HOUSTON — Lucas Sanabria scored in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time to rally the Galaxy to a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night.
Sanabria subbed into the match in the 61st minute before scoring his second goal in his first season in the league.
Defender John Nelson notched his career-high third assist on the equalizer and Gabriel Pec collected his sixth.
Ezequiel Ponce gave the Dynamo (8-12-9, 33 points) the lead when he took a pass from Ondřej Lingr in the 35th minute and scored his career-high eighth goal in his second season in the league. Ponce had five goals in 10 appearances as a rookie. Lingr picked up his fourth assist in his first season.
Jonathan Bond totaled three saves for the Dynamo.
JT Marcinkowski saved one shot in his first start for the Galaxy (4-16-8, 20 points). It was his first appearance since making 13 for the San Jose Earthquakes in 2023.
Houston began the day three points behind the Earthquakes for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The two clubs played to a 1-1 draw in April. Both teams posted 2-1 home wins in the series last season.
The defending champion Galaxy are 0-9-6 on the road this season. The Dynamo are 4-8-3 at home.
The Dynamo travel to play the Colorado Rapids next Saturday. The Galaxy travel to play the Seattle Sounders next Saturday.
Saturday evening, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is hosting a friendly match between Mexico’s and Japan’s Men’s National soccer teams. That means international exposure, pumped-up crowds, and opportunity for the Town.
Friday, both Mexico’s and Japan’s teams were at the Coliseum and practicing on the field. Soccer officials said tickets for Saturday’s match were nearly sold out.
At a press conference on Friday, Ivar Sisniega, executive president of Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, noted the warm welcome Mexico’s team has received in Oakland.
“For Mexico, this is like a second home. We have a large group of fans who are going to be supporting us here,” Sisniega said.
Both Sisniega and Masakuni Yamamoto, the National Team Director for Japan, expressed gratitude to Oakland for hosting this match.
Yamamoto added that he thought this match would also help to get a glimpse of what’s ahead at the 2026 World Cup.
Oakland leaders said this match is a sign that sports are gaining momentum once again in Oakland, after the Town lost the Raiders, the Warriors, and the A’s in recent years.
At Friday’s press conference, Oakland’s Mayor Barbara Lee pointed out that the Oakland Roots USL team, which made the Coliseum its home earlier this year, made it possible to have this international match at the venue.
“They installed this beautiful new field at the Coliseum this year, so we can host these big games in Oakland now and in the future,” Lee noted.
Around 70,000 people are expected at the venue over the course of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In addition to the Japan-Mexico match, the Oakland Roots have a match on Sunday at the Coliseum, and the Monster Jam truck show is happening next door at the Oakland Arena all weekend.
While there was a lot of excitement in Oakland this week leading up to the friendly match, there was also a little disappointment.
Earlier this week, thieves broke into the Mexican National team’s truck in downtown Oakland, stealing some equipment.
Oakland City Council Member Ken Houston, who represents District 7, where the Coliseum is located, said that while this theft shouldn’t have happened, he also thinks this incident doesn’t reflect all of Oakland.
“This is a safe city, I see it changing, I see things turning around,” Houston said.
In honor of Saturday’s soccer match, Houston had a cherry blossom tree and a cactus planted at the Coliseum.
Chelsea completed the signing of Alyssa Thompson from Angel City on Friday in the latest big money move in women’s soccer.
The U.S. international signed for a reported fee of around 1 million pounds ($1.35 million) on a five-year contract.
“Chelsea is such an amazing club, one of the best in the world. Being able to play with players that are the best in the world is an amazing opportunity at such a young age and I want to learn, grow and develop a lot,” said the 20-year-old forward.
Thompson was the first pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, becoming the league’s first high schooler to be be drafted.
This season she scored six goals in 16 appearances for Angel City.
“She’s a dynamic winger with electric pace, who can play on either wing and is very good in one-on-one situations,” said head of women’s football at Chelsea Paul Green. “Alyssa is one of the best and most exciting young players in the world, and we’re looking forward to seeing how she develops further during her time with Chelsea.”
Confirmation of Thompson’s move comes on the same day that London City Lionesses completed the signing of France midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported world-record fee of 1.4 million pounds ($1.88 million).
Thompson is a U.S. national team regular and was on the squad that went to the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Overall, she’s made 22 appearances with the national team since 2022, scoring three goals.
She scored 15 goals for Angel City over 69 appearances across all competitions.
Chelsea is the dominant force in women’s soccer in England, winning six straight Women’s Super League titles and nine of the last 11.
SAO PAULO — Taylor Swift is very likely not aware of it, but she’s considered a good luck charm for the Brazilian soccer team hosting Friday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.
The unlikely connection between the pop superstar — whose fiancé is Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — and one of the most popular clubs in soccer-mad Brazil lies in the release date of her albums dating to 2006. Corinthians has gone unbeaten in all but one game played right before each album release since then and all but one right after.
It all started as a joke about five years ago, but it has developed into a superstition for local fans.
Until last year, Corinthians won 13 matches and drew seven in such instances. Some were against bitter rival Palmeiras and Brazilian social media was flooded with memes and montages of Swift wearing black and white — Corinthians’ colors.
Many Corinthians fans could have tossed their expectations after their team lost both the match prior to the release of “The Tortured Poets Department” and the one following. But the NFL game in Sao Paulo, which could draw Swift to NeoQuimica Arena, has kept the Swiftie vibe alive among many local supporters.
“I laughed at first, but there’s more coincidences. Taylor’s first contract was signed on Sept. 1, that’s the same day Corinthians was founded in 1910,” said Rebeca Gois, 32, a marketing writer who lives near the stadium and is a Swift fan. “It has become a thing. Whenever there’s a new album, we have a double joy; new Taylor songs and Corinthians unbeaten before and after that.”
That long run has encouraged Corinthians fans to think of the singer as an honorary supporter. Some have worn Swift costumes during games.
Gavioes da Fiel, a Corinthians-linked samba school that parades in Sao Paulo’s Carnival, jokingly invited Swift to join them in the festivities in 2022.
Swift was in Brazil in 2012 to promote her album “Red” and then in 2023 with six concerts in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo during the Eras Tour. She has yet to appear at Corinthians stadium.
Nataly Nascimento, a hardcore Corinthians Swiftie, said the trend got a boost after Swift had all her three concerts in Sao Paulo at the Allianz Parque, the stadium of their archrival Palmeiras.
“People started to look for that connection to tease Palmeiras fans. And then Corinthians fans started finding those links,” said Nascimento, a 25-year-old teacher who lives in Brazil’s Northeast and won’t attend. “But there’s something bigger. In the same way that Corinthians fans are much more passionate about their club, Swifties feel that about Taylor. It is mystical.”
