Happy Thursday, everyone! We’re getting close to the weekend, but let’s look back at what Wednesday brought us:
Concacaf W Gold Cup to debut in February 2024 (SSFC)
The 1st ever Concacaf W Gold Cup will take place in February in the United States. The USWNT have already qualified, and this should replace SheBelieves Cup next year.
CBS Sports Golazo Network to launch April 11 (CBS)
This seems like a really cool thing. A 24/7 streaming channel that features a new morning soccer show, the first of its kind. Will definitely be checking this out when it launches next month!
NWSL in ‘FIFA23’ is great. Here’s how it can be better. (Gaming Society)
Our very own André Carlisle breaks down what’s good about the NWSL coming to FIFA23 and what can be improved as it hits the game next week.
Washington Spirit sign 6 players to first team contracts (DP)
The Spirit are starting to fill out its roster with 6 players inking new deals.
MLS Fantasy Focus: Bye Bye Bye (DP)
We won’t be shocked to hear that Lucas Zelarayan’s 2 goals against us last weekend were enough to lead all MLS Fantasy scorers.
The 🐐 himself, Jason Anderson, is on the new episode of Pitch Pass!
Bayern Munich bounce Kylian Mbappe, PSG from Champions League (ESPN)
Bayern Munich send PSG crashing out of Champions League, and it’s leading some to think that it’s time to break up the Parisian band.
Will Lionel Messi come to MLS? In Miami, everyone has an opinion (The Athletic)
PSG getting bounced is fueling the years old debate over whether Lionel Messi really is coming to MLS.
Scott Parker: Club Bruges sack manager after just 12 games in charge (BBC)
Scott Parker has been fired from his second club this season. No more cardigans on the sidelines for now.
Enjoy the rest of the day!
Kudos to Andre for picking up on a key feature that will be lacking from FIFA 23 when it comes to NWSL. I’m more a PES fan from way back, but career mode I’m assuming is similar to Master League on PES, and that’s my typical obsession with the series. Hopefully whatever comes after the FIFA/EA schism corrects this, and make NWSL’s presence more of a feature than a marketing gimmick.
BTW, if you’re curious about how the Saudi takeover of Newcastle is going, there’s a curious thing going on legally that should change everything and get the Saudis kicked out of the EPL… but the money is probably too good for them to do the right thing.
Basically, the golf tournament the PFI is also in control of is trying to claim legally that the person in charge of the fund has immunity as a Saudi government entity… which is the opposite argument that the same individual made for Newcastle, that he wasn’t a Saudi oligarch and wasn’t controlling the fund. It may sound a bit tomato-Tom-ah-to, but in reality, state funds fueled by oil money should never be able to own a football club, and Newcastle is a gross example. Again, nothing likely comes of this, it’s just interesting.
A new soccer reporter for The Athletic based out of LA. He gives his first impression of an MLS game here. Its more of a “What I learned about MLS watching LAFC” than true “What I learned about MLS” after moving from England piece. Still an interesting lead.
According to a report from the Athletic, DC is close to signing Lewis O’Brien on loan from Nottingham Forest. According to Ryan, he seems like an attacking midfielder. Would imagine he’d essentially be the Morrison replacement
Interesting. The Forest situation is one where a lot of players are signed for a lot of money, and not everyone can play. Would love to get a decent player with that age and experience, even if I know very little about his ability.
He’s apparently more CDM/CM than CAM. Can also play LM. At 23 years old and with EPL experience, seems like a fantastic pickup, though I certainly would have preferred a CB that’s better than Birnbaum or Victor Palsson.
Is he a TAM level player?