Soccer
Leadership
James Trance
Written by James Trance
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Soccer
InternationalUSMNT Set for Major World Cup Test Against Senegal in Charlotte
The United States begin their final World Cup tune-up stretch with a difficult matchup against one of Africa’s strongest sides.
U.S. Open CupFernandez and Jasinski Deliver as San Jose Earthquakes Beat Phoenix Rising
Two players tied to the club’s Earthquakes II pipeline found the net as San Jose handled business in Open Cup play.
U.S. Open CupOrlando City Survives FC Naples Push to Advance in Open Cup
FC Naples made Orlando City work for everything, but the Lions did just enough to move on in a tense Round of 32 battle.
InternationalCape Verde Is Proving It Belongs on the World Cup Stage
Cape Verde has emerged as one of Group H’s biggest surprises, earning draws against Spain and Uruguay to stay alive in the race for the knockout stage. After holding Spain scoreless and later fighting back for a 2-2 result against Uruguay, Cape Verde has shown it can compete against some of the strongest teams in the group. Their final match against Saudi Arabia now gives them a chance to turn a strong start into a historic World Cup breakthrough.
InternationalThe USMNT Isn’t Just Surviving the World Cup — They’re Starting to Believe
The USMNT is no longer playing like a team hoping to survive the World Cup — they’re playing like a team that believes it can make history.
InternationalBelgium’s Golden Generation Faces Reality
Belgium entered the World Cup with the reputation of a contender, but through two matches, that reputation has been tested. After draws against Egypt and Iran, Belgium is still searching for its first win and the attacking sharpness that once defined its golden generation.
SoccerOne Last NorCal Battle at the Coliseum
Oakland Roots and Sacramento Republic closed the Coliseum chapter of their regional rivalry as Sacramento claimed a 3–1 victory in East Oakland.
SoccerOakland beats New Mexico United 2-1 in Coliseum home opener
Oakland Roots’ first night back at the Oakland Coliseum in 2026 came with exactly what the home crowd wanted: a win, a fast start, and another step forward under new head coach Ryan Martin.
SoccerRoots let 2-0 lead slip late in Phoenix
Oakland Roots were minutes away from a perfect 3-0 start to the USL Championship season. Instead, a late Phoenix Rising surge forced a 2-2 draw Saturday night, ending Oakland’s 100% record but keeping the Roots undefeated at 2-0-1 through three matches.
CultureOakland Roots unveil 2026 Charly kits inspired by Lake Merritt myth and Oakland’s “mosaic” identity
Oakland Roots just dropped their 2026 look — and it’s a full-on “Town story” release.
USLFisher’s late winner lifts Roots past Monterey Bay 1-0 in season opener
Oakland Roots opened the 2026 USL Championship season with a road win in a familiar NorCal rivalry, beating Monterey Bay FC 1-0 at Cardinale Stadium on Saturday night in Ryan Martin’s first match as head coach.
SoccerUSL announces “USL Premier” Division One league and confirms pro/rel plan
The United Soccer League announced USL Premier as the official name of its planned Division One men’s league and unveiled a new men’s structure built around a connected three-tier pathway.
CollegeCal comes up short late as No. 19 USC escapes, 61–57, at Chase Center
Cal had No. 19 USC on the ropes for most of the night at Chase Center — then watched it slip in the final five minutes.
CollegeNo. 6 Duke pulls away late as Cal’s sellout night at Haas ends 71–56
For Cal fans, this one had that “big-time” feel from the jump. A packed, sold-out Haas Pavilion (11,201 in attendance) showed up for the program’s first-ever meeting with Duke in Berkeley
CollegeCal Hires Michael Hutchings as Defensive Coordinator
In a bold move signaling a new era for the program by Cal’s new Head Coach, and former Oregon Defensive Coordinator Tosh Lupoi, the California Golden Bears have officially hired Minnesota Vikings safeties coach Michael Hutchings as their next Defensive Coordinator.