Asked whether Corinthians fans can expect the connection to return after the two defeats last year, Nascimento said fans have adapted their narrative since.
“Some said it was all over, but we didn’t let her go. What actually happened was that we were doing so badly last year that not even Taylor could save us,” she said.
Swift’s next album, “The Life of a Show Girl,” will be released on Oct. 3. Corinthians, currently lagging in the 12th position of the Brazilian league with 26 points after 22 matches, will take on Southern rival Internacional two days prior to the launch and then host Sao Paulo countryside team one day after the release.
Fans like lawyer Sidney Abreu, 45, couldn’t care less about the NFL and Swift’s music, but he will be watching part of Friday’s game in the hopes the singer attends so the superstition can be revamped with her presence at the stadium.
“As long as Corinthians wins those matches, she can come here and release her albums whenever she likes,” he said.
Notorious online soccer piracy network Streameast has been shut down after more than 1.6 billion visits in the past year, an antipiracy coalition announced Wednesday.
The United States-based Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) said the shutdown was made in collaboration with Egyptian authorities.
With its 80 associated domains, Streameast was the largest illicit live sports streaming operation in the world, ACE said.
“Today, ACE scored a resounding victory in its fight to detect, deter, and dismantle criminal perpetrators of digital piracy: by taking down the largest illegal live sports platform anywhere,” ACE chairman Charles Rivkin said in the announcement.
“With this landmark action, we have put more points on the board for sports leagues, entertainment companies, and fans worldwide,” added Rivkin, who also is chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association.
Streameast offered users unauthorized access to matches across Europe’s top soccer leagues.
Soccer piracy has skyrocketed over the last two decades with leagues selling their matches to high-priced pay-per-view and streaming services. Many leagues sell to more than one broadcaster — requiring fans to pay for multiple subscriptions.
“Dismantling Streameast is a major victory for everyone who invests in and relies on the live sports ecosystem,” said Ed McCarthy, chief operating officer of the DAZN streaming group. “This criminal operation was siphoning value from sports at every level and putting fans across the world at risk. We commend the Egyptian authorities and ACE for their action.”
In addition to soccer, Streameast provided access to sport-specific piracy sites for American sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL.
Site traffic to the various domains originated primarily from the U.S., Canada, Britain, the Philippines and Germany, ACE said.
All Streameast sites now redirect to the ACE “Watch Legally” page.
LOS ANGELES — The work in progress continues progressing for Angel City Football Club.
Entering the game with a modest three-game unbeaten streak, ACFC made it four thanks to a 77th-minute header from Maiara Niehues in a 2-1 victory over Northern California rival Bay FC in front of 14,971 on Monday night at BMO Stadium.
Niehues’ attempt just eluded the outstretched arm of Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz for the winning goal
The win was the first for Angel City in four league meetings against Bay FC.
“It’s a win at home. That’s (what) we’re always work(ing for),” Angel City forward Riley Tiernan said. “We’ve had two intense weeks and it showed on the field.”
Angel City (6-7-5) moves to 23 points and into ninth place in the 14-team NWSL, just outside of playoff position. Last year’s team finished the 26-game regular season with 24 points.
“The game was going both ways. We had some great moments and they also had some chances,” Angel City defender Sarah Gorden said. “Leading 2-1 late, the fans always carry us through. It was so hard to be away (on the road). This league is so physically demanding, and the energy that they (the fans) bring changes games for us.”
Rachel Hill scored the equalizer for Bay FC (4-9-5, 17 points) in the 37th minute as Rachel Hill knocked home her own rebound to make it 1-1. It was the first goal allowed in the last three games by Angel City goalkeeper Hannah Seabert.
If there was a cloud hanging over the proceedings, it was the news about the accelerated progress in talks of a potential move by Chelsea FC to sign Alyssa Thompson.
According to Tom Garry of the Guardian, “talks are progressing.” Thompson, who currently has six goals this season, the most in her brief career, missed Monday’s game with what was listed on the availability report as an “excused absence.” Garry initially reported Chelsea’s interest last Thursday.
The move, which would certainly be a big blow to the Angel City fans, could bring in a large transfer fee for the club. The current record world transfer fee in women’s soccer is the $1.5 million that the Orlando Pride paid Tigres (Liga MX) for Lizbeth Ovalle last month. Naomi Girma’s move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea netted $1.1 million, still the highest outgoing fee for an NWSL club.
If last week’s game against Orlando was her last game in an Angel City uniform, she left on a high note, scoring the game-winning goal. In a little less than three years, she has scored 15 goals with 11 assists.
When asked if he had anything to update about the situation, Angel City coach Alex Straus said, “not much.”
“We lost three other international players and we got better,” he said. “I think this group, the way they work and how you can grow together, I’m so proud of them today. It’s not been easy with all of these things … speculation. But anybody, if it’s me … none of us is bigger than the club. We focus on that, what is our value together? And if somebody leaves at some point, somebody has left a couple of weeks ago, I think it does something to a group. It’s not easy, but it’s how you manage it. If I’m being honest, the last couple of days, it’s been difficult. It’s been hard for me in my position when things change.”
The transfer deadline for the WSL is Thursday.
Angel City’s next game is Sunday at eighth-place Gotham FC (6-6-6, 24 points), followed by another road game on Sept. 13 against 10th-place North Carolina (5-7-6, 21 points). The next home game is Sept. 18 against the second-place Washington Spirit (9-4-5, 32 points).
LAFC celebrate a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LAFC forward Son Heung-Min, front right, heads the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LAFC forward Son Heung-Min reacts during the second half of an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Fans are seen before an MLS soccer match between LAFC and San Diego FC Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Fans are seen before an MLS soccer match between LAFC and San Diego FC Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LAFC forward Son Heung-Min (7) dribbles around San Diego FC midfielder Manu Duah (26) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LAFC forward Son Heung-Min (7) argues with a ref during the first half of an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LAFC forward Son Heung-Min (7) and San Diego FC midfielder Manu Duah (26) battle for a ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LAFC forward David Martinez (30) and San Diego FC defender Paddy McNair (17) battle for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LAFC forward Son Heung-Min prepares for a corner kick during the second half of an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
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LAFC celebrate a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
LOS ANGELES — Hosting San Diego FC for the first time, the Los Angeles Football Club showed up with grand plans.
Their guests had something else in mind.
With South Korean superstar Son Heung-min’s home debut garnering the bulk of the attention at BMO Stadium on Sunday – the announced crowd of 22,937 was the most for an LAFC match since BMO Stadium opened eight years ago – Western Conference-leading SDFC stole the show, winning 2-1.
