The NWSL has reportedly awarded its 17th franchise to Atlanta, with Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment securing the expansion rights for a record $165 million fee, according to The Athletic. The team is set to begin play in 2028 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which also hosts Blank’s other professional teams – the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC.

Getty Images SportBlank's sports empire expands with NWSL investment

As per the Athletic’s report, AMB Sports and Entertainment has been involved in NWSL expansion discussions for nearly a decade, with many industry sources describing Atlanta as a "when-not-if" market once Blank decided to commit to the women's professional league. The expansion fee represents a significant increase from the $110 million that Denver Summit FC paid less than a year ago, reflecting the rapidly growing valuation of women's soccer franchises in the United States.

"We have had productive engagement with NWSL and others in its stakeholder group on the possibility of bringing an expansion franchise to Atlanta,” said a spokesperson for AMB Sports and Entertainment, as per ESPN. “We have nothing to announce currently as those conversations are ongoing."

AdvertisementRolling expansion model

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed in September that the league would move away from formal bidding processes to a rolling expansion model, allowing greater flexibility in adding new markets.

"Those conversations are ongoing," Berman said, according to ESPN. "Each of them has a different perspective on how much time they need to launch, the investments they need to make to be successful, including potentially around infrastructure, and we want to not force a square peg into a round hole."

Berman has repeatedly stated that the NWSL could eventually grow to match the NFL's 32-team structure.

"Our board believes that we can be the size of the NFL, there is nothing that stands in the way of us doing that, other than having access to top talent,” Berman said to Yahoo Sports. “There's certainly not a problem with the supply, given the size of our country and the level of talent that exists."

Atlanta's women's soccer history

The city of Atlanta has a significant history with women's professional soccer, having previously hosted the Atlanta Beat in both the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) from 2001 to 2003 and in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) from 2010 to 2011. The WPS version built a soccer-specific stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia, in partnership with Kennesaw State University, though that team folded along with the league in 2012.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportAlignment with media rights renewal

The 2028 launch date for Atlanta's NWSL team strategically coincides with the expiration of the league's current media rights agreements, which are expected to be renegotiated with a significant increase in value. The team will also benefit from the anticipated surge in soccer interest following the 2026 FIFA World Cup held across North America as well as the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Brazil.

He is set to return to action in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Ranji Trophy after rehab at the NCA

Deivarayan Muthu19-Aug-2025

Multiple bouts with injury and illness have kept Umran Malik out of action since IPL 2024•Associated Press

After missing the entire 2024-25 domestic season and IPL 2025 with multiple bouts with injury and illness, tearaway Umran Malik is set to return to action in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Ranji Trophy.Malik, 25, isn’t participating in the opening round of the Buchi Babu tournament, which got underway on August 18 in Chennai. However, he will be in action in the second round for Jammu & Kashmir against Baroda from August 22. Malik last played top-flight cricket in IPL 2024, but after recovering from hamstring and hip injuries, he feels his body is now ready to withstand the rigours of domestic cricket.”I’m feeling good. I haven’t played cricket for a long time,” Malik said on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu tournament. “I was injured for seven-eight months. It was a struggling phase. It feels really good to be back. I have played a lot of red-ball and T20 matches in Kashmir. It was our registration camp. We have come to Chennai for the Buchi Babu [tournament]. It is good to play as many matches as I can. It is good for my body’s workload.  I’ve come back and will do well in the season. That’s my aim.”During his rehab, Malik spent around six months at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, working with their team, whom he credits for his return to fitness.Malik says he’s working on ‘three-four new variations’•AFP/Getty Images

