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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en"> <title>Stars and Stripes FC - All Posts</title> <subtitle>Home of Brian, Brandi and Beer</subtitle> <icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/38285/StarsAndBars_Fav.png</icon> <updated>2025-05-09T10:55:40-07:00</updated> <id>http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/rss/current/</id> <link type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/" rel="alternate"/> <entry> <published>2025-05-09T10:55:40-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-09T10:55:40-07:00</updated> <title>FIFA confirms expansion of 2031 Women’s World Cup to 48 teams</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Spain v England: Final - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia &amp;amp; New Zealand 2023" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f2Yg-gzgcDKpQphjt4q7SlBkQOI=/2x0:5549x3698/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74074272/1626972773.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Mark Metcalfe - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Like the men’s version, the women’s tournament is expanding by 50%.</p> <p id="3cm6Sn">Once again, the United States will be the site for a 48-team soccer tournament. Today, at the FIFA Congress, soccer’s world governing body <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6344750/2025/05/09/fifa-womens-world-cup-48-teams/">voted to expand the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams</a> beginning with the 2031 tournament.</p><p id="kMAVSU">The United States, as the sole bidder for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, will see its tournament once again expand to 48 teams. The teams will be divided into 12 groups, with the total number of matches increasing from 64 to 104. The 2035 Women’s World Cup also has one sole bid in the joint United Kingdom bid of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.</p><p id="xxrqS0">“This is not just about having 16 more teams playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup but taking the next steps in relation to the women’s game in general by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the chance to benefit from the tournament to develop their women’s football structures from a holistic point of view,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a statement released by FIFA. “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the first in which teams from all confederations won at least one game and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stage, among many other records, set a new standard for global competitiveness. This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in terms of growing women’s football globally.”</p><p id="NweecU">The 2023 Women’s World Cup was the first one to be 32 teams, a format that will continue in Brazil in 2027. However, like the men’s tournament, which expands to 48 teams next summer, the allure of having more matches and more teams involved was too much for FIFA members to ignore. While it will increase representation, real concerns still remain over whether the level of competition will suffer with more teams involved that may not be ready to play with some of the best teams in the world. World Cup qualifying formats will have to shift as well to determine the 47 teams that would join the <a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com">USWNT</a> at the 2031 tournament.</p><p id="k8LwAi">There will also be concerns over the increased size of the tournament precluding smaller nations from bidding to host future tournaments unless they join with other countries to form joint bids. While more games will <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6344750/2025/05/09/fifa-womens-world-cup-48-teams/">mean more opportunities for FIFA</a> to have more fans in attendance with more games, signaling more revenue, it also means fans and players will have to navigate the logistics of meeting visa entry requirements for multiple countries.</p><p id="k60phx">The 2031 Women’s World Cup will at least have the ability to take the lessons learned from the preparation and execution of the 2026 World Cup. And now FIFA will have to commit the investment necessary to get more women’s national teams ready to compete at the highest level to potentially qualify for a 48-team World Cup.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/uswnt-news/2025/5/9/24426997/fifa-expansion-2031-womens-world-cup-48-teams-usa-uswnt-united-states"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/uswnt-news/2025/5/9/24426997/fifa-expansion-2031-womens-world-cup-48-teams-usa-uswnt-united-states</id> <author> <name>Donald Wine II</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-05-09T10:13:34-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-09T10:13:34-07:00</updated> <title>USMNT weekend viewing guide: Closing in</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Juventus Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/37BLzLAasQYN3h-rM0MybPDF4dc=/1x0:4000x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74074209/2213250297.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>With a small handful of matches yet to play, things are getting tight.</p> <p id="Wsnun4">There is much yet to play for rolling into the last few weeks of the season with <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> qualification for American’s still to be sorted out in four of the top five leagues and clubs grasping for safety in Italy and Germany. Here is what you should keep an eye on this weekend: </p><h2 id="Ws7BjX">Friday</h2><h4 id="z8JeEe">Wolfsburg v Hoffenheim - 2:30p on ESPN+</h4><p id="O7pXcU">Kevin Paredes remains out and is likely finished for the season with a hamstring strain. Twelfth place Wolfsburg host Hoffenheim who can secure safety with a win or a draw on Friday. </p><h4 id="dxRO5e">AC Milan v Bologna - 2:45p on Paramount+</h4><p id="lUhrWn">All of Milan’s European hopes are wrapped up in their Coppa Italia final next Wednesday as they are in ninth place in league play, six points back of the top six with just three matches remaining. Given the importance of the final midweek squad rotation could be in effect on Friday, possibly impacting regular starters like Christian Pulisic. We have already heard from the manager that Yunus Musah will be getting the start which is a chance to work himself out of the doghouse, he’s seen just a handful of minutes over the last several weeks. </p><p id="dvZdwv"></p><h2 id="T94hhn">Saturday</h2><h4 id="psq441">Holstein Kiel v Freiburg - 9:30a on ESPN+</h4><p id="k59VAq">John Tolkin and Holstien Kiel have won two straight matches to pull within a point of Heidenheim who currently sit in the relegation playoff spot. However, things will get tougher this weekend as Kiel face fourth place Freiburg who are looking to hold off Dortmund’s late charge for the final Champions League qualification position. </p><h4 id="4YMOYr">Fulham v Everton - 10a on Peacock</h4><p