Anders Dreyer scored the game-winner after assisting Hirving Lozano earlier in the match, ruining a beautiful finish from LAFC’s Denis Bouanga that appeared to put the home team on the right track.
The loss dropped LAFC 15 points behind San Diego (17-7-5, 56 points), with eight games remaining in the regular season.
In front of a heavily Korean crowd that showed up in force to see their 33-year-old hero, the pent-up stadium, which went four weeks without an LAFC home match, buzzed from start to finish.
“Today was very special,” Son said. “I feel the fans were amazing. That’s why I’m more upset. They deserve more than one goal or zero points. I think they were fantastic. I can’t wait to play again at home. It felt like really, really home. They welcomed me. I couldn’t wait for this night. I feel I let the fans down but we are gonna keep our heads up, accept the result. As a professional, you can’t always win the game.”
Six hundred visiting fans loved the outcome, banging drums and chanting while LAFC’s 3252 supporters group showed its passion in the club’s second regular-season clash.
San Diego won in March, becoming the first expansion team to beat LAFC (11-7-8, 41 points) in nine tries.
Competing without midfielder Igor Jesus, who went on the season-ending injury list with a knee injury, LAFC used two instead of their usual trio in the middle of the park. Mark Delgado and Mathieu Choinière started in front of three center backs – Nkosi Tafari, Eddie Segura and Ryan Porteous in his first start for LAFC – while Son and Bouanga worked alongside David Martínez.
Son’s companions in the attack combined for the game’s opening goal in the 15th minute.
From 40 yards out, Martínez found Bouanga down the middle with a chipped pass that bounced once inside the box before the Frenchman tipped it over goalkeeper CJ dos Santos for his 15th goal of the regular season.
Said Bouanga: “It’s hard to score first and see the outcome of the game.”
LAFC entered the match with a stellar record when it got the opening goal, going 14-1-6 in all competitions in 2025 before Sunday. Under head coach Steve Cherundolo, LAFC is now 58-4-7 in the MLS regular season when it connects first.
“Tonight, I think if you look at the stats (17 shots compared to six shots, with both teams putting four on target), xG (2.7 to 0.7), and the moments we have in front of goal, it’s crazy you walk away with nothing,” Cherundolo said.
“The execution was a little déjà vu for us,” he added. “We’ve seen this motion picture before this season. It’s kind of been the story of the year. You play well enough. You play very well. But you’re not getting the results that maybe you deserve.”
Before Bouanga’s finish, neither side established dominance. They moved from one end to the other, with San Diego preferring quick passing in small spaces to LAFC’s more direct attacks.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, a few minutes after Bouanga nearly scored a second, SDFC tied thanks to their big-name international, Mexico’s Hirving Lozano. Circling around Tafari, Lozano collected a first-time volley over the top by Dreyer. Tafari attempted to get back in the place and defend, but for the second straight week, an opponent scored on a shot that deflected off the center back’s long legs past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Son’s clearest opportunity of the opening 45 minutes came near the end. With LAFC swarming the San Diego box, Bouanga had a crack that was blocked. The ball worked its way to Son, who turned and put it on his left foot. Son’s shot was hit well, enough to make his supporters in the stands cry out in anticipation, but it lacked the pace or placement needed to give LAFC an edge at the half.
The regional rivals pushed and pulled, looking to break the deadlock.
In the 66th minute, San Diego capitalized when Dreyer added his 14th goal to go with his 18th assist from Lozano’s ninth finish. The MLS most valuable player contender received a long ball in behind, charged into the box, cut back once, smoothly let another defender slide by, and put away his left-footed shot.
Unbeaten in six straight, San Diego stayed perfect against Californian opposition, sweeping the Galaxy and LAFC, with a chance to do the same to San Jose at the end of September. They remain one point behind Philadelphia in the Supporters’ Shield race.
Though LAFC fought to salvage a point through the remainder of regulation and nine minutes of stoppage time, those opportunities came and went.
Son slammed a shot off the post in the 78th minute. In the 82nd, Bouanga found himself alone in the opponent’s box but couldn’t get the ball out of his feet before the San Diego goalkeeper closed him down.
The attackers, joined by Nathan Ordaz from the 54th minute on after Martínez got the bad end of a 50/50 duel, created havoc. Sometimes with teammates. Sometimes alone. However, they didn’t create a second goal, leaving LAFC where it began the weekend, fifth in the west.
LAFC returns Sept. 13, playing San Jose at Levi’s Stadium. In the meantime, LAFC will send Son (South Korea), Bouanga (Gabon), Martínez (Venezuela), Choinière (Canada), Ordaz (El Salvador) and Adrian Wibowo (Indonesia).
“When I come back from the national team, we have a very important period for two months,” Son said, “so we have to push for that.”
In her second year as a professional, Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller is settling into a valuable role, for new coach Alex Straus.
“I have had lots of talks with all of our technical staff,” the 18-year-old midfielder said. “I’m really focused on performing and doing what I can and what I’m asked to do for the team. I think whether that’s deeper (on the field), or whether that’s higher, as long as I’m able to help the players around me is the most important. I’ve had fun learning both (the 10 and the 6 positions).”
With the arrival of Straus, Fuller was moved into a deeper position on the field. However, with the absence of Jun Endo, the last couple of games, Fuller has been moved back into an attacking role in the 10.
“From last season to this season at the 10, I feel like I’ve grown in my knowledge, but also being able to drop into the 6, I’m excited to complete myself as a player,” she said. “Even though they’re both in the midfield, they are completely different, and being able to complete my game is what I’m learning to do. I am 18, and so development is super important, and that’s something that I’m learning and hopefully able to do through the changes of both positions.”
Fuller made 19 appearances last season and has 17 heading into Monday’s Labor Day clash against Northern California rival Bay FC at BMO Stadium.
Recently, Angel City moved three internationals (Katie Zelem, Alanna Kennedy and Julie Dufour), shortening the roster, which should allow for more moments of growth for Fuller in her development.
“We have had some issues with our injury situations and availability for some players, so we needed to use our roster and she was moved up a little bit higher (on the field),” Straus said. “I believe very much that instead of having 30 players on a roster, it’s good to have a smaller roster. You also need to have the talent in your roster that can play in different positions and that they’re not just limited to one position, and Kennedy is one of those players.”
“We tend to forget she’s (Fuller) just turned 18 and she’s already played enormously (well) and in many games in the NWSL for a player that age. I’m really looking forward to seeing Kennedy Fuller play when she is 25. I think she’s gonna be really good. If it’s as a 6 or if it’s as a 10, I don’t know. I think she can do both.”
