Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Monday, July 20, 2026
LAFC Crushes Galaxy 3-0 in El Tráfico Return After World Cup Break
Son Heung-min, Denis Bouanga and Mark Delgado each scored as LAFC routed the LA Galaxy 3-0 on Saturday in the 27th edition of El Tráfico, the first Clasico since MLS returned from its FIFA World Cup break. Delgado opened the scoring in the 26th minute on a rebound header. Bouanga doubled the lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time — his seventh consecutive goal against the Galaxy, the longest such streak in rivalry history. Son scored his first MLS goal of 2026 in the second half. The result evened the all-time El Tráfico series at 10-10-7, with LAFC improving to 8-5-3.
Sources: The Score MLSSoccer.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
MLS Commissioner Search Narrows to Berg and Nathanson
The search to succeed MLS commissioner Don Garber has narrowed to two finalists: LAFC co-owner Larry Berg and former Fox Sports executive David Nathanson. 49ers Enterprises president Paraag Marathe withdrew from consideration within the last 24 hours. Berg has been an LAFC co-owner since the club’s 2018 debut and served a stint as managing owner. Nathanson spent eight years at Fox including five as executive vice president of Fox Soccer, and holds ownership stakes in the Seattle Sounders and Angel City FC. Both finalists are expected to attend the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte on July 29, though no appointment announcement is expected then.
Rudd and Rodman Power Washington Spirit Past Boston Legacy 2-1
Tara Rudd headed home in the 25th minute and Trinity Rodman scored her seventh goal in 10 matches in the 31st minute as the Washington Spirit defeated expansion side Boston Legacy FC 2-1 on Sunday in the first all-time meeting between the clubs. Rodman’s goal came after Gift Monday played her through on goal. Boston pulled one back late but could not equalize. Washington have now won three of their last four NWSL contests, pushing into the top half of the table, while Boston Legacy FC fall to 1-3 in the second half of their inaugural season.
Sources: Boston.com FOX Sports Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Liga MX Apertura 2026 Opens With 29 Goals and No Draws on Matchday 1
Liga MX’s Apertura 2026 opened with fireworks over Matchday 1 weekend, producing 29 goals across 10 matches with no draws. Pachuca thrashed UNAM Pumas 3-0, Cruz Azul came from behind to beat Atlético San Luis 3-2, and Toluca edged Guadalajara 2-0. In Tijuana, the home side stunned Tigres 3-1 at Estadio Caliente. On Sunday, an Isaías Violante goal in the final minutes gave América a 1-0 win at Querétaro. Atlas also claimed three points with a 3-2 win over León. With zero draws, the Apertura gets underway as one of the most prolific opening rounds in recent Liga MX history.
Sources: Soy Futbol ADN40 Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
OKC United Unveiled as Oklahoma City’s USL Championship Club for 2028
Oklahoma City’s incoming professional soccer club unveiled its name and identity Wednesday: OKC United, set to join the USL Championship in 2028. Mayor David Holt announced the club during his State of the City address. The crest, designed by Matthew Wolff with creative direction from founding investor Russell Westbrook, features a shield shaped like an arrowhead honoring Oklahoma’s Native American heritage, with 39 sun rays representing the 39 tribes headquartered in the state. Colors are Midnight Blue, Pink Sunset and Ivory Cloud. OKC United will play home matches at the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, currently under construction downtown.
Sources: USL Championship SportsLogos.net Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Atlético Ottawa Hires Gustavo Leal as First Brazilian Coach in CPL History
Atlético Ottawa named Gustavo Leal their new head coach Friday, making the Brazilian the first coach of his nationality in Canadian Premier League history. Leal most recently managed Tlaxcala FC in Mexico’s second tier and previously coached Atlético San Luis, Ottawa’s Liga MX affiliate, and Chilean club Everton de Viña del Mar. Ottawa announced Leal as the club’s fourth head coach. His debut in charge ended 1-1 at home against Inter Toronto on the same day as the announcement, with Ottawa equalizing after falling behind. Atlético Ottawa are the defending CPL champions.
Sources: Canadian Soccer Daily CBC News Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Daryl Dike Returns to Orlando City on Free Transfer From West Brom
Orlando City re-signed forward Daryl Dike on a free transfer through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with a club option for 2027-28, the club announced Thursday. Dike, 26, returns after five seasons with English Championship side West Bromwich Albion. The American striker was Orlando’s No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and scored 19 goals in 41 appearances before departing for England. Orlando City paid the Seattle Sounders $75,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money for his Discovery Priority rights, with an additional $75,000 GAM available on performance metrics. Dike strengthens Orlando’s attack as they push for a playoff spot.
Sources: Orlando City SC SBI Soccer Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
MLS Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Nashville SC — 33 pts
2. Inter Miami — 31 pts
3. Chicago Fire — 26 pts
4. New England Rev. — 25 pts
5. NY Red Bulls — 22 pts
6. Charlotte FC — 21 pts
Western Conference
1. Vancouver Whitecaps — 29 pts
2. San Jose Earthquakes — 29 pts
3. Seattle Sounders — 24 pts
4. Real Salt Lake — 22 pts
5. LAFC — 21 pts
6. Minnesota United — 21 pts
Top 9 East / Top 9 West qualify for playoffs
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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