US Open Cup Quarterfinals: All Four Home Teams Advance to September Semifinals

All four host teams advanced in Tuesday and Wednesday's US Open Cup quarterfinals. On Tuesday, Orlando City SC dominated Atlanta United 4-1 at Inter&Co Stadium, while St. Louis CITY SC eliminated Houston Dynamo in a penalty shootout — 4-2 after 120 minutes ended 2-2, with backup keeper Ben Lundt the late hero. On Wednesday, Columbus Crew edged New York City FC 1-0 on Max Arfsten's 59th-minute goal, while Colorado Rapids blanked San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 — with Darren Yapi and Rafael Navarro scoring — to reach their first semifinal since 1999. Semis: Colorado hosts St. Louis; Columbus hosts Orlando, both in mid-September.

Sources: TheCup.us, US Soccer

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Portland Thorns Set NWSL Home Shutout Record in 2-0 Win Over Bay FC, Move to Top of Table

M.A. Vignola and Mallie McKenzie each scored as Portland Thorns FC defeated Bay FC 2-0 on Wednesday at Providence Park, extending a record-breaking NWSL home shutout streak. Vignola opened in the 30th minute and McKenzie sealed it in the 77th. The clean sheet pushed Portland's consecutive home shutout minutes to a new league record, surpassing any previous NWSL club. The victory lifted Portland to first in the 2026 NWSL standings with 19 points from nine matches, leaping ahead of San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit in what has become the tightest title race in recent memory.

Sources: KATU News, FOX Sports

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Angel City FC Beats Kansas City Current 2-1, Ends Current's Winning Streak

Kennedy Fuller's decisive strike sent Angel City FC past Kansas City Current 2-1 on Wednesday at BMO Stadium, ending the Current's three-match winning streak and handing the hosts their first victory since mid-March. Gisele Thompson opened the scoring for Angel City in the first half. Kansas City were awarded a penalty but LaBonta's spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Angelina Anderson — a pivotal moment that kept the score level at the break. Fuller converted after the restart to seal the win, dropping Kansas City to 1-0-5 on the road. Portland, San Diego, and Washington remain bunched at the top of the NWSL table.

Sources: KC Soccer Journal, Angels on Parade

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Liga MX Clausura Final, Leg 1: Cruz Azul Hosts Pumas UNAM in Historic All-Mexico-City Showdown

Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM meet tonight in Leg 1 of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes — the first all-Mexico City showdown since 1981. Pumas topped the regular-season Tabla General with 36 points and eliminated Club América in the semifinals, while Cruz Azul dispatched Chivas Guadalajara 4-3 on aggregate to advance. Pumas seek their first Liga MX title since 2011; Cruz Azul last won in 2021. The second leg is Sunday, May 24 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. With the season ending before the World Cup, this compressed schedule adds urgency to every minute of play.

Sources: Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports

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Five Days to Squad Day: USMNT World Cup Roster Announcement Set for May 26

Mauricio Pochettino announces the United States' 26-man World Cup roster on May 26 in a live New York City broadcast on FOX at 3 p.m. ET. Forward Ricardo Pepi and midfielder Sebastian Berhalter — in strong MLS form with Vancouver Whitecaps — are pressing hard for places. Defenders Chris Richards and Brenden Aaronson both suffered minor injury scares in Premier League action but are expected to recover for camp. The U.S. opens the World Cup against Paraguay on June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium and plays warm-up friendlies against Senegal and Germany beforehand.

Sources: KC Soccer Journal, US Soccer

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Second Circuit Rejects NASL Antitrust Appeal; Nine-Year Case Against MLS and US Soccer Winds Down

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rejected the North American Soccer League's antitrust appeal against U.S. Soccer and MLS on Wednesday, closing a nine-year legal battle worth a potential $500 million. The panel affirmed the 2025 jury verdict finding NASL had failed to demonstrate anticompetitive harm in any relevant market. NASL had argued that U.S. Soccer manipulated league-licensing standards to favor MLS and suppress rival first-division competition. The ruling cements the existing U.S. soccer pyramid. NASL could petition for en banc rehearing or Supreme Court review, but both options are rarely granted and legal experts consider the case effectively finished.

Sources: Inside World Football, Sportico

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Nashville SC Leads MLS Power Rankings as World Cup Break Approaches

Nashville SC has overtaken Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes to lead MLS Power Rankings following a seven-match unbeaten run. The Boys in Gold sit alone atop the Eastern Conference with 30 points, while Vancouver and San Jose are level with 29 points in the West. Inter Miami, second in the East with 28 points, remain in the Supporters' Shield conversation. San Jose lost two in a row after an excellent start, leaving Vancouver with the edge on goal difference. Nashville hosts New York City FC on Saturday in their final regular-season game before MLS pauses for the seven-week World Cup break starting May 25.

Sources: MLSSoccer.com

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