Happy Wednesday folks, and Happy Turkey Day Eve! I write this while resting at the home of my parental units in Texas. Yesterday had a ton of news, didn’t it? Let’s recap it all.
The United States fell to Italy yesterday 1-0 in Genk, Belgium. Ethan Horvath was amazing for the Americans, but a Matteo Politano stoppage time goal (90+4) was the difference for the Azzurri.
Insider: U.S. Soccer Rebuffed Lopetegui’s USMNT Interest; Bayern Eyes Pulisic | Sports Illustrated
The big story was reported by Grant Wahl just after the match: Julen Lopetegui, the recent Real Madrid and Spain coach, approached U.S. Soccer with interest in the USMNT head coaching job. U.S. Soccer said nah.
What?
Sarachan confirms he’s out as USMNT coach | NBC Sports
Speaking of coaches, the USMNT officially need one, as interim head coach Dave Sarachan confirmed he was done as the caretaker. His final record: 3 wins, 5 defeats, 4 draws.
PSG stars Neymar, Kylian Mbappe forced off injured during international friendlies | ESPNFC
Paris Saint-Germain may be in trouble after Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were injured during international friendlies today. They play Liverpool in Champions League next week and are hoping they will have both stars back in time.
Nominees set for 2018 U.S. Soccer Male and Female Player of the Year Awards | U.S. Soccer
U.S. Soccer announced its Player of the Year Award nominees. On the men’s side, it’s Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Matt Miazga, Zack Steffen, and Wil Trapp. For the women, it’s Julie Ertz, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe. Who should get it?
USMNT to face Costa Rica in February | Stars & Stripes FC
The USMNT was just wild with news yesterday. They announced the 2nd of 2 January Camp matches, where they will play Costa Rica in San Jose in early February. The first January Camp match has yet to be announced.
FA to push for cut on overseas players in Premier League regardless of Brexit | The Guardian
The FA doesn’t care about England and Brexit, and still want to implement a plan that would reduce the number of overseas players allowed on EPL rosters.
Qatar 2022 World Cup: 48-team expansion plan ‘may need new vote’ | BBC
There’s a plan to bring in additional host countries to help Qatar host a 48-team World Cup in 2022, but would that require a new bidding process? Some seem to think so.
Americans at home: The American MLS best XI | Stars & Stripes FC
Paul Arriola and Russell Canouse are the D.C. United players represented on this list, and well deserved. Hopefully, both will be on the USMNT in January.
Poland draw sends Germany into pot two for Euro 2020 qualifying | BBC
Germany is in the 2nd pot of Euro 2020 qualifying for the first time ever after Poland drew against Portugal. They could be drawn against teams like England or Croatia when the draw happens on December 2nd.
LA Galaxy deny report of Zlatan Ibrahimovic deal with AC Milan – source | ESPNFC
Has Zlatan Ibrahimovic agreed a deal to move from the LA Galaxy to AC Milan? The Galaxy say no, but reports are swirling.
That’s all. For all those traveling today for the Thanksgiving holiday, may you all have safe journeys to your final destination. Breathe and hit the comments to discuss all this madness.