Bay FC is in 12th in the standings with 17 points. Angel City is in 10th on 20 points.
By Stacy Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
As Trump Attempts to Minimize Slavery, Book Details the Consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
New York, NY—Civil Rights icon and National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and renowned journalist and NNPA Senior National Correspondent Stacy M. Brown collaborated on the groundbreaking book The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy, which is now available from Select Books (ISBN 978-1-59079-569-9). Released on October 8, 2024, this work explores the brutal legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and its ongoing impact on African people throughout the world.
This searing book offers an unflinching account of the 500-year legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, beginning in 1500 with the abduction of millions of Africans and following the historical arc through centuries of oppression, Jim Crow-era terror, and modern systemic racism. The book is an unapologetic examination of how the horrors of the past—rooted in slavery—continue to manifest in present-day America through police brutality, mass incarceration, economic disparities, and educational inequality.
Chavis, a central figure in the civil rights movement, draws on his decades of activism and personal experiences in the fight for equal justice. As a young activist with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Dr. Chavis worked under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and later became a prominent leader within the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). His wrongful imprisonment as the leader of the Wilmington Ten in 1971—a group of political prisoners falsely convicted and imprisoned for untruthful allegations of arson during the civil rights movement in North Carolina—serves as a vivid reminder of the institutionalization of racial discrimination in America that continues to suppress the human rights of communities of color.
“This book does not simply chronicle history; it challenges readers to face the lasting consequences of the transatlantic slave trade,” says Dr. Chavis. “The blood, sweat, and tears of enslaved Africans laid the very foundation for the American experiment in democracy, yet their descendants are still fighting for equality and justice in every facet of American life.”
Isiah Thomas, a legend in the NBA, highlights the importance of this work in his stirring words, which support Dr. Chavis’s call to action:
“Dr. Ben Chavis must continue to fight and tell this story, not just for our generation, but for future generations who must understand the truth about our history if they are to finish righting the wrongs that began over 400 years ago,” Thomas emphasizes that this book is a vital tool in paving the way for future generations, ensuring that they are armed with the unvarnished truth.
Arikana Chihombori-Quao, African Union Ambassador to the United States, underscores the importance of the book’s message:
“Dr. Chavis connects the dots from the slave ports of West Africa to the present-day struggles of Black Americans. The transatlantic slave trade was not just a historical event—it laid the groundwork for centuries of racial oppression. The fight against that legacy is still ongoing.”
The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy digs deep into the trauma of the Middle Passage, where millions of Africans were stripped of their dignity, crammed into ships like cargo, and forced into lives of unimaginable brutality. Yet, as Chavis and Brown remind us, the legacy of slavery is not confined to the past. The authors draw powerful connections between historical atrocities and modern-day issues such as redlining, environmental racism, economic injustice, and mass incarceration.
The book pulls no punches in confronting America’s hypocrisy: while African slaves built the economic foundation of the nation, their descendants are still treated as second-class citizens. From the auction blocks of the 1700s to the prison industrial complex of the 21st century, The Transatlantic Slave Trade unveils the continued systemic structures designed to oppress Black communities.
As legendary hip-hop icon, Chuck D of Public Enemy passionately states in the foreword, “The chains of slavery may have been broken, but the shackles of systemic racism are still very much intact. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.” His call to action resonates throughout the book, echoing the urgent need to confront this history and dismantle the systems of oppression that have evolved from it.
Public Enemy’s track “Can’t Truss It” is a thematic thread in the book, with its unfiltered depiction of the slave trade’s legacy. The song’s haunting lyrics—“Ninety damn days on a slave ship / Count ’em fallin’ off two, three, four hun’ed at a time”—capture the rage and pain of an entire people. This visceral connection to history is what makes The Transatlantic Slave Trade a powerful rallying cry for justice and equity.
Brown, an award-winning journalist and Senior National Correspondent for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), brings his keen insight into this exploration of history. Brown has relentlessly advocated for justice and equity, using his platform to shed light on systemic injustices nationwide.
In The Transatlantic Slave Trade, Chavis and Brown challenge readers to reckon with the uncomfortable truths of America’s past—and to acknowledge how those truths continue to shape the realities of today. The authors highlight how the scars of slavery persist in police violence, economic disparity, and the underfunding of Black communities. They demand we face this history head-on without sugarcoating or sanitizing the truth.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the historical roots of modern-day racism and the enduring fight for equal justice. As Public Enemy famously said, “Fight the Power.”The Transatlantic Slave Trade is a potent weapon in the ongoing battle for racial equity and justice, reminding us that the struggle continues—and so must our resistance.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Overcoming the 500-Year Legacy will be available at major book retailers and online platforms beginning October 8, 2024.
About the Authors
Dr. Benjamin Chavis is a civil rights leader, author, and former Executive Director and CEO of the NAACP. Known for his relentless fight against oppression and his leadership in environmental justice and economic empowerment, Dr. Chavis is a lifelong warrior for social justice. Currently, Chavis is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).
Stacy M. Brown is the Senior National Correspondent for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and an acclaimed journalist renowned for his in-depth reporting on racial and social justice issues.
For review copies or to schedule an interview with the authors, please contact: Kenichi Sugihara, Select Books, http://www.kenichi@selectbooks.com.
Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil moves the ball while defended by Seattle Sounders FC defender Alex Roldan during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec, left, controls the ball while defended by Seattle Sounders FC defender Nouhou Tolo during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Miguel Berry, front, vies for the ball with Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Obed Vargas during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy midfielder Diego Fagúndez controls the ball as Seattle Sounders FC forward Paul Rothrock defends during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy midfielder Edwin Cerrillo kicks the ball during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil reacts after expecting a foul call on the Seattle Sounders during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy midfielder Diego Fagundez, center, recovers the ball during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida shows his frustration during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy defender Harbor Miller looks to pass the ball during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy defender John Nelson, top, heads the ball as Seattle Sounders FC defender Alex Roldan looks on during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec, front, reacts after his team misses a shot on goal during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec, left, gets past Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Daniel Leyva during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Micovic makes a save during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney looks on from the sideline during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy defender Miki Yamane, left, fights off Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Daniel Leyva, right, during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Andy Thomas catches the ball during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal against the Galaxy on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec, bottom, argues with the referee after being fouled by Seattle Sounders FC defender Nouhou Tolo, not pictured, during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy midfielder Diego Fagundez moves the ball up the field as he yells instructions to a teammate during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil, center, vies for the ball between Seattle Sounders FC defenders during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil winds up to kick the ball during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida heads the ball in front of Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Daniel Leyva during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus kicks the ball during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Seattle Sounders FC defender Nouhou Tolo, left, attempts to slide tackle Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy fans hold up red cards during during the second half of the team’s Leagues Cup semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. Seattle won, 2-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Seattle Sounders FC defender Yeimar Gómez (28) heads the ball in front of Galaxy defender Zanka (5) during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy defender Maruicio Cuevas, left, vies for the ball against Seattle Sounders FC forward Pedro de la Vega during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec, left, receives a yellow card from the official during the second half of their Leagues Cup semifinal against the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
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Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil moves the ball while defended by Seattle Sounders FC defender Alex Roldan during the first half of their Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
CARSON — The old version of the Galaxy made an appearance at the wrong time Wednesday night.
