Quick Hits
- MLS: In defense of chaos in MLS as Europe’s top leagues get started
- USL: There’s conflict brewing between the USL and MLS NEXT Pro
- NWSL: Diving into one team, one player, and one moment from this weekend’s action
We’re back with another edition of the Weekend Recap. Every Monday, we make it easier for you to keep up with the most interesting and important things in American soccer.
Today, we’re taking you through some of the past weekend’s key storylines, including a chaotic day for MLS, conflict in the lower divisions, and action in the NWSL.
For coverage of Americans Abroad, check out our analysis of this past weekend.
MLS
Lowery: In defense of chaos in MLS as Europe’s top leagues get started
So you know how I wrote last week that last weekend was just about the most MLS weekend to ever MLS? Well, last weekend pales in comparison to what we saw on Saturday.
The day started off with a 94th winner from Andrew Gutman for Atlanta United and ended with a 100th minute equalizer for FC Dallas via an own goal from Diego Chara. In between? Chaos. Pure chaos. All told, MLS teams scored 57 goals on Saturday, which is the most goals scored in league history on a single day.
As we head into the second week of August and round into the final stretch of the season (and Wednesday’s All-Star Game, which I’ll be covering in person!), I’m reminded of how much I appreciate MLS’s wild side. As someone who spends time talking about European soccer, too, there’s a pretty stark contrast between MLS’s variety and some of the routine that we see over in Europe… [Subscribe] [Read]
USL
Morrissey: There’s conflict brewing between the USL and MLS NEXT Pro
Late on Friday afternoon, Orange County SC released a statement that the LA Galaxy are seeking exclusive use of Championship Soccer Stadium for LA Galaxy II, replacing Orange County as the tenant.
The two clubs are rivals on the pitch in the USL Championship, but Galaxy II are leaving the USL for MLS NEXT Pro in 2023. The possible change in tenancy and operation is set to be discussed by the Irvine City Council on Tuesday, August 9.
Orange County SC have occupied the venue since 2017. Coming into this weekend, their average attendance was 4,346, up from 3,302 in the club’s title-winning 2021 campaign. The Cal United Strikers of third-tier NISA and FC Golden State Force of USL League Two also share the venue. Galaxy II, meanwhile, currently play in front of a closed stadium at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Their average attendance hasn’t exceeded 1,215 in eight years of existence… [Subscribe] [Read]
NWSL
Cascone: One team, one player, one moment from this weekend’s action
There was a mixed bag of NWSL results over the weekend, with half of the games ending in draws. The Kansas City Current, Chicago Red Stars, and Houston Dash were the only three teams to add three points to their season totals.
To recap the weekend’s slate of games, we’re returning to the “one team, one player, one moment” format, where we touch on one team, one pla… okay, you know where this is going.
Let’s get to it… [Subscribe] [Read]
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