Category: Bundesliga

Reyna’s injury woes continue as USMNT star ruled out of Bundesliga opener

The USMNT attacker is still fighting off a calf injury suffered in June

Gio Reyna has been ruled out of Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga opener this weekend due to an ongoing calf injury.

Reyna suffered the injury in June’s CONCACAF Nations League final against Canada, getting two assists before leaving at halftime after a tough tackle from an opponent. The United States would go on to win 2-0.

Two months later, the 20-year-old has yet to fully recover. He missed Dortmund’s entire preseason and its regular season opener last week, a 6-1 DFB-Pokal win against Schott Mainz.

In a press conference ahead of Saturday’s league opener against FC Köln, head coach Edin Terzić said the USMNT attacker has yet to recover.

“[Julien] Duranville, Reyna and [Thomas] Meunier are definitely out,” Terzić said. “There are question marks with Felix Nmecha and Karim Adeyemi, but there we are confident that it could work out for Saturday.”

Reyna has suffered through various injury issues during his time with Dortmund, though he managed to stay healthy throughout most of last season after being brought along slowly in the early going.

As the campaign wore on, however, Reyna found himself struggling for minutes due to the stellar form of the attackers above him on the depth chart. Still, he made the most of his opportunities by scoring a career-best seven league goals, despite only getting four starts all season.

Reyna came off the bench in Dortmund’s season finale against Mainz, grabbing two assists as his side agonizingly fell short of a Bundesliga title with a 2-2 draw in a game they needed to win.

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Gio Reyna on Dortmund future: ‘I can’t think of a better club to play for’

Reyna says he wants to stay put

For Gio Reyna, the grass isn’t greener on the other side.

The U.S. men’s national team midfielder, after being very effective in limited minutes during the 2022-23 season for Borussia Dortmund, said in an interview that rather than looking for the exit, he’s angling for a more regular role under manager Edin Terzić.

ESPN Bundesliga commentator Derek Rae published quotes from an interview he conducted with the 20-year-old, with Reyna saying that he “can’t think of a better club to play for” than Dortmund.

“I’m lucky that my first professional club is also a club that has the chance to win the Bundesliga, the Pokal, and Champions League,” said Reyna. “There is no moving up from Dortmund. It’s a top, top club so I’m happy here and could play here forever.”

A June report in Bild said that Dortmund was prepared to listen to offers for Reyna, setting a €20 million line on a transfer fee to open talks. However, there are conflicting reports on the accuracy of that claim, with Sky Sports Germany reporting earlier this month that Dortmund had no plans to court interest in Reyna.

Reyna produced seven goals and added two assists for Dortmund this past season, but owing to injuries and the volume of talented players competing for time, saw just 609 minutes of playing time. In the interview, Reyna was clear on wanting to stay at Signal Iduna Park, with a focus on making more starts during the 2023-24 season.

“What I’ve learned is coming off the bench was helpful to the team winning and sometimes late in the game, it opens up a bit,” said Reyna. “I’m going to push as hard as I can to start more this season though. That’s my goal for sure.”

Reyna has not yet played for Dortmund in their preseason preparations, with Terzić saying last week that he was still working back from a calf injury suffered during the USMNT’s CONCACAF Nations League final win over Canada.

Regarding Gregg Berhalter’s return as the USMNT’s head coach, Reyna said that U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker gave him assurances about his role within the program, but did not directly address how their relationship is. After a winter plagued by scandal, Berhalter acknowledged that “there’s work to do” in building trust between himself and Reyna.

Reyna was more expansive on the USMNT’s participation in the 2024 Copa América, which will take place in the United States.

“We need to raise our expectations,” said Reyna. “There is no reason we shouldn’t compete for the trophy in front of our own fans in our country. That’s our mentality.”

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Dortmund boss Terzic provides Reyna injury update

It sounds like Reyna may not be back in training for a little while yet

It sounds like Gio Reyna may not be back on the training pitch for Borussia Dortmund for a little while yet.

The club’s head coach Edin Terzić offered updates on Reyna and several other injured players after Wednesday’s 7-0 preseason-opening win over fifth-tier Westfalia Rhynern.

When asked about Karim Adeyemi, Youssoufa Moukoko and Felix Nmecha, Terzić told Dortmund’s official website: “Five players are not yet completely fit.

“The aforementioned trio are joined by Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Gio Reyna, who unfortunately got injured with their national teams.”

Reyna was injured last month in the CONCACAF Nations League final, a game in which he provided both assists as the U.S. defeated Canada 2-0.

Speaking after the match, interim head coach B.J. Callaghan said he didn’t know the severity of the injury, only saying that it was a calf issue.

Nearly a month later there still haven’t been many updates on Reyna’s injury, but Terzić did not include the USMNT star in a list of players he was hoping to see in training next week.

“The lads are on a good path,” the coach added. “Four of them will be on the training pitch tomorrow and then we hope to have them all fit by the end of preseason at the latest. In Karim, Youssoufa and Felix’s case, we hope that they will already be able to participate fully in team training next week.”

