Morning everyone,

A lot to cover this week. Let’s get right to it.

• 1️⃣ 3️⃣ & 1️⃣ 4️⃣ MLS Match Day 13 & 14

• 🇺🇸 Yanks Abroad

• 🟣 Who is Alex Freeman?

• 📈 Projected Playoff Picture

• ⚽️ Goal of the Week

• 😂 Meme of the Week

MLS Match Day 13 & 14

NYCFC out-dueled the Red Bulls 2-0 to get revenge after their city rivals ousted them in the playoffs last season. Alonso Martinez scored a gorgeous goal from well outside the box and added an assist to give the Pigeons their third win in their last 5 games. Neither New York club has found much consistency this season.

The Chicago Fire beat Charlotte FC 4-1 on the road to hand Charlotte their 5th straight loss. Brian Gutierrez scored two goals and an assist to win the player of the match. He’s excelled in his first season under Gregg Berhalter, becoming Chicago’s key creative playmaker. The 21-year-old has reportedly drawn interest from AS Roma and will be a strong candidate for Pochettino’s Gold Cup squad. As for Charlotte, they’ve given up 13 goals in this five-game losing streak. Their stout defense from last season is now leaky, and Wilfried Zaha is arguing with his teammates on the pitch.

Hell is Real ended in a 1-1 draw. The first goal was created by Luca Orellano, assisted via bicycle kick by Evander, and finished by Kevin Denkey. But the Crew fought back like they always due and dominated most of the game. Even Pat Noonan admitted they were second best in this one.

The 25th rendition of El Trafico ended in a 2-2 draw. Thanks to Marco Reus’s cheeky free kick chip in the 87th minute, the Galaxy’s 5 game losing streak came to an end. Reus is finally finding his groove, with 6 goal contributions in the last 5 games. I have a feeling their first win is coming soon. Denis Bouanga also had an incredible long-range bullet in this one.

The Houston Dynamo had two 2-0 wins in the span of 4 days last week, beating Minnesota and Dallas. Jack McGlynn had one of his signature outside-the-box left-footed strikes, which is one of the best goals all year.

Yanks Abroad

A few Americans are taking home hardware as the European seasons come to an end.

In addition, Mauricio Pochettino released his preliminary 60-man Gold Cup roster. The roster doesn’t include Gio Reyna, Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie, whose clubs will be playing in the Club World Cup. He’s expected to name the 26-man roster later this week.

Chris Richards and Matt Turner took home Crystal Palace’s first-ever major trophy, beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final 1-0. Chris Richards played the full 90’ and was Crystal Palace’s top-rated defender in the game, along with playing every minute of the FA Cup run. Here’s a video of him celebrating with the American flag 🇺🇸 

Christian Pulisic delivered a beautiful ball to set up Milan’s only goal in their 3-1 loss to Roma. While Pulisic has had the best season of his career, Milan will not be playing European football next season as they are sitting 9th in Serie A. He is reportedly waiting to sign his contract extension until the new Coach and Sporting Director are chosen.

A quartet of Americans snatched the Eredivisie title away from Dutch giants Ajax. PSV beat Sparta Rotterdam 3-1, capped off by a Malik Tillman goal to claim their second straight domestic title. It was a historic collapse from Ajax, who had a 9-point lead with 5 games left and needed just 6 points from those games to take home the title. Tillman had 6 goals and an assist in his last 10 Eredivisie games and is a major reason PSV was able to make this late-season push. Premier League clubs are already after him, with PSV reportedly set to shut down any transfer offer under $50 million.

Who is Alex Freeman?

Whenever we see a young USMNT-eligible player breaking out, we do our best to keep you in the loop. Orlando City fans already know all about him but it’s time we spread the word.

The 20-year-old right back, son of former Green Bay Packers All-Pro receiver Antonio Freeman, has been one of the best young players in MLS this season.

Against Inter Miami, he created four chances, had 0.8 expected goals, and .34 expected assists in Orlando’s dominant win. He has 3 goals and an assist on the year and has played a key role in Orlando’s 11-game unbeaten run, where they’ve only given up 8 goals. Inter Miami fans will hate to hear this, but Freeman actually tried out for their academy team during COVID and didn’t make the team. So Orlando recruited him, and the rest is history.

At 6’2”, with a strong athletic build and the pace and ability to contribute to the attack, it won’t be shocking to see European clubs inquiring with Orlando soon about his availability. His mom Rochelle, calls him his “little Trent Alexander-Arnold.” (source: The Athletic)

Pochettino has surely noticed as well. He included Freeman on the 60-man preliminary Gold Cup roster. For MLS and USMNT fans, I encourage you to tune into an Orlando City game and watch Freeman streak down the right flank like this. We can’t wait to continue to watch his development.

Projected Playoff Picture

The amazing Ben Wright put together these graphs on where each team would finish based on current home/away points per game.

Both FC Cincinnati and Vancouver are projected for 73 points if their current pace continues. Inter Miami’s 74-point record from last year is entirely possible.

Atlanta’s $50M attack has 4 goals and 0 wins over the last 50 days. It’s been an abject disaster.

The Galaxy aren’t locked into the Wooden Spoon quite yet, as Montreal got torched by Toronto 6-1 over the weekend.

The parity in this league is unparalleled.

Goal of the Week

A third division BOMB for ya’ll.

Meme of the Week

It sure did feel like a win for the G’s.

Quick Hits

• Tom Bogert’s projected Gold Cup roster (Link)

• Former Sporting KC midfielder Gadi Kinda passes away (Link)

• LA Galaxy extends Greg Vanney amidst winless streak (Link)

• US Soccer authorizes special 10-day transfer window for MLS clubs in Club World Cup (Link)

That’s a wrap. Give us some love (or hate) below and see you next week.

Max & Mason