id="qoYalC">Antonee Robinson was back in the starting lineup last weekend after a rare respite the prior week. Robinson went the full 90’ in Fulham’s 1-0 loss to <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> and he will pass the 3,000 minute mark assuming he starts again this weekend. Fulham are in eleventh place with three matches remaining. </p><h4 id="Ppkfj5">Lazio v Juventus - Noon on Paramount+</h4><p id="aqk7aA">Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com">Juventus</a> drew with Bologna on Sunday and remain in fourth place, tied on points with both <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com">Roma</a> and this weekend’s opponent, Lazio. Five points back of third place Atalanta there are four clubs vying for one remaining spot to qualify for Champions League play next season and every point will count over the last three match days. </p><h4 id="hej0dd">Bournemouth v Aston Villa - 12:30p on NBC and Peacock</h4><p id="RsytP7">Tyler Adams and Bournemouth defeated Arsenal 2-1 last Saturday for their first ever win at the Emirates. Adams started and went the full 90’ as Bournemouth gave up the opener in the 34th minute but would score two in the second half for the away win. Bournemouth moved into the top ten with the win and now face an Aston Villa side that are one spot, but seven points, ahead of them in the Premier League table. </p><h4 id="KyOwnw">Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach - 12:30p on ESPN+</h4><p id="RkuGSp">Joe Scally and Borussia Monchengladbach played Hoffenheim to a 4-4 draw in a back and forth affair last weekend. Gladbach haven’t won in their past five matches and now face a <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> side who are celebrating their league title thanks to Bayer Leverkusen’s draw with Freiburg last weekend. </p><h4 id="nMRrNd">Monaco v Lyon - 3p on beIN Sports</h4><p id="s3JGVx">Folarin Balogun received his first league start this year and scored a goal in Monaco’s 3-1 win over Saint-Etienne last weekend as Monaco maintained their one point lead for third place and Champions League qualification. Balogun and Monaco will face Tanner Tessmann and Lyon this weekend who just a few weeks ago looked as though they also had a shot at Champions League play next season but defeats in two of their past three matches have them in seventh place and outside of European qualification altogether with two matches remaining in the Ligue 1 season. </p><h2 id="H9ubQN">Sunday</h2><h4 id="CAyW4b">Feyenoord v PSV Eindhoven - 8:30a on ESPN+</h4><p id="YaTz1C">Richard Ledezma and Malik Tillman started for PSV last weekend as they defeated Fortuna Sittard 4-1. PSV now face third place Feyenoord as they look to gain ground on league leading Ajax who have left the door open just a crack by failing to win in their past two matches. Ajax still hold a four point lead for the league title with three matches remaining but PSV still have something to play for, at least for the moment. Sergino Dest also made it off the bench last weekend picking up a handful of minutes in his first appearance since March. </p><h4 id="YDaT1R">Tottenham v Crystal Palace - 9:15a on Peacock</h4><p id="vhdCPy">Chris Richards and Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest last Monday with Richards starting and going the full 90’ in the draw. Palace will take on a struggling <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham</a> side on Sunday before facing <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> final next weekend. </p><h4 id="fSdxci">Bayer Leverkusen v Borussia Dortmund - 9:30a on ESPN+</h4><p id="9RPJyn">Gio Reyna did not make it off the bench last weekend in Dortmund’s 4-0 defeat of Wolfsburg. The win pulled Dortmund within a point of Freiburg for fourth place and a shot at Champions League play next season. On Sunday Dortmund will face second place Leverkusen who drew 2-2 with the aforementioned Freiburg last weekend. </p><h4 id="s7Y6aE">Real Betis v Osasuna - 3p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+</h4><p id="ss3h7L">Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis went to extra time on Thursday to draw 2-2 with <a href="https://www.violanation.com">Fiorentina</a> and advance to the Conference League final by defeating the Italian side 4-3 over the two leg semi-final. Betis are also within a point of fifth place <a href="https://www.villarrealusa.com/">Villarreal</a> with the top five qualifying for Champions League. Betis face ninth place Osasuna who are coming off a 4-2 loss to Villareal. </p><h2 id="bf4GX1">Monday</h2><h4 id="tkPcDd">Venezia v Fiorentina - 12:30p on Paramount+</h4><p id="6dSIOg">Gianluca Busio and Venezia drew 1-1 with Torino last Friday to pull within a point of Lecce for safety. Venezia hold a healthy goal differential advantage over Lecce so would secure safety if they are able to make up the remaining point over the final three weeks of the season. They start by facing Fiorentina on Monday who will have some added rest coming off their grueling defeat to Real Betis in the Conference League semi-final on Thursday. </p><p id="i58oRT"></p><p id="646Xgs"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/usmnt-news/2025/5/9/24426912/usa-usmnt-weekend-viewing-guide-closing-in-epl-la-liga-serie-a"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/usmnt-news/2025/5/9/24426912/usa-usmnt-weekend-viewing-guide-closing-in-epl-la-liga-serie-a</id> <author> <name>jcksnftsn</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-05-09T08:37:52-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-09T08:37:52-07:00</updated> <title>USMNT midweek roundup: Johnny into a final</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="ACF Fiorentina v Real Betis Balompie - UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hwcf8cxEnffZqoYyqLRp3QLPXcw=/3x0:3000x1998/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74073957/2213461794.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Betis will face Chelsea in a European final to fight for a trophy</p> <p id="nNdtNm">Here’s a bullet-point rundown of the <a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/">USMNT</a> players whose clubs were in action this week (Monday through Thursday). Players are divided by position groups (that helps my depth-chart-oriented brain to process this information most usefully). Within position groups, players are listed chronologically, in order of when their games took place. Stats are from <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>.</p><h4 id="SneQuX">Strikers</h4><p id="ozLTIF"><em>Injured: Ricardo Pepi (knee, out for season), Jordan Morris (hamstring, early June)</em></p><ul><li id="yVklsC">Patrick Agyemang played 42 minutes off the bench, <strong>scored</strong>, and provided an <strong>assist</strong> in Charlotte FC’s 4-1 extra-time win over North Carolina FC in the US Open Cup on Tuesday.