Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Thursday, April 30, 2026
LAFC Edges Toluca 2-1 in Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal First Leg
Los Angeles FC hold a 2-1 advantage over Liga MX’s Toluca after Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal first leg at BMO Stadium. LAFC trailed before scoring twice in the second half, with a stoppage-time strike settling the tie. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 39, delivered an authoritative display that has renewed attention on his standing with the French national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup, beginning in late May. The Black and Gold travel to Estadio Nemesio Díez on May 6 for the second leg; the winner advances to the May 30 final, with a 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup berth also at stake.
Sources: ESPN Soccer, Soccer America
US Open Cup: Six More MLS Clubs Advance Wednesday, Completing All-MLS Quarterfinal Field
Six more Major League Soccer sides advanced to the US Open Cup Quarterfinals on Wednesday, completing an all-MLS Round of Eight for the second consecutive year. New York City FC claimed its first-ever Open Cup knockout win over Red Bull New York in the Hudson River Derby. Houston Dynamo required goals in the 89th and 101st minutes to eliminate USL Championship side Louisville City FC. Columbus Crew dispatched USL League One’s One Knoxville SC, while Colorado Rapids edged fellow lower-division side Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Orlando City beat New England Revolution, and St. Louis CITY SC defeated Chicago Fire FC 2-1 after a second-half comeback.
US Open Cup Quarterfinal Draw Set: All-MLS Field to Compete May 19-20
The US Open Cup Quarterfinal draw aired Thursday on CBS Sports Golazo Network, setting an all-MLS Round of Eight for May 19 and 20. San Jose Earthquakes, Atlanta United, New York City FC, Columbus Crew, Orlando City, St. Louis CITY SC, Houston Dynamo, and Colorado Rapids will contest four Quarterfinals, with hosts determined by draw. The tournament’s winner earns prize money and a berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup. MLS clubs have now swept the Quarterfinal round in back-to-back years, extending a dominant stretch in the 111-year-old competition. Semifinal and Final venues were also unveiled as part of Thursday’s broadcast.
Sources: US Soccer, MLSSoccer Bracket
NWSL Scraps Calendar-Flip Vote, Commits to Spring Format Through 2031
The National Women’s Soccer League will keep its spring-to-fall calendar through at least the 2031 season after the board of governors removed a scheduled vote on a proposed flip to a European-style schedule from its Wednesday meeting agenda. Player resistance played a central role in the decision, with the NWSLPA reporting that a majority of players oppose the switch, citing cold-weather market conditions, player health concerns, and conflicts with the FIFA Women’s World Cup cycle. Commissioner Jessica Berman said the league prioritises stability as it continues rapid expansion. MLS is transitioning to a fall-to-spring format, heightening the contrast between the two leagues.
Sources: ESPN Soccer
MLS Eastern Conference
Standings through Apr 27
1. Nashville SC — 22 pts (7-1-1)
2. Inter Miami CF — 19 pts (5-1-4)
3. Chicago Fire FC — 17 pts (5-2-2)
4. New England Rev. — 16 pts (5-3-1)
5. Charlotte FC — 14 pts (4-4-2)
6. Toronto FC — 13 pts (3-3-4)
7. NYCFC — 12 pts (3-4-3)
8. Columbus Crew — 12 pts (3-4-3)
9. FC Cincinnati — 12 pts (3-4-3)
10. DC United — 12 pts (3-4-3)
11. NY Red Bulls — 12 pts (3-4-3)
12. CF Montréal — 9 pts (3-6-0)
13. Atlanta United — 7 pts (2-7-1)
14. Orlando City — 7 pts (2-7-1)
15. Philadelphia Union — 5 pts (1-7-2)
MLS Western Conference
Standings through Apr 27
1. San Jose Earthquakes — 27 pts (9-1-0)
2. Vancouver Whitecaps — 24 pts
3. LAFC — 17 pts (5-2-2)
4. Seattle Sounders FC — points TBC
5. Minnesota United FC — points TBC
Full table: mlssoccer.com/standings
Curated by JD · samwise.agency