“Nishanta [Bordoloi, strength and conditioning coach] was helping me. Thulasi [Ram Yuvaraj, physio] sir and Suresh [Rathore, physio] sir and [VVS] Laxman [CoE chief] sir – he gave me everything [I needed]. Thanks to the BCCI.”Injury is a part of life for a sportsman. It is bound to happen. At that time, I kept myself strong. I kept my mindset right. Everything is fine now.”Malik first turned heads in IPL 2022, when he hit 156.9kph and went on to take 22 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He was fast-tracked into India’s white-ball sides in the same year, but injuries have ravaged his career since those initial appearances. Malik sees the upcoming domestic season as a way back to the India side.”Yeah, I’ll be bowling in full rhythm now,” Malik said. “I’m a sportsman and I don’t pay attention to social media. Actually, I want to play cricket. I just want to protect my body from injuries, and I want to play cricket well. I want to play for India and that’s my aim. I will play the matches after this Buchi Babu, and I think the Ranji Trophy. Hopefully, I can take wickets and make a comeback.”Malik has been working closely with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar•Associated Press

Malik has tuned up for the domestic season by bowling in J&K’s training camps and also trained with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who returned to KKR’s backroom during IPL 2025, in Chennai.After he was ruled out of IPL 2025, Malik remained with the KKR set-up while continuing his rehab.”J&K Cricket Association has been supporting me. They are setting up some good camps,” Malik said. “I keep talking to Mithun Manhas [JKCA’s cricket and operations head]. I do simple things, and just like I used to bowl earlier, I do the same.”I’m developing three-four new variations. I’m also working with Abhishek [Nayar], P Krishna Kumar [J&K bowling coach] and Ajay Sharma, he is our head coach. I had a camp with Abhishek two weeks back here in Chennai and it felt good to work with him.”

Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation from Celtic at the start of last week to end his second spell with the Scottish giants in the dugout at Parkhead.

The Northern Irish head coach opted to move on from the club for a second time after a 3-1 loss to Hearts left the Hoops eight points adrift of first place in the Scottish Premiership table.

Rodgers, as shown in the graphic above, enjoyed a largely successful second spell with the Bhoys, winning four trophies in two seasons, before the disappointing start to the current campaign.

After the ex-Liverpool and Leicester City boss left the Hoops last week, experienced manager Martin O’Neill was placed in interim charge and has managed two matches so far.

A 4-0 win over Falkirk and a 3-1 win over Rangers have shown that the club can afford to take their time to find the right man for the job, as O’Neill is a safe pair of hands for now.

One of the things that the next manager should make a priority when they arrive at Parkhead is reviving Reo Hatate, whose form has dropped off this season.

Why Celtic need to revive Reo Hatate

In the summer of 2024, Celtic reportedly rejected an offer of £10m from an unnamed French club, which shows that they valued him at even more than that at the time.

Then, in the 2024/25 campaign, Hatate stepped up his game to deliver 11 goals and nine assists in 55 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, per Transfermarkt.

The Japan international scored ten goals and created 14 ‘big chances’ in 37 outings in the Premiership, which shows that he provided regular quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a central midfield position.

Unfortunately, the 27-year-old star has endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign so far, so much so that he has been a substitute in the first two games of O’Neill’s interim tenure.

Reo Hatate (Premiership)

24/25

25/26

Appearances

37

8

Goals

10

1

Big chances created

14

1

Key passes per game

1.2

0.8

Assists

4

0

Pass accuracy

82%

81%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Hatate’s influence at the top end of the pitch has waned. The midfielder is not as impactful as he was last term for the Hoops, as a scorer or a creator.

The Japanese star, who has one goal and no assists in 15 appearances in all competitions, is capable of far better and that is why the next manager needs to revive his performances as a priority.

Thankfully, for Hatate, there is a manager keen on taking the role who could be the perfect man to revive the central midfielder’s season.

Former Championship manager interested in the Celtic job

According to 67HailHail, former Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has had his name thrown in the ring for the vacant Celtic job.

The report claims that the former Manchester United central midfielder would be interested in replacing Rodgers at Parkhead in the coming weeks, after leaving Boro at the end of last season.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Expand Collapse

It states that the English tactician is looking to get back into management again, as he has been without a club so far this season, and the Celtic job is a potential option for him.

However, 67HailHail adds that Carrick does have some reservations about the size of the job and whether he is ready for it at this point in his career, which the site itself suggests may be a red flag.

