Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Monday, May 11, 2026
Lionel Messi Shatters MLS Record With Brace and Assist in Inter Miami’s 4-2 Win Over Toronto
Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist Saturday as Inter Miami CF defeated Toronto FC 4-2 at BMO Field, cementing the Argentine superstar as the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions. The milestone came in Messi’s 64th regular-season appearance, giving him 59 goals and 41 assists and shattering the previous mark of 95 set by Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco. Rodrigo De Paul added a goal and two assists, including a free kick that put Miami ahead in the 44th minute. Inter Miami have now won six consecutive road matches and sit second in the Eastern Conference, three points behind leaders Nashville SC.
Sources: MLS Soccer, ESPN
All Four Teams Advance as Liga MX Clausura 2026 Semifinals Set: Pumas vs. Pachuca, Chivas vs. Cruz Azul
The Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinals are confirmed after four dramatic second-leg ties concluded over the weekend. Pumas UNAM survived a 3-3 Clásico Capitalino draw with Club América on Sunday to advance on standing, while Guadalajara overturned a first-leg deficit by defeating Tigres UANL 2-0 and progressing 3-3 on aggregate. Cruz Azul beat Atlas 1-0 to close their series 4-2, and Pachuca dominated Toluca throughout to claim the fourth spot. The semifinal pairings send Pumas against Pachuca and Chivas against Cruz Azul, with first legs scheduled for May 13–14. The Clausura final must conclude before the World Cup begins.
Sources: Bolavip US, VAVEL USA
Warren Madrigal Brace Rescues Nashville SC from Two-Goal Deficit Against DC United
Nashville SC fought back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with DC United on Sunday at Geodis Park, preserving their lead atop the Eastern Conference. DC United forward Louis Munteanu opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Lucas Bartlett doubled the advantage with a header from a corner in the 30th. Warren Madrigal, introduced as a substitute in the 63rd minute, produced his first multi-goal MLS performance to haul Nashville level, scoring twice in the final quarter of the match. DC United were reduced to 10 men when Silvan Hefti received a second yellow card in the 75th minute.
Sources: 615 Soccer, DC United
USMNT Submits FIFA World Cup Provisional Roster Today; Official 26-Man Squad Reveal Set for May 26
The United States men’s national team submitted a preliminary squad list of between 35 and 55 players to FIFA on Monday, meeting the governing body’s mandatory deadline for all 48 World Cup nations. While FIFA will not publish the provisional list, it defines the player pool from which USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino must make his final 26-man selection. Pochettino is expected to name Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards among his regulars. The official squad will be unveiled on May 26 in New York City, airing on FOX at 3 p.m. ET, ahead of pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal and Germany.
Sources: FOX Sports, Al Jazeera
Gotham and Expansion Boston Legacy Share NWSL Points in 1-1 Draw as Portland Lead the Table
NJ/NY Gotham FC and Boston Legacy FC split a point in a 1-1 NWSL regular-season draw at Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Jaedyn Shaw gave the defending champions the lead in the 37th minute, but Alba Caño equalized three minutes later to earn Boston a point. Boston received four yellow cards in a contentious affair. The draw leaves Gotham with 16 points from 10 matches. At the top of the NWSL table, Portland Thorns lead with 19 points, one ahead of San Diego Wave, with Utah Royals third with 16. Boston Legacy FC are one of two expansion clubs — alongside Denver Summit FC — in their inaugural 2026 NWSL season.
MLS Matchday 13 Roundup: Nashville Lead East, San Jose and Vancouver Atop Competitive West
Nashville SC remain atop the Eastern Conference after earning a point in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw against DC United, while San Jose Earthquakes maintain their Western Conference lead following an impressive unbeaten run under head coach Bruce Arena. Nashville’s draw kept them ahead of Inter Miami, who moved up after defeating Toronto. Chicago Fire are third in the East with 17 points, with New England Revolution fourth with 16 points. In the West, Vancouver Whitecaps are second behind San Jose, who hold a three-point lead. Portland Timbers, LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders all remain within playoff contention as the league approaches the midpoint of the 34-game regular season.
MLS Eastern Conference
Through Matchday 12
1. Nashville SC — 22 pts (6-3-0)
2. Inter Miami CF — 19 pts (6-4-0)
3. Chicago Fire — 17 pts (5-2-2)
4. New England Revolution — 16 pts (5-3-0)
5. Charlotte FC — 14 pts (4-4-2)
6. Toronto FC — 13 pts (4-5-0)
7. NY City FC — 12 pts (3-4-3)
8. Columbus Crew — 12 pts (3-4-3)
9. FC Cincinnati — 12 pts (3-4-3)
10. DC United — 12 pts (3-4-3)
11. NY Red Bulls — 12 pts (3-4-3)
12. CF Montréal — 9 pts (2-3-3)
13. Atlanta United FC — 7 pts (2-7-0)
14. Orlando City SC — 7 pts (2-7-0)
15. Philadelphia Union — 5 pts (1-7-2)
MLS Western Conference
Through Matchday 12 (top 2 confirmed)
1. San Jose Earthquakes — 27 pts
2. Vancouver Whitecaps — 24 pts
3–15. Full table at mlssoccer.com
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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