Dortmund is set to continue its preseason in the United States later this month, as it has matches scheduled against Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as USL Championship side San Diego Loyal.

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Aaronson joins Union Berlin on season-long loan from Leeds

The 22-year-old will go from the Championship to the Champions League

Brenden Aaronson has joined Union Berlin on loan from Leeds until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Sky Germany reported that the deal does not include a purchase option.

Aaronson departs one year after joining Leeds from Red Bull Salzburg in a $30 million transfer. He was heavily involved in his first Premier League season, appearing in 36 of the club’s 38 league games while starting 28 times.

The 22-year-old started the season strong but struggled as the campaign wore on, finishing with just one goal and three assists as Leeds was ultimately relegated from the Premier League.

He will now get a fresh start in the Bundesliga with Union, which surprisingly finished fourth last season to qualify for the Champions League.

“Union’s path and the success of the last few years did not go unnoticed in either the USA, Austria or England,” Aaronson told the club’s website.

“Somehow, you always heard something about them. A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed that I would be here and able to play in the Champions League with Union. I’m looking forward to the year ahead with joy and confidence and want to help us have another successful season.”

Aaronson will join his sometimes USMNT teammate Jordan Pefok at Union, and will also reunite in the Bundesliga with his younger brother Paxten, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt.

“Brenden’s commitment has made us very happy, he is a type of player we don’t have who will be good for our attacking game. Despite his young age, he already has a lot of international experience and will complement our squad at a high level,” said Oliver Ruhnert, Union’s managing director of men’s professional football.

Aaronson has 32 caps for the USMNT, appearing in all four of the team’s 2022 World Cup matches off the bench.

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CONCACAF Gold Cup: Mexico vs. Qatar odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Mexico vs. Qatar odds and lines, with soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

In the final group stage matchday for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mexico battles Qatar. Kickoff from Levi’s Stadium is set for 9 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mexico vs. Qatar odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.

Mexico lost to the United States 3-0 in the Nations League semifinal on June 15. Since then, it has played better, beating Panama 1-0 in the 3d-place game then taking down Honduras 4-0 and Haiti 3-1 in the 1st two group stage matches. Mexico ended with 32 shots on Haiti and 17 on Honduras.

Qatar, the country which hosted the World Cup in 2022, lost to Haiti 2-1 on June 25, the first matchday. It then drew Honduras 1-1 on June 29, a game in which both teams ended with 10 men. Qatar was outshot in both matches which doesn’t bode well in its match with the top Group B side. Qatar ranks 58th in the world rankings while Mexico sits 14th.

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Mexico vs. Qatar odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:02 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Mexico -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Qatar +675 (bet $100 to win $675) | Draw +425 (bet $100 to win $425)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +115 | U: -165)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Mexico vs. Qatar picks and predictions

Prediction

Mexico 4, Qatar 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Mexico dominated both Honduras and Haiti, sides that Qatar either struggled with or lost to. Despite that, Mexico doesn’t necessarily have to win this game to win the group, so it might not put its best foot forward. Nonetheless, pass on the strong favorite at (-300) and also avoid playing either big-payout plus-money value.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 3.5 (+115).

Mexico has been on a tear offensively. It scored 4 goals against Honduras and then 3 against Haiti. It should have similar success against a Qatar side that allowed 3 goals through 2 matches. Haiti had 15 shots on Qatar, and Mexico dominated Haiti.

Qatar has scored in both games as well, so while it has been dominated, it has at least had enough opportunities to put something on the scoreboard. It has scored in 7 of 8 games so far in 2023.

Put together Mexico’s dominance and Qatar’s ability to get a goal, and take the OVER 3.5 (+115).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago odds and lines, with soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

To round out the Group Stage, the USMNT battles Trinidad and Tobago Sunday. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.

The USMNT kicked off the Group Stage with a disappointing result, a draw against Jamaica. It had to use a late-game equalizer from F Brandon Vazquez to draw even. It then beat Saint Kitts and Nevis 6-0. F Jesus Ferreira recorded a hat trick in that battle as the USMNT tallied 34 shots and 15 on target.

Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, took down Saint Kitts and Nevis 3-0 June 25, the first matchday. It then lost to Jamaica 4-1 June 28. In that match, Trinidad and Tobago registered just 1 shot on target and had just 3 shots in general. Four different players have scored for Trinidad and Tobago through the first 2 matches.

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USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8:40 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USMNT -800 (bet $800 to win $100) | Trinidad and Tobago +1750 (bet $100 to win $1,750) | Draw +875
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: -120 | U: -115)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 3, Trinidad and Tobago 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

There just isn’t any value on the USMNT to win this game. Jamaica and USA are the clear top teams in the group, and on its home soil, USA should come out on top.

At (-800), there’s no value betting on it though, and given Trinidad and Tobago’s prior performance against Jamaica, taking a draw or the away team both don’t make much sense.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 3.5 (-115).

Trinidad and Tobago scored 3 on Saint Kitts and Nevis and then scored 1 on Jamaica, but it had just 5 shots on target throughout the first 2 games. It doesn’t have an elite attack and will be heavily limited against the USMNT.

