Diego Luna is making his strongest case for a US World Cup roster spot Also in this week’s MLS weekend wrap, Messi saves Miami again, and the Columbus Crew simply can’t hold a lead

“No MLS team has dropped more points from leading positions than Columbus”

#Crew96

“earned a Messi visit” is one of the most cursed phrases I’ve read in a long time. Good lord

Good lucky scatter plot for MLS 2026; SKC is atrocious, Vancouver is incredible

good-lucky catter plot of all MLS teams since 2013

With most teams having played 8 games, the underlying stats are beginning to become useful while still noisy.

Vancouver may be the best MLS team ever and SKC the worst. Both are performing as expected.

There's a huge pack of average teams down on their luck.

Diego Luna is making his strongest case for a US World Cup roster spot Also in this week’s MLS weekend wrap, Messi saves Miami again, and the Columbus Crew simply can’t hold a lead

NEW: Diego Luna is making up for lost time after his early injury, keeping RSL near the top of the West while bolstering his World Cup case.

Plus! The Crew keep dropping points, Miami leans into Messi-dependencia, and more in my Monday MLS column: www.theguardian.com/football/202...

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

trying to double check official stats on MLSsoccer dot com is no longer reliable. Diego Luna scored last night. His profile page on the league site says he didn't.

It's such mind numbingly basic stuff. These mistakes are so small time.

Yes.

Andoni Iraola pulled Bournemouth out of Howe’s shadow and toward a stable, hopeful future | Jeff Rueter The manager, set to depart after this season, transformed the Cherries into a legitimate talent factory and one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides

After Bournemouth's win away to Newcastle today, worth revisiting @jeffrueter.bsky.social's piece for @sport.theguardian.com on manager Andoni Iraola from earlier this week.

www.theguardian.com/football/202...

Why did Michelin snub St Paul in its guide to the best restaurants in the Great Lakes region? Critics warn smaller and immigrant-run restaurants risk being overlooked as city-funded deal shapes dining map

The Guardian is FINALLY asking the right questions about global politics! www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

Andoni Iraola pulled Bournemouth out of Howe’s shadow and toward a stable, hopeful future | Jeff Rueter

The manager, set to depart after this season, transformed the Cherries into a legitimate talent factory and one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides

How bad analytics built a Tottenham team that might get relegated Tottenham are really bad and looking at the way this team has been constructed, one thing clearly stands out: This team is really bad at passing the ball, and that may explain their present malaise.

I wrote about how Spurs used new some numbers terribly and ended up with a super-expensive team of players who can't pass: www.espn.com/soccer/story...

Perfect - you handle that part and then we'll kick off the rest.

Michael Bradley’s Red Bulls are impressing in MLS – what could come next? The longtime USMNT standout is following in the footsteps of his father, coaching with a deep appreciation of what makes American soccer special

Excellent work by @sanjaysujan.bsky.social on this extensive Michael Bradley profile. Already a hot commodity as a domestic up-and-comer, but really appreciated how Sanjay got Bradley to reflect on his USMNT career.

Must-read at @us.theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/football/202...

Endorsed. Any plan that doesn’t hinge on us pirating a barge just won’t do.

The very same! New sponsor for this year.

Riding on the coattails of a well-done kit. It’s the dream.

Ah, thanks man. Hardly cut out for influencer work, but I’ll overextend on rare occasions.

This site simply can't afford another crash today.

Launching a gofundme to erect a pitch on a parked barge in the Mississippi. Border-breaking initiative.

I might be a Saint Paul guy, but Minneapolis City has been my local club throughout its first decade. They’ve been doing black-and-pink right long before it went mainstream.

Really enjoy the execution of this design! Stimulus makes some of the most comfortable kits on the market these days.

Andoni Iraola pulled Bournemouth out of Howe’s shadow and toward a stable, hopeful future | Jeff Rueter The manager, set to depart after this season, transformed the Cherries into a legitimate talent factory and one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides

NEW: Andoni Iraola will leave AFC Bournemouth better than he found it. His dynamic, direct approach brought the best out of many players — an entertaining alternative to the Premier League’s tenser teams.

Reflecting on his brilliant Basque-inspired Cherries: www.theguardian.com/football/202...

Andoni Iraola pulled Bournemouth out of Howe’s shadow and toward a stable, hopeful future The manager, set to depart after this season, transformed the Cherries into a legitimate talent factory and one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides The walls of the Emirates could hardly contain Andoni Iraola’s beaming grin. As he crossed the touchline last Saturday after Bournemouth’s 2-1 win, his stride wasn’t one of rushing disbelief. He applauded the away support in between tousles of his charges’ heads and slaps on their sweat-soaked backs. The coach knew his side had completely outplayed the league leaders for their third win in four against Arsenal. This wasn’t a Bournemouth upset of old. It was further evidence that these arenas have never been more welcoming to the Cherries – and these arenas are the sites that Iraola is ready to call his next home. Continue reading...

Andoni Iraola pulled Bournemouth out of Howe’s shadow and toward a stable, hopeful future

Tigres just subbed on Diego Sanchez, who’s listed at 5’1

Miazga wouldn’t be able to contain himself

Best game I’ve seen from Jesus Ferreira since his 2022 YPOY campaign, I think. Did so much to keep Seattle from ceding an edge this half.

Hell of a hit from Rusnak. Who needs sleep when CONCACAF Champions Cup is at its best

We’re in peak CONCACAF After Dark range already, but sheeeh I don’t know how Purata isn’t getting cautioned for that shove…

Done in 90’ I reckon!

And they claim there’s no soccer heritage here…

Unreal win by One Knoxville, coming back twice and advancing in U.S. Open Cup via six-round shootout in an MLS venue.

That said: awful look for DC United to fall to a third division opponent. All credit to Ian Fuller’s Knoxville: United was outplayed at Audi Field.

We're going to learn so much about leadership tomorrow