Morning folks,

We have another full slate of MLS games tonight and some big rivalry games on Saturday, but here’s what went down last weekend.

• 1️⃣2️⃣ Match Day 12 Recap

• 🇺🇸 Yanks Abroad

• 💰️ World’s Most Valuable Soccer Clubs

• 🏆️ World Cup Ticket Prices

• ⚽️ Goal of the Week

• 😂 Tweet of the Week

MLS Match Day 12 Recap

There were several golazos this weekend; Emil Forsberg’s free kick, Diego Luna’s solo goal, and Santiago Moreno’s bicycle kick (see below). What’s a league without bangers anyways?

The NY Red Bulls beat the LA Galaxy by a touchdown. A thorough 7-0 demolition (goal highlights here). With the loss, the Galaxy tied the record for largest margin of defeat and set the record for a winless streak to start a season(12). They’ve hit rock bottom. The players and coaches met on the field after the game in a public display of embarrassment and disappointment. The Red Bulls get revenge for last season’s MLS Cup loss and will try to build more consistent results as they go into a three-game road trip.

Minnesota United beat Inter Miami 4-1. The Loons once again ceded the majority of possession to their opponent, controlling only 33% of the ball, but they were deadly in transition. Inter Miami have now lost 4 out of their last 5 games in all comps, and David Beckham is frustrated. He commented on the Minnesota United Instagram post saying, “Show a little respect @mnufc be elegant in triumph”. Becks, just let focus on your squad man!

Orlando City and New England played to a 3-3 draw. Pedro Gallese’s shutout streak ended at 563 minutes, the 6th longest in MLS history. Martin Ojeda scored a hat trick for Orlando, only their second in team history. Orlando will be upset with the point here after letting go of two leads, but they’re now unbeaten in their last 9 games.

The Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union dueled to a 2-2 draw in their fight to claim a top spot in the East. The Crew didn’t play particularly well, but will be happy with a road point. 19-year-old homegrown Frankie Westfield scored what he hoped would be the winner for his first professional goal. But of course, the Crew salvaged a point in stoppage time with a Sean Zawadski goal.

Yanks Abroad

Johnny Cardoso appears to be on the move after Tottenham reportedly green-lighted their purchase option with Real Betis. Cardoso’s value has only increased since this deal was made a year ago. There are other teams interested in Cardoso if the deal does fall through, including Weston McKennie and Tim Weah’s Juventus.

Speaking of the Juventus boys. Weston McKennie dropped a gorgeous assist in Juve’s 1-1 tie on Saturday. Weah had the hockey assist as they both went the full 90. They sit 4th in the table with two games left as they try to hold on to that last Champions League spot.

Folarin Balogun unfortunately got injured again last week, but it doesn't look to be that serious of an ankle injury. He did miss this weekend’s game, but appears due back soon.

Christian Pulisic became the first USMNT player in the last 20 years to record 20 goal contributions in multiple seasons in Europe’s top 5 leagues. He added a goal and an assist in Milan’s 2-1 win over Bologna. We talk about him a lot, but this is the greatest two seasons an American has ever had in Europe. Milan is the perfect home for him.

Here’s his goal contributions by club:

• 🇩🇪 28 goal contributions in 90 Borussia Dortmund matches

• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 29 goal contributions in 98 Chelsea matches

• 🇮🇹 40 goal contributions in 68 Milan matches

Milan will play in the Copa Italia final today(Wednesday) against Bologna.

World’s Most Valuable Soccer Clubs

Sportico released its list of the 50 most valuable soccer clubs in the world. It’s behind a paywall, but don’t worry, your boys will summarize it for you.

The usual suspects dominate the top of the list but look who rounds out the top 20. In fact, MLS has more clubs than any other league, with 19 in the top 50. Of course, with 30 teams, MLS also has more teams that any other league.

While MLS is still miles behind the European giants they have several things improving their valuations. Modern stadiums, big markets in the worlds richest economy, the lack of relegation threat, and the massive growth potential of the game in the US are all major reasons whys so many MLS teams land large valuations.

And while revenues are also lower than big European clubs, MLS teams are valued at an average of 9.4 times revenue, versus 4.9 times revenue for the other clubs in the top 50.

Yet another good sign for our beloved league.

World Cup Ticket Prices

The first tickets for the 2026 World Cup next summer went on sale last week. They released a collection of three high-end hospitality packages, and they’re ungodly expensive.

The US Venue Series allows you to buy tickets to every match at any of the 11 US based host cities. For example, packages for all 8 games played in New York, including the final, start at $25,800 and go up to $73,200 for the most luxurious option. The Los Angeles package, which includes the first USA game, starts at $20,300 and goes up to $35,350.

The US Four Match Series gives you tickets to any four games of your choosing, with some restrictions. A sample package for this prices out to ~$5,800.

The Follow My Team Series allows you to attend every early-stage game of your favorite team. Packages start at $6,600.

These options all include various elevated experiences like suites, pitch-side lounges, and culinary offerings.

Regular tickets are expected to go on sale later this year and it’s estimated that group game ticket prices will be around $305 on average. To nobody’s surprise, some fans are in an uproar after hearing these numbers. FIFA conservatively projects $1.8B in ticket sales. Start saving up now!

Goal of the Week

Another week, another bike.

Meme of the Week

Okay here’s my question: Would you take an MLS Cup if it meant you got the wooden spoon the next season? I think most fans would take that.

Quick Hits

• San Francisco is getting a new pro soccer team (Link)

• Real Madrid launch new project to scout youth talent in the US (Link)

• FIFA Council OKs 48-team Women’s World Cup in 2031 (Link)

• Netflix to release documentary on 1999 USWNT World Cup win (Link)

• Tom Bogert’s 2025 MLS Best XI so far (Link)

• FC Cincinnati sign MLS legend Kei Kamara (Link)

• USMNT drop the new Heartbreak kit (Link)

If you can give us some feedback below we’d really appreciate it. Have a good week!

Max & Mason