While USA dominated Saint Kitts and Nevis, it had just 4 shots on target against Jamaica and is with a unit of several MLS stars, not the top-tier EPL talent the USMNT could’ve called up. The USMNT was not impressive against Jamaica and may struggle to produce in the final third in this game.

Given Trinidad and Tobago’s lack of attacking success and USA’s struggles against good competition, back fewer goals here and take UNDER 3.5 (-115).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Germany vs. Ukraine odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Germany vs. Ukraine odds and lines, with soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Germany welcomes Ukraine to Weserstadion Monday with kickoff from Breman, Germany, set for noon ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Germany vs. Ukraine odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.

This will be the 1st of a string of friendlies for the German National Team. Germany will take on Poland Friday and then Columbia on June 20. Bayern Munich F Leroy Sane, Man City M Ilkay Gundogan and M Chelsea Kai Havertz are among the key names on the German side. Since a disappointing 2022 World Cup, Germany has taken down Peru 2-0 and lost 3-2 to Belgium.

Ukraine played 9 times throughout 2022, but failed to make the World Cup. In its lone 2023 performance, a UEFA EURO qualifier, it lost 2-0 to England. Arsenal M Oleksandr Zinchenko is the key player to keep an eye on.

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Germany vs. Ukraine odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 6:55 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Germany -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Ukraine +675 (bet $100 to win $675) | Draw +450
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +125 | U: -175)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Germany vs. Ukraine picks and predictions

Prediction

Germany 2, Ukraine 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Despite not getting to the knockout stage in the World Cup, Germany is one of the most complete teams in the world. From the backline to the forwards, it has enough depth and firepower to light up a thin Ukraine side.

While the score in the Ukraine-England friendly was 2-0, Ukraine was held without a shot on target while England had 8 and 18 shots in total. Germany isn’t that far off England in terms of talent, but at (-300), it is far too expensive to play outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAKE ALTERNATE UNDER 2.5 (+140).

These teams have played 8 times in their history, and the Under at this total is 4-4. However, it is a friendly, so the top talent for Germany may not be available or may see limited minutes.

That said, Ukraine did hold England to just 2 goals and was heavily limited offensively, which should be repeated by a strong German backline. Germany has gone Under this total in 8 of its 13 matches since the start of 2022, so scoring hasn’t been a key component for it lately either.

Put it all together and take the UNDER 2.5 (+140).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Forbes ranks 20 most valuable soccer teams in the world

Valuations of the world’s biggest clubs are sky high

Who are the most valuable soccer teams in the world?

With success being more and more tied to an ability to spend, being a “big” club — at least in financial terms — is the clearest indicator of whether a given team is going to contend for trophies in the world’s top leagues.

That said, what defines value doesn’t necessarily require a team to be in the Premier League, La Liga, the Bundesliga, or Serie A. MLS has three teams in the top 20, including LAFC becoming the first club to break the $1 billion valuation barrier.

That said, Europe is still the home of the world’s biggest clubs, and its most valuable. In particular, eight of the top 20 hail from the Premier League, which will not be a particular surprise given the league’s global reach.

Here are Forbes’ 20 most valuable teams in global soccer.

Reyna apologizes to Dortmund fans after devastating collapse

Reyna did his part, but his side still suffered a devastating final-day outcome

Gio Reyna has posted a note of apology to Borussia Dortmund fans after his side threw away a golden opportunity to win the Bundesliga title on the final day of the season.

Needing only a win against mid-table Mainz to seal the championship, Dortmund was held to a 2-2 draw. At the same time, Jamal Musiala’s 89th-minute winner for Bayern Munich at Köln snatched the title away in dramatic fashion.

Reyna played his part in Dortmund’s comeback from a two-goal deficit, assisting both of his team’s second-half goals after coming on as a substitute. But ultimately, Dortmund fell short in front of a packed Signal-Iduna Park ready to celebrate a first league title in 11 years.

On Tuesday, Reyna apologized to his side’s supporters on social media, trying to keep up some semblance of positivity after a devastating end to the season.

“It was in our hands and we let something we worked so hard for, slip away,” he wrote on Instagram. “Remember that setbacks are a part of life, and even though it may be tough right now, it’s important to keep pushing forward and learn from the experience. Sorry to the fans and city of Dortmund but we can’t thank you enough for the incredible support shown throughout all the ups and downs.”

Despite making just one league start after the World Cup break, Reyna finished the campaign with a career-best seven Bundesliga goals.

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The internet went wild over the Bundesliga’s final day

People are out here posting with honor

The unreal end of the 2022-23 Bundesliga season saw Bayern Munich claim the title thanks to an 89th minute winner and a legendary choke job from Borussia Dortmund.

Somewhere in the mix of Bayern’s inevitability and Dortmund’s ability to squander a good situation, there was a perfect recipe for one group and one group only: those who post with honor.

After a collapse like Dortmund’s — all they had to do was win a home game! — and Jamal Musiala’s dramatic late goal, the soccer world’s meme-makers got to work. The inveterate Twitter addicts started typing, and the stats nerds pulled up their relevant spreadsheets.

For the posters, it was go time.