New York Red Bulls defeated Reading United 2-0 in the US Open Cup. The fixture is part of the 3rd Round stage in the 2013 season. The match was played at Red Bull Arena in Wals-Siezenheim. The full-time result capped a New York Red Bulls vs Reading United meeting in US Open Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for New York Red Bulls and Reading United. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
US Open Cup
New York Red Bulls YOR
Reading UnitedRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
New York Red Bulls defeated Reading United 2-0 in the US Open Cup. The fixture is part of the 3rd Round stage in the 2013 season. The match was played at Red Bull Arena in Wals-Siezenheim. The full-time result capped a New York Red Bulls vs Reading United meeting in US Open Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for New York Red Bulls and Reading United. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
US Open CupNew York Red Bulls YORReading UnitedRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Desperately searching for a crucial MLS boost in the early hours of Sunday, New York will welcome Orlando to the Sports Illustrated Stadium this weekend. With the MLS firmly stealing centre stage, there are a host of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 4/9 Bookmaker: BetUS […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City appeared first on SoccerNews.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will pit the best players from MLS against the best from Liga MX in Charlotte. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game takes place this Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, pitting the league’s best against a Liga MX all-star squad in a rivalry that continues to grow every year. This year’s edition arrives with plenty of storylines, from young breakout talents to World Cup-tested veterans on both sides of the border. One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start. Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting. Our best. Their best. 🥊Watch the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars at 8pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/9ojkoIf5TD pic.twitter.com/R0WmikKJT1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2026 On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions. MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire). Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC). Liga MX All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas). Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara). Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca). Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).
New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC will meet at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday evening, as both sides return to MLS action with playoff positioning in mind. The Red Bulls enter the match looking to respond after a 3-1 defeat to Philadelphia Union, while Charlotte arrives level on points with New York after a […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC appeared first on SoccerNews.
Lionel Messi will not be present for the MLS All-Star Game, missing the event for the second consecutive year. Lionel Messi will once again be absent from the MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on Wednesday, July 29, against Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues. Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason. Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place. MLS Announces Additions to Roster for the 2026 @MLS All-Star Game presented by Chimehttps://t.co/o4H3NhF44U— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 25, 2026 Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition? This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload. Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension. MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Joe Allen says he is taking a break from football after leaving Swansea City and admits his future could lie away from the game. The central midfielder retired from professional football in May 2025 but was part of Vitor Matos' backroom staff after the Portuguese boss replaced Alan Sheehan as Swansea head coach in November.
Henrik Rydstrom vowed that the Columbus Crew will put in the work needed to rectify their slow start to the MLS season, after falling to yet another defeat. Rydstrom watched on as Columbus were beaten 3-0 by New York City FC at the weekend, with Hannes Wolf’s hat-trick dealing the Crew their sixth league loss […] The post New York Red Bulls v Columbus Crew: Rydstrom vows to turn disappointment into results appeared first on Soccer News.