However, if he is still interested in taking the job, as the report suggests, then the club should consider him as a genuine option, because he could revive Hatate.

Why Michael Carrick would be perfect for Reo Hatate

Carrick could get the Japan international back to his best in the middle of the park for the Scottish giants, and not just because he was a former midfielder for Manchester United and England.

The English boss plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, per Transfermarkt, and could play Hatate in the number ten position to get the best out of his attacking qualities, which were on full display in the 2024/25 campaign.

Carrick’s coaching in the last two seasons with Middlesbrough, before his exit in the summer, suggests that he can coach a team to be incredibly creative with the ball.

Michael Carrick’s two full seasons at Middlesbrough

Championship

23/24

24/25

League finish

8th

10th

xPTS (Expected league finish)

73 (5th)

71 (6th)

xG

69.5

67.4

xGA

55.0

56.4

xGD

+14.5

+11.3

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Middlesbrough racked up roughly 137 xG in 82 Championship games across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, which suggests that Hatate would be in a side that can create plenty of chances for him to start scoring goals again.

Carrick has also shown that he can develop and improve attack-minded midfield players. Finn Azaz, per Transfermarkt, had never managed more than seven goals and five assists in a Championship season before his haul of 12 goals and 11 assists in the division for Carrick’s side last term.

The out-of-work coach, who was hailed as an “insanely talented coach” by former Boro player Lukas Engel, was also named by Morgan Rogers as one of the coaches who helped him to improve as a player.

Rogers is now shining at Aston Villa, with 14 goals and 13 assists last term, and is an England international, which is further evidence that Carrick can help attacking midfielders to thrive.

Therefore, the English head coach could be the perfect appointment to reignite Hatate’s Celtic career because of his formation, his coaching, and his development of attack-minded midfield players.

Related Rodgers upgrade: Celtic could go far in Europe by hiring "unbeatable" manager

Celtic could upgrade on Brendan Rodgers in a key area by hiring this head coach.

Posts ByDan Emery Nov 4, 2025

Arne Slot saw much-changed Liverpool fell to a sixth loss in seven matches as Ismaila Sarr’s clinical brace helped Crystal Palace reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Oliver Glasner’s Eagles got the better of the Reds for the third time this season as they followed their Community Shield shoot-out triumph and last month’s Premier League victory at Selhurst Park with an Anfield win.

Sarr’s first-half brace and a late Yeremy Pino strike secured FA Cup holders Palace a 3-0 fourth round victory as increasingly scrutinised Liverpool boss Slot’s bold decision to make 10 changes backfired in front of a full house.

Liverpool scouts lining up Bahoya deal to form new partnership with Ekitike

He’s impressed the Reds

ByTom Cunningham Oct 29, 2025

Slot’s men had started Wednesday’s tie brightly, only for familiar foe Sarr to score twice at the end of the opening period to make it seven goals in nine matches against Liverpool.

Palace continued to cruise through the second half. The tie was over by the time teenage Reds substitute Amara Nallo was sent off in the 79th minute, with Pino adding extra gloss late on.

Defenders & goalkeeper

Freddie Woodman – 5

Even Freddie Woodman will be surprised to have received the call from Liverpool in the summer, but here he is and there he was in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace. To his credit, the Englishman was fairly flawless and could do nothing to prevent Sarr’s first-half brace or Pino’s late effort.

Calvin Ramsay – 6

Calvin Ramsay (yes, Calvin Ramsay) was perhaps the most surprising name on the teamsheet in a much-changed Liverpool side. The Reds have had their right-back problems as of late, so why not turn to the forgotten man?

Finally back at Anfield following disappointing loan spells and injury troubles, the Scotsman was one of the brightest sparks for the home side, particularly in the first half. He also gets bonus points for a stunning crossfield pass that Liverpool fans became used to down the right-hand side for several years. Welcome back, Calvin.

Joe Gomez – 3

It was a difficult evening for Joe Gomez, whose loose touch handed Sarr his first before his poor positioning allowed the Palace man a second in the space of four first-half minutes.