After finding some success throughout the Leagues Cup tournament, avoiding all the pitfalls and mistakes that have hurt them in the regular season, the Galaxy victimized themselves at two key moments in a 2-0 semifinal loss to the Seattle Sounders in front of 16,255 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“I feel like we never really got to the point where we were really hurting team,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “We had a lot of passes, we put a lot of possession together, but creating real chances, very limited. Give up two goals that were silly, not to say they didn’t have a couple other chances where Novak (Mićović) made decent saves, but for me, the two goals were just … you can’t give up those if you are planning to win a championship, you just can’t.”
Despite the loss, the Galaxy still have a chance at some consolation in the third-place game. The Galaxy, who will face Orlando City SC on Sunday (2 p.m.), must win that game to secure a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament.
Orlando led Inter Miami 1-0 late in the second half of the early semifinal, but Lionel Messi scored twice to lead the Miami to a 3-1 win. Orlando, which defeated the Galaxy, 2-1, in March, will be making its third trip to Carson this season. Last week, Orlando defeated Toluca in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
The Galaxy caught a break late in the second half when Seattle defender Nouhou was issued a red card for a reckless foul on Gabriel Pec. The initial call was a yellow card, but the referee was summoned to the video review and he changed the call, sending Nouhou off.
Unfortunately for the Galaxy, they never created any serious chances during their 14 minutes with the man advantage, as Seattle defended its way to the win and booked a trip to the title match.
Trailing 1-0, the Sounders put the game away in the 57th minute when Osaze De Rosario, son of MLS legend Dwayne De Rosario, surrounded by four Galaxy defenders, was able to flick the ball up, shed a defender or two, and still managed to put the ball into the back of the net for a goal.
“The goal he takes, is a pretty darn good goal,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said. “That’s a pretty impressive play.
“We wanted to get ball down the field and we wanted to play in their half. It was critical for us to get off to a fast start.”
Just like the previous meeting between the teams, an MLS match on Aug. 10, the Sounders were in control from the outset.
Seattle opened the scoring early in this one thanks to a Pedro De la Vega goal and some slow reactionary time by the Galaxy. After an initial shot was saved by Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Mićović, the rebound was spilled. Galaxy defender Mauricio Cuevas was close enough to clear the ball out, but another Seattle attacker got there. His shot was blocked and but the rebound was deposited for a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute.
“The goal they score is the goal we’ve got to deal with,” Vanney said. “It’s a save he’ll make 100 out of 100 times. He will make that save every single time. The question is, could he hold it (the ball)? I think just because it went behind the defender, maybe it’s a little bit tougher to hold on. … As he spills it down, it looks he give Mauri (Mauricio Cuevas), the I got it sign and so he froze and Novak tries to get to it and he’s late. For me, as it spills, Zanka’s got to be sprinting toward it, Mauri’s got to run through it and kick it out of bounds anywhere. Somebody’s got to deal with it, so we don’t have that much time to be piddling around in the box.”
It took the Galaxy some time to find their comfort in the game, if that’s even possible against the Sounders. Their first shot on goal came from Cuevas in the 20th minute, but Seattle goalkeeper Andrew Thomas was able to get a hand on it to keep it out. In the 28th, Diego Fagundez’s shot from distance was headed low and inside the near post, but Thomas again came up with the stop, sending the game into halftime with Seattle leading 1-0.
GRIMSBY, England — Manchester United sank to a new low under Ruben Amorim by getting eliminated by fourth-tier Grimsby Town after a marathon penalty shootout in the second round of the English League Cup on Wednesday.
Grimsby won 12-11 on spot-kicks at the 9,000-capacity Blundell Park on England’s east coast, with Bryan Mbeumo missing the decisive penalty. United needed late goals by Mbeumo and Harry Maguire just to salvage a 2-2 draw in regulation, having trailed 2-0 at halftime.
It will go down as one of the most embarrassing results in United’s history and leaves the team winless in three games so far this campaign, after a woeful 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Grimsby’s jubilant fans stormed onto the field to celebrate with the players after Mbeumo’s spot kick rebounded off the crossbar to seal United’s fate.
“It’s an amazing feeling, one that will live on forever,” said Grimsby’s Charles Vernam, who scored one of the team’s goals.
Grimsby is currently fourth in League Two, and finished the match with a lineup containing several academy graduates and a Faeroe Islands international.
United, meanwhile, had 200 million pounds ($270 million) worth of new signings just in its attack in Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. Cunha also failed in the shootout by having his weak attempt saved and Sesko took United’s 10th penalty — only ahead of goalkeeper Andre Onana.
After Onana and Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym converted their penalties, the shootout reverted to the outfield players once again. Bruno Fernandes scored his for United, but Mbeumo couldn’t.
“Going into the penalty shootout, the gaffer (manager) said to us, ‘Lads, all the pressure is on them,’ and it was really,” Grimsby midfielder Kieran Green said.
The result piles more pressure on Amorim, who came into the game with 16 wins from his 44 matches in charge of United after being hired in November. He sat in the dugout during the shootout, not even watching the kicks.
United was only playing in the second round — for the first time since 2014 — after failing to qualify for European competition last season. That year, the team lost 4-0 at third-tier MK Dons in the second round.
This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: Unsplash
As sports betting becomes more and more ubiquitous, betting companies are doubling down on sports, from team sponsorship to laying bets on everything from touchdowns to tennis volleys.
Here’s a look at how the worlds of betting and sport are fast becoming almost indistinguishable.
It’s no surprise that sports wagering has gone off the charts in the past few years, particularly as legislation around the U.S. and elsewhere in the world has relaxed. But it’s more than just putting a few dollars on your home team.
To a large extent, they’re as much a part of the game as the players themselves.
Sponsorships Are the New Front Row Seats
It used to be unheard of to spot betting logos plastered on team jerseys or stadium walls. Now? They’re everywhere. From Premier League football teams to American professional basketball teams, betting brands are partnering with sports brands more than ever.
