Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Nashville SC Eliminated by Tigres UANL in Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal
Nashville SC’s remarkable Concacaf Champions Cup run ended Tuesday night at Estadio Universitario in Monterrey, as Tigres UANL eliminated the MLS side 2-0 on aggregate in the semifinal. Juan Brunetta struck in the 68th minute, finishing off a layoff from Ángel Correa — who had also scored the decisive first-leg goal on April 28. Nashville had stunned Club América at Estadio Azteca in the quarterfinals, becoming the first MLS team to win a competitive match there, but Tigres proved too strong over two legs. Coach B.J. Callaghan’s side was also missing leading scorer Sam Surridge. Tigres advance to face LAFC or Toluca in the May 30 final.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com
Atlético Ottawa Stuns Toronto FC 3-1, Advances in Canadian Championship
Reigning Canadian Premier League champions Atlético Ottawa pulled off a stunning upset Tuesday at BMO Field, eliminating eight-time Canadian Championship winners Toronto FC 3-1 in the 2026 TELUS Canadian Championship preliminary round. DeAndre Kerr opened the scoring in the 16th minute, taking a feed from Derrick Etienne Jr. Ottawa forward Ballou Tabla then took over in the second half, leveling in the 71st minute before adding a go-ahead breakaway goal. Tabla completed his hat trick from the penalty spot in extra time, capping a dominant display. Ottawa will next face FC Supra du Québec in the quarterfinals.
Sources: Panow
LAFC Enter Toluca CCC Semifinal Second Leg Holding 2-1 Aggregate Advantage
Los Angeles FC enter Wednesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal second leg at Estadio Nemesio Díez holding a 2-1 aggregate advantage over Deportivo Toluca, with leading scorer Denis Bouanga returning from suspension. Timothy Tillman and Nkosi Tafari scored in the first leg, while Toluca’s Jesús Angulo struck late to give the Liga MX side a valuable away goal. Son Heung-Min, who assisted twice in Leg 1, has 16 goal contributions across all competitions this season. Toluca have won both home matches in this tournament by a combined 8-2, making Estadio Nemesio Díez a daunting venue. Kick-off is 9:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com
Diego Luna’s Red-Hot RSL Form Puts Midfielder in Prime World Cup Contention
Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna has staked his claim for the United States World Cup roster with a red-hot stretch of form, recently reaching 50 career goal contributions (25 goals, 25 assists) in just 101 RSL appearances. After missing March’s international window with a knee injury, the 21-year-old has registered five goal contributions across his last five starts. ESPN’s MLS Power Rankings feature RSL prominently alongside emerging forward Zavier Gozo, with the club near the top of the Western Conference. Coach Mauricio Pochettino reveals his 26-man World Cup squad on May 26 live on FOX, with the USA opening group play against Paraguay on June 12.
Sources: ESPN
MLS Legend Kei Kamara Retires at 41 After Record-Setting 18-Season Career
MLS legend Kei Kamara announced his retirement Monday at age 41, closing the book on one of the most storied careers in North American soccer history. The Sierra Leone-born striker netted 147 regular-season goals — second all-time in MLS — across a record 12 different clubs over 18 seasons. His 464 MLS regular-season appearances rank third all-time for field players. A two-time MLS All-Star and 2015 Best XI selection, Kamara lifted two US Open Cup trophies during his career. In a farewell video, he said he played “for the love of the game,” becoming a beloved figure across dozens of MLS markets.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Olivia Moultrie Becomes Youngest Player to Reach 100 NWSL Appearances
Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie became the youngest player in NWSL history to make 100 regular-season appearances, achieving the milestone Sunday at age 20 during the Thorns’ 2-0 victory at Chicago Stars. Moultrie recorded a goal and an assist in the landmark match, becoming only the 13th player in league history to score in her 100th NWSL appearance. She broke the record previously set by Trinity Rodman just this March. Elsewhere in NWSL Matchweek 6, Washington Spirit extended their winning streak to four matches, Boston Legacy FC earned their first-ever regular-season victory, and Bay FC continued their charge up the standings.
Sources: Equalizer Soccer
Atlanta United, CF Montréal Fined After Mass Confrontation in Matchday 11
The MLS Disciplinary Committee fined both Atlanta United and CF Montréal following a mass confrontation in the 91st minute of their Matchday 11 fixture, marking Atlanta’s second Mass Confrontation Policy violation of the 2026 season. The incident added to a turbulent week for Atlanta, which also saw forward Guilherme handed a separate disciplinary decision by the committee. The league has been active enforcing its mass confrontation policies throughout the 2026 campaign, issuing multiple fines and suspensions across both conferences. Atlanta United currently sit in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference standings despite the ongoing disciplinary concerns.
Sources: OneFootball
MLS Eastern Conference
Through Matchday 11
1. Nashville SC — 22 pts
2. Inter Miami CF — 19 pts
3. Chicago Fire — (playoff)
4. New England Rev. — (playoff)
Full table: mlssoccer.com
MLS Western Conference
Through Matchday 11
1. San Jose Earthquakes — 27 pts
2. Vancouver Whitecaps — 24 pts
3. LAFC — (playoff)
4. Real Salt Lake — (playoff)
Full table: mlssoccer.com
Concacaf Champions Cup
Semifinals
Tigres UANL def. Nashville SC — 2-0 agg.
LAFC vs. Toluca — LAFC lead 2-1 agg. (Leg 2 tonight)
Final: May 30 in Guadalajara
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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