Tag: SoccerBlast

Giroud reportedly set for LAFC move this summer

Giroud could well be linking up with France teammate Hugo Lloris in the near future

Olivier Giroud is set to be the latest big name to move from Europe to MLS.

Per The Athletic, the AC Milan striker is in the final stages of contract talks with Los Angeles FC over a summer transfer that would come once his contract with the Rossoneri expires.

Giroud, 37, would join fellow France veteran Hugo Lloris on LAFC’s roster should the move go through. The MLS summer transfer window opens on July 18, less than a week after the end of Euro 2024.

With 56 goals in 130 caps, Giroud — France’s all-time leading scorer on the men’s side — is still a pivotal player for les Bleus, and barring injury is expected to play in that tournament.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that LAFC made a formal offer in recent days, with both sides nearing an agreement.

Giroud has had a strong season in Milan, leading the line as Stefano Pioli’s first-choice striker. In 36 total appearances this season, Giroud has a team-leading 14 goals, while his nine assists are third-best on the squad.

Should the move come off, Giroud will give LAFC an out-and-out No. 9 presence that the club has lacked since Cristian “Chicho” Arango’s departure after the 2022 season. Last year, Carlos Vela largely functioned as a false No. 9; since the Mexican forward’s departure this winter, that role has gone to midfielder Mateusz Bogusz.

The club has certainly worked to keep the door open for a signing in line with Giroud, with 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Dénis Bouanga currently LAFC’s only Designated Player. Steve Cherundolo’s side has had a history with signing prominent, aging European stars, with Gareth Bale playing a critical role in the club’s 2022 MLS Cup triumph.

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Camavinga exits France friendly with injury

It doesn’t look good for Camavinga, or for Real Madrid

Eduardo Camavinga exited a France friendly against Chile on Tuesday with an apparent injury.

The Real Madrid midfielder/defender trudged off just before halftime at the Stade Vélodrome with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Camavinga, having removed his left shoe, slowly walked off under his own power, but was in clear discomfort as he discussed the issue with trainers in the 43rd minute. He would be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi a minute later.

Camavinga’s injury could be a major concern for Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid, who will come out of the international break with some daunting matches on the schedule.

An always-difficult match against Athletic Club is coming up on Saturday, while the club’s Champions League quarterfinal clashes with Manchester City loom on April 9 and 17.

Camavinga has been critical for Real Madrid, appearing in 32 of the club’s 41 matches this season. Ancelotti has relied on the 21-year-old both as a box-to-box presence in the midfield for los Blancos, as well as regularly deploying him at left back.

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USMNT 2024 schedule: Results, fixtures, TV channel and streaming

All of the USMNT’s fixtures in 2024 as the team chases two major trophies

The U.S. men’s national team will compete for two major trophies in 2024.

In March, Gregg Berhalter’s side will look to defend the CONCACAF Nations League title it’s won two time in a row. Then in the summer, the 2024 Copa América takes center stage.

Aside from the major competitions, the USMNT will have several friendly windows to continue building toward its ultimate goal: a home World Cup in 2026.

Here is a list of all of the USMNT’s fixtures for 2024.

Copa America 2024: Full schedule and how to buy tickets

Get all the information for the massive tournament in the U.S. right here

Excitement is building for the 2024 Copa América, which will be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14.

After the draw, we now know where each team will be playing in the group stage, as well as their possible path toward the final in Miami.

The Copa América will feature 16 teams in a special edition of the tournament: all 10 teams from South America plus six guest spots for CONCACAF nations.

It all adds up for a tournament that is sure to be massive. Here is the full schedule for the 2024 Copa América, as well as how to purchase tickets for every match.

As of February 28, tickets are now on sale to the general public.

Copa America tickets and schedule

Marsch: I don’t want USMNT head coach job

Believe him or not, Marsch flatly rejected the idea of wanting the USMNT job

Jesse Marsch definitely wants a job, but there’s one he says he’s not interested in.

One day after the U.S. men’s national team eked out a 3-1 Concacaf Nations League semifinal win over Jamaica, Marsch — who was seemingly the subject of a dig from current USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter after the match — insisted he wasn’t interested in being the next U.S. manager.

Speaking on CBS’s Call It What You Want podcast on Friday, Marsch batted away the question of whether he’d be a candidate to replace Berhalter should things unravel for the USMNT.

“Is that something you want?” asked host Jimmy Conrad. “Say things don’t go well for us at Copa América. Would that be something you would entertain?”

“The [USMNT] job? No. No, I don’t want that job,” declared Marsch, who has been working as a pundit for CBS on UEFA Champions League and USMNT broadcasts since being sacked by Leeds 13 months ago.

It’s a curious position for Marsch to take, especially as he was strongly linked to the role while U.S. Soccer was sorting through whether to offer Berhalter a new contract or move on. Marsch’s agent eventually went public to rule the 50-year-old out as a candidate for the USMNT post.

Since then, Marsch has been linked exclusively to European clubs, with Southampton, Leicester, Monaco, and Celtic all being connected with Marsch at some point.

