Happy Wednesday, everyone. Yesterday was full of excitement in UEFA Champions League, where Leicester City and Juventus both punched their ticket to the quarterfinals, and in ScotiaBank CONCACAF Champions League, where the Vancouver Whitecaps lost 2-0 to Tigres UANL in the first leg of the semifinals. Today, more of the same, where we find out who rounds out the quarterfinal bracket in Europe and we see the first leg between FC Dallas and Pachuca. Alright, let’s dive into the news:
USA’s World Cup qualifying roster to be released Wednesday on FS1 | Stars & Stripes FC
We learn who will be on the roster for the United States as Bruce Arena’s 23-man USMNT roster for World Cup qualifying will be released today at 3pm on FS1’s UEFA Champions League pre-game show.
Christian Pulisic goal finishes brilliant Dortmund counter against Lotte | Fear The Wall
The kid is on fire! Christian Pulisic scores again for Borussia Dortmund in DFB-Pokal (German Cup) play, his 3rd goal in his last 4 games, and will face Bayern Munich in the semifinals.
Bruce Arena weighs in on Christian Pulisic’s best USMNT position | Fox Soccer
Speaking of Pulisic, Bruce Arena weighed in on where he sees the 18-year-old phenom playing for his country. Will we see more of Pulisic in central attack next week?
MLS to address LA Galaxy’s viral Portland Timbers diving video | Sports Illustrated
Major League Soccer is apparently not capable of having fun. The LA Galaxy poke some fun at the Portland Timbers and their apparent diving, and MLS says they will address the videos. No more funny videos, most likely.
MLS must scrap salary cap to compete with China, says Andrea Pirlo | The Guardian
New York City FC designated player Andrea Pirlo states that to compete with China’s soaring transfer fees and salaries, MLS should get rid of the salary cap. Personally, I don’t think MLS should be trying to compete with China because what China is doing is unsustainable.
Brazilian club signs goalkeeper convicted in murder of ex-girlfriend, sparking outrage | Fox Soccer
Crazy story, as Boa Esporte signs goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes, who was just released from jail on a technicality after serving time for murdering his ex-girlfriend.
Kenny Saief is good enough for the Champions League, but not the U.S.? | ESPNFC
Kenny Saief plays for Gent and is expected to be called up by Israel for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but his dream is to play for the USMNT. Is he good enough to catch Bruce Arena’s eye?
AFC Wimbledon fail to acknowledge MK Dons in matchday programme | Plymouth Herald
When your team moves to another city and then returns years later to face the team that was formed to replace it, you do what AFC Wimbledon did: pretend they don’t exist. Oh yeah, and you beat them 2-0 as well.
Romelu Lukaku: Everton striker rejects new contract at Goodison Park | BBC
Is Romelu Lukaku leaving Everton this summer?
Alright, have at it, my people!