It was a frustrating watch for those at Anfield, who saw Gomez get off to a solid, leading start before mistakes crept into his game. Given the recent struggles of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, the last thing Liverpool needed was a poor performance from their other senior centre-back.

Andy Robertson – 4

In an unfamiliar centre-back role, it became clear that Andy Robertson was not in his favoured position from early on. Whilst he deserves credit for slotting in under the circumstances, there’s no denying that he struggled alongside Gomez. In many ways, it was fitting that the Reds played a fullback at centre-back against Marc Guehi as their regret became exposed.

That said, Robertson will be wondering what he has to do to take back his left-back spot as Liverpool’s disastrous defensive form continues.

Milos Kerkez – 4

Speaking of Liverpool left-backs, it was another frustrating evening for Milos Kerkez. He has continued to look rushed in possession and rash when defending. Although he wasn’t tested as much as previous weeks, the Hungary international was wasteful at times and that far from helped the blunt nature of Liverpool’s frontline.

Midfielders

Wataru Endo – 4

When Wataru Endo entered the Anfield turf last season, it often signalled game over for any opposition side. The Japanese international simply closed up for the evening and secured three points time and time again. This season, however, he has struggled to make the same impact.

Suddenly, there’s no hiding his weakness in possession which was shielded by work rate and robustness in the last campaign. Once again, he was loose against Palace and far from helped his side’s attempts to take control.

Trey Nyoni – 4

It was a night of learning for Trey Nyoni. Such a highly-rated player at Liverpool, the young midfielder felt the tempo of Premier League opposition in full and often found his passes misplaced.

Those at Anfield witness his unique composure in the middle of the park in pre-season, but he found out the hard way that time isn’t always a given at senior level.

Alas, it must be said that the senior members of the squad could have done a fair bit more to help the 18-year-old on a night to forget.

Alexis Mac Allister – 3

Alexis Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most important players last season’s title win. Alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, he formed an excellent midfield. Like much of Slot’s side as of late, however, he’s lost his way in the current campaign.

Still recovering from a knee injury in the summer, the Argentine once again looked a shadow of his best self against Crystal Palace. His form, or lack of it, hands Slot the worrying dilemma of just how to fix his current problems in the middle of the park.

Forwards

Kieran Morrison – 5

Thrust into the side at 18 years old, Kieran Morrison started well before gradually beginning to struggle against senior opposition. It’s not the first-team debut that he would have been dreaming of, but it is a moment in his career that he should cherish at Anfield nonetheless.

Had he at least enjoyed better service, things may have been different.

Rio Ngumoha – 6

Liverpool’s biggest bright spark, Rio Ngumoha very nearly curled a sensational effort into the top right in the first-half and certainly handed the likes of Jaydee Canvot a tough start to the evening. At 17 years old, his ability to take players on remains extraordinary and may just earn him a fair few more chances in the coming months.

Whilst Liverpool’s attack is full of big-money signings, Ngumoha’s glimpses of quality have sparked questions about his own game time despite his tender age,

Federico Chiesa – 6

It looked for a moment as though Federico Chiesa would hand Liverpool the lead in the early stages, only for his effort to end high and wide. That was that for the Italian’s chances, in truth, who struggled despite once again putting in the hard yards.

Even in defeat, his work rate should have put Slot on notice. As the Reds’ attack continues to struggle to click, Chiesa may yet provide a solution alongside the rest of his senior teammates.

Substitutes: Wellity Lucky (5), Amara Nallo (sent off, 2), Kaide Gordon (6), Trent Kone-Doherty (4)

أعلن منتخب تونس لكرة القدم، مساء السبت، ضم سيف الدين الجزيري، لاعب نادي الزمالك، إلى قائمة نسور قرطاج المشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب 2025.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق بطولة كأس العرب 2025 في قطر، في الأول من ديسمبر حتى 18 من نفس الشهر بمشاركة 16 منتخبًا.