As a pundit, Marsch has been more than willing to state his disagreements with Berhalter’s choices. Earlier in March, he questioned the idea of calling Tyler Adams up so soon after his return from a long injury layoff. Marsch has also said that the Berhalter era doesn’t include a signature win, and that the USMNT coach should make John Brooks — who hasn’t been called in by Berhalter since September 2021 — “a centerpiece” of the team’s plans.

In Friday’s podcast, Marsch explained that offering his opinions, whether he agrees with Berhalter or not, is the fundamental duty he has as an on-screen pundit.

“Even when we discuss Gregg, or the tactics, or anything else, it’s always about, are we maximizing what we’re getting out of the team?” insisted Marsch. “Is the tactical model what we what we think is best for the group?… I don’t want anybody to take things too personally because that’s not what it’s meant to do. We’re just here trying to give a little bit of insight.”

Watch Marsch discuss the USMNT job

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Leon Bailey blasts Jamaican federation as he announces break from national team

Bailey was unsparing in his assessment of the “unprofessional” Jamaica Football Federation

Leon Bailey has declared that he will “take a break” from the Jamaican national team over issues stemming from what he called a low level of professionalism.

Ahead of the Reggae Boyz’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal against the U.S. men’s national team, the Aston Villa winger lit into the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) — long a target of criticism from players on its national teams — over basic missteps involving equipment, travel arrangements, and more.

Speaking on the Let’s Be Honest podcast, Bailey was unsparing in his criticism of the JFF.

“A lot of people don’t know that most of the time, I book my own flights to come and represent Jamaica because they are very unprofessional,” explained Bailey. “You’re getting your flight details [at] 11 p.m. to travel the next day. [The JFF] doesn’t pay us. I can’t remember the last time I received a dollar from the national team. It’s very unprofessional, in ways you can’t even imagine.”

Bailey then turned to how even being provided with team apparel to train in has been a problem.

“You’re turning up and they don’t have equipment for you. You’ll go and they’ll only have one shirt for you, and you have to find shorts,” said a bemused Bailey. “Players turn up to games and it’s a women’s shirt they print out for them to wear. It’s ridiculous and they don’t know how to operate.”

Bailey gave something of a conflicting accounting of whether he had let Jamaica know about the problems. At one point, he told host Jaii Frais he hadn’t, but later said he butts heads with the JFF in every international window.

“It’s two things I’ve always asked them for, and every time, I can’t get it. You have people booking flights for me and sending me from England to Jamaica with three different stops,” insisted Bailey. “All I ask for is a proper flight and a room by myself, and I can’t get that. If I don’t go the national team, I can go on my vacation and I can live good.”

Bailey: Jamaica’s national team ‘not doing anything for me’

Bailey wouldn’t have been available to take on the USMNT on Thursday, as head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson had suspended him over missing curfew during a November camp.

Bailey admitted that he did violate team rules, but said he took exception to how Hallgrímsson presented the news to the public.

“I did break curfew, but that’s normal. Every player does that,” said Bailey, who added that the suspension was not so much of a big deal in and of itself as it was just the last straw. “It’s just the way how it was presented that I didn’t like.

“[Hallgrímsson] did say to me that he wasn’t going to invite me to the next camp but, way before this happened, I always had it in my head that this is too much on my plate when it comes to the national team, and I was really going to take a break from it, and then [the suspension] just tipped off everything… I felt that was really harsh and it just said to me that me being in the national team right now, it really drains my energy a lot.”

Bailey won’t be alone in missing the match for Jamaica. Striker Michail Antonio withdrew from the roster for unspecified reasons, while Trivante Stewart is suspended by the team over a curfew violation last year. Ethan Pinnock and Amari’i Bell are unavailable due to injury, while Demarai Gray and Shamar Nicholson are suspended due to yellow-card accumulation.

Beyond that, the 26-year-old framed his appearances with Jamaica as a favor to the national team that he does out of pride in his country.

“Jamaica’s national team is not doing anything for me,” explained the Villa star. “Jamaica’s national team is not going to give me exposure. Playing for Jamaica is not going to make Real Madrid call me. I am shining light on the national team by playing overseas and representing as a Jamaican all the time. People know Leon Bailey everywhere in the world…

“I am Jamaican and I love my country, and hopefully one day my kids can come up and grow up in a better environment than I did. But sometimes I think about it and realize that these things were happening before I was born so, can I be the change?”

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2024 Olympics draw: USWNT to face Germany, Australia, playoff winner

The USWNT escaped the toughest possible group, but will still face a stern test in Group B

The draw for the women’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Olympics is complete.

The U.S. women’s national team will face Germany, Australia, and either Zambia or Morocco in Group B.

Elsewhere, defending Olympic champions Canada were placed in Group A with hosts France, while defending World Cup champions Spain will once again meet Japan (the only team to beat La Roja last summer).

