Tag: Soccer

Former Newcastle Winger Atsu Pulled Alive From Turkey Earthquake Rubble

Ghana international winger Christian Atsu has been found alive after being buried under rubble in the earthquake that hit Turkey, the vice president of his club Hatayspor told media on Tuesday. Atsu, who plays for Hatayspor, was reported missing in Turkey’s Hatay Province following the 7.8 magnitude quake that brought down thousands of buildings, killing…


Chelsea Smash British Transfer Record to Sign Benfica’s Fernandez

LONDON—Chelsea announced the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica on Wednesday after days of complex negotiations between the clubs to secure the Argentina midfielder for a British transfer record 106.8 million pounds ($131.46 million). As the deadline day approached its end on Tuesday, it appeared a deal might not be reached but a statement from…


Ronaldo’s Saudi Switch Another Symbol of Chinese Decline

HONG KONG—Cristiano Ronaldo’s headline-grabbing arrival at Al Nassr on a bumper pay deal captured global attention last month, but in an alternate world the five-time Ballon D’or winner may well have been destined for a move further east. The Portuguese striker’s Saudi Arabia switch following the cancellation of his Manchester United contract has highlighted a…


US to Host Copa America 2024 Tournament Including CONCACAF Teams

The 2024 Copa America will be played in the United States, the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL confederations announced on Friday, as part of a new strategic partnership that will include a jointly organized club tournament. Next year’s Copa America, organized by the South American confederation (CONMEBOL), will also feature six invited teams from the CONCACAF (North,…


Vazquez Scores for Youthful US Lineup in 2–1 Loss to Serbia

LOS ANGELES—Interim head coach Anthony Hudson saw tenacity, bravery and attacking excitement from the youngsters and newcomers he sent out for the United States’ first match since the World Cup. Although none of it added up to a win, Hudson was hopeful a 2–1 defeat to Serbia on Wednesday was a positive first step toward…


Socceroos Star Awer Mabil Feels Love After Recieving Young Australian of the Year Award

Buoyed by receiving the Young Australian of the Year award, Socceroos winger Awer Mabil hopes he can bring greater awareness to the plight of refugees as he looks to rediscover his love for football at a new club, Sparta Prague. Mabil arrived in the Czech capital earlier this month, reuniting with his former coach Brian…


Women’s Soccer Trainer Fired for Giving Players Painkillers

NEW YORK—The Portland Thorns have fired their athletic trainer after an outside investigation found he illegally distributed a controlled substance to players, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) said Tuesday. The NWSL, beset in recent years by abuse and misconduct allegations, announced that the trainer, Pierre Soubrier, was fired along with Thorns assistant coach Sophie…


Bruised Ronaldo Scores Twice to Edge Showdown With Messi

Grimacing in pain from his bruised cheekbone, Cristiano Ronaldo steadied himself before scoring from the penalty spot for his first goal in Saudi Arabia against a Paris Saint-Germain team featuring old foe Lionel Messi. Messi had already scored early in Thursday’s exhibition game when Ronaldo was flattened boxing-match style by PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas after…


Charlotte FC Defender Anton Walkes Dies at Age 25 in Florida Boat Crash

Anton Walkes, a defender for Major League Soccer team Charlotte FC, died Thursday at age 25 after a boat he was operating crashed into another vessel off the coast of Miami, authorities said. Walkes was found unconscious and taken to a hospital after a collision between two boats around 3 p.m. on Wednesday near the Miami Marine…


Mudryk Signs for Chelsea in $108 Million Deal on 8.5-Year Deal

Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk became the latest big-money signing for Chelsea under the club’s new American ownership, joining from Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday in a deal worth 100 million euros ($108 million) and on a remarkable 8.5-year deal. The 22-year-old Mudryk, who was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, was pictured holding up a…