Morning everyone,

Welcome to the new folks who joined us this week. Here’s all your MLS & USMNT soccer content in a short and digestible email. Have at it…

• 7️⃣ Match Day 7 Recap

• 🔥 A Hot Rumor Mill

• 🇺🇸 Yanks Abroad Update

• 🌕️ Diego Luna’s Breakout Year

• ⚽️ Goal of the Week

• 😂 Tweet of the Week

MLS Match Day 7 Recap

The San Jose Earthquakes smacked DC United 6-1 on the anniversary of the first ever MLS match between these two franchises 29 years ago. Josef Martinez scored a hat-trick to surpass Bradley Wright-Phillips for the 6th most goals in MLS history (120). DC United on the other hand, have not looked good, particularly in the back. They’ve allowed 17 goals this season, 4 more than any other team, and only 3 teams have allowed more non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes.

San Diego FC is one of the best storylines this season. They beat the Sounders 3-0 and sit 2nd in the Western Conference. Chucky Lozano got his first start since week two and was the difference maker in this one, scoring his first MLS goal and assisting the other two. They’re tied for the league lead in goal differential (+7) and are tied for 4th in goals scored (13) while having 10 different goal scorers. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but they look ready to compete for trophies immediately.

Minnesota United beat NYCFC 2-1 on the road and are now unbeaten in their last 6 games, which makes it all the more surprising that they average a league low 33.9% of possession. They have been incredible on the counterattack all year, including the first goal on Sunday by Tani Oluwaseyi who’s now tied for second in MLS with 5 goals on the season. After the game, Eric Ramsey admitted they cannot be this reliant on the counter and have to work better with the ball to have sustainable success.

The Columbus Crew beat CF Montreal 2-1 to remain undefeated. They’re quietly playing at a better points-per-game rate (2.14) than last year (1.94) and will still add a new DP this summer. With the win, Wilfried Nancy tied Bob Bradley (LAFC) and Bruce Arena (NE) for the highest winning percentage (.660) in MLS history by a coach in his first 75 games with a club.

3 Global Superstars Heading to MLS?

Rumors we’re flying around this week about potential big stars coming to MLS. European legends Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Müller, and Antoine Griezmann we’re all linked to moves stateside this summer.

Kevin De Bruyne has been linked to MLS for over a year now, with San Diego being the the rumored team interested. However, per Tom Bogart, De Bruyne doesn’t fit their philosophy and has too high an asking price at $15 million per year. On Monday Paul Tenorio reported that Inter Miami owns the discovery right for KDB. Discovery rights just mean they have first dibs at negotiating a contract but discovery rights can be traded. Inter Miami also already have 3 DPs meaning De Bruyne would have to take a capped salary of $680k which he won’t be doing. One thing we know for sure, Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Man City at the end of this season, and hopefully MLS can bring him stateside.

Thomas Muller recently announced he’s leaving Bayern Munich, and local Bayern reporters are linking him with MLS. LAFC has a partnership with Bayern Munich, so there could be potential there, but LAFC has been rumored to be holding a DP spot for Antoine Griezmann. Wages are another issue for most teams as the 35 year old is still productive and would likely require a DP spot and salary.

Antoine Griezmann was slated to leave this summer, but there is a chance he will stay in Madrid. LAFC are the likely landing spot so he can join his fellow frenchmen Giroud and Lloris. Griezmann has said he will end up in MLS, and sources have always pointed to LA. Let’s see if LAFC takes another stab at getting this deal across the line this summer.

Yanks Abroad

Malik Tillman scored a curler from just outside the box in his first start back from injury. He scored an 8.8 per Fotmob, the highest rated player on the pitch. He was a unanimous choice for Eredivisie team of the week.

Antonee Robinson had another defensive masterpiece, holding Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah to his worst performance of the season, with 1 shot and 0 dribbles. Fulham are the only team that Mohamed Salah has failed to register a shot on target against all season. Robinson now leads EPL fullbacks in most duels won, most accurate crosses, most assists, and most key passes.

Christian Pulisic grabbed his 10th assist with this cheeky little through ball. He’s the only player to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in Serie A since he joined Milan.

Haji Wright scored his 4th goal in his last 3 games for Coventry City. He joins Josh Sargent in the Top 10 for goals in the English second division while missing 19 games this season. No player in the Championship has a better goals-per-90 ratio than him.

Josh Sargent continues his incredible club form with a stunning volley for Norwich. Just look at the composure on his first touch to set up the volley!

Diego Luna’s Breakout Year

Diego Luna is playing the best soccer of his young career. The 21 year old scored a brace in Real Salt Lake’s 2-0 win over the Galaxy last weekend. His first goal in the 21st minute and second (below) just five minutes later. With the goals, he became the youngest player in club history to reach 15 goals and 15 assists.

The 2024 Young Player of the Year has blossomed into one of the better number 10s in MLS. He already has 5 goal contributions in his 6 starts this year and is considered an early MVP candidate.

USMNT assistant coach Miguel D’Agostino was in attendance to watch the game and spent time with him the days prior. It’s clear Pochettino values him after his performance in the January camp and Nations League. His mentality and toughness are exactly what the USMNT needs. There’s zero doubt he should be on the Gold Cup roster this summer.

As always with players this good and this young, Europe will come calling. When that will be is still to be determined. But until then we’ll enjoy his brilliance in our league.

Goal of the Week

This is awesome… the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC beat rivals Chattanooga FC in PKs in Round 2 of the US Open Cup last week.

Yes, a Chattanooga Derby. How freaking awesome is that?! And we were treated to a sick free kick 😍 

Tweet of the Week

Not a funny one this week, just a cool story. Footy fans are the best ❤️ 

Quick Hits

• Walker Zimmerman involved in ugly tackle that forced him to the hospital. He’s since been released and is doing well (Link)

• Cleveland Soccer group launches search for a location to house two pro soccer teams (Link)

• MLS releases short documentary on the 30 year journey of the league (Link)

• FIFA President announces they’ll donate $1M to Nashville to grow the game in the city (Link)

Give us some love below and let’s chat again next week. Until then, get outta the house and kick around a soccer ball.

Max & Mason