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Messi-Ronaldo reunion is just one part of Saudi Arabia’s big soccer plans

Cristiano Ronaldo generated worldwide headlines with his move to Al Nassr in December, and Lionel Messi could follow in his great rival’s footsteps by moving to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) this summer. But while football’s two biggest stars are raising Saudi Arabia’s football profile, intentionally or otherwise, sources told ESPN that this summer will see a change in the type of players moving to the Middle East nation. Saudi…

Man Utd stunned by 2 late OGs in Sevilla draw

Manchester United were left stunned by two late own goals as Sevilla rescued a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal on Thursday. Marcel Sabitzer scored twice, seven minutes apart, in the first half after through balls from Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial to put United in control of the match and seemingly the tie ahead of next week’s second leg in Spain.…

2023 Women’s World Cup: Sophia Smith, Lauren James lead breakout players

We’ve passed a key mile marker this week and are now less than 100 days from the summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. We know who the favorites are, and we know the primary questions each favorite will need to answer. And if you’re a casual women’s soccer fan, we know you’ll recognize plenty of veteran faces. Alex Morgan (six goals and three assists in the…

LAFC storms into CCL semis behind Vela’s brace

Carlos Vela scored twice as host Los Angeles FC beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 on Tuesday to complete a 6-0 win in a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series. LAFC advance to a semifinal matchup against either Mexico’s Atlas or the Philadelphia Union. Heading into the second leg of that quarterfinal series on Wednesday in Guadalajara, Mexico, the Union hold a 1-0 lead. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)…

PSG coach Galtier denies racism allegations

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier vehemently denied accusations that he made racist and anti-Muslim comments when he was in charge of French league club Nice, adding Wednesday that he would take legal action. RMC Sport and other French media published reports quoting a leaked email from Nice’s former director of football Julien Fournier to the club’s owners, in which he accused Galtier of saying there were too many Black and…

Lampard: Chelsea need ‘special night’ at Bridge

Frank Lampard insisted “the door is open” for Chelsea to reach the Champions League semifinals, but added they will need a “special night” at Stamford Bridge to find a way past Real Madrid. Madrid took control of their quarterfinal tie on Wednesday as goals from Karim Benzema and substitute Marco Asensio gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side a 2-0 win over the Blues, who played the final half-hour with 10 men following…

Australia’s upset win over England changes the conversation of World Cup faves

LONDON — In manager Sarina Wiegman’s 31st game in charge of England, the Lionesses suffered their first defeat of her tenure after the Matildas scored a goal in each half on a rainy Tuesday in West London. The 2-0 loss to Australia also marked the first time England had conceded more than a single goal in a match under Wiegman. The Matildas went ahead when Aussie striker Sam Kerr chased…

The Women’s World Cup is 100 days away. Here’s what each top team needs to do

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is now officially 100 days away, and of the top 12 ranked teams in the world, there isn’t a single one preparing for the tournament without at least one big reason to worry. These teams comprise the favorites to win it all once the World Cup begins in July, but what could prevent each of them from lifting the trophy? From player revolts, to injured…

St. Louis, Cincy named 1st-time Gold Cup hosts

CONCACAF announced on Monday the 15 venues in 14 cities across the United States and Canada that will host games for the 2023 Gold Cup between June 16-July 16. Three first-time hosts highlight the list with new venues including Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego and the home of MLS expansion side St. Louis City SC, CityPark. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will host group-stage matches and the…