Tag: MLS

Giakoumakis: It’s OK to lose games in MLS — and I hate it

The Greek striker fired a parting shot after his transfer from MLS to Liga MX

Giorgos Giakoumakis has fired a parting shot at MLS after his transfer to Liga MX, saying that he hates how losing some matches is acceptable in the American top flight.

Giakoumakis left Atlanta United after a season and a half, joining Cruz Azul this week in a transfer worth a reported $10 million.

The Greece international striker was hugely productive during his time with the Five Stripes, tallying 24 goals and seven assists in 43 matches across all competitions.

In 2023, his only full season in MLS, Giakoumakis was named an All-Star, earned a spot on the Best XI and was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year.

In his introductory press conference with Cruz Azul, Giakoumakis was clear in his belief that he had moved to a higher level of competition.

“I was really excited and I wanted to make it happen,” the 29-year-old said of his transfer to La Máquina. “Cruz Azul showed me how much they want me and that was a crucial factor for me to make my decision.

“Cruz Azul is a team for sure that I think is a level higher than MLS. It’s a team that is chasing records, chasing trophies and is trying to win always every single trophy.

“For me I love to work for these teams, to play for these teams because the expectations are high. Your motivation has to be always there. And it’s not OK to lose sometimes. That’s a bad thing in MLS, it’s OK to lose some games — and I hate it.”

In MLS, 18 of the league’s 29 teams currently make the playoffs, bolstering the Greek striker’s point that teams can afford a loss or two on their way through the season.

However, 10 of 18 teams make the postseason in Liga MX, which is 55 percent of the league’s teams — a figure not dissimilar to the 62 percent that reach the MLS playoffs.

Giakoumakis will aim to help Cruz Azul go one step further than it did in the recently completed Clausura campaign, which saw the Mexico City giant fall in the final against city rival Club América.

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Herrera claims Mexico national team ignores MLS players

The Dynamo midfielder has played just once for Mexico since his move to MLS

Houston Dynamo midfielder Héctor Herrera has claimed that the Mexico national team is not taking MLS players into consideration.

Herrera has been a mainstay for Mexico for most of his career, earning 105 caps and representing his country at three World Cups.

After the 2022 World Cup, the midfielder moved from Atlético Madrid to join up with MLS outfit Houston. Since then, Herrera has made just one appearance for Mexico.

In an interview with TUDN, the 34-year-old suggested that was not a coincidence.

“I personally do consider that we are not taken into account [by Mexico], that they do not give value to the level that you are going through here. I don’t know if it’s because of the competition between the leagues, between MLS and Liga MX,” he said.

To further illustrate his point, Herrera mentioned Sporting Kansas City striker Alan Pulido, who was not called up by Mexico in 2023 despite an excellent season that saw him tally 14 goals in MLS.

“Last year I considered that I was at a great level, perhaps one of the best in my career,” Herrera said. “Alan seemed to me that he was at an excellent level, scoring a lot of goals and was never taken into account for anything.

“[Carlos] Vela is another topic, but I consider that Alan was at a very good level and the national team was not at a good level when it came to forwards.”

Vela didn’t play for Mexico after the 2018 World Cup, but that was a choice the ex-LAFC star made himself.

Herrera did not mention ex-Galaxy star Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, but the striker’s lack of Mexico call-ups during his time in MLS could be seen to bolster his argument.

Mexico’s all-time leading men’s scorer last played for his country in 2019, one year prior to his move to MLS. There has been speculation, however, that the forward’s exclusion was at least in part due to disciplinary reasons.

Herrera will likely be following the exploits of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano closely after the Mexico forward signed with San Diego FC as the club’s first Designated Player.

Lozano, who will stay with Dutch side PSV until SDFC’s preseason in January, was not called into Mexico’s Copa América squad alongside another player linked with a MLS move, legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Herrera has advocated for Ochoa, who is currently a free agent, to join the growing contingent of Mexican players in MLS.

“I think that with the track record he has, with how important he is in Mexico, in the United States, he would be a great signing,” Herrera said. “I hope we can add more of those types of players like Hirving, like Memo, and that the level of the MLS can continue to grow.”

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Why does MLS play through the Copa America?

Most of the world’s leagues are paused for the tournament. MLS is different

While most of the world’s leagues are paused to focus on the international game this summer, there will be one notable exception: Major League Soccer.

The North American top flight won’t take a break while much of the soccer world’s attention will be focused on Euro 2024 and the Copa América, which takes place in the United States.

