Soccer

Dec 9, 2023, 06:25 PM ET Open Extended Reactions As the final weeks of 2023 come to a close and as we hope to see some more drama and excitement occur into the new year, there is still have some business to get sorted as we wrap up another weekend of the best action across

Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondentDec 9, 2023, 09:15 PM ET Close Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN FC. Open Extended Reactions COLUMBUS, Ohio — The final whistle had blown. The Columbus Crew had claimed a tense, but unforgettable triumph in Saturday’s MLS Cup final, defeating LAFC 2-1. And it was

John McGinn‘s early goal led surging Aston Villa to a club-record 15th consecutive home Premier League victory on Saturday, a breathless 1-0 win over Arsenal that prevented Mikel Arteta’s Gunners from reclaiming top spot in the table. Unai Emery’s Villa, who shocked champions Manchester City in a dominant 1-0 win on Wednesday, are now third

Dec 8, 2023, 12:46 PM ET Open Extended Reactions The United States and Mexico submitted a joint bid Friday to co-host the 2027 Women’s World Cup that, if successful, would see the North American neighbours stage global soccer’s two showcase events in back-to-back years. Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands earlier Friday put in a joint

Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondentDec 8, 2023, 11:03 AM ET Close Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN FC. Open Extended Reactions COLUMBUS, Ohio — Frankie Hejduk is in his element. The skies are cloudy, with a late fall chill in the air. But on the corner of North High and

Sam Marsden, Barcelona correspondentDec 8, 2023, 04:30 AM ET Open Extended Reactions GIRONA, Spain — Something special is cooking in Girona, and that’s doesn’t just mean the giant paella served to supporters outside their Montilivi stadium before matches. Last weekend, they came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 to remain top of LaLiga, level with

Cesar Hernandez Dec 7, 2023, 08:57 PM ET Open Extended Reactions The draw for next summer’s Copa America has placed the tournament host United States in a group with the competition’s joint all-time champions Uruguay, while fellow Concacaf invitees Mexico will face Ecuador. Current title-holders and defending champions Argentina — tied with Uruguay for the

Dec 7, 2023, 09:58 PM ET Open Extended Reactions Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina who are current holders of the Copa America and World Cup, presents the Copa America trophy during the official group stage draw on Dec. 7. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images) The stage is now officially set for the 2024

Sid Lowe, Spain writerDec 7, 2023, 10:34 AM ET CAGLIARI, Italy — Jakub Jankto just wants to play football, like he always did. The Czech midfielder sits by his locker in the dressing room at Unipol Domus, Cagliari Calcio’s temporary home while the Stadio Sant’Elia silently awaits reconstruction next door. A small red-and-blue shirt cut

Open Extended Reactions Video Assistant Referee causes controversy every week in the Premier League, but how are decisions made, and are they correct? After each weekend we take a look at the major incidents, to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game. – How VAR

Open Extended Reactions MANCHESTER — Erik ten Hag has taken back control at Manchester United by proving that no player is bigger than the team. By dropping Marcus Rashford and then seeing his side seal a 2-1 win against Chelsea on Wednesday, Ten Hag has delivered a clear message to the dissenters in the dressing-room.

Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterDec 6, 2023, 10:29 AM ET Close • Joined ESPN in 2011• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Open Extended Reactions England’s woes were confirmed after their 6-0 win over Scotland, which wasn’t enough to send

Open Extended Reactions LONDON — The summer signing who nobody questioned bailed out the one most people did. Just when it appeared as though Mikel Arteta would face another inquisition over his goalkeeper choices, Declan Rice popped up with a priceless header beyond added time to earn Arsenal a stunning 4-3 win at Luton Town

Declan Rice‘s header deep in stoppage time sealed an enthralling 4-3 victory for Arsenal over Luton Town to send them five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Tuesday. Time was almost up when Rice found space to glance a header into the net with virtually the last action of the game,

Dec 5, 2023, 05:00 AM ET Open Extended Reactions Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was crowned Europe’s “Golden Boy” in an award ceremony on Monday night that recognises the best player under the age of 21 across Europe’s top leagues in the calendar year of 2023. And what a year it has been for the

Rob Dawson, CorrespondentDec 5, 2023, 06:36 AM ET Open Extended Reactions Manchester United had a positive first season under manager Erik ten Hag. It was meant to be the foundation for the Dutchman to take his team onto bigger and better things, but after four months of this campaign, the mood around Old Trafford is

Dec 4, 2023, 10:14 AM ET Open Extended Reactions Columbus Crew won the 2023 MLS Eastern Conference finals after a dramatic comeback victory against FC Cincinnati. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) The MLS Cup playoffs delivered more drama and excitement in the conference finals as Columbus Crew stunned FC Cincinnati in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win

Gabriele Marcotti, Senior Writer, ESPN FCDec 4, 2023, 12:06 PM ET Open Extended Reactions It’s been another fun weekend in Europe’s top leagues this weekend, so let’s review. Manchester City‘s 3-3 draw with Tottenham provided goals and high drama, while Barcelona‘s impressive win over Atletico Madrid will help ease a lot of the pressure on