</li></ul><div id="QwD4mr"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CLUTCH! ⚡<br><br>Patrick Agyemang strikes late for <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlotteFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CharlotteFC</a> in the US Open Cup! <a href="https://t.co/xuHFrrIw2m">pic.twitter.com/xuHFrrIw2m</a></p>— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/GolazoAmerica/status/1919926675845927196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><ul><li id="TA7rnr">Duncan McGuire played 45 minutes off the bench and <strong>scored</strong> in Orlando City’s 5-0 Open Cup win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday.</li></ul><div id="8K73TZ"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DUNCAN ️ MCGUIRE ️ <a href="https://t.co/EfyACMh7hp">pic.twitter.com/EfyACMh7hp</a></p>— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrlandoCitySC/status/1920284262722334793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><ul><li id="l9mbNp">Brandon Vázquez played the full 90, <strong>scored a brace</strong>, provided an <strong>assist</strong>, missed 2 big chances, and completed the most dribbles (3) in Austin FC’s 3-2 Open Cup win over El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday. Vázquez was rated Man of the Match by FotMob.</li></ul><div id="BIXISZ"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BRANDON VÁSQUEZ <a href="https://twitter.com/AustinFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustinFC</a> comeback from 0–2 down to take a late lead vs El Paso! <a href="https://t.co/2Lxpnq9JmJ">pic.twitter.com/2Lxpnq9JmJ</a></p>— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/GolazoAmerica/status/1920302143740743815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h4 id="bvXfca">Wingers and attacking mids</h4><p id="9bcBQY"><em>Injured: Kevin Paredes (muscle injury, late May), Taylor Booth (unknown), Jesús Ferreira (groin, early June), Cole Campbell (knock, a few days)</em></p><ul><li id="k25ONH">Christian Pulisic played 78 minutes, created 2 chances, completed the most dribbles (3), and lost the most duels (9) in <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com">AC Milan</a>’s 2-1 win over Genoa on Monday. <a href="https://x.com/usmntonly/status/1919489820360942065">Pulisic’s 61 key passes this season are the most in Serie A</a>.</li><li id="SAw9Gh">Cavan Sullivan (age 15) made his first career start for the Philadelphia Union in their 1-1 (5-4) Open Cup penalty win over Indy Eleven on Wednesday. Sullivan played all 120 minutes, creating 2 chances.</li></ul><div id="H4vd1Z"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cavan has done well, finding himself in good positions, moving the ball around, and not getting caught in possession.<br><br>Here is a chance that was called offside—great touch to control it and an attempt to put it in.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/doop?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#doop</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/usmnt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#usmnt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/usymnt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#usymnt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a><br> : PARAMOUNT+ <a href="https://t.co/oqJWlsrW5Y">pic.twitter.com/oqJWlsrW5Y</a></p>— José Roberto Nuñez (@JoserNunez91) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoserNunez91/status/1920268286215836146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="66yjaS"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cavan is getting closer to scoring. Two shots in quick succession, both saved by Charles-Cook.<br><br>It feels like he may be the most dangerous player on the field so far tonight.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/doop?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#doop</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indyforever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indyforever</a><br> : Paramount+ <a href="https://t.co/MvICw09CCS">pic.twitter.com/MvICw09CCS</a></p>— José Roberto Nuñez (@JoserNunez91) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoserNunez91/status/1920271780494680077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><ul><li id="gvVlkI">Brian Gutiérrez played 37 minutes off the bench and provided an <strong>assist</strong> in the Chicago Fire’s 4-0 Open Cup win over Detroit City on Wednesday.</li><li id="1aK0LS">Lucho Acosta played 62 minutes, <strong>scored</strong>, and completed the most dribbles (3) in FC Dallas’ 3-1 Open Cup win over AV Alta on Wednesday.</li></ul><div id="AtgmW5"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLS</a> MVP Lucho Acosta in the mood <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOC2025</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/FCDallas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCDallas</a> <a href="https://t.co/s62G7dqwe0">pic.twitter.com/s62G7dqwe0</a></p>— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) <a href="https://twitter.com/opencup/status/1920271379816927483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><ul><li id="C24Oqn">Alex Zendejas played the full 90 in Club América’s 0-0 draw with Pachuca on Wednesday in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura quarterfinal.</li><li id="UAGak1">Matko Miljevic played 85 minutes, provided <strong>2 assists</strong>, and created 4 more chances (6 total) in Huracán’s 3-1 win over Racing on Thursday.</li></ul><h4 id="VsgulE">Center mids</h4><p id="y9zitx"><em>Injured: James Sands (broken leg, mid-July), Leon Flach (thigh, mid-May), Pedro Soma (</em><a href="https://x.com/FCBarcelonaB/status/1918680404258685295"><em>lower back, unknown</em></a><em>)</em></p><ul><li id="GP09LE">Yunus Musah played 11 minutes off the bench in AC Milan’s 2-1 win over Genoa on Monday.</li><li id="bXeB5M">Owen Wolff played 30 minutes off the bench, provided <strong>2 assists</strong>, and <strong>created 3 more chances</strong> (5 total!) in Austin FC’s 3-2 Open Cup win over El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday.</li></ul><div id="v0zuif"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Nice poked through ball from Owen Wolff (‘04) for an assist to USMNT striker Brandon Vazquez <a href="https://t.co/8zJVtXtwEC">pic.twitter.com/8zJVtXtwEC</a></p>— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/usmntaut/status/1920307135591612541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><div id="UPJPAF"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Owen Wolff (‘04) with his second assist of the match, both to USMNT striker Brandon Vazquez. He came on in the 60th minute with Austin down 2-0 and proceeded to create 5 chances and help them complete the comeback to win 3-2 and advance in the US Open Cup. <a href="https://t.co/ojwFqKLA5U">pic.twitter.com/ojwFqKLA5U</a></p>— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/usmntaut/status/1920307615495487826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><ul><li id="zrWz8N">Jack McGlynn played 57 minutes off the bench, <strong>scored</strong>, and <strong>created 6 chances</strong> in the Houston Dynamo’s 4-1 Open Cup win over Phoenix Rising on Wednesday.