The majority of MLS clubs will be playing shorthanded over the next few weeks, as 21 of the league’s 29 teams will lose at least one player for the Copa América. In total, 40 MLS players were called up for the tournament, with eight MLS players on Euro 2024 rosters as well.

Some of the league’s biggest names like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez will be missing, raising a big question: Why is MLS playing through the Copa América?

Commissioner Don Garber addressed that question last year during his state of the league press conference.

“We can’t afford [to shut the league down for Copa América],” Garber stated. “If we have to shut the league down [and] lose games, it impacts our players, it impacts our partners, it impacts our fans, it impacts everything that MLS has to deliver for all of our stakeholders.

“That being said, we’ve got to manage through that process and be clever and creative and figure out, how do we reconfigure the schedule with all these different events so that we could make it work?”

MLS could theoretically budget a shutdown for the Copa were it not for a different tournament that actually will see the league take a monthlong pause.

The Leagues Cup will return for its second annual edition in 2024, with every team from MLS and Liga MX participating.

The competition will run from July 26 to August 25, with regular season play in MLS grinding to a halt on July 20.

The MLS season already runs from mid-February through MLS Cup on December 7. With a pause in place for the Leagues Cup, any further breaks could risk pushing MLS Cup past the holidays and into January.

In other words, that’s a non-starter.

Garber did admit that when it comes to the 2026 World Cup in North America, his league would have to take a different approach.

“Clearly, the World Cup in ’26 is an entirely different animal, and I can’t imagine we’re going to be playing games during the World Cup,” Garber said.

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MLS suspends Sporting KC’s Felipe Hernandez for gambling

For a second time, Hernández has been placed on administrative league over alleged gambling offenses

MLS has effectively suspended Sporting Kansas City midfielder Felipe Hernández after he was reported for violating the league’s gambling policies.

The league issued a statement on Friday, saying that Hernández was placed “on administrative leave following a report that the player violated the league’s gambling policies, as well as the terms of his January 2022 reinstatement.”

The 26-year-old has made nine appearances in all competitions for Sporting this season. The club has yet to make a public comment beyond publishing MLS’s statement.

Hernández was previously suspended for gambling violations in October 2021. MLS required Hernández to undergo counseling for gambling addiction at the time, and per the Kansas City Star conducted an investigation into Hernández’s “extensive and unlawful” betting.

That included wagers placed on two MLS matches, though neither involved Kansas City. The investigation concluded that there was no evidence of Hernández placing bets with confidential knowledge, or that his gambling had an impact on the competitive integrity of either game.

Hernández was reinstated in January 2022, with MLS noting that the Colombia-born USYNT player’s “continued abstinence from gambling” was required for him to continue playing in the league.

It was not immediately clear at the time of publication what Hernández’s violations were in this second instance. ESPN reported on Friday that MLS is investigating the matter.

Hernández latest athlete in hot water over gambling

Gambling is increasingly legal across the U.S., depending on jurisdiction, and has become an increasing stress point for pro sports leagues.

That includes MLS, where the Colorado Rapids parted ways with Max Alves after the Brazilian was alleged to have accepted a $12,000 payment for picking up a yellow card in a 2022 match against the LA Galaxy.

Just this month, Major League Baseball issued a lifetime ban to San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for betting on his own team’s games. In April, Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter was barred from the NBA for life after an investigation found he had bet on games, shared confidential information with other bettors, and made numerous other violations related to gambling.

In European soccer, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight months over betting allegations, while Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali was given a 10-month ban in October 2023 for betting on Serie A matches.

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‘Send me a Chucky jersey!’ – Horan congratulates fiancee Heaps on San Diego FC job

The USWNT star’s partner recently stepped into a big role with the MLS expansion side

U.S. women’s national team captain Lindsey Horan has congratulated her fiancee Tyler Heaps, who has been appointed San Diego FC’s chief soccer officer and assistant sporting director.

Heaps has worked in various roles in the sport, serving as U.S. Soccer’s director of sporting analytics, the hRight to Dream Academy — whose network includes San Diego FC.

The Southern California side will begin play in MLS next season, and announced its first major signing last week: Mexico star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who will be San Diego FC’s first Designated Player.

Heaps was alongside Lozano at his introductory press conference on Thursday, which Horan captured in her Instagram story.

“Been really cool to see how you’ve helped form this new club, but even cooler seeing you at your first press conference, speaking on the club and announcing a massive player,” Horan wrote.

“Can’t wait to be San Diego FC’s biggest fan. Proud of you @tjheaps.

“PS – Can somebody please send me a Chucky jersey!!!”

