Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Cardoso Ankle Surgery Confirms World Cup Absence for USMNT Midfielder
Atlético Madrid confirmed Monday that United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery to repair damage to his right ankle, all but ending his hopes of featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Cardoso suffered what the club described as a traumatic training injury resulting in a high-grade sprain with joint damage. The 24-year-old had been firmly in contention for a starting role alongside Tyler Adams in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield. Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and Middlesbrough’s Aidan Morris are considered the leading candidates to replace Cardoso on the 26-man roster, which will be announced May 26 in New York City.
Sources: ESPN, Soccer America
Liga MX Clausura Semifinals Confirmed After Dramatic Quarterfinals
The Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinal bracket is set after a quarterfinal round that eliminated both defending champion Toluca and perennial contender Club América. Pumas will face Pachuca beginning Thursday at Estadio Hidalgo, while Chivas meet Cruz Azul on Wednesday at Estadio Banorte. Pachuca dispatched Toluca 3–0 on aggregate, ending the two-time defending champion’s three-peat bid. Pumas survived a 6–6 aggregate thriller against América, advancing on higher regular-season seeding. Cruz Azul eliminated Atlas 4–2 on aggregate, and Chivas edged Tigres on the same tiebreaker after a 3–3 aggregate draw. Return legs are scheduled for May 16–17.
Sources: SI
San Diego Wave Claim Top Spot in NWSL Power Rankings
San Diego Wave FC climbed to first place in ESPN’s weekly NWSL power rankings after beating Southern California rival Angel City 2–1 on Friday at BMO Stadium. Brazilian forward Dudinha generated both goals—her shot deflected off defender Sarah Gorden for the opener before her cross found rookie Mimi Van Zanten for the 81st-minute winner. The result moved San Diego to 6–3–0 with 18 points, level with Washington Spirit but ranked higher on goal difference. Portland Thorns remain atop the actual NWSL table on 19 points. Angel City have now lost four straight after opening the season with three consecutive victories.
Sources: ESPN
Rodman Exits Early as Spirit Edge Reign on Late Martinez Winner
Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman was substituted in the 56th minute of Sunday’s 1–0 victory over Seattle Reign FC after receiving on-field treatment for a lower-body issue. Rodman came up limping while contesting a ball near the Seattle goal and was replaced by Lucia Di Guglielmo with the match still scoreless. Claudia Martínez broke the deadlock with six minutes remaining, finishing from close range to extend the Spirit’s winning streak to five matches. Washington moved to 5–1–3 with 18 points, sitting second in the NWSL table behind Portland. The Spirit have not lost since their season opener, and head coach Mark Parsons offered no immediate timeline on Rodman’s availability.
Sources: ESPN
Chawinga Scores First Hat Trick in Kansas City Current History
Temwa Chawinga made Kansas City Current history on Saturday, recording the first hat trick in franchise history during a dominant 3–0 victory over the Chicago Stars. The reigning NWSL Most Valuable Player needed fewer than 30 minutes to complete the feat, striking three times in a blistering first-half display. The Malawian international now leads Kansas City in scoring and has re-entered the Golden Boot conversation after missing the opener with a preseason knee issue. The win pushed Kansas City to 4–4–0 with 12 points, climbing to sixth as they seek to recapture the form that carried them to the 2025 title.
Sources: theScore
San Jose Earthquakes Lead Supporters’ Shield Race With Historic Start
The San Jose Earthquakes sit atop the MLS overall standings on 29 points from 12 matches, three clear of the Vancouver Whitecaps in what has become the league’s most surprising narrative of 2026. Bruce Arena’s side became the first MLS team in the post-shootout era to win eight of their first nine matches, defying preseason predictions that placed them 12th in the Western Conference. San Jose have scored in every game this season and boast the best defensive record in the West with just eight goals conceded. Nashville SC lead the Eastern Conference on 24 points, while New England Revolution and Inter Miami share second on 22 points each.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com
MLS Matchday 12 Preview: Final Push Before World Cup Pause
Major League Soccer enters Matchday 12 this weekend with just four rounds remaining before the season pauses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The headline fixture sends Inter Miami to Toronto FC on Sunday Night Soccer, where Lionel Messi returns to the city where he reached 100 MLS goal contributions two weeks ago. Seattle Sounders, third in the West on 21 points, host expansion side San Diego FC, mired in an eight-game winless run. In the East, Nashville SC look to extend their conference lead at Red Bull New York. The World Cup roster race adds intrigue, with several MLS players still vying for Pochettino’s 26-man squad.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com
MLS Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference
8-2)Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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