MLS veteran Felipe Martins talks exclusively to World Soccer Talk about the "difficult process" of retirement, his battle with a heart defect, and his new role at The Island F.C. One year ago, Felipe Martins’ life changed forever. After a 17-year playing career that took him from Brazil to Italy to Switzerland to Canada and the U.S., Martins called it quits on soccer and transitioned to a new journey of coaching. “I realized that it was time to retire in the middle of 2024. I started to see it and feel it; physically, I could continue, for sure, but mentally, I was struggling,” stated Martins in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “I think that was the moment for me where I was starting to see that, ‘Yeah, I think it’s time.’ It was very difficult, it still is very difficult, but now I’m in a process where I have understood that soccer has given me so many things. People of soccer treated me in a certain way because of what I could provide, and because of who I am.” “Friends that I’ve lost, I understood that they were there just because of what I could provide, and also who I was—even family. The reality is that after you retire, you basically have nothing to offer anymore, and people just disappear, you know? But it was a moment where I could connect more with myself and understand that nobody owes you anything. You just need to take care of yourself and always do the best for yourself, because people will always be just people. It’s a transactional relationship where you give something, and they give you something. It’s very difficult to find people who really like you for who you are, and not for what you can provide.” Born on September 30, 1990, Martins was raised in Engenheiro Beltrão, Brazil, but left at the age of 10 to pursue his luck in Santa Catarina and then Rio de Janeiro, before eventually heading to Europe and joining Calcio Padova in 2008. However, he would play just five times before being diagnosed with a minor heart defect: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Unable to play in the league, Martins left the Italian third tier and, after a brief hiatus, made the move to Swiss outfit FC Winterthur. After bouncing around Switzerland at Winterthur, FC Lugano, and FC Wohlen, Martins headed across the Atlantic and joined MLS expansion side Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal), where he played alongside legendary defender Alessandro Nesta. He established himself as a vital cog in midfield with 14 goals and 21 assists in 107 appearances, leading them to their first two trophies as an MLS club after winning the Canadian Championship in 2013 and 2014. Martins then reunited with ex-Montréal coach Jesse Marsch at the New York Red Bulls, where he registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 125 appearances and guided them to the 2015 Supporters’ Shield as well as a trip to the 2017 U.S. Open Cup Final, before returning to Canada ahead of the 2018 season. After a fairly brief spell with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Martins then took his talents to D.C. United, where he cemented his status as the team’s midfield linchpin until tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training on September 1, 2020. But rather than break, Martins merely bent and quickly reasserted himself as a leader in the Black and Red’s midfield. “My proudest moment was when I came back from my injury, you know what I mean? I think it’s the moment that just solidified who I am and who I was. Coming from an injury is never easy, but I think I’ve done very well since I was injured, and I came back from my ACL injury in 2020. You lose speed, you lose explosiveness, but my part is just that it was tough mentally to overcome that challenge, and I think I did the best way I could at the moment.” Martins then made the move to Austin FC in 2022, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time and make it all the way to the Conference Finals, earning praise from the likes of Troy Townsend for his performances, before eventually taking his talents to Orlando City. However,
Inter Miami and Orlando City will face off this Saturday in the most anticipated Major League Soccer matchup of the weekend, with all eyes on Lionel Messi. This Saturday brings another edition of the Florida derby, with Inter Miami under pressure to secure a win at Nu Stadium against Orlando City to remain among the contenders in Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup. The Herons went through a midseason coaching change, but it did not affect them. Under Guillermo Hoyos, they have put together a strong run of results that has them sitting second in the standings with 19 points, three behind leaders Nashville SC. However, Inter Miami still have unfinished business: winning for the first time at Nu Stadium. The venue officially opened in early April, and since then they have played three matches there—against Austin FC, New York Red Bulls, and New England Revolution—drawing all of them. On the other side will be Orlando City, who are currently experiencing a very different reality from their rivals. They did not start the season well and sit 14th in the Eastern Conference, with just two wins in 10 matches. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos. While they await the arrival of Antoine Griezmann, who will join after finishing the 2025–26 season with Atletico Madrid, the Lions need to improve their performances in MLS, and Saturday’s clash presents an ideal opportunity to begin that turnaround. Confirmed Inter Miami lineup For this match, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be without two key squad members: Sergio Reguilon and Mateo Silvetti are out due to injury. The good news is that Lionel Messi is fully fit. Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez, German Berterame. Confirmed Orlando City lineup In recent weeks, Orlando City have alternated wins and losses in MLS. Their last match was a 4-3 victory over New England Revolution, which gives them momentum heading into Saturday. However, the challenge will now be much greater, and head coach Martin Perelman will need to design an effective defensive strategy to contain Lionel Messi. Orlando City’s confirmed lineup is: Maxime Crepeau; Griffin Dorsey, Iago, Robin Jansson, Adrian Marin; Braian Ojeda, Luis Otavio, Martin Ojeda; Ivan Angulo, Tiago, Justin Ellis.
