How we doing folks?

We’ve had plenty of new readers join recently, so it’s time for us to reintroduce ourselves. We’re Max and Mason, two brothers who love American soccer. We started this newsletter to share this love with others like us. Each edition is meant to be a short and sweet update on everything MLS and USMNT. Please enjoy.

• 6️⃣ MLS Match Day 6

• 🇺🇸 Yanks Abroad

• 🐐 Messi and Friends

• 🆕 End of an Era in Kansas City

• ⚽️ Goal of the Week

• 😂 Meme of the Week

MLS Match Day 6

Aside from Roman Celentano’s heroics against Nashville, MLS goalkeepers had an abysmal weekend. Hugo Lloris dropped a simple ball leading to San Diego’s second goal, Matt Freese was caught in no-mans land to give up the winner against Atlanta, and John McCarthy dropped a routine free-kick to give up the winner at home against Orlando.

What a nightmare collapse from NYCFC. They were up 3-1 in the second half and lost 4-3 to Atlanta. But give credit to Atlanta who had goal contributions from all three of their DPs, including Miguel Almiron’s first goal back with the club. Atlanta have to clean it up in the back though — all three of NYCFC’s goals came off sloppy defensive errors.

We have a new rivalry brewing between San Diego FC and LAFC. It was inevitable that these teams would hate each other, but it’s disappointing to see their fans brawl after the game. Regardless, San Diego continues to impress. Watch this beautiful team goal from Saturday. This looks like a team that’s been playing together for years.

The Colorado Rapids beat Charlotte 2-0 to get to 3W-1L-2D, their best start to a season since 2014. Djordje Mihailovic played the hero, scoring in the 78th and 81st minutes. And for the first time all season, Zack Steffen’s shot-stopping wasn’t the main difference. It was a big rebound win after getting stoned 3-0 at home against the Timbers last week.

The New England Revolution beat the NY Red Bulls 2-1 for their first win on the season. Carles Gil’s stunning free-kick was also their first goal of the year. Yes, it’s week 6 and the Revs are just scoring their first goal. I still don’t have any faith that this will be a turning point in the Revs season but it may have kept Caleb Porter off the hot seat for a little longer.

Yanks Abroad

Our lads returned back to their clubs after the Nations League disappointment and three of them had goals in important games.

Josh Sargent continues to be that guy for Norwich City. The Missouri native scored a game winner in stoppage time, bringing his tally to 13 goals and 5 assists in 22 starts in the English Championship.

Brenden Aaronson scored for Leeds thirty-three seconds into the game—a big goal after missing the national team call-up for the Nations League games.

Folarin Balogun scored a hat-trick in a midweek friendly before making his 2025 league debut Saturday as a substitute. Balogun has been out since December due to a shoulder injury.

Johnny Cardoso scored a flying volley for his second goal in his last 3 games after scoring against Real Madrid recently. He’s started the last 10 league games, scoring above a 7(Per Fotmob) in every game except one. Oh and guess who scored the winner for Real Betis in this game… Cucho Hernandez.

Inter Miami Keep Rolling

We haven’t written much about Inter Miami this season because they already get plenty of coverage elsewhere, but it’s time we chat a bit about Messi and friends.

To nobody’s surprise, they’re off to another great start. They sit atop the Supporters Shield Standings and have played one less game than everyone. There’s an argument they’re even better than last year. Telasco Segovia looks like an excellent signing. He’s second on the team behind Messi in shot-creating actions per 90 minutes with 4.43. Yannick Bright has become a key defensive contributor in his second season, helping Miami concede just 1.1 expected goals against per 90 min, a mark that’s nearly half a goal better than last season.

They’re also being very careful about Messi’s minutes. Saturday was his first game in 13 days after he suffered an adductor strain. He came on in the second half and scored within two minutes. He’s now tied Gonzalo Higuain for the most goal contributions in club history (43).

I expected to see a reversion to the mean with this team after so many of their underlying numbers from last season said they weren’t as good as it seemed. But so far, they look better. That’s scary for the rest of MLS.

Next up is a big CCC match against LAFC tonight at 11:30 pm ET. That’s past my bedtime, but I hope you west coasters enjoy 🍿 

End of an Era in Kansas City

Sporting KC’s 2-1 loss against FC Dallas put an end to the Peter Vermes era in Kansas City. On Monday the Club announced they have agreed to part ways with him.

Vermes, at the helm since 2009, is one of the longest tenured coaches in all of world football. His run ends after going winless in their last 13 games dating back to last year. Everyone involved, including the Supporters’ groups who voiced their opinions after the loss, knew it was time for a change.

Despite the bad ending, his tenure should not be viewed in any negative way. Here are a few of the things he accomplished:

• 1 MLS Cup (2013)

• 3 US Open Cup Trophies (2012, 2015, & 2017)

• Third most wins in MLS history (203)

• 4 first-place Conference finishes

• 7 seasons at 1.5 PPG or better (they only had 3 before he took over)

He is undoubtedly a legendary figure not just in Sporting KC history but also in MLS. There were just 15 teams in MLS when he took the reins of Sporting KC. The league has doubled in size since then and he’s played a massively influential role in all of it.

Folks from around the MLS community like Andrew Wiebe and Eric Wahl have expressed their gratitude for how amazing Peter is as a coach and human. His time in KC ends, but his impact on the MLS landscape is likely far from over.

Goal of the Week

So many golazo’s this weekend, it was hard to choose the best.

Meme of the Week

Make it happen, KC.

Quick Hits

• FIFA to hold one game playoff between LAFC and Club America for the final Club World Cup spot (Link)

• New US soccer kits drop April 4th (Link)

• Seattle Sounders sign English winger Ryan Kent (Link)

• Lionel Messi’s bodyguard banned from the sidelines (Link)

How are we doing overall? If you’ve got any feedback please provide below. Thanks😃 

Max & Mason