Just look at Betway, for example. You’ll see their logo for the Betway app not only on team kits in Europe but also on digital banners flashing during televised games. It’s not just about visibility, it’s about influence. By backing teams financially, these operators are embedding themselves directly into the sports culture, making betting feel like a natural part of the fan experience.
And the money is no chump change, either. In some cases, betting companies are investing tens of millions of dollars into multi-year sponsorship deals. The deals enable clubs to diversify their books and keep star talent, and give betting sites unfathomable access to fan bases that are dedicated and passionate.
Betting Options Galore – There’s Something for Everyone
While the sponsorships are gaudy, it’s what actually brings fans back that is the betting options themselves. Platforms today are slick, speedy, and completely loaded with options. Want to wager on who’s going to score first in the Super Bowl? Done. Think Djokovic is going to take the third set 6-4? There’s a bet for that. Rugby, baseball, MMA, even eSports, you name it, and there’s a line on it.
Consider the instance of the Betway app, for instance. It is among the more popular sports betting platforms for one to join the wagering industry. The app offers a choice of betting markets for the likes of soccer, rugby, tennis, basketball, and more. It is user-friendly, super-fast, and gets you moving from scrolling scores to the actual bet in seconds. For those who want something more out of their watching, sites like Betway are the solution.
Sportsbooks Are Shaping the Viewing Experience
PHOTO: Unsplash
The reach of gambling isn’t limited to the sportsbook, though. It’s spreading to how we watch sports as well.
Broadcasters now partner with sportsbooks to show real-time odds during games. You’ll see live betting lines appear on your screen during halftime or even in between free throws. Some channels even have analysts who break down betting angles alongside traditional stats.
Meanwhile, social media is filled with tips for a bet, predictions, and memes whenever there is a high-profile game being played. The line between fan and punter has become blurred completel,y and operators could not be happier.
The Rise of Micro-Betting and Instant Wagers
One of the strongest trends changing the way we bet is micro-betting. Instead of wagering on the victor of a whole game, you can now wager on in-game occurrences as small as a point in a tennis match. Who scores the next point in a tennis match? Is the next football play a run or a pass? These lightning-fast wagers keep fans engaged second by second.
It’s a natural move in an era of digits and dwindling attention spans. People want instant gratification, and bookmakers are cashing in by offering more instant, live choices than ever. It’s adrenaline and analytics, and it’s addicting in more than one sense of the term.
Ethical Gray Zones and the Question of Influence
With this sort of money and access at stake, it’s only human nature to ask the question: Is it all just a bit too close to home?
Critics argue that the close relationship between sport and betting raises ethical issues, especially when younger people are the target audience. The worry is that regular exposure to gambling advertising may become embedded in younger people’s minds and normalize betting, making gambling appear less of a serious activity and more as a meaningless part of supporting a sport.
There are integrity issues with matches as well. When huge sums of money flow through betting pools, the temptation to cheat grows, something leagues and operators say they’re guarding against through data monitoring and integrity collaborations. But the lines are becoming less distinct. As betting operators become increasingly influential in the sporting world, their influence, both financial and cultural, is growing ever larger.
A Changing Game, on and off the Field
So, what’s the big deal for sports fans? First, it means there’s more entertainment than ever. Betting has added a new level of drama and tension to every game.
Every corner kick, every at-bat, every buzzer-beater has the potential to be the one that wins or loses your bet. For some, that’s a thrill they’re willing to chase.
At the same time, the growing presence of betting companies, from the Betway app to in-stadium partnerships, means we’re living in a new era of sports – one where money, media, and mobile apps all collide to create a hybrid fan experience.
Aug 16, 2025; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (13) celebrates the goal by defender Dylan Nealis (12) during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
For a team dawdling at the outskirts of Major League Soccer’s playoff picture, the New York Red Bulls’ work during the month-long summer transfer window does not suggest they are all-in on extending their streak of 15-straight postseason appearances or building on their surprise run to the 2024 Eastern Conference title and an appearance in the MLS Cup Final, which they lost to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Instead, there were bare-bones moves rather than legitimate difference-makers. Veteran Swedish holding midfielder Gustav Berggren was brought in from Poland to replace Felipe Carballo, and he still has not debuted for New York despite signing on July 23 because of visa issues that were finally resolved on Thursday.
Young Costa Rican winger Andy Rojas completed his move from Herediano after a loan spell with the Red Bulls’ reserve team, where he will likely see most of his action rather than with the first team.
Hours before the transfer window closed on Thursday, they executed a savvy trade to bring in veteran goalkeeper John McCarthy from Los Angeles, in which the Galaxy is eating more than $400,000 of his salary, per a source. He will serve as the backup to Carlos Coronel after No. 2 keeper AJ Marcucci went down with a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago.
None of it addresses the continued need for help up front to create a reliable and feared attack alongside striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Former German international Timo Werner had been in talks with New York for months to potentially move to MLS from its sister club in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig. But salary demands caused negotiations to fall through — a sizable miss for the Red Bulls even with the 29-year-old’s downturn in play in recent years. Even with struggles at Leipzig and Tottenham during a disastrous loan spell in England, Werner still has the attributes to dominate in the United States
Even more of an indictment surrounding the Werner whiff was the lack of a legitimate backup plan. The Red Bulls did nothing to bolster their offensive ranks, and they will have to rely on the return of Scottish international Lewis Morgan — a natural winger who is on the cusp of returning from a quad injury — and 20-year-old Ghanaian Mohammed Sofo for the stretch run.
Entering Sunday night’s clash with Charlotte FC, New York has seven games left this season and sits in the ninth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus, right, takes a goal shot defended by Colorado Rapids defender Reggie Cannon during the second half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. LA Galaxy won 3-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec celebrates after scoring a goal against the Colorado Rapids during the second half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec winds up to kick a goal against the Colorado Rapids during the second half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LA Galaxy defender Miki Yamane moves the ball up the field against the Colorado Rapids during the first half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LA Galaxy midfielder Elijah Wynder, left, recovers the ball chased by Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines during the first half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
Colorado Rapids midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro, top, heads the ball defended by LA Galaxy forward Tucker Lepley during the first half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LA Galaxy defender John Nelson, right, vies for the ball with a Colorado Rapids defender during the first half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LA Galaxy defender Harbor Miller (26) recovers the ball chased by Colorado Rapids midfielder Oliver Larraz during the first half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
LA Galaxy defender Harbor Miller, left, celebrates with teammate midfielder Elijah Wynder after Miller scores a goal against the Colorado Rapids during the first half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
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LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus, right, takes a goal shot defended by Colorado Rapids defender Reggie Cannon during the second half of an MLS match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. LA Galaxy won 3-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)
CARSON — It was a night of firsts for the Galaxy that all added up to a win over Colorado.