“We want him to be able to express his special qualities,” Heaps said of Lozano at the press conference on Thursday.

“We’re taking all that into consideration, but certainly with the type of player he is and the work rate that he provides the team, it makes my job a lot easier in terms of finding players who want to play with and can play with him.”

Horan and Heaps announced their engagement in June 2023.

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Messi: Inter Miami will be my last club

The Argentina superstar will turn 37 next month

Lionel Messi has said that Inter Miami will be the last club of his career.

The Argentina superstar joined the MLS side last year, and has made an enormous impact both on and off the field as he nears the one-year anniversary of his debut with the Herons.

Messi led Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup title last summer, and this year has started the season with an incredible record of 12 goals and 13 assists in just 12 MLS games.

There has been speculation over whether Messi, who turns 37 next month, would ever join another club after Inter Miami. Rumors have persisted about a return to Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine club where he played as a child before moving to Barcelona at age 10.

But in an interview with ESPN, the superstar appeared to close the door on a move to another club after the Herons.

Asked if Inter Miami would be his last club, Messi replied: “Yes, as of today, it’s going to be my last club.”

Messi signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Inter Miami last year, taking him through the 2025 season, with a reported option to extend for another 12 months.

On his eventual retirement, he added: “I don’t think about it. I try to enjoy everything much more. There’s less and less to go, I want to have a good time at my club and in the national team, where I have great teammates and friends. And I enjoy the little details that I know that when I don’t play anymore I will miss.”

He added: “There is always a little fear that everything will end.”

Messi has been called into Argentina’s squad for the Copa América, which begins later this month in the United States. Argentina will be looking to defend its title from 2021, which it earned by beating Brazil in the final.

The Argentina legend has said he is open to continuing his international career through the 2026 World Cup, having previously indicated that his last World Cup would be in 2022.

Argentina, of course, emerged victorious in 2022, defeating France in the final as Messi lifted his first World Cup title.

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USMNT loses highly rated Sounders midfielder Vargas to Mexico

One of the brightest U.S. midfield prospects will play for Mexico from now on

One of the brightest midfielders in the U.S. men’s national team pipeline has left the program in favor of Mexico.

Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas has filed a one-time change of association request through FIFA, ending his time with the United States and ensuring his international future will be with El Tri.

“We can confirm that a change of association request (from USA to Mexico) for Mr. Obed Vargas was accepted on 21 May 2024,” a FIFA spokesperson confirmed to Pro Soccer Wire. The switch was first reported by American Soccer Now.

Vargas, 18, was born in Alaska and has only represented the U.S. at the youth international level, but has retained eligibility for Mexico through his family heritage.

The midfielder played in all five games for the U.S. at last summer’s U-20 World Cup, starting the team’s quarterfinal defeat against Uruguay.

Vargas had been involved with the U-23 side on its road to the Olympics this summer, but hasn’t been called in since the fall. He recently declined an invitation to a U-19 camp.

“Right now, my focus is the Sounders,” Vargas told reporters in Seattle upon declining the invite. “My aim was the Olympic team but I think that door is kinda closed now. For me to go into a U-19 or U-20 camp, I don’t see the point of missing games with the Sounders where I’m playing a lot.”

Vargas made his debut for the Sounders in 2021 at age 15, becoming the third-youngest player in history to appear in a MLS match.

This season, Vargas has become a regular for the Sounders, starting 13 of the club’s 17 games as he already approaches a career high in MLS minutes.

Vargas was interviewed in 2022 about his international future, saying he was still unsure which country he would represent.

“When I was younger, I always wanted to play for Mexico,” Vargas said. “I always grew up watching Mexico but I’ve joined the MLS academy, they’ve given me an opportunity. I’ve gone to U.S. national team camps and they’ve really been confident in me. It’s kind of leveled out the playing field. I still don’t know. My heart is in two spaces right now.”

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San Diego FC signs Mexico star Lozano as first Designated Player

The MLS expansion side has made a big splash in the transfer market

San Diego FC has made a major splash in the transfer market, signing Mexico star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano as the club’s first Designated Player.

Lozano will remain with his current club PSV for the rest of 2024, and will then link up with SDFC in January ahead of the club’s first MLS season in 2025.

The winger has signed a four-year contract through the end of the 2028 season, with two option years.

“We are excited to make history as we officially welcome ‘Chucky’ Lozano to San Diego FC as the club’s first Designated Player,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn in a club release.

