Category: Soccer

Soccer–Benzema’s Real Exit ‘Surprise to Everyone’, Says Ancelotti

Karim Benzema’s decision to leave Real Madrid after 14 trophy-laden years was a surprise, manager Carlo Ancelotti said, but insisted that the Ballon d’Or winner has earned the right to choose. The 35-year-old striker will exit Real as a free agent in the close season, with the Frenchman linked with a big-money move to Saudi…


Manchester City Edge Closer to Treble After FA Cup Final Win Over Manchester United

LONDON—Manchester City moved to within one victory of completing a momentous treble as they deservedly beat arch-rivals Manchester United 2–1 in the FA Cup final thanks to Ilkay Gundogan’s record-breaking double on Saturday. City captain Gundogan scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history with a stunning volley after 12 seconds and struck what…


Leon Jump in Front LAFC in 1st Leg of Champions League Final

First-half goals from William Tesillo and Angel Mena sent Leon to a 2–1 win over Los Angeles FC in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final on Wednesday, May 31, in Leon, Mexico. Denis Bouanga got a goal back for LAFC six minutes into second-half stoppage time. The second leg of the total-goal…


Coach Confirms Lionel Messi’s Last Match for PSG This Weekend

Lionel Messi arrived two years ago wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with ”Ici C’est Paris” (This Is Paris)—a favorite cry among Paris Saint-Germain fans—and to chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” The soccer superstar will leave the team on Saturday not quite so revered. The cheers have been replaced by jeers and boos in recent weeks at…


Ronaldo’s 1st Season in Saudi Arabia Ends With Injury

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the final matchday of the Saudi Pro League due to injury as his Al-Nassr team finished their season with 3–0 victory over Al-Fateh on Wednesday. The Portuguese forward decided not to sit on the bench for the frustrating end to his first season in Saudi Arabia after joining Al-Nassr in January on…


Sevilla Wins Europa League Again at Mourinho’s Expense as Montiel Clinches Another Penalty Shootout

BUDAPEST, Hungary— Five months after scoring the winning penalty in the World Cup final, Gonzalo Montiel converted the clinching spot kick in the Europa League final to earn Sevilla a seventh title in the competition at the expense of Jose Mourinho’s Roma on Wednesday, May 31. The Argentina international’s penalty sealed a 4–1 win in…


German Police Say Teen Injured in Post-Match Brawl With French Team Has Died

FRANKFURT, Germany—A 15-year-old soccer player has died after suffering severe brain injuries during a post-match brawl with an opposing team at an international youth tournament in Germany over the weekend, officials said Wednesday. Frankfurt police said in a statement that a postmortem examination will be carried out on the teen in the coming days. A…


Man City’s Guardiola Named LMA, Premier League Manager of the Year

Pep Guardiola was named the League Managers Association (LMA) and Premier League Manager of the Year on Tuesday after guiding Manchester City to the Premier League title. Guardiola led City to their fifth league crown in six seasons and the club are set to face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday and…


Karol Swiderski’s Goal Lifts Charlotte FC Over Galaxy 1–0

Karol Swiderski’s goal in the 73rd minute lifted Charlotte FC to a 1–0 win over the host Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday, May 27. Swiderski’s game-winner off Justin Meram’s corner kick ended the Crown’s two-game losing streak and dealt the Galaxy their third straight shutout loss in MLS play. The Galaxy’s chance to rally was…


Lionel Messi Helps PSG Secure Record 11th French League Title, Breaks European Scoring Record

Lionel Messi helped Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) clinch a record 11th French league title on Saturday, and broke another scoring record in the process. Messi scored the opening goal as PSG drew 1–1 at Strasbourg to move four points clear of second-place Lens with one game left. Messi put PSG ahead from Kylian Mbappe’s pass in…