CollegeTosh Lupoi in Negotiations to Become Cal’s Next Head Coach
California is closing in on one of the most significant coaching hires in its recent history. Multiple reports indicate that Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi is in advanced negotiations to become the next head coach at Cal.
CollegeCal Stuns No. 21 SMU 38–35
In a game that felt like the end of one chapter and the start of another, California pulled off its biggest win of the season Saturday night, taking down No. 21 SMU 38–35 at Memorial Stadium thanks to a dramatic go-ahead touchdown in the final minute.
InternationalCruz Azul vs. Atlético Nacional hits San Jose this Wednesday — and both clubs arrive near the top at home
PayPal Park gets an in-season international night this Wednesday, March 25 (7:30 p.m. PT) when Cruz Azul faces Atlético Nacional in a club friendly in San Jose.
NWSLPfeiffer stars as Bay FC opens 2026 with 2-1 win over expansion Denver Summit
Bay FC opened the 2026 NWSL season with a 2-1 win over expansion side Denver Summit FC on Saturday at PayPal Park, giving new head coach Emma Coates a victory in her first league match in charge and snapping the club’s long winless stretch from last season.
InternationalToluca Finish Off LA Galaxy to Cruise Into Champions Cup Semifinals
After already taking control in the first leg, Toluca left no room for a Galaxy comeback in Carson.
MLSNew York Locks Down Its Teenage Star
Eighteen-year-old Julian Hall has committed his future to the New York Red Bulls after emerging as one of MLS’s most exciting young forwards.
NWSL
NWSLTrinity Byars Leads a Weekend of NWSL Standouts
Trinity Byars produced two goals and two assists as the NWSL’s biggest performers stepped forward during Matchweek 18.
Leagues CupNecaxa Spoils NYCFC’s Leagues Cup Hopes With 2-1 Comeback
NYCFC’s Leagues Cup run came to an end after Necaxa erased a first-half deficit and completed a 2-1 comeback in New Jersey.
Leagues CupChicago Fire Stun Cruz Azul With Late Winner in Leagues Cup
Chicago Fire edged Cruz Azul 2-1 in dramatic fashion, with Puso Dithejane scoring a stoppage-time winner to send the Fire into the Leagues Cup knockout stage.
Leagues CupHelinho Brings the Spark, but LAFC Gets the Last Word
Toluca returned to BMO Stadium with a familiar opponent standing across from them.
MLSSeattle Makes a Statement With Dejan Joveljić Signing
Seattle has acquired MLS Cup-winning striker Dejan Joveljić from Sporting Kansas City in a major $6 million trade.
MLSThe Struggles Continue: Earthquakes Fall 3-1 to St. Louis
San Jose’s early-season momentum continues to fade as defensive struggles and inconsistency lead to another disappointing result against St. Louis.
NWSLBay FC lands USWNT midfielder Claire Hutton in $1.1M deal with Kansas City Current
Bay FC made one of the biggest moves of the NWSL offseason, acquiring midfielder Claire Hutton from the Kansas City Current in exchange for $1.1 million in intra-league transfer funds, the club announced Tuesday.
NWSLBay FC 2026 schedule is official, with a March 14 home opener at PayPal Park
Bay FC has officially released its full 2026 NWSL regular-season schedule, setting the club up for a home start at PayPal Park to open the year.
NWSLBay FC falls to Angel City 3-1 at PayPal Park
Angel City FC went into PayPal Park and took a 3-1 win Saturday, jumping out early and holding off Bay’s second-half response to stay unbeaten through two matches. Bay FC, coming off an opening-week win over expansion Denver Summit, dropped to 1-0-1.
NWSLSophia Wilson’s Late Winner Lifts Portland Past Angel City in Wild Finish
A late stoppage-time strike from Sophia Wilson gave Portland a dramatic 2-1 road win over Angel City FC at BMO Stadium, closing out a chaotic match that looked headed toward a quieter finish until the final 15 minutes exploded.
