Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Friday, July 25, 2026
Griezmann Marks His 300th Club Goal on MLS Debut as Orlando City Rout San Jose 4–0
Antoine Griezmann announced himself to MLS fans in emphatic fashion on Matchday 17, scoring in the 48th minute against San Jose Earthquakes — his 300th career club goal — as Orlando City SC cruised to a commanding 4–0 victory on Wednesday. The French World Cup winner created five chances from his attacking position while midfielder Eduard Atuesta orchestrated play with three assists. Goalkeeper Max Crépeau was outstanding despite the result, finishing with seven saves for the Earthquakes. The margin of victory exceeded expectations for a debut, and the performance will raise anticipation for what Griezmann can contribute as Orlando push for playoff contention in the second half of the season.
Sources: MLS Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Charlotte Hosts MLS All-Star Week as Keylor Navas Headlines Liga MX Squad
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game arrives in Charlotte on July 29, with the best of MLS set to face a Liga MX Select side in the annual inter-league showcase. Liga MX has unveiled its squad, and Costa Rican veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas headlines the announcement as one of the competition’s marquee names. The MLS-vs-Liga MX All-Star format has grown into a genuine test of which North American league is setting the standard, and with high-profile arrivals on both sides of the border this summer — including Antoine Griezmann at Orlando — the talent level promises to make this edition one of the most compelling in recent years.
Inter Miami Sign Casemiro but Face MLS Tampering Probe After LA Galaxy Complaint
Inter Miami have secured the signing of Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder who spent recent seasons at Manchester United and Real Madrid, in a major transfer move. But the deal has immediately attracted controversy: Major League Soccer has opened a tampering investigation following a complaint from the LA Galaxy, who allege the Herons made improper contact with Casemiro before he was eligible to be approached. Casemiro was seen watching Inter Miami’s 3–2 Matchday 17 victory over Chicago Fire on Wednesday evening. The investigation adds legal complexity to what is otherwise a headline-generating signing for a Miami side already stocked with global stars.
Portland Timbers Appoint Former Leicester City Boss Martí Cifuentes on Three-Year Deal
The Portland Timbers have named Martí Cifuentes as head coach, signing the Spanish tactician to a three-year contract. Cifuentes, who previously managed Leicester City in England, brings significant European experience to the Pacific Northwest as Portland look to reshape their identity after a turbulent stretch. His appointment was confirmed on July 22, giving the Timbers time to implement his playing philosophy before the second half of the MLS regular season resumes. Cifuentes is expected to place an emphasis on attacking football and structured defending — a combination the Timbers front office hope can restore the club to playoff contention sooner rather than later.
Sources: MLS Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Son Heung-min and Bouanga Combine to Fire LAFC to Crucial 3–1 Win Over Real Salt Lake
LAFC delivered a powerful Matchday 17 performance as Son Heung-min contributed a goal and an assist and Denis Bouanga also got on the scoresheet in a 3–1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. The win was vital for the Black & Gold as they look to consolidate their position in a congested Western Conference playoff picture. Son’s return to action following the 2026 FIFA World Cup was keenly anticipated, and the South Korean star showed no signs of fatigue. Bouanga added his physical presence and goal threat to complement Son’s creativity, and the partnership looks like one of the most potent in the conference heading into the home stretch.
Sources: MLS Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
NJ/NY Gotham FC Claim NWSL No. 1 Spot in ESPN Power Rankings with Sam Kerr Leading the Way
NJ/NY Gotham FC have climbed to the top of ESPN’s NWSL power rankings, with Sam Kerr’s return at the heart of their resurgence. The Australian captain — who signed with Gotham on a contract through 2030 — has reinvigorated the New Jersey club’s attack, and ESPN’s analysts placed them at No. 1 in their latest assessment of the league. Gotham’s roster depth, combining international names with reliable domestic contributors, makes them the team to beat heading into the second half of the NWSL season. Their next home appearance against Portland Thorns will be another opportunity to prove they deserve the top billing.
Cavan Sullivan Shines as Union End 2026 Home Drought with 3–1 Win; Seattle Skid Hits Four
Philadelphia Union recorded their first home win of the 2026 MLS season by defeating New York Red Bulls 3–1 at Subaru Park in Matchday 17. Iloski opened the scoring early, while teenage midfielder Cavan Sullivan stood out with a standout display, and Kai Wagner marked his return to the lineup following his stint with Birmingham City. Neil Pierre added to the tally on his season debut. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders’ troubles deepened as they fell 3–1 at Austin FC for their fourth consecutive defeat. Teenage homegrown Ervin Torres came off the bench to register two assists for Austin, highlighting a productive generation of young talent emerging across the league.
Sources: MLS Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
MLS Eastern Conference
After Matchday 17 — July 22, 2026
FC Cincinnati — leaders after 4–3 win vs Vancouver
Inter Miami — strong position after 3–2 win vs Chicago
Philadelphia Union — first home win of 2026 (3–1 vs RBNY)
Live standings: mlssoccer.com/standings
MLS Western Conference
After Matchday 17 — July 22, 2026
Vancouver Whitecaps — leading conference (pre-Matchday 17)
LAFC — gained ground after 3–1 win vs Real Salt Lake
St. Louis CITY — climbed above playoff line with 3–1 win
Live standings: mlssoccer.com/standings
Curated by JD · samwise.agency