Inter Miami Overcome 2-0 Deficit in Historic 10-Goal Thriller Against Philadelphia Union

The defending MLS Cup champions overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Union 6-4 on Sunday in a match that set an MLS record for goals scored in the first half. Milan Iloski’s hat trick — including two penalties — helped Union lead 4-1 before Inter Miami scored four unanswered to level at 4-4 at halftime. Germán Berterame scored twice for Miami, and Luis Suárez completed a hat trick by netting the go-ahead goal in the 81st minute. Lionel Messi provided two assists before exiting in the 73rd minute with muscular fatigue and load management. Rodrigo De Paul sealed the result in stoppage time.

Sources: MLSSoccer.com, ESPN

Messi Substituted With Muscular Fatigue in Miami Win, Sparking World Cup Fitness Questions

Lionel Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union on Sunday with what the club described as muscular fatigue, raising immediate questions about his availability for Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Messi, who provided two assists before his exit, has been managing a heavy workload ahead of the tournament as Argentina’s lead playmaker and talisman. Miami confirmed the substitution was precautionary and load-management related, not the result of an acute injury. Argentina open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Peru in Dallas on June 13, and Messi’s fitness in the coming two weeks will be closely monitored.

Sources: Soccer America

Club América Femenil Claims Concacaf W Champions Cup With 5-3 Thriller Over Washington Spirit

Club América Femenil claimed the Concacaf W Champions Cup title, defeating the Washington Spirit 5-3 in a high-scoring final in Guadalajara on Friday. The Liga MX Femenil champions raced to a dominant lead before the NWSL side mounted a spirited second-half fightback that fell just short. América’s clinical attack proved too much to contain despite valiant goalkeeping from the Spirit. The result confirmed Liga MX Femenil’s continental supremacy in the expanded Concacaf women’s club competition, launched to replace the previous women’s Champions League format. América now hold both the Liga MX Femenil title and continental crown heading into the summer break.

Sources: ESPN, Soccer America

Swanson Scores Match-Winner for Chicago Stars in First Start Back From 18-Month Maternity Leave

Mallory Swanson scored the decisive goal in the Chicago Stars’ 1-0 victory over Bay FC on Sunday, converting a low shot from outside the penalty area in just her second NWSL appearance after an 18-month maternity leave. Swanson, who gave birth in November 2024, had returned earlier this month as a substitute before earning a starting role Sunday at nine-woman Bay FC, who were reduced after two red cards. The USWNT forward’s return marks a significant milestone for women’s professional soccer, with the NWSL supporting multiple prominent international players who took career-inclusive maternity breaks, reflecting a broader cultural shift in how the league supports player family decisions.

Sources: Soccer America, ESPN

Barco Brace and Moreno Penalty End Atlanta United’s 12-Match MLS Winless Streak

Ezequiel Barco’s brace and Marcelino Moreno’s penalty powered Atlanta United to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on Sunday, ending a 12-match winless run in a significant Eastern Conference result. Barco opened in the 5th minute and added a second before Moreno converted from the spot. Columbus staged a late fightback with Jonathan Mensah heading in from a corner and Derrick Etienne Jr. reducing the deficit, but Atlanta held on for a vital three points. The win was the club’s first away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in over 10 months, providing a key confidence boost before the seven-week World Cup break.

Sources: MLSSoccer.com, ESPN

Pochettino Names USMNT World Cup Squad: Reyna In, Tessmann Out in Surprise 26-Man Roster

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled his 26-man World Cup squad Tuesday in New York City, confirming the return of Borussia Mönchengladbach attacker Gio Reyna while omitting Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann as a notable exclusion. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams all made the cut. Club América’s Alejandro Zendejas — who recorded four goals and two assists in five Liga MX playoff appearances — also earned inclusion. Injured players Johnny Cardoso and Patrick Agyemang were unavailable for selection. The United States open group-stage play against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, with pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6.

Sources: ESPN, American Soccer Now

Pulisic’s 17-Match Goal Drought at AC Milan Raises Stakes for USMNT’s World Cup Attack

Christian Pulisic has not scored in 17 consecutive matches — his last club goal coming December 28 — raising pointed questions about the USMNT’s primary attacking weapon heading into a home World Cup. Soccer America’s analysis of weekend World Cup hopefuls noted the AC Milan attacker failed to score or register an assist in his final seven Serie A appearances this season, despite averaging 5.5 shots per match. Pulisic remains the clear starter for the United States as its creative hub, and Pochettino publicly backed his forward this week. The USMNT opens against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, with Pulisic expected to lead the attack.

Sources: Soccer America

Portland Timbers Part Ways With Phil Neville Following 13th-Place Finish at World Cup Break

The Portland Timbers announced Monday they have mutually parted ways with head coach Phil Neville, ending a two-and-a-half-year tenure that produced consecutive MLS Cup Playoff appearances but could not prevent a difficult 2026 campaign. The Timbers enter the World Cup break in 13th place in the Western Conference with 14 points (4W-8L-2D), following a 3-1 home loss to San Jose Earthquakes on Matchday 15. Neville, who previously managed Inter Miami from 2021 to 2023, compiled a 27W-31L-24D regular-season record at Portland since taking charge ahead of the 2024 season. The club has begun a search for a new head coach with the season resuming July 16.

Sources: MLSSoccer.com, ESPN, Soccer America

Canada Soccer Extends Jesse Marsch Through 2030 World Cup as Davies Faces Fitness Question

Canada Soccer announced a contract extension for men’s national team coach Jesse Marsch through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a deal majority funded by a consortium of five Canadian philanthropist families including Vancouver Whitecaps FC ownership. Since taking charge in May 2024, Marsch has compiled a 12W-5L-12D record with 37 goals scored. The announcement came alongside reports that star winger Alphonso Davies may miss Canada’s opening World Cup match but is expected to be fit for the tournament. Canada enter the home World Cup as potential dark-horse contenders, with Marsch’s extension providing long-term stability as the organization builds toward 2030.

Sources: Canada Soccer, MLSSoccer.com, The Score

What's Trending in North American Soccer