Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Messi Hat-Trick Powers Inter Miami Past FC Cincinnati in 5-3 Thriller
Lionel Messi claimed his third MLS hat-trick as Inter Miami rallied from a 3-2 deficit to defeat host FC Cincinnati 5-3 on Wednesday at TQL Stadium, extending the Herons’ road winning streak to five matches. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a Matt Miazga error before Kevin Denkey equalized from the spot before halftime. Cincinnati built a 3-2 lead in the second half, but Mateo Silvetti leveled at 3-3 in the 79th minute before Germán Berterame netted the go-ahead goal in the 84th. Messi added a decisive third to seal the result. Inter Miami moved level with Nashville SC atop the Eastern Conference with 22 points.
Sources: Al Jazeera, MLSSoccer.com
Cruz Azul and Chivas Play Out Tense 2-2 Draw in Clausura Semifinal First Leg
Cruz Azul and Guadalajara Chivas drew 2-2 in the first leg of the Liga BBVA MX Clausura 2026 semifinals on Wednesday at Estadio Banorte. Bryan González and Christian Ebere scored for Cruz Azul, while Santiago Sandoval and Ángel Sepúlveda netted for Chivas. The result leaves the tie wide open ahead of the second leg at Estadio Jalisco on Saturday, May 16. Should the aggregate remain level after the return fixture, Chivas hold the tiebreaker by virtue of their superior regular-season standing. Pachuca and Pumas UNAM contest the other semifinal first leg Thursday evening at Estadio Hidalgo.
Sources: ESPN, FOX Sports
Timbers Twice Come From Behind to Draw 2-2 at CF Montréal
Portland Timbers twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Stade Saputo on Wednesday, ending CF Montréal’s four-match home winning streak. Kevin Kelsy canceled the hosts’ 11th-minute opener in the 21st minute before Wikelman Carmona restored Montréal’s lead just before halftime. Cole Bassett’s 77th-minute hustle effort salvaged the point for Portland, with goalkeeper James Pantemis making six saves across the evening. Portland finished with 56 percent possession but were outshot 22-15 on the night. The draw leaves both clubs mid-table in their respective conference playoff races, with Portland seeking consistency and Montréal unable to hold a late advantage.
Sources: ESPN
Fan Voting Opens for 2026 MLS All-Star Game at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium
Major League Soccer opened fan voting on Wednesday for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime, scheduled for July 29 at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium. Fans can cast ballots at mlssoccer.com/vote through 11:59 p.m. PT on May 21. The MLS All-Stars will face a Liga MX All-Star XI in the showcase event. Fans, players, and media collectively determine 11 of the 26 roster spots, selecting one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith will handpick 13 additional players, with commissioner Don Garber choosing two further selections. The match marks the first All-Star Game hosted at the venue.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com
Forge FC Extend CPL Lead with 1-0 School Day Match Win Over Supra du Québec
Forge FC extended their lead atop the Canadian Premier League table with a 1-0 victory over FC Supra du Québec at Hamilton Stadium on Wednesday, in the club’s annual School Day Match. Daniel Nimick provided the decisive goal in the 56th minute in front of 15,122 fans, the majority of them children from Hamilton-area schools attending the league’s signature community fixture. The result gave Forge their fifth clean sheet in six CPL matches, keeping the Hammers unbeaten through the 2026 season. Hamilton’s combination of defensive solidity and consistent finishing has established them as the early frontrunners for the CPL title in what is becoming a dominant campaign.
Sources: CPL Soccer
Cardoso Ankle Surgery Rules USMNT Midfielder Out of 2026 World Cup
Atlético Madrid confirmed that United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo ankle surgery, effectively ruling the 24-year-old out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup just 31 days before the tournament kicks off. Cardoso suffered a high-grade right ankle sprain during club training, with scans revealing joint damage requiring surgical repair. The procedure’s recovery timeline makes participation in the June tournament near-certain to be impossible. The World Cup opens when the USMNT face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to unveil the 26-man squad on May 26 in New York City, and Cardoso had been regarded as a key midfield piece for the host nation.
Sources: Soccer America, The Score
MLS Launches Four-Part World Cup Documentary Series, Cup Dreams Premieres on Amazon
Major League Soccer launched four original documentary series Thursday as part of a content push ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The headline release, Cup Dreams, premiered on Amazon Video, Fire TV, and Prime Video, spotlighting MLS players competing at the tournament. Three companion series — Cup Reflections, National Anthems, and Breakaway — will roll out across Apple TV, Fox, Tubi, and MLS-owned platforms throughout the summer, spanning 40 stories. The initiative arrives 31 days before the tournament’s June 12 start. MLS positioned the series as a way to deepen connections between club soccer fans and the national team tournament being played on home soil.
Sources: Soccer America
MLS Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference
1. Nashville SC — 22 pts
2. Inter Miami CF — 22 pts
3. Chicago Fire — 18 pts
4. New England Revolution — 18 pts
5. New York City FC — 16 pts
6. Columbus Crew — 15 pts
7. NY Red Bulls — 14 pts
8. D.C. United — 13 pts
9. Charlotte FC — 12 pts
—— Playoff Line ——
10. Toronto FC — 10 pts
11. CF Montréal — 9 pts
12. FC Cincinnati — 9 pts
13. Atlanta United — 7 pts
14. Orlando City — 7 pts
15. Philadelphia Union — 5 pts
MLS Western Conference
Western Conference
1. San Jose Earthquakes — 27 pts
2. Vancouver Whitecaps — 24 pts
3. LAFC — 20 pts
4. Seattle Sounders — 19 pts
5. Minnesota United — 17 pts
6. Real Salt Lake — 16 pts
7. Colorado Rapids — 13 pts
8. FC Dallas — 13 pts
9. Houston Dynamo — 12 pts
—— Playoff Line ——
10. LA Galaxy — 12 pts
11. Portland Timbers — 11 pts
12. Austin FC — 10 pts
13. Sporting Kansas City — 8 pts
14. St. Louis City SC — 7 pts
15. San Diego FC — 6 pts
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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