</li></ul><div id="mA55z2"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take a bow, Mr. Jack McGlynn <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOC2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOC2025</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonDynamo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HoustonDynamo</a> <a href="https://t.co/SJI9NMlyPV">pic.twitter.com/SJI9NMlyPV</a></p>— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) <a href="https://twitter.com/opencup/status/1920332814043558295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><ul><li id="VoWTdG">Niko Tsakiris played 79 minutes, provided an <strong>assist</strong>, and <strong>created 4 more chances</strong> (5 total) in the San Jose Earthquakes’ 2-1 Open Cup win over Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday.</li></ul><div id="BzASIE"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Niko Tsakiris drops a dime and Preston Judd finishes it with authority for the Earthquakes ⚡ <a href="https://t.co/TpVPyjkyQp">pic.twitter.com/TpVPyjkyQp</a></p>— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/GolazoAmerica/status/1920319944731873630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="d9gp0h">Check out the replay:</p><div id="XJIIOD"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Really clever assist from USA U20 midfielder Niko Tsakiris (‘05) <a href="https://t.co/fBxXiHRGPZ">pic.twitter.com/fBxXiHRGPZ</a></p>— American Ultras Talk (@usmntaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/usmntaut/status/1920320032816398728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><ul><li id="6X4qT5">Noel Buck played the full 90 San Jose-Sacramento game.</li><li id="ngXeEe">Johnny Cardoso played all 120 minutes, created 1 chance, and hit the woodwork once as Real Betis advanced over <a href="https://www.violanation.com">Fiorentina</a> in the Conference League final second leg on Thursday. The game was a 2-2 draw, with Betis advancing 4-3 aggregate.</li></ul><div id="KUowAf"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis are headed to the Conference League Final!<br><br>Cardoso plays the full 120 minutes as Betis outlasted Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate. <br><br>Real Betis faces Chelsea in the Final on May 28 in Poland. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/HPwZhOTS2o">pic.twitter.com/HPwZhOTS2o</a></p>— Larry Henry Jr (@lhenry019) <a href="https://twitter.com/lhenry019/status/1920595555845038570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h4 id="mtonJT">Fullbacks</h4><p id="I4zEwH"><em>No injuries</em></p><ul><li id="Y3IEoV">Alex Freeman played 45 minutes and created 1 chance in Orlando City’s 5-0 Open Cup win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday.</li><li id="LSozP9">Shaq Moore played 45 minutes and provided an <strong>assist</strong> in FC Dallas’ 3-1 Open Cup win over AV Alta on Wednesday.</li></ul><h4 id="F05vsE">Center-backs</h4><p id="pwGITx"><em>Injured:</em><em><strong> </strong></em><em>Walker Zimmerman (head, mid-May), Noahkai Banks (hip, late May), Jalen Neal (abdomen, back on the bench), John Brooks (ankle, mid-May), Anrie Chase (groin, mid-May)</em></p><ul><li id="Swuab1">Chris Richards played the full 90 in Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on on Monday.</li><li id="N0IVhS">Tim Ream played 15 minutes off the bench in Charlotte FC’s 4-1 extra-time Open Cup win over North Carolina FC on Tuesday.</li></ul><h4 id="Srtvgz">Goalkeepers</h4><p id="LX0U0q"><em>Injured: Diego Kochen (</em><a href="https://x.com/FCBarcelonaB/status/1918680122984390875"><em>concussion, unknown</em></a><em>), Gaga Slonina (finger, mid-May)</em></p><ul><li id="3n1vKI">Matt Turner was not in Crystal Palace’s squad for their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Monday.</li><li id="UscRuX">Chris Brady played the full 90 and made 2 saves in the Chicago Fire’s 4-0 Open Cup win over Detroit City FC on Wednesday.</li></ul><p id="UtJFjC"><em>What were your takeaways? Hit the comments to discuss.</em></p><p id="FVGCLi"></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/usmnt-news/2025/5/9/24426129/usa-usmnt-midweek-roundup-johnny-into-the-final"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/usmnt-news/2025/5/9/24426129/usa-usmnt-midweek-roundup-johnny-into-the-final</id> <author> <name>Justin Moran</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-05-09T07:21:24-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-09T07:21:24-07:00</updated> <title>USA Soccercast, Episode 153: The evolving women’s soccer pyramid</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="NY/NJ Gotham FC v NC Courage" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QH6StPXldJ_sPgE00jJrWnqpqIU=/0x0:5187x3458/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74073808/2209607468.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>NWSL and WPSL are in the process of creating Division 2 leagues...how will this work?</p> <p id="zJpWFH">The women’s soccer pyramid could be expanding in 2026, and we discuss it on <a href="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/RRTET9472178605.mp3?updated=1746800694">Episode 153</a>!</p><p id="hpUEPz">The <a href="https://www.allforxi.com">NWSL</a> has submitted a bid to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44850805/nwsl-submits-bid-launch-second-division-2026">create a second division league</a> called NWSL Division 2 that would serve as a reserve league beginning in 2026. It would begin with 8 teams, with every NWSL team eventually having a reserve team in the league. There is also <a href="https://wpslpro.com/">WPSL Pro</a>, who also announced their intention to launch in 2026 with 15 teams. We quickly go through the new proposed leagues.</p><p id="64iaN9">We then get into the evolving women’s soccer pyramid in the United States and some of the things that these leagues will need to overcome. We also discuss soccer markets that are increasingly crowded as leagues rush to ride the coat tails of the 2026 World Cup. The eye should be on sustainability, and the legacy of 2026 doesn’t have to mean that a league rushes to launch in 2026. As more information comes out about these leagues, we can continue to debate the pros and cons, but it’s a discussion worth having to make sure that women’s soccer remains successful and is not set up in a hurried manner that increases the potential for failure.</p><p id="1DTYxK">Don’t forget to follow us on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/usasoccercast.bsky.social">Bluesky</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@USASoccercast">YouTube</a>! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?xcust=___sb__p_24154064__t_w__r_starsandstripesfc.com/se&amp;id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https://linktr.ee/usasoccercast&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2024/4/2/24117872/usa-soccercast-episode-131-uswnt-shebelieves-cup-preview-korbin-albert-controversy" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Linktree</a>, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our <a href="https://usasoccercast.itemorder.com/shop/home/">Stimulus store</a>! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show.</p><div id="3fJTn7"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/RRTET9472178605" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/ssfc-podcast/2025/5/9/24426842/usa-soccercast-episode-153-usa-us-soccer-pyramid-nwsl-division-2-wpsl-pro"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/ssfc-podcast/2025/5/9/24426842/usa-soccercast-episode-153-usa-us-soccer-pyramid-nwsl-division-2-wpsl-pro</id> <author> <name>Donald Wine II</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-05-09T05:00:00-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-09T05:00:00-07:00</updated> <title>Carli Lloyd and paying the price for winning</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="2025 National Soccer Hall Of Fame Induction" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1Os1d2siyKWDTsAKhzX_RrAFqBY=/0x0:4118x2745/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74073363/2213243720.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The USWNT star gave her thoughts on her career as she was inducted to the US Soccer Hall of Fame</p> <p id="THHU1U">The best athletes come in a wide, wide variety of personality types. There are those who quietly go about their craft and go nearly unnoticed as they put together impressive and even legendary careers. Others bring attention to their every move and seem to bask not only in the praise of their success but the criticism of their failures. Some are intense, others playful, philosophical, or possessed by a single-minded focus on their work. In short, there is no one single archetype that makes an athlete world class.</p><p id="TxvWmZ">Their careers also come at a cost and there are several sides to every athlete. Tom Brady was successful and played well into his 40s because he worked harder than nearly any athlete in terms of practice, nutrition, sleep, and even renegotiated his contract for teammates to be able to play on his teams. He was also successful because he <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2022/10/18/tom-brady-says-he-struggles-to-focus-on-personal-life-during-season/?adid=social-twa">choose football over his family</a>. Michael Jordan had such a single minded focus on winning and pushed his teammates so hard that <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2Fbulls%2F2020%2F04%2F23%2Fsteve-kerr-michael-jordan-punching-me-face-helped-relationship%2F3010280001%2F&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.starsandstripesfc.com%2F2025%2F5%2F9%2F24425505%2Fcarli-lloyd-and-paying-the-price-for-winning" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">a fist fight with Steve Kerr was <em>good</em> for their relationship</a> ahead of a season when the Chicago Bulls went 72-10. </p><p id="6qSBv0">Carli Lloyd can say she is in the company of the greatest athletes ever and may lay claim to being the greatest American soccer player in history. She is second most in caps, fifth most in assists, and third most in goals. Those stats were racked up while spending a significant part of her career finding her best role on the team moving from defensive midfield to no. 10. Lloyd had mental qualities and embodied the USWNT’s ability to impose unrelenting pressure on opponents through determination, athleticism, and skill. On a team of stars she was also capable of putting the team on her back. </p><p id="IUvGIN">It’s worth revisiting her 2015 World Cup Final performance against Japan which may be the single greatest individual performance the sport has seen at that level. Lloyd scored three goals in 16 minutes including an absolute worldie from the center circle. She is the only player to score a hat trick in regulation during in a World Cup Final. </p><p id="M5n8h6">Making it that much more impressive is that <a href="https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/2015worldcup/story/_/id/13006977/how-getting-cut-helped-carli-lloyd-refocus-find-spot-us-women-national-team">Lloyd had to turn her career around</a> to reach that point. She was cut from the USWNT U-21 team and then connected with personal coach James Galanis to reach her goal of playing for the full national team. He had high expectations telling her, “the first thing you need to change is your mind. And if you want to play for the full team, this sport has to be No. 1 in your life, before your boyfriend, before your family, before anyone.” </p><p id="Vdpb5C">Lloyd took that to heart and won a pair of Gold Medals and World Cups. She scored the game winner in the 2008 Olympic final... and both goals in a 2-1 win over Japan to win gold in 2012. She also scored a brace to win a bronze in 2020. Her individual training brought her to six World Cups, the most of any player in history. However, Galanis also influenced Lloyd to push away her family for the better part of a decade.</p><p id="mWRCoB">However, putting soccer No. 1 in her life came at a cost. Four years since retiring, Lloyd has had time to reflect on her life and career and shared her perspective during her induction into the US Soccer Hall of Fame. At the event<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/05/carli-lloyd-apologizes-to-teammates-family-in-emotional-hall-of-fame-speech"> she questioned if it was worth it</a> speaking about parts of her that have emerged since retiring and becoming a mother, “Unlike during my playing career, I have been present. I have allowed myself to be vulnerable, emotional, and fully engaged in every moment I get to spend with her.” She also mentioned that she was an emotionless robot and wasn’t there for teammates in ways they needed. </p><p id="O7O3gn">Does she regret it? While she may have judgements about her time as a player and who she was as a person, that ruthless dedication to winning may not be that far from the surface. In typical Lloyd fashion she said, “As lonely and difficult as the journey was at times, I would do it all over again.” </p><p id="PNF6zQ">That said, she is aware of the cost saying, “There was nothing I loved more than winning, but winning comes at a cost, and I paid that price.” In Lloyd’s case, becoming a ruthless competitor spilled took away from her personal life as it does for so many other great athletes. Her comments are a reminder that behind the moments that transcend the possible are human beings who have made choices and sacrifices to find glory. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2025/5/9/24425505/carli-lloyd-and-paying-the-price-for-winning"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2025/5/9/24425505/carli-lloyd-and-paying-the-price-for-winning</id> <author> <name>Parker Cleveland</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-05-08T11:34:29-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-08T11:34:29-07:00</updated> <title>Vote for USMNT April goal of the month</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Rangers FC v Celtic FC - William Hill Premiership" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tb1MuCE7rtoFFd6NaxoUbLPjb3M=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74072243/2213362330.