Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Monday, May 18, 2026
Federico Bernardeschi Leads Toronto FC to Historic 6-1 Rout of CF Montréal in Canadian Classique
Federico Bernardeschi produced the finest individual display in Canadian Classique history on Saturday, scoring two goals and adding two assists as Toronto FC demolished CF Montréal 6-1 at BMO Field to set a new club record for goals in a single match. Bernardeschi became the first Toronto FC player ever to record at least two goals and two assists in one game, and the first to score a hat-trick in the Canadian Classique since Ayo Akinola in July 2020. The result vaulted Toronto up the Eastern Conference table heading into MLS Rivalry Week on the final matchday before the seven-week FIFA World Cup break.
Hany Mukhtar Hits 100-Goal Mark in Style with Hat Trick as Nashville SC Top LAFC 3-2
Hany Mukhtar surpassed the 100-goal milestone for Nashville SC in fitting style on Sunday, netting a hat trick to down a struggling Los Angeles FC side 3-2 at GEODIS Park. Two of Mukhtar’s three strikes were trademark free-kick finishes curled expertly around the wall, while the third capped a fluid passing move. The victory lifted Nashville SC into first place in the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings, leapfrogging Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes, with just one matchday remaining before the league pauses seven weeks for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com, MLSSoccer.com (Highlights)
Orlando City Shuts Out Inter Miami for First Time Since 2023, Extends Unbeaten Run to 11 Matches
Orlando City inflicted the first home shutout on Inter Miami since FC Cincinnati on October 7, 2023, winning 1-0 at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday to extend their unbeaten run across all MLS competitions to 11 consecutive matches — the longest active streak in the league. The result was a rare setback for the reigning MLS Cup champions, who had not been held scoreless at home in over two and a half years. Orlando’s defence was resolute throughout, denying Lionel Messi and company in a result that tightened the Eastern Conference standings heading into the World Cup break.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com
Rivalry Week Delivers: NYCFC Blanks Red Bulls, Houston Wins First Road Texas Derby Since 2011
MLS Matchday 14 delivered across several charged derbies on Saturday. New York City FC defeated rivals the New York Red Bulls 2-0 at Citi Field, their third consecutive win in the Hudson River Derby. In Texas, the Houston Dynamo claimed their first road victory against FC Dallas since 2011, winning 2-0 with goals from Jack McGlynn and Griffin Dorsey. Sporting Kansas City, recently described as hitting rock bottom, extended a striking turnaround by taking six points from six across wins over LA Galaxy and Austin FC, lifting themselves clear of the bottom of the overall table.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com, MLSSoccer.com (Matchday 14)
Cruz Azul Eliminate Guadalajara to Reach Liga MX Clausura 2026 Final
Cruz Azul advanced to the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final after eliminating Guadalajara in a two-legged semifinal that concluded Saturday at Estadio Jalisco. Chivas had entered the second leg with what appeared an advantage following the 2-2 first-leg draw on May 13, but Cruz Azul produced a composed performance on the road to end Guadalajara’s tournament run. The Clausura final will be decided before the end of May. The opposite bracket saw Pachuca and Pumas UNAM meet in an improbable semifinal pairing, completing a Liguilla notable for its upsets throughout the knockout rounds.
Sources: ESPN
NWSL Power Rankings: San Diego Wave Claim Top Spot as Washington Spirit Extend Winning Streak
The San Diego Wave moved to the top of ESPN’s NWSL Power Rankings in mid-May after a strong run of form, with the Washington Spirit holding second and maintaining the longest unbeaten streak in the league. Washington has not lost since their season opener, stringing together five consecutive victories with minimal goals conceded. Kansas City Current also emerged as an increasingly credible contender after Temwa Chawinga registered the first hat trick in club history in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Stars. Portland Thorns, who had briefly held the top spot, slipped to third in the latest rankings update.
Sources: ESPN
Eight Days Until Pochettino Names USMNT World Cup Roster, Questions Remain at Key Positions
Mauricio Pochettino will unveil his 26-player USMNT World Cup squad at a live fan event in New York City on May 26 — just eight days from now — with the USA opening group play against Paraguay on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium. Analysis from Soccer America and ESPN highlights unanswered questions at goalkeeper depth, right back, and the second forward role, with several fringe players pushing their cases through strong club form. The squad then faces pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte and Germany on June 6 in Chicago before the group stage begins.
Sources: Soccer America, US Soccer
MLS Eastern Conference
Through Matchday 14 — Top 8 (approx.)
1. Orlando City — 27 pts (8-3-3)
2. Inter Miami CF — 24 pts (7-4-3)
3. New York City FC — 22 pts (6-4-4)
4. Chicago Fire FC — 20 pts (5-4-5)
5. Toronto FC — 19 pts (5-4-5)
6. New England Revolution — 17 pts (4-4-6)
7. Philadelphia Union — 16 pts (4-4-6)
8. Atlanta United FC — 15 pts (4-5-5)
MLS Western Conference
Through Matchday 14 — Top 8 (approx.)
1. Nashville SC — 29 pts (9-2-3)
2. Vancouver Whitecaps — 26 pts (8-2-4)
3. San Jose Earthquakes — 23 pts (7-3-4)
4. LA Galaxy — 21 pts (6-4-4)
5. Houston Dynamo FC — 19 pts (5-4-5)
6. Portland Timbers — 17 pts (4-4-6)
7. Sporting Kansas City — 15 pts (4-5-5)
8. Seattle Sounders FC — 14 pts (3-5-6)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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