The CurrentThe Current: Cruz Medina’s Journey to Chivas
In this debut episode, Cruz Medina’s move to CD Tapatío is more than a career step — it’s a story of growth, faith, and learning how to chase a dream away from home.
MLSA New Era Begins in Miami
Inter Miami is turning to former Argentine international Cristian “Kily” González to lead the club through its next chapter.
Leagues CupLeón Sends a Warning With Dominant Win Over Real Salt Lake
Díber Cambindo scored twice as Club León eliminated Real Salt Lake with a commanding 3–0 quarterfinal victory.
InternationalEl Clásico de México Is Coming to Oakland
Club América and Chivas will bring Mexico’s biggest rivalry to the Oakland Coliseum for a special international friendly on October 4.
MLSJoveljić Shines on Debut as Sounders and Fire Draw 2-2
Dejan Joveljić scored twice in his Sounders debut, but Chicago Fire answered twice to earn a 2-2 draw at Lumen Field.
College
Soccer
CultureLamine Yamal Launches First Collection With American Eagle
Lamine Yamal brings his relaxed off-field style to American Eagle through a new collection featuring oversized denim, cargo pants and everyday streetwear.
USLIhsan Sacko Is Becoming the USL’s Most Dangerous Striker
Three goals across two matches moved Phoenix Rising forward Ihsan Sacko level at the top of the USL Championship scoring chart.
CultureHow Soccer Jerseys Became American Streetwear
Once reserved for matchdays, soccer jerseys have escaped the stadium and entered an entirely different arena: American streetwear.
EntertainmentJ. Cole Brings The Fall-Off Tour to Miami’s Kaseya Center
The Dreamville rapper delivered a career-spanning performance in Miami as Culture Wave captured the night from inside Kaseya Center.
InternationalQatar and El Salvador Battle to Scoreless Draw at BMO Stadium
Qatar and El Salvador played to a 0–0 draw in Los Angeles, with both sides showing defensive discipline but struggling to find the final touch in attack.
InternationalScotland Rolls Past Bolivia 4–0 in Statement Friendly Win
Scotland scored four first-half goals in a dominant 4–0 win over Bolivia, giving Steve Clarke’s squad a major confidence boost before the World Cup.
InternationalEngland Edges New Zealand 1–0 Behind Harry Kane Header
Harry Kane scored just before halftime as England defeated New Zealand 1–0 in a World Cup warm-up match in Tampa.
InternationalPortugal Beats Chile 2–1 in Heated World Cup Friendly
Portugal defeated Chile 2–1 in a heated friendly, with Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes scoring before a late Chile goal.
InternationalUSWNT Falls 2–1 to Brazil in Fast-Paced Friendly in São Paulo
Sophia Wilson scored early, but Brazil responded with two quick first-half goals to defeat the USWNT 2–1 in São Paulo.
InternationalBrazil Wins Over Egypt 2–1 Behind Endrick Winner
Endrick came off the bench to score the winner as Brazil defeated Egypt 2–1 in Cleveland, closing out its final World Cup tune-up with a hard-fought victory.
InternationalUSMNT Falls 2–1 to Germany in Final World Cup Tune-Up
The USMNT showed fight in a 2–1 loss to Germany at Soldier Field, with Antonee Robinson scoring a stunning volley in the team’s final match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NWSLGotham FC Edge Houston Dash Behind Jordynn Dudley’s Early Winner
Gotham FC continued its strong run of form with a 1–0 win over the Houston Dash, powered by an early goal from rookie forward Jordynn Dudley. The victory gave Gotham another clean sheet and extended its unbeaten league streak, closing out the first half of the NWSL season with confidence and control.
InternationalUSWNT returns to San Jose for heavyweight test against Japan
The U.S. Women’s National Team opens a three-match April series at PayPal Park on Saturday, with San Jose set to host one of women’s soccer’s best rivalries once again.