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>Feast your eyes on the best USMNT goals from last month.</p> <p id="MXXhYA">Ah, so you thought perhaps there would be no April Goal of the Month? Since this contributor took some time off, things would slip by, and maybe it would get missed altogether? Well, think again!</p><p id="mlnz47">Let’s sit back, enjoy the goals, and vote for the best one.</p><h2 id="QMYNSn">Goals</h2><h4 id="MoVWQO">Apr 5 - Josh Sargent vs Plymouth Argyle</h4><p id="IodGIO">Sargent showed impressive technique to react after popping the ball up in the air with his first touch, timing his shot perfectly to smash it from midair.</p><div id="2VRw4r"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Sargent smashes one home to pull one back for Norwich <a href="https://t.co/G6xYINU6Yv">pic.twitter.com/G6xYINU6Yv</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1908541037670261082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h4 id="b3TCor">Apr 5 - Malik Tillman vs Groningen</h4><p id="7j7HAA">Tillman scored with a well-placed first-time curler to the far post. Nice setup from his teammate, as well.</p><div id="juErSN"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/klsbxKBqjkY?rel=0&amp;start=27" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><h4 id="o0hvPz">Apr 5 - Jack McGlynn vs LAFC</h4><p id="mXpfA7">McGlynn loves to have a hit from long range. Another goal from outside the box.</p><div id="dQlJxR"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jack McGlynn from distance and Houston have the lead! <a href="https://t.co/sPDHhy0G9i">pic.twitter.com/sPDHhy0G9i</a></p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1908709292577849444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h4 id="bTHdFG">Apr 12 - Cameron Carter-Vickers vs Kilmarnock</h4><p id="3YyiME">Yeah, this seems like the de facto winner. What a thunderbolt from CCV. Even his teammates were in shock.</p><div id="yZqwoL"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS HAS THIS IN HIS LOCKER?! <br><br>Go off <a href="https://t.co/PJrXb6NEas">pic.twitter.com/PJrXb6NEas</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1911030134917705916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><h4 id="YjMut3">Apr 20 - Damion Downs vs Preussen Münster</h4><p id="4JHtK0">Really nice control by Downs to bring the ball down, and quick release to punch it home.</p><div id="k2zPYu"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cwws8icZZfg?rel=0&amp;start=39" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><h4 id="eMPNEh">Apr 20 - Paxten Aaronson vs Ajax</h4><p id="ogFqJu">Paxten punctuated Utrecht’s 4-0 win over Ajax with this grass-cutting scorcher.</p><div id="8YBljO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ImTQCoHRc5U?rel=0&amp;start=480" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><h4 id="kDcwYD">Apr 26 - Djordje Mihailovic vs Seattle Sounders</h4><p id="njAXHZ">Mihailovic showed us why we sometimes see that extra defender lay down just behind the wall. Well-placed.</p><div id="9G4Wvy"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RlQH6mFfwtM?rel=0&amp;start=196" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><h4 id="VTjWmb">Apr 27 - Christian Pulisic vs Venezia</h4><p id="TCZf2t">The fact that Pulisic made this goal easy is what makes it so impressive. His first touch is fantastic, he keeps his balance, sends the keeper the wrong way, and slots it home.</p><div id="GnVdwV"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Christian Pulisic's 50th goal contribution for Milan was clean <a href="https://t.co/OtooLmas1b">pic.twitter.com/OtooLmas1b</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1916482646277783772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><p id="EUtXYr"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRSsveMxaF307LavF_CQFuKh3YK1fK-yaDEy8VCuCDZ_9DSw/viewform?usp=dialog">Click here for a mobile-friendly version</a>.</p><div id="r0GYKa"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 952px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRSsveMxaF307LavF_CQFuKh3YK1fK-yaDEy8VCuCDZ_9DSw/viewform?usp=dialog&amp;embedded=true&amp;usp=embed_googleplus" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div><p id="ZX01xH"><em><strong>Hit the comments to let us know your favorite, and what you liked about it.</strong></em></p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/usmnt-news/2025/5/8/24426320/usa-usmnt-vote-for-april-goal-of-the-month"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/usmnt-news/2025/5/8/24426320/usa-usmnt-vote-for-april-goal-of-the-month</id> <author> <name>Justin Moran</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-05-08T08:36:25-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-08T08:36:25-07:00</updated> <title>USWNT forward Mallory Swanson announces pregnancy </title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Day 15 - Women’s Football - Gold Medal Match" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RXfxATDoFBwo7FP-C7LZE36qyMc=/271x0:2343x1381/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74071931/2165673230.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>She becomes the second espresso to be expecting </p> <p id="rZV6Mf">The USWNT will continue to be without one of its top goal scorers as <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45044299/united-states-star-mallory-swanson-expecting-first-child">Mallory Swanson has announced she is pregnant</a>. The forward made the announcement amid her absence from the Chicago Red Stars for personal reasons as the NWSL season got under way. Swanson scored the game winner for the USWNT in the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal game against Brazil but has not played for the national team since. </p><p id="ZRNyXk">The news means that the triple espresso forward line of Swanson, Trinity Rodman and, Sophia Wilson will be sidelined for an uncertain amount of time. Rodman has been away from the national team as well as her club <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44751414/uswnt-trinity-rodman-washington-spirit-back-injury">due to ongoing back issues</a>. Wilson also <a href="https://equalizersoccer.com/quick-update/sophia-wilson-nee-smith-announces-pregnancy-with-first-child/">announced her own pregnancy</a> in March. </p><p id="auZAWY">Swanson and Wilson will be able to enjoy family building <a href="http://chrome-extension//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nwslplayers.com/_files/ugd/84dade_cdf25e593796416ca96f34e0e5fa0b88.pdf">benefits under the NWSL CBA</a> as well as benefits <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2022/05/ussf-womens-and-mens-national-team-unions-agree-to-historic-collective-bargaining-agreements">covered by the USWNT CBA</a>. The forwards will join a growing group of working moms on the USWNT once they are able to take the field again. </p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2025/5/8/24426227/uswnt-forward-mallory-swanson-announces-pregnancy"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2025/5/8/24426227/uswnt-forward-mallory-swanson-announces-pregnancy</id> <author> <name>Parker Cleveland</name> </author> </entry> <entry> <published>2025-05-08T06:00:00-07:00</published> <updated>2025-05-08T06:00:00-07:00</updated> <title>SSFC Spotlight: Gisele Thompson growing under the bright lights</title> <content type="html"> <figure> <img alt="Soccer: SheBelieves Cup-USA at Australia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mAK89tWP5eZ84EADpVkTo5kC0Sc=/0x94:2577x1812/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74071615/usa_today_25504384.