طالع.. فيديو | سيف الجزيري يسجل هدف الزمالك الأول أمام كايزر تشيفز

وجاء استدعاء الجزيري تعويضًا لغياب نعيم السليتي، الذي عانى من إصابة في أوتار الركبة، والتي أدت إلى استبعاده من القائمة.

ويقع منتخب تونس في المجموعة الأولى، إلى جانب قطر وسوريا وفلسطين.

وشهدت الفترة الأخيرة تألق سيف الدين الجزيري مع الزمالك، إذ سجل هدفين في الجولتين الأولى والثانية من الكونفدرالية أمام زيسكو الزامبي وكايزر تشيفز. قائمة تونس في كأس العرب 2025

حراسة المرمى: أيمن دحمان – بشير بن سعيد – نور الدين فرحاتي.

الدفاع: معتز النفاتي – محمد بن علي – علي معلول – محمد أمين بن حميدة – ياسين مرياح – حمزة الجلاصي – مروان الصحراوي – أسامة الحدادي.

الوسط: فرجاني ساسي – حسام تقا – إسماعيل الغربي – محمد الحاج محمود – شهاب الجبالي – محمد علي بن رمضان.

الهجوم: عمر العيوني – سيف الدين الجزيري – نسيم دنداني – ريان عنان – حازم المستور – فراس شواط.

MatériaMais Notícias

Marquinhos foi o principal destaque do Fluminense na vitória sobre o Colo-Colo na segunda rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. O atacante abriu o placar para o Tricolor e ainda deu uma assistência para o gol de Germán Cano. Após o apito final, o jogador afirmou ter realizado um sonho ao jogar no Maracanã.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFluminenseGols e melhores momentos da vitória do Fluminense sobre o Colo-Colo pela LibertadoresFluminense09/04/2024FluminenseFluminense vence o Colo-Colo na primeira partida da Libertadores no Maracanã após o título inéditoFluminense09/04/2024FluminenseTricolores reagem ao golaço de Marquinhos pelo Fluminense na Libertadores: ‘Titular absoluto’Fluminense09/04/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Hoje foi mais um sonho realizado. Estava ansioso para jogar no Maracanã ao lado dessa torcida maravilhosa em noite de Libertadores. Espero continuar ajudando a equipe, seja com gols, seja com assistências. Estou muito feliz e espero manter essa grande fase. Esse ano tem grandes coisas para acontecer

---

disse Marquinhos

Tudo sobre

FluminenseFutebol NacionalLibertadores

Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat against Chelsea, their fifth in a row against the Blues, was undoubtedly the bleakest and most concerning result of Thomas Frank’s reign so far.

The one-goal affair felt wholly different to Spurs’ recent losses against their nemesis when led by Ange Postecoglou, but gone was any form of entertainment value this time, and the post-match reaction from fans and players underscored the issues that Frank contends with just a few months into his tenure.

Still, things aren’t all that bad. Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League, just two points away from second-place Manchester City. Furthermore, they are unbeaten across three Champions League fixtures.

We were always going to see a bedding-in period, and Tottenham have put last season’s lowly league form behind them, but there’s much more to be desired all the same.

And in the case of Xavi Simons, it’s probably fair to say that more would have been expected from the diminutive playmaker by this stage.

Xavi Simons' slow start at Spurs

When Tottenham signed Simons from RB Leipzig for £52m in August, they knew they had sealed a coup. After all, the Netherlands international had been courted by Chelsea all summer, with analyst Ben Mattinson claiming he is “destined for greatness”.

But it’s been a tough start to life in England, alright, and the 22-year-old has been one of the most saliently poor Spurs stars this season, with his performance against Enzo Maresca’s side drawing plenty of backlash.

It’s a collectively shared opinion within the Lilywhites fanbase that Simons has lacked composure and presence in his creative midfield berth this season. The Chelsea match was a defeat in isolation, but Sofascore record that Simons is averaging only 0.9 key passes per Premier League game this term, having featured seven times and started five of those games.

Having replaced the concussed Lucas Bergvall after only seven minutes at the weekend, Frank saw it fit to hook his summer recruit just over an hour later.

With Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison both sidelined with injuries and still not expected back for the foreseeable future, Simons has been tasked with serving as Spurs’ chief creator, but he’s fallen by the wayside in this regard.

He’s young enough and talented enough to kick on after this early blip, but there’s little question that more is needed – and quickly.

Tottenham have further players who have struggled to impress this season, though, and there’s another midfielder with a wealth more experience in the English game who may well be playing himself into a corner in Frank’s system.

Frank must axe Spurs' "lucky boy"

Frank is far more pragmatic in his tactical set-up than his predecessor at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the general disgruntlement around the club at the moment emphasises the need for greater balance between the thirds.

The midfielders are the connective tissue, though, and while Joao Palhinha has been lauded as a shrewd summer signing, on loan from Bayern Munich, there’s not enough impetus and dynamism in midfield, and Rodrigo Bentancur is becoming a problem in that regard.

Bentancur, 28, has racked up 128 appearances since joining Tottenham from Juventus in January 2022 (initially on loan), but injuries have kept him at an ebb and flow in north London, never quite reaching the full fluency that his talent and athleticism could lead him toward.

Rodrigo Bentancur in the Premier League
Season	Apps	Minutes played
25/26	9	648′
24/25	26	1,653′
23/24	23	1,007′
22/23	18	1,506′
21/22	17	1,365′
Data via Transfermarkt

His consistent unavailability might have been stretched this season but for a fortuitous VAR call that kept him on the field after a studs-up challenge on Chelsea’s Reece James at the weekend. Tottenham presenter Hollie Agombar called him “a lucky boy” after the game.

The £120k-per-week ace signed a new long-term contract only last month, which does stand as a marker of his standing under Frank’s wing, but his connection with Palhinha in the middle of the park has not made him undroppable by any stretch, and there are bound to be concerns relating to the stodginess of Spurs’ general play in the centre.

Of course, he’s not without his uses. The South American ranks among the top 6% of Premier League midfielders this season for ball recoveries, the top 13% for clearances and the top 11% for blocks per 90, data via FBref, but this isn’t enough to secure his long-term place in Frank’s engine room, especially since he is not progressive enough on the ball and thus part of the wider creative problem.

Whereas Simons has time on his side, Bentancur is a seasoned Tottenham star who is supposedly in the prime of his career. This was clearly the view of the powers that be down N17, having rebuffed summer interest from Atletico Madrid and indeed rewarded the midfielder with improved terms.

But he is not proving his worth at this moment in time, and Frank will expect that to improve swiftly, especially with the likes of Pape Matar Sarr and Bergvall gunning for more prominent roles.

Against Chelsea, Bentancur did himself few favours, even if he did manage to avoid a red card for that stamp on James. Writing of his performance in the derby, the Evening Standard criticised the hosts’ midfield controller for being unable to provide protection from Chelsea counters, with his caution on the ball directly hindering Spurs’ fight for quality in attack. He was hit with a lowly 4/10 match rating.

Much for Frank to chew on. However, it might be that Bentancur is beginning to demonstrate that he does not get into Tottenham’s brightest 11, and that’s a topic that will only intensify when the injured playmakers return. With that in mind, maybe he should be axed down the line.

3/10 Spurs flop is now very quickly becoming the new Tanguy Ndombele

Spurs were far from their best as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 2, 2025

Bradley Carnell was named MLS Coach of the Year after an impressive season in which he guided the Philadelphia Union to a Supporters' Shield win in his debut campaign. The South African manager set a club record with 20 wins and was named Coach of the Week four times over the season. The Union had MLS's best defense in 2025, conceding only 35 goals.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Turnaround on a thin budget

  Philadelphia entered the season with the third-lowest payroll in MLS at $13.4 million, but that didn’t stop the team from imposing its will early on. Under Carnell’s leadership, the Union thrived despite making no major offseason additions.

  The Union, who missed last season's playoffs, had the biggest turnaround on points in MLS this season. They finished with a league-best 66 points, 29 more than last year.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Spreading the wealth

  Tai Baribo was the team's top scorer with 18 goals, but Carnell stressed a holistic approach to the attack this season. Eighteen different players combined for the team's 57 goals. 