In just three months at San Jose Earthquakes, Timo Werner was named as April Player of the Month, a feat not even Lionel Messi at Inter Miami wasn't able to achieve. Timo Werner has become a vital piece for a San Jose Earthquakes side currently dominating the 2026 MLS season, with the German star claiming his first Player of the Month award just three months after joining. With such an immediate impact, Werner has managed to establish himself as a dominant force on the pitch even faster than Lionel Messi did upon joining Inter Miami. After logging just 13 minutes across three Bundesliga matches for RB Leipzig in the first half of the 2025-26 season, Werner sought a move away from Germany during the winter transfer window. On January 29th, he was officially announced as the newest member of the SJ Earthquakes, taking one of the club’s Designated Player spots. While his league debut started slowly, tallying 200 minutes in his first four appearances and missing three others, April proved to be his breakthrough. With a league-high seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in April, Werner was voted the MLS Player of the Month. The Earthquakes enjoyed a formidable run in April, pulling off five consecutive wins while outscoring opponents 16-5. The German star returned from injury against Los Angeles FC with a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win, continued his streak against Austin FC, and finally netted a brace with an assist to spark a 3-2 comeback road victory over St. Louis City. Player of the Month ⏰🗞️ | #Quakes74 Forward Timo Werner Named MLS Player of the Month for April 2026➡️ https://t.co/M3j6wWrh4b pic.twitter.com/Pzq1N3XL6g— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 30, 2026 Just three months since his January arrival, Werner has already etched his name into the MLS history books. By winning the Player of the Month award for April, he became only the second German player to earn the honor, joining Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar, who has won the award twice. How long did it take Messi to win his first MLS POTM? Lionel Messi currently sits tied for 5th all-time with five MLS Player of the Month awards, level with Luciano Acosta and trailing only legend Chris Wondolowski, who holds the record with seven. However, in terms of immediate impact from his debut, Werner has actually outpaced the Inter Miami ace. Following the expiration of his PSG contract, Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, with more than half of the season already completed. The Argentine made his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls on August 26, but he was limited to just five more appearances that campaign due to recurring injuries. After regaining full fitness and settling in with Inter Miami, Messi’s first MLS Player of the Month award arrived in April 2024. During that month, he recorded a staggering six goals and four assists in just four matches. While Messi claimed his first award in his fifth month of active league competition (accounting for the unified Feb/March window), Werner secured his in just his second.
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Desperately searching for a crucial MLS boost in the early hours of Sunday, New York will welcome Orlando to the Sports Illustrated Stadium this weekend. With the MLS firmly stealing centre stage, there are a host of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves Best Odds: 4/9 Bookmaker: BetUS […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City appeared first on SoccerNews.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will pit the best players from MLS against the best from Liga MX in Charlotte. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game takes place this Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, pitting the league’s best against a Liga MX all-star squad in a rivalry that continues to grow every year. This year’s edition arrives with plenty of storylines, from young breakout talents to World Cup-tested veterans on both sides of the border. One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start. Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting. Our best. Their best. 🥊Watch the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars at 8pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/9ojkoIf5TD pic.twitter.com/R0WmikKJT1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2026 On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions. MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire). Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC). Liga MX All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas). Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara). Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca). Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).
New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC will meet at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday evening, as both sides return to MLS action with playoff positioning in mind. The Red Bulls enter the match looking to respond after a 3-1 defeat to Philadelphia Union, while Charlotte arrives level on points with New York after a […] The post Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC appeared first on SoccerNews.
Lionel Messi will not be present for the MLS All-Star Game, missing the event for the second consecutive year. Lionel Messi will once again be absent from the MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on Wednesday, July 29, against Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues. Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason. Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place. MLS Announces Additions to Roster for the 2026 @MLS All-Star Game presented by Chimehttps://t.co/o4H3NhF44U— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 25, 2026 Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition? This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload. Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension. MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Joe Allen says he is taking a break from football after leaving Swansea City and admits his future could lie away from the game. The central midfielder retired from professional football in May 2025 but was part of Vitor Matos' backroom staff after the Portuguese boss replaced Alan Sheehan as Swansea head coach in November.
