday that it will return to play for the first time since February in a match against Wales next month.

The contest will be played Nov. 12 in Swansea, Wales. FS1 will televise the match, scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET.

World-Class Crystal Dunn Traded Away For Backup Goalkeeper, Allocation Money

In terms of all-around talent, I’m not sure there’s a better player in the world than Crystal Dunn. A world-class striker, she’s also proven to be a stellar fullback and midfielder — wherever she’s asked to play she’s one of the best at that position.

So it’s stunning to see one of the world’s best footballers traded around the NWSL for what amounts to a pittance compared to the value of this superstar. 

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