  The 48-year-old wasn't afraid to rotate, either, featuring 29 players in 25 different starting lineups over the 2025 campaign. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Defense wins trophies

  As good as the team's attack was, it was even better on defense. Philly's efforts on that front included two MLS Best XI players, Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner. Glesnes was a runner-up for defensive player of the year. Last season, Philadelphia were ninth in goals conceded with 55.

  Carnell and the Union now await their opponent for the Eastern Conference semifinals. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Breaking down the vote

  Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year Voting Breakdown

  Name	Media Vote	Player Vote	Club Vote	Total Vote
  Bradley Carnell – Philadelphia Union	33.33%	32.00%	48.00%	37.78%
  Jesper Sørensen – Vancouver Whitecaps FC	35.59%	20.00%	24.00%	26.53%
  Mikey Varas – San Diego FC	21.47%	22.00%	16.00%	19.82%

The New York Yankees joined the list of teams to make a big move at the trade deadline in order to fortify their bullpen.

Multiple reports indicate that the Yankees and Pirates agreed to a trade that will send star closer David Bednar to New York in exchange for a package of prospects headlined by the organization's No. 8 ranked prospect, catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores.

Flores is highly regarded, having just recently earned his promotion to Triple A. Now, he'll look to develop into an everyday big league asset in Pittsburgh. Also in the trade is 19-year-old Edgleen Perez, the No. 14 prospect in the Yankees' farm, who also plays catcher and first base. The final component headed to the Pirates is Brian Sanchez, a 21-year-old outfielder currently at Single A.

Let's assess the deal:

Yankees: A-

Based on the way the reliever market has functioned this trade deadline, the Yankees could've been looking at a steeper cost to acquire Bednar than the one they paid. All things considered, it was not an inexpensive acquisition by any means, but it's a good deal for New York based on the state of the market.

Bednar is superb, logging 17 saves on the year to go with a 2.37 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 38 innings. He's surrendered just two runs over the last two months, having been dialed in throughout the summer.

The Yankees' bullpen has been utterly atrocious of late, so bringing in a steady arm like Bednar is a move the team simply couldn't afford to miss out on. They'll part ways with some valued prospects, but Bednar should give them the reliable option in late innings that they've been lacking in their current tandem of Luke Weaver and Devin Williams.

This move was a necessity for the Yankees. It didn't come cheaply, but the market for relief pitching is absurdly high at this point, so no deal for a quality late-innings pitcher would've been easy to pull off. New York gets one of the best relievers in the sport and holds onto all of its top five prospects in the process. Not bad at all.

Pirates: B+

It feels as if the Pirates could've gotten a slightly improved haul for Bednar, though adding two of New York's top 15 prospects is certainly solid for a reliever with only one additional season of control. Bednar had his ups and downs in Pittsburgh but was ultimately and excellent player for the organization. With the team continuing to rebuild, however, it was an obvious time to part with the veteran closer.

It certainly addresses an area of need for the Pirates, who, despite drafting Henry Davis with the No. 1 pick in 2021, are without a single catching prospect inside their top 20, per MLB Pipeline. Now, they get two catchers with bright futures who can eventually make an impact at the top level, while also lining up better with their current timeline.

In a sellers market, the Pirates were able to strengthen their farm, and it's hard to find anything to complain about that. A good deal for both teams, and one that will help the two sides get closer to achieving their goals.

England allrounder thriving after being picked to produce moments of brilliance

Cameron Ponsonby15-Nov-2024In the seminal cult classic , characters Joey and Chandler buy a pet duck for their flat. They don’t really know what they want to do with said duck, or how exactly they’re going to look after it, but they know they like it.Jamie Overton is England’s pet duck. They have no idea what they want from him, or how they’re going to take care of him, but they like him. And for now that’s enough.Overton is an exceptionally modern cricketer. A career-long bowling allrounder with a hulking 6ft 5in frame, a series of stress fractures (and move to Surrey) has seen the balance of his worth shift.Related

Jos Buttler: No guarantees for Root and Stokes in England's Champions Trophy plans

Lesson from the Caribbean: Don't mess with timings

Mahmood mixes data with feels to solve England's powerplay problem

Jacob Bethell, England's renegade – and next red-ball hope?