Henrik Rydstrom vowed that the Columbus Crew will put in the work needed to rectify their slow start to the MLS season, after falling to yet another defeat. Rydstrom watched on as Columbus were beaten 3-0 by New York City FC at the weekend, with Hannes Wolf’s hat-trick dealing the Crew their sixth league loss […] The post New York Red Bulls v Columbus Crew: Rydstrom vows to turn disappointment into results appeared first on Soccer News.
MLS veteran Felipe Martins talks exclusively to World Soccer Talk about the "difficult process" of retirement, his battle with a heart defect, and his new role at The Island F.C. One year ago, Felipe Martins’ life changed forever. After a 17-year playing career that took him from Brazil to Italy to Switzerland to Canada and the U.S., Martins called it quits on soccer and transitioned to a new journey of coaching. “I realized that it was time to retire in the middle of 2024. I started to see it and feel it; physically, I could continue, for sure, but mentally, I was struggling,” stated Martins in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “I think that was the moment for me where I was starting to see that, ‘Yeah, I think it’s time.’ It was very difficult, it still is very difficult, but now I’m in a process where I have understood that soccer has given me so many things. People of soccer treated me in a certain way because of what I could provide, and because of who I am.” “Friends that I’ve lost, I understood that they were there just because of what I could provide, and also who I was—even family. The reality is that after you retire, you basically have nothing to offer anymore, and people just disappear, you know? But it was a moment where I could connect more with myself and understand that nobody owes you anything. You just need to take care of yourself and always do the best for yourself, because people will always be just people. It’s a transactional relationship where you give something, and they give you something. It’s very difficult to find people who really like you for who you are, and not for what you can provide.” Born on September 30, 1990, Martins was raised in Engenheiro Beltrão, Brazil, but left at the age of 10 to pursue his luck in Santa Catarina and then Rio de Janeiro, before eventually heading to Europe and joining Calcio Padova in 2008. However, he would play just five times before being diagnosed with a minor heart defect: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Unable to play in the league, Martins left the Italian third tier and, after a brief hiatus, made the move to Swiss outfit FC Winterthur. After bouncing around Switzerland at Winterthur, FC Lugano, and FC Wohlen, Martins headed across the Atlantic and joined MLS expansion side Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal), where he played alongside legendary defender Alessandro Nesta. He established himself as a vital cog in midfield with 14 goals and 21 assists in 107 appearances, leading them to their first two trophies as an MLS club after winning the Canadian Championship in 2013 and 2014. Martins then reunited with ex-Montréal coach Jesse Marsch at the New York Red Bulls, where he registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 125 appearances and guided them to the 2015 Supporters’ Shield as well as a trip to the 2017 U.S. Open Cup Final, before returning to Canada ahead of the 2018 season. After a fairly brief spell with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Martins then took his talents to D.C. United, where he cemented his status as the team’s midfield linchpin until tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training on September 1, 2020. But rather than break, Martins merely bent and quickly reasserted himself as a leader in the Black and Red’s midfield. “My proudest moment was when I came back from my injury, you know what I mean? I think it’s the moment that just solidified who I am and who I was. Coming from an injury is never easy, but I think I’ve done very well since I was injured, and I came back from my ACL injury in 2020. You lose speed, you lose explosiveness, but my part is just that it was tough mentally to overcome that challenge, and I think I did the best way I could at the moment.” Martins then made the move to Austin FC in 2022, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time and make it all the way to the Conference Finals, earning praise from the likes of Troy Townsend for his performances, before eventually taking his talents to Orlando City. However,