Harbor Miller and Elijah Wynder both featured in a heavily-rotated starting lineup with the all-important Leagues Cup semifinal set for Wednesday.
Both took advantage of the extended playing time and each scored their first MLS goals in a 3-0 win for the Galaxy (4-16-7, 19 points) in front of 20,203 at Dignity Health Sports Park Saturday.
Miller, 18, had made six appearances earlier this season, including starting in Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Champions Cup game in March. Saturday was his first first-team appearance since April. He highlighted it with a goal in the seventh minute to get the Galaxy off and running.
“Harbor’s a kid with a ton of confidence and building,” Vanney said of Miller. “He was going back to his days as an academy player, out on the wing, but we wanted to use him kind of as a hybrid, wingback, so he would defend a little bit lower and match (Reggie) Cannon a little bit on the defensive side.
“He was mature, (made) good decisions and showed a ton of confidence out there. He’s ready for the level. This is where he needs to be and continuing to play and progress and move his game.”
In the second half, Wynder, 22, made it 2-0 with a tap-in off of an assist from Miki Yamane in the 55th minute.
“I think a big part of it was their commitment to their jobs on the day and to each other,” Vanney said. “I thought Elijah was awesome tonight. He was really, really good. I thought his field awareness, his feel for time, his relationship with Edwin was really good, his power to carry beyond line and to drive the game forward.”
Vanney brought on starters Joseph Paintsil, Gabriel Pec and Marco Reus in the 64th minute. Pec put the game away in the 75th minute, beating Zack Steffen through the legs for the goal.
Chris Rindov, 23, who is on short-term loan from Ventura County FC, made his first MLS start and his Galaxy debut at center back. He went the distance in the game. Rindov’s MLS debut came in 2023 with Sporting Kansas City.
“We’ve always have liked having at G2 (now Ventura Count FC) that one veteran center back, especially when we have young centerbacks that we’re trying to bring up, just as a stabilizer, a leader. He’s top pro. Everyday, without fail, he’s the first guy here, he’s in the weight room, he’s got his (ear) buds in and he’s doing his routine, working out and he’s one of the last guys to leave. He’s a top pro.”
Another important first came in goal for the JT Marcinkowski, who made his Galaxy debut.
Marcinkowski’s last MLS appearance came in 2023, when he was a member of the San Jose Earthquakes. In October of that year, he suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss all of 2024.
He joined the Galaxy in January, but was behind both Novak Mićović and John McCarthy on the depth chart. The Galaxy recently traded McCarthy to the New York Red Bulls, moving Marcinkowski to the No. 2. It was a rather quiet night for him, making only one save, but it was the Galaxy’s first league shutout since July 4 against the Vancouver Whitecaps (3-0).
“It was a freak accident,” he said of the 2023 injury. “I tore up everything in my knee. From that night on, it was like, all right, how do I figure this out to get back to playing. It was a long, long process, with a lot of ups and downs. The beginning was a lot of downs, a lot of questioning my path forward, but I’m super thankful for the people that I had around me, my physical therapist, my entire support team, my fiancé, my family. This night is just as much for them as it is for me.”
After the Leagues Cup semifinal against the Seattle Sounders (Aug. 27), the Galaxy will either play in the third-place game or final, set for Aug. 31. A top-three finish would secure a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup.
In front of an NWSL-record announced crowd of 40,091 fans, Bay FC fell down three goals but rallied to make a game of it late. Kelli Hubly’s second-half goal gave Bay FC hope, but Washington hung on to win 3-2.
Washington (9-4-4) built its first-half lead with goals by Kate Wiesner and Croix Bethune, plus an own goal by Hubly in stoppage time.
Racheal Kundananji responded with Bay FC’s first goal even later in stoppage time, a header in the fifth minute of added time that gave Bay FC needed hope heading into the halftime break.
Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz (29) fights for the ball against the Washington Spirit’s Gift Monday (21) during the first half of an NWSL match at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Then Hubly really gave Bay FC’s record home crowd a reason to believe in the 54th minute, heading home a corner kick from Alyssa Malonson to bring Bay FC within a goal.
Bay FC (4-8-5) generated a number of late chances and was generally on the front foot for the rest of the game, but the hosts were unable to equalize and reward their home fans with a result.
Check back for updates to this story.
Bay FC celebrates their second goal scored by Bay FC’s Kelli Hubly (11) against the Washington Spirit during the second half of an NWSL game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Bay FC fans celebrate a goal by Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji (9) against the Washington Spirit during the first half of an NWSL game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) The Bay FC takes on the Washington Spirit during the first half of an NWSL game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Fans celebrate the second goal scored by Bay FC’s Kelli Hubly (11) against the Washington Spirit during the second half of an NWSL game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
President Donald Trump said Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, and didn’t rule out that he himself might oversee the event.
President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)(AP/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)(AP/Jacquelyn Martin)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, and didn’t rule out that he himself might oversee the event.
“It’s the biggest, probably the biggest event in sports, I guess,” said Trump, who made the announcement in an Oval Office event where he was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President JD Vance.
The U.S. is co-hosting next year’s tournament — which for the first time will feature 48 national teams up from 32 — with Canada and Mexico. The draw event will determine the World Cup’s groups, and the games each team plays in the opening round.
Infantino said the 48 teams will play “104 matches in one month” and likened it to “104 Super Bowls.” Trump picked up on that theme, saying, “It’s like having many Super Bowls in a short period of time, because each one of these games, essentially, is a Super Bowl. Some of them are bigger than Super Bowls, actually.”
The World Cup kicks off June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and runs through the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Games will be played in 16 cities across the three countries. Washington, D.C., is not among the host cities.
Trump said that the Kennedy Center “will give a phenomenal kickoff and we’ll be involved.” Asked if he’d be the one actually drawing the team names, Trump didn’t answer directly but deferred to Infantino, saying the FIFA chief “was the boss.”
Infantino said, “It’s a very interesting proposal,” and he indicated that he and Trump would discuss the matter further.
The choice of venue is interesting because Trump has taken over the Kennedy Center, installing himself as chair and replacing the board of trustees with loyalists. He’s also hinted he’d like to see the venue renamed the Trump/Kennedy Center.
There had been speculation for months that the draw would be held in Las Vegas. The event is traditionally a mix of entertainment and the business of dividing the teams into 12 groups of four for the opening stage of the tournament. When the United States held the World Cup in 1994, the draw was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Stevie Wonder was among the performers.
In December when the draw is held, 42 of the 48 teams will be known, including the automatic berths given to the United States, Mexico and Canada as hosts. The remaining six teams will be determined by playoffs in March.