The U.S. were placed in Pot 1 for the draw, alongside France and Spain. The sorting of the pots meant that the USWNT was obliged to face Germany in the group stage due to rules preventing two teams from the same confederation from being placed in the same group.

From Pot 2, Canada could not be paired with the U.S., while Germany could not be placed in a group with UEFA rivals France or Spain.

The USWNT will be looking to reestablish itself as a truly elite team after two rocky showings in major tournaments. The U.S. was unconvincing in winning bronze at the 2020 Olympics, while a round-of-16 exit at last summer’s World Cup was the earliest exit from that tournament in program history.

The USWNT will start its quest for a fifth Olympic gold medal against the African qualifier on July 25 at the Allianz Riviera in Nice. The U.S. will head to Marseille for its second match, facing Germany at the Stade Vélodrome on July 28. The final USWNT group-stage clash will also be at the Stade Vélodrome, with Australia the opponent on July 31.

The Confederation of African Football’s final round of Olympic qualifying will see Zambia and Morocco play a two-legged tie in the first week of April. The winner will claim the final place in Group B. Nigeria and South Africa will square off for the other CAF place in France.

The tournament will see 12 teams sorted into three groups of four, with the top two finishers in each group advancing to the quarterfinal stage. The top two third-placed teams in the group stage will complete the field for the knockout round.

Unlike the men’s tournament, which functions as an under-23 event with a handful of overage players, the women’s Olympic soccer tournament has no age restrictions.

2024 Olympic women’s soccer draw

Group A

  • France
  • Colombia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand

Group B

  • USA
  • Zambia or Morocco
  • Germany
  • Australia

Group C

  • Spain
  • Japan
  • Nigeria or South Africa
  • Brazil

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AC Milan USA tour 2024: Schedule, tickets, stadiums and more

Christian Pulisic and Co. will return to the United States during their preseason

For the second straight year, AC Milan will tour the United States during its preseason.

Last year, the Rossoneri played three matches in the U.S. as Christian Pulisic took his first steps with his new team.

Now an established star with Milan, Pulisic and his teammates will return this summer and will again play three matches in the United States.

Milan will take part in the Soccer Champions Tour, which also includes Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

Here are AC Milan’s fixtures for its 2024 summer tour of the United States. Tickets are available now, and more information can be found HERE.

AC Milan USA tour 2024

July 27: AC Milan vs. Manchester City — Yankee Stadium, New York, NY.

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July 31: AC Milan vs. Real Madrid — Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.

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August 6: AC Milan vs. Barcelona — M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.

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Soccer Champions Tour 2024: Schedule, tickets, stadiums and more

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Manchester City will all play in the U.S. this summer

The Soccer Champions Tour will return in 2024, with five European powers set to tour the United States during preseason.

The Soccer Champions Tour debuted in 2023, and will return this summer with six games featuring five clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Manchester City.

The marquee event of the Soccer Champions Tour will be a preseason El Clásico featuring Real Madrid and Barcelona, with this year’s edition taking place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

SHOP: 2024 El Clásico tickets

American fans will also get the chance to see AC Milan star Christian Pulisic face Madrid and Barcelona in Chicago and Baltimore, respectively, as well as Manchester City in New York.

“Soccer Champions Tour is thrilled to return this summer with enticing matchups featuring some of the world’s most storied clubs for fans in the U.S. to witness the beautiful game at the highest level,” said Joe Carr, the commissioner of the Soccer Champions Tour.

“With all five clubs possessing passionate supporters that span the globe, we’re pleased to unveil an exciting range of matches throughout the U.S., a market experiencing exponential growth in the sport’s popularity.”

Here are the Soccer Champions Tour fixtures for 2024 in the United States. Tickets to all games are available now, and all information can be found HERE.

Soccer Champions Tour 2024

July 27: Manchester City vs. AC Milan — Yankee Stadium, New York, NY.

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July 30: Barcelona vs. Manchester City — Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL.

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July 31: Real Madrid vs. AC Milan — Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.

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August 3: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.

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August 6: Barcelona vs. AC Milan — M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.

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August 6: Real Madrid vs. Chelsea — Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC.

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Barcelona USA tour 2024: Schedule, tickets, stadiums and more

The Spanish giants will tour the U.S. for a third consecutive summer

For the third summer in a row, Barcelona will tour the United States.

Three high-profile friendlies are on the agenda, as Barcelona will take part in the Soccer Champions Tour for a second straight year. The preseason competition also includes Real Madrid, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Manchester City.

Once again, the marquee event of Barça’s tour will be a preseason El Clásico against Real Madrid, with this year’s edition taking place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

It will be the third consecutive preseason Clásico on U.S. soil, after the teams met in Arlington, Texas last year. Overall, it will be the fourth time Real Madrid and Barcelona have met on U.S. soil

Here are Barcelona’s fixtures for its 2024 summer tour of the United States. Tickets are available now, and more information can be found HERE.

Barcelona USA tour 2024

July 30: Barcelona vs. Manchester City — Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL.

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August 3: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.

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August 6: Barcelona vs. AC Milan — M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.

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