Inter Miami and Orlando City will face off this Saturday in the most anticipated Major League Soccer matchup of the weekend, with all eyes on Lionel Messi. This Saturday brings another edition of the Florida derby, with Inter Miami under pressure to secure a win at Nu Stadium against Orlando City to remain among the contenders in Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup. The Herons went through a midseason coaching change, but it did not affect them. Under Guillermo Hoyos, they have put together a strong run of results that has them sitting second in the standings with 19 points, three behind leaders Nashville SC. However, Inter Miami still have unfinished business: winning for the first time at Nu Stadium. The venue officially opened in early April, and since then they have played three matches there—against Austin FC, New York Red Bulls, and New England Revolution—drawing all of them. On the other side will be Orlando City, who are currently experiencing a very different reality from their rivals. They did not start the season well and sit 14th in the Eastern Conference, with just two wins in 10 matches. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos. While they await the arrival of Antoine Griezmann, who will join after finishing the 2025–26 season with Atletico Madrid, the Lions need to improve their performances in MLS, and Saturday’s clash presents an ideal opportunity to begin that turnaround. Confirmed Inter Miami lineup For this match, head coach Guillermo Hoyos will be without two key squad members: Sergio Reguilon and Mateo Silvetti are out due to injury. The good news is that Lionel Messi is fully fit. Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez, German Berterame. Confirmed Orlando City lineup In recent weeks, Orlando City have alternated wins and losses in MLS. Their last match was a 4-3 victory over New England Revolution, which gives them momentum heading into Saturday. However, the challenge will now be much greater, and head coach Martin Perelman will need to design an effective defensive strategy to contain Lionel Messi. Orlando City’s confirmed lineup is: Maxime Crepeau; Griffin Dorsey, Iago, Robin Jansson, Adrian Marin; Braian Ojeda, Luis Otavio, Martin Ojeda; Ivan Angulo, Tiago, Justin Ellis.
In just three months at San Jose Earthquakes, Timo Werner was named as April Player of the Month, a feat not even Lionel Messi at Inter Miami wasn't able to achieve. Timo Werner has become a vital piece for a San Jose Earthquakes side currently dominating the 2026 MLS season, with the German star claiming his first Player of the Month award just three months after joining. With such an immediate impact, Werner has managed to establish himself as a dominant force on the pitch even faster than Lionel Messi did upon joining Inter Miami. After logging just 13 minutes across three Bundesliga matches for RB Leipzig in the first half of the 2025-26 season, Werner sought a move away from Germany during the winter transfer window. On January 29th, he was officially announced as the newest member of the SJ Earthquakes, taking one of the club’s Designated Player spots. While his league debut started slowly, tallying 200 minutes in his first four appearances and missing three others, April proved to be his breakthrough. With a league-high seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in April, Werner was voted the MLS Player of the Month. The Earthquakes enjoyed a formidable run in April, pulling off five consecutive wins while outscoring opponents 16-5. The German star returned from injury against Los Angeles FC with a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win, continued his streak against Austin FC, and finally netted a brace with an assist to spark a 3-2 comeback road victory over St. Louis City. Player of the Month ⏰🗞️ | #Quakes74 Forward Timo Werner Named MLS Player of the Month for April 2026➡️ https://t.co/M3j6wWrh4b pic.twitter.com/Pzq1N3XL6g— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 30, 2026 Just three months since his January arrival, Werner has already etched his name into the MLS history books. By winning the Player of the Month award for April, he became only the second German player to earn the honor, joining Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar, who has won the award twice. How long did it take Messi to win his first MLS POTM? Lionel Messi currently sits tied for 5th all-time with five MLS Player of the Month awards, level with Luciano Acosta and trailing only legend Chris Wondolowski, who holds the record with seven. However, in terms of immediate impact from his debut, Werner has actually outpaced the Inter Miami ace. Following the expiration of his PSG contract, Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, with more than half of the season already completed. The Argentine made his MLS debut against the New York Red Bulls on August 26, but he was limited to just five more appearances that campaign due to recurring injuries. After regaining full fitness and settling in with Inter Miami, Messi’s first MLS Player of the Month award arrived in April 2024. During that month, he recorded a staggering six goals and four assists in just four matches. While Messi claimed his first award in his fifth month of active league competition (accounting for the unified Feb/March window), Werner secured his in just his second.
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