“So now, when we have this beautiful event in December, it’s going to be very safe,” Trump said. He added that the FIFA chief “can walk down the street with your beautiful wife. You can take her to dinner, if you can get a reservation.”
Asked about fans overseas obtaining U.S. visas to come watch their teams in the World Cup, Trump at first said the process would be a smooth one, but then added, “Certain countries are going to be very, very easy, and other countries are going to be obviously a little bit more difficult.”
A travel ban that the Trump administration imposed in June includes Iran, which has qualified for the World Cup. The policy makes exceptions for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the secretary of state.” It does not include an exemption for fans.
In an unusual move, Infantino also brought the World Cup trophy with him to the Oval Office. It’s a superstition nearly as old as the World Cup itself: players on national teams around the globe believe that touching the trophy before their team actually wins the tournament on the field can spark bad luck.
Even Infantino noted that the trophy is “for winners only,” but then he added to Trump, “And, since you are a winner, of course you can as well.”
The president did just that, calling the trophy “a beautiful piece of gold” and joking about keeping it and displaying it in the Oval Office, which Trump has redone in a gaudy, gold-hued decor.
“It fits very well right on the wall over there,” Trump said.
BRADENTON, Fla. — This year’s FIFA Club World Cup kicks off next week. Tampa Bay will be home to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns as they train for that tournament and work towards next year’s World Cup.
What You Need To Know
The FIFA Club World Cup begins next week in cities around the United States, including Orlando and Miami
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns are staying and training at IMG Academy in Bradenton while they prepare for the tournament
The team’s coach said the quality of IMG’s training facilities, food, and more are among the reasons they chose this site to prepare
The Sundowns take on South Korea’s team on Tuesday in Orlando
“Beautiful environment,” said Coach Steve Komphela of his first impressions of Tampa Bay. “The skies are open, blue — like South Africa.”
“In our country, it’s winter right now. So, it’s actually nice to be chasing summer,” said Mamelodi Sundowns player Neo Maema.
The team arrived from South Africa earlier this week to compete in their first FIFA Club World Cup in nearly a decade.
“Obviously, we have a bit of nerves, but we’re playing against the best clubs in the world, and we just have to apply ourselves like we know how to play football in South Africa,” said Maema.
“The most important thing is the preparation now, starting from the training ground, the meeting room, the food you eat. Those are all components that end up helping you or assisting you in your performance,” said Komphela.
The Mamelodi Sundowns’ logo. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)
That’s what Komphela said the team has found at IMG Academy, where a welcome reception was held for the team Friday evening.
IMG’s chief operating officer, Mike Milliron, said in a statement that the academy is honored to host the Sundowns. It reads in part:
“Having an international team of this caliber train on our campus is a testament to the world-class facilities, environment, and support systems we’ve built and are recognized for globally. We’ve proudly hosted elite teams and athletes from around the world and each time it reinforces IMG Academy’s reputation as the premier training destination for those competing at the highest levels.”
The FIFA Club World Cup is a revamped tournament featuring 32 teams from around the world. They’ll compete in 12 U.S. cities, including Orlando and Miami.
“We know the 32 teams who are here are top dogs of the world and therefore sometimes, must assume and embrace the challenge of being a top dog. It’s going to be quite steep,” said Komphela.
“It’s never going to be easy, but we have to compete and just put our flair and our culture into our football,” said Maema.
The Sundowns are scheduled to take on South Korea’s team in Orlando on Tuesday at Inter & Co Stadium. Komphela said they’ll be at IMG until at least June 25, but their stay could be extended if they move onto the next round of the tournament.
TAMPA, Fla. — Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will be the site of a Major League Soccer preseason version of the Florida Derby between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Orlando City Soccer at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2025, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission announced Monday.
GET READY, TAMPA BAY…THE GOAT IS COMING! We’re beyond excited to announce that @OrlandoCitySC will host @InterMiamiCF in the preseason edition of the Florida Derby on 02.14.25 @RJStadium!
The match will mark the first MLS contest hosted at Raymond James Stadium since 2001 and is anticipated to feature the likes of superstars Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Drake Callender of Inter Miami CF and Facundo Torres, Pedro Gallese and Duncan McGuire of Orlando City Soccer.
“We could not be more excited to welcome Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC to our community,” TBSC Executive Director Rob Higgins said in a statement. “To have the potential opportunity to see a generational icon such as Lionel Messi take the field in our hometown is truly special. This is something that people will tell their grandkids about.”
Fans interested in tickets can complete a presale interest form at SoccerInTampaBay.com. The official match presale will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13 for those registered at SoccerInTampaBay.com, before going on sale to the general public on Nov. 14. Season-ticket members for each club should follow their respective club’s email correspondence for details related to priority presale access.
“We can’t wait to bring the excitement of the Orlando/Miami rivalry down the road to our neighbors in Tampa, and look forward to having the opportunity to showcase our Lions in front of a great crowd at Raymond James Stadium,” said Orlando City SC President of Business Operations, Jarrod Dillon. “We are excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission on this event and look forward to it being a great addition to our 2025 MLS preseason calendar.”
Both clubs are in the MLS Cup playoffs this year and also were last season, and Orlando City is one of two active MLS teams to reach the postseason in five consecutive seasons.
The teams have met previously 14 times, with Orlando City winning five games and Inter Miami taking five, with four draws. Since Messi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023, the Herons have won two of the four meetings, the Lions have captured one, and the clubs have played to a draw. Messi did not play in the Lions’ 3-1 victory in Orlando in May or in the 1-1 draw in September 2023.
Messi, the eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or for international soccer’s best player, has not appeared in a matchup with Orlando City in Orlando since he joined MLS.
Inter Miami played 2004 preseason friendlies in El Salvador, Dallas, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Tokyo, looking to boost the team’s and MLS’s profile. Messi played about 64 minutes against FC Dallas, in the first half in El Salvador, for a few minutes in Saudi Arabia and in the second half in Tokyo and missed the game in Hong Kong, citing an injury.
“While our most important objective is always our ongoing pursuit of bringing titles to South Florida, we’re excited to have set one of our preseason matches for 2025,” Inter Miami President of Football Operations Raúl Sanllehí said in a statement. “Planning ahead will help us prepare for a highly anticipated follow-up to everything we’ve accomplished, and everything we’re still fighting for in 2024. We’re looking forward to a thrilling atmosphere in our first visit to Tampa since our inaugural year in 2020.”
Messi has been a leader of Argentina’s World Cup champion team in 2022, Olympic gold medal team in 2008, three FIFA Club World Cup title clubs, a Leagues Cup champion squad and two Copa America championship teams.