Mahmood sets tone again, before Curran and Livingstone steer chase

For the past five seasons in the T20 Blast, his batting strike rate has never dipped below 167. In 2020 and 2022, it was above 180. During last season’s Hundred, he made 83 not out off 30 balls against a bowling attack containing England team-mates Reece Topley, Adil Rashid and Brydon Carse.Mixed in with an ability to bowl heavy-length seamers and catch flies, he has become an increasingly attractive option on the franchise market.”Last year at the Adelaide Strikers, I spoke to one of the analysts halfway through the tournament and he was like, ‘yeah, we didn’t really pick you for your bowling’,” he says.”I’m just enjoying the ride really. If you said to me five years ago I’d be playing for England just as a batter, I’d have been like yeah, whatever.”Until a month ago, Jamie Overton had only ever played once for England (you’re thinking of his brother, Craig): a Test in 2022 against New Zealand where he made 97 with the bat from No. 8 in one of the early Bazball miracles. But stress fractures in 2023 and 2024 hit pause on a promising start to his international career.Overton’s stress fractures didn’t require surgery, but did require a change in lifestyle. In an attempt to “get everything right” and lessen the load going through his back when bowling, he has lost 10kg through a combination of cycling and moving on to prepped meals.”I’ve always eaten pretty well, but the quantity was always a bit too much,” he said to warm nods of agreement from all round the world.Counterintuitively though, his time away from bowling saw his stock rise as he was able to further prove his worth with the bat. Overton’s worth with the ball was known, but with the bat it wasn’t – and over the past two seasons, he has played as a specialist batter for Surrey in T20 cricket.

“It gives you massive confidence. I was chatting to him before the series, and he was just like, ‘we back you’. Just go out and do what you do”Jamie Overton on Rob Key’s support

Such was Overton’s jump in value that before the second of his stress fractures earlier this year, he was set to be a bolter for the T20 World Cup squad, with Rob Key liking what he saw.”It gives you massive confidence,” Overton said of Key’s support. “I was chatting to him before the series, and he was just like, ‘we back you’. Just go out and do what you do.”Such is England’s keenness on Overton, he debuted in ODI cricket at No. 8 and didn’t bowl. In part, his absence with the ball on that occasion was due to England’s meagre total of 209, but in the second T20 played at Barbados, which was just one day after the first, Overton was picked as a specialist No. 8 with no intention to bowl him.”It felt a little bit like I shouldn’t be there,” Overton said of his sometimes unique space in the team. “But then I think they’re looking at the big picture. They see me bowling and batting at eight. So it’s trying to get me in that role.”During the Hundred last year, Overton’s ability to clear the ropes meant his team-mates started jokingly referring to him as Dre Russ. Overton isn’t sure who started that one, but after his dipping slower ball to dismiss Romario Shepherd in the third T20I, his England team-mates have started referring to him as another West Indian legend: DJ Bravo.”They’re some of the best T20 players in the world,” Overton says of the comparisons. “So if you can do anything that’s near their ability, then I’m over the moon.”The ball that got Shepherd out was the result of time spent with Surrey coach Neil Killeen, who Overton had been working with on bowling several different offcutters and in particular trying to bowl them slower. By his own admission, he isn’t able to bowl a legcutter, so the goal is to have as many different styles of offcutter in his armoury to make up for it.In the space of a month, Overton has leapfrogged from outside the international circle, to a wildcard, joker selection where England think they have something special.T20s are often won by moments of individual brilliance. A flurry of wickets or sixes, or an amazing catch at slip in the powerplay or long-on at the death. Overton ticks all those boxes. Ultimately, no-one knows how the Overton adventure will end, but they do know it’ll be fun to watch along the way.