NWSLBay FC Shut Out at Home as Washington Spirit Claim 2-0 Win at PayPal Park
Bay FC held firm for much of the afternoon, but a second-half own goal and a late finish from Gift Monday gave the Washington Spirit a 2-0 road win in San Jose.
InternationalMexico and Belgium settle for 1-1 draw at Soldier Field
Jorge Sánchez scored from a corner in the first half, Dodi Lukebakio answered seconds after the restart, and both sides rotated heavily with World Cup roster decisions looming.
InternationalBrazil score twice late to beat Croatia 3-1 in Orlando
Danilo opened the scoring after a Vinícius Jr. run, Croatia equalized late, then Brazil answered immediately with an Igor Thiago penalty and a stoppage-time Martinelli finish to close out the win.
InternationalDoué double helps France beat Colombia 3-1 in Maryland
Désiré Doué scored his first two senior goals, Marcus Thuram added a header, and France handled Colombia in front of 60,734 at Northwest Stadium.
InternationalU.S. falls 2-0 to Portugal in final pre-World Cup window
Portugal scored in both halves to beat the USMNT 2-0 in Atlanta, sending Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the final stretch before roster decisions with back-to-back losses and continued questions around finishing and form.
InternationalUSWNT to Face Japan at PayPal Park in April
PayPal Park is set to host another marquee night of international soccer this spring, with the U.S. Women’s National Team returning to the South Bay to take on Japan on Saturday, April 11 (2:30 p.m. PT) in an international friendly.
EntertainmentBottleRock Napa Valley 2026 lineup is here: Foo Fighters, Backstreet Boys, and Lorde headline Memorial Day weekend in Napa
BottleRock Napa Valley is set to return to the Napa Valley Expo from May 22–24, 2026, bringing three days of music, food, and wine to downtown Napa over Memorial Day weekend.
![TWICE Brings “[THIS IS FOR]” World Tour to Oakland Arena on Jan. 17](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/691ea8aa43d1d852bb7e9bb0/694d9cda02c7d43c365392be_TWICE.jpg)
EntertainmentTWICE Brings “[THIS IS FOR]” World Tour to Oakland Arena on Jan. 17
TWICE is set to bring its “[THIS IS FOR] WORLD TOUR” to Oakland Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
CollegeCal blows 21-0 lead, falls to Hawai’i 35-31 in Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl
Cal jumped out to a 21-0 lead, but Hawai’i stormed back and stunned the Golden Bears 35-31 in the 2025 Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
NWSLBay FC Exploring Catarina Macario Move
Bay FC might be lining up a true franchise move. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Catarina Macario’s agent says the club is in “preliminary phases” of talks with the USWNT star and former Stanford standout
USLDe Vicente + David García bring fresh energy to Oakland’s back line
Oakland Roots’ offseason has felt like a full-on reset — new leadership, new ideas, and a roster that’s clearly being reshaped with 2026 in mind.
EntertainmentCalvin Harris, Diplo set to headline Super Bowl LX weekend party
A major Super Bowl LX weekend concert is coming to the waterfront.
USLRoots Reload: Oakland Adds Loudoun Trio
Oakland Roots are wasting zero time setting the tone for 2026, and the message is pretty clear.
EntertainmentLeon Thomas to Light Up Fox Theater On Dec. 19
Leon Thomas, one of modern R&B’s fastest-rising voices and a multi-talented performer whose career spans Broadway, Nickelodeon, and Grammy-nominated songwriting, will headline the Fox Theater on December 19, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
EntertainmentDock of the Bay Festival Returns to Mare Island With a Cross-Generational Vallejo Showcase
Headliners E-40, Baby Bash, and LaRussell anchored the lineup, each repping a different era of Vallejo music — from hyphy legends to radio-era staples to the new wave of independent Bay Area rap.