“’Chucky’ is a world-class talent, and we couldn’t think of a better star to be the face of our club and represent our region. We are thrilled to have him join our club as we look to build a team that will challenge for trophies. ‘Chucky’ is one of the most decorated Mexican internationals in the world, and we look forward to seeing him shine in San Diego and MLS in 2025.”

Lozano, 28, came up through Pachuca’s academy before becoming a star with the first team. He moved to PSV in 2017, helping the club win an Eredivisie title in 2017-18.

The winger then joined Italian power Napoli, where he won the 2019-20 Coppa Italia and Serie A in 2022-23. Lozano returned to PSV ahead of last season, helping the Dutch side to yet another Eredivisie title.

On the international level, Lozano made his senior debut for Mexico in 2016 and has since earned more than 70 caps. His goal against Germany at the 2018 World Cup announced his arrival on the international stage and helped El Tri to an upset win over the defending champions.

“It’s an honor to join San Diego FC as the club’s first Designated Player,” said Lozano. “It’s exciting to be part of history as we build a club that will compete for championships in MLS. In every country I have played, I always strive to leave a mark, and making an impact in San Diego and MLS is very important to me.”

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Arena: It would be ‘slap in the face’ if career ends with Revs resignation

The coach spoke for the first time after he resigned amid an investigation last year

Bruce Arena has spoken out about his resignation as New England Revolution head coach last year, saying that it would be a “slap in the face” if that was how his career ended.

Arena was placed on administrative leave last August amid a MLS investigation into allegations of “insensitive and inappropriate remarks.”

One month later, the former U.S. men’s national team coach stepped down, admitting that he had made “mistakes” in his conduct.

This week, Arena appeared on CBS Sports show “Kickin’ It,” and spoke out for the first time about his departure last year.

The 72-year-old was asked if he was able to comment on the specifics of the investigation that led to his resignation.

“If there’s a time where I can legally, I will do it,” Arena said. “I would welcome that.”

Arena added that he did take responsibility for the events that led to his ouster.

“Yeah, you have to take responsibility for it but I think I have to be reserved in what I say,” he said, “but I’ll just say yes to your question, but I can’t go into any detail.”

As one of the most accomplished coaches in American soccer history, it would be understandable if Arena decided to end his coaching career. Instead, he’s been actively seeking out another role after he was reinstated by MLS.

Host Kate Abdo asked if the way things ended in New England was a factor in his desire to end his career on different terms.

“That plays a role,” Arena admitted. “If that’s the ending, that’s a slap in the face.”

Arena said that he had not had any contact with Revs leadership since his departure.

“The players know what went on,” Arena said. “Because of legal restrictions, I can’t talk. The message to the people of New England is, ‘I miss you.’ The people in Boston were great to me, wonderful people. The players were great, so I enjoyed my time there. I’m disappointed in the way things ended and how they ended. But I don’t have control of that.”

Watch Arena discuss Revs resignation

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Reports: Charlotte FC closing in on USMNT defender Ream

After over a decade in England, Ream may be eyeing a move back to MLS

Tim Ream’s European adventure may be coming to a close.

The U.S. men’s national team center back could be on the brink of a transfer to MLS, with Top Bin 90 and The Athletic both reporting that Charlotte FC is close to finalizing a move for the 36-year-old.

Tuesday’s reports say that Ream — who back in December signed a Fulham contract extension running through the 2024-25 season — may be open to the move.

There’s good reason for that: In his final press conference of the just-concluded season, Fulham manager Marco Silva said that he’d like to sign two new center backs. Ream, meanwhile, fell out of favor not long after signing that extension.

The veteran was an unused substitute in both legs of Fulham’s Carabao Cup semifinal against Liverpool — arguably the biggest matches of the campaign — and did not appear for the Cottagers from February 17 until a season-ending 4-2 win over Luton Town.

Ream has had rare longevity at Fulham

Should Ream opt to leave Fulham, it would mark the end of one of the longest tenures at one club for any USMNT player in Europe. After three-and-a-half years at Bolton, Ream moved to Fulham in 2015, and has spent the last nine seasons at Craven Cottage.

The USMNT center back has 312 appearances for Fulham, sticking around through the promotion/relegation yo-yo cycle that saw the club move up or down the pyramid five times since his arrival.

A move to Charlotte FC would bolster a defense that is already among the best in MLS. Charlotte has conceded just 18 goals, good enough for fourth-best in the league at the moment. Head coach Dean Smith coached against Ream during his spells at Brentford, Aston Villa, and Leicester City.

Ream remains in the picture for the USMNT, with Gregg Berhalter naming him to the U.S. squad for June friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.

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