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images</figcaption> </figure> <p>The Angel City FC fullback is producing.</p> <p id="kLkjGd">During her tenure leading the United States Women’s National Team, Emma Hayes has made a commitment to introducing new players to the program, leading to several debuts. Despite winning the gold medal at last summer’s Olympic Games, she is tasked with a rebuild and <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/four-players-that-made-their-uswnt-debut-at-the-shebelieves-cup">seeks </a>to “develop a bigger talent pool” with greater connection between the youth and senior levels. Gisele Thompson is one of the recent additions to the fold, having earned her first and <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42104075/emma-hayes-uswnt-rebuild-just-getting-started">second </a>caps during the SheBelieves Cup. The 19-year-old Angel City FC defender has long been considered a high-potential prospect and only just begun to deliver on her promise.</p><div id="b10ItL"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0qrDsqqtxfg?rel=0&amp;start=97" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><p id="ZK9EBE">Born in Los Angeles, California, <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/news/alyssa-and-gisele-thompson-s-unconventional-path-to-uswnt-success-via-mls-next">Thompson </a>“bounced around a number of different teams” before playing with the Total Futbol Academy on the boys’ side, Real So Cal in the Elite Clubs National League, and Santa Clarita Blue Heat in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uwssoccer/p/B80Hgi2pXv5/?img_index=1">the </a>pro-am United Women’s Soccer League. At the <a href="https://hwchronicle.com/102384/sports/thompson-sisters-receive-cal-hi-sports-player-of-the-year-awards/">scholastic </a>level, she led Harvard-Westlake to an 19-0-0 record, scored two goals in the final to claim the CIF-SS Division 1 title, and was <a href="https://www.dailynews.com/2021/06/05/harvard-westlake-girls-soccer-dominates-pacifica-to-win-socal-regional-title-and-finish-undefeated/">named </a>California’s Freshman Player of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports; additionally, her track-and-field times in the 100 meters were <a href="https://www.dailynews.com/2021/05/14/harvard-westlake-girls-soccer-showcase-two-sport-athletes-in-playoff-victory-over-san-clemente/">some </a>of the best performances in the <a href="https://www.dailynews.com/2023/04/04/daily-news-girls-athlete-of-the-week-gisele-thompson-harvard-westlake/">nation</a>. Coaches praised her as “one of the top goal scorers in the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2020-09-11/thompson-sisters-soccer-stars-heading-to-stanford">country</a>” with “athleticism, speed, quickness, and agility,” <a href="https://hwchronicle.com/105004/sports/thompson-sisters-sign-history-making-nike-deal/">while </a>Nike signed her as the first high school player to accept a name, image, and likeness deal. </p><p id="K1hT09">“[The Thompson sisters] are my first and probably my last girls I’ll coach,” said<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/gisele-thompson-uswnt-prospect-angel-city/bltea938c13048ce267"> Mario Gonzalez </a>of Total Football Academy. “[Gisele has] transitioned into more of a comfortable role talking, coaching, demanding the ball from players. I think that transition has been the one that I’ve kind of enjoyed the most in terms of just her coming out of her shell and being more confident. Most of it has been through these national team call-ups. Every time it happens, I get her with all the boys and I make the announcement and they get all happy and give her a high five and it kind of triggers her to see that they’re very excited for her and she’s one of them. I think that’s helped her transition to have more confidence.”</p><p id="Ujtbwd">With her sister <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/gisele-thompson-uswnt-prospect-angel-city/bltea938c13048ce267">having </a>been selected with the first <a href="https://equalizersoccer.com/2023/12/09/gisele-thompson-angel-city-signing-nwsl-under-18/">overall </a>pick in the 2023 <a href="https://www.allforxi.com">NWSL</a> Draft by Angel City FC, the club brought Thompson in for training, providing a “fast-paced and physical” environment that forced her to push for perfection. Making “a very-last minute decision” to eschew a <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39055593/angel-city-signs-alyssa-thompson-younger-sister-gisele">commitment </a>to Stanford University, she signed a contract through the 2025 season with an additional option year. The club “always treated her like she was part of the family” and would provide “the opportunity to develop” and “come into her own as a professional athlete,” with the <a href="https://www.dailynews.com/2023/12/08/angel-city-adding-gisele-thompsons-young-experience/">defender </a>already boasting “a high level of awareness” and “an ability to read the game that a lot of players just don’t have.”</p><div id="RU5qmE"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2878jAirs-0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><p id="hCbpaO">Despite dealing with some minor <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40188356/nwsl-teenager-ranking-jaedyn-shaw-olivia-moultrie-u19-analysis">injuries </a>and “playing in a position where Angel City [had] depth,” Thompson received her debut against Bay FC, entering into the match as a substitute for her sister. She made 16 appearances across all competitions and picked up her first assist in a 1-1 draw with the Utah Royals, setting up Sydney Leroux. Her per 90 <a href="https://www.thesportingtribune.com/2024/08/29/thompson-takes-next-step-at-u-20-world-cup">numbers </a>in successful tackles, interceptions, and successful dribbles were some of the team’s best.</p><p id="Pq5J9D">Her hard work helped to overcome the adjustment struggles and day-to-day expectations of the professional game. “Honestly, [joining the club] was a lot of pressure,” Thompson <a href="https://angelcity.com/acfc-post/gisele-thompson-catch-up">told </a>the Angel City’s official website. “I didn’t realize how much pressure it would be in the beginning, because when I was coming here last season, it was just like, ‘oh, this is fun!’ Obviously I was working really hard because everyone around me was so amazing, but now it’s different. You have to earn your spot, and I’m working really hard for it.”</p><p id="EqUqP0"><a href="https://angelcity.com/acfc-post/alyssa-and-gisele-thompsons-re-signing-makes-a-statement">Despite </a>“multiple concrete offers” for a transfer, Angel City extended Thompson’s contract through 2028, <a href="https://angelcity.com/acfc-post/thompson-sisters-extend-contracts-through-2028">describing </a>her as “very important for the club’s future and the success of the league.” She opened the season in the starting lineup, playing 77 minutes at right fullback in the 1-1 draw with San Diego Wave FC. Thus far, her <a href="https://www.nwslsoccer.com/players/f737dfd0124341ddbdefdab7739f056f/gisele-thompson/index">seven </a>appearances have yielded one goal and two assists; the finish <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44976039/gisele-alyssa-thompson-sisters-achieve-nwsl-first-goal-connection-angel-city-win">came </a>on “an audacious aerial effort” in a 4-3 win over the Washington Spirit.</p><p id="81M30i">At the <a href="https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/u14-gnt-opens-up-2018-with-camp-in-norco_aid43841/">international </a>level, Thompson has been a consistent member of the United States program, beginning with the Under-14 group. She was a part of the squads that claimed the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship and fell in the quarterfinal round of the ensuing U-17 World Cup. Subsequent honors included a bronze medal with the Under-19 team at the 2023 Pan American Games, winning the 2023 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, and finishing third at the 2024 U-20 World Cup, contributing a goal and two assists in the third competition, including feeding Ally Sentnor in the 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the consolation match.</p><div id="TsZTB7"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjBsDGQwjPA?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><p id="alYPFN">Thompson began <a href="https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/uswnt/2025/02/24/alyssa-gisele-thompson-react-first-uswnt-game-together/80010142007/">training </a>with the senior squad in February 2024 prior to the 2024 CONCACAF W <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/concacaf-gold-cup">Gold Cup</a>. Her first call-up came <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/04/us-womens-national-team-vs-brazil-score-stats-goals-highlights-match-recap-san-jose">during </a>the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, playing in two matches during the tournament. She entered into the victory over Colombia as a substitute and started in the win against Australia; the latter performance saw her shut down the “very clever Caitlin Foord” on the outside of the field. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/cat-macario-and-alyssa-thompson-impress-but-uneven-performances-in-midfield-and-back-line-winners-and-losers-from-the-youthful-uswnt-s-2-1-loss-to-brazil/bltf84db90728f9eb91">defender </a>was named to the roster for the April camp, replacing the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/gisele-thompson-replaces-tierna-davidson-on-uswnt-april-camp-roster-as-gotham-defender-departs-due-to-injury/blt06d2cdba9e525b7f">injured </a>Tierna Davidson and going the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to Brazil but <a href="https://equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/09/young-and-inexperienced-uswnt-falls-late-to-brazil/">being </a>“caught out of position on a few occasions.” </p><p id="K55dKq">“I thought Gisele showed a tenacity and a good aggression in her individual duels,” <a href="https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/uswnt/2025/02/24/alyssa-gisele-thompson-react-first-uswnt-game-together/80010142007/">said </a>Emma Hayes after the teenager’s first start. “I think we can add some value in the defensive department for her, but I think she showed some really good intent going forward, some good link-up [play] with Alyssa. You can see they naturally want to give the ball to each other, and I think that actually settled them both being on the same side. And I think it was a really, really good debut, considering she’s playing probably one of the best wingers in the world.”</p><div id="YREgO9"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IP9TUwIArCg?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><p id="7tkjLf">Standing five-foot-four, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39055593/angel-city-signs-alyssa-thompson-younger-sister-gisele">Thompson </a>is an attack-minded right fullback “with an element of versatility” who put up some of the NWSL’s best statistics per 90 minutes in tackles, progressive carries, pass completion <a href="https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2024/05/01/uswnt-best-uncapped-players/77409944007/">percentage</a>, and succession take-ons while also registering respectable interception, block, and clearance numbers. While her “speed catches the eye,” she is also noted for her “one-on-one defending, competitiveness, and line breaking on the dribble.” Coaches <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/gisele-thompson-uswnt-prospect-angel-city/bltea938c13048ce267">praise </a>her “well-balanced game” with “speed, agility, technical ability” along with “fearlessness in the tackle” and “attacking contributions.”</p><p id="JaAvdA">Thompson is entering into the national team at an interesting stage, with the program in a break between major competitions and the manager looking to incorporate new players. She has the talent to make an impact and push for a spot on the depth chart, but her position already features several talented options who should continue to hold the inside track on minutes. With Hayes seeking <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.olympics.com%2Fen%2Fnews%2Falyssa-gisele-thompson-football-sisters-uswnt-top-things-to-know&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.starsandstripesfc.com%2Fuswnt-news%2F2025%2F5%2F8%2F24424262%2Fgisele-thompson-angel-city-fc-nwsl-uswnt-united-states-womens-national-team-usa-emma-hayes-call-ups" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">“to develop more fullbacks,” </a>time will tell whether the teenager is going to be a regular member of the roster or a long-term option.</p> </content> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/uswnt-news/2025/5/8/24424262/gisele-thompson-angel-city-fc-nwsl-uswnt-united-states-womens-national-team-usa-emma-hayes-call-ups"/> <id>https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/uswnt-news/2025/5/8/24424262/gisele-thompson-angel-city-fc-nwsl-uswnt-united-states-womens-national-team-usa-emma-hayes-call-ups</id> <author> <name>Brendan Joseph</name> </author> </entry></feed> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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