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Aaron Boone and his Yankees are heading north of the border for the AL Division Series after taking care of the Red Sox. Now, they have another rival in front of them in the AL East champion Blue Jays.

Toronto and New York finished the regular season with the same record (94-68), but the Blue Jays took the division and a bye to the ALDS thanks to owning the tiebreaker over the Yankees. During the division race, Blue Jays broadcaster and former big leaguer Buck Martinez didn't hold back his true thoughts on the Yankees.

"Ya know, the Yankees, they're not a good team," Martinez said on a broadcast Sept. 9. "I don't care what their record is. They have a lot of wild pitches, they make a lot of mistakes in the field, they don't run the bases very well. If they don't hit home runs, they don't have a chance to win."

Boone certainly recalled those choice words and is using them as motivation ahead of Game 1 against the Blue Jays Saturday.

"I feel like the last couple months, we started to play really well. Contrary to some thoughts up here, we're a really good team," he said to reporters Friday via SNY.

After a follow-up question, the Yankees manager addressed Martinez's shade directly. "I know Buck had some thoughts, that's all I was responding to. He's wrong," he continued.

The Yankees won a decisive Game 3 against Boston Thursday at Yankee Stadium to keep their season alive. And ironically, they didn't hit a home run in the big 4-0 win. Now, Boone's squad has an opportunity to prove Martinez wrong with a trip to the ALCS on the line.

MLB's inaugural Rivalry Weekend kicks off on Friday with a slew of competitive matchups. The weekend is highlighted by Juan Soto's return to Yankee Stadium for the first time as a member of the New York Mets, but the slate contains a bunch of intriguing matchups for baseball fans to watch. Eleven of the 15 series are interleague matchups, and two are between division rivals.

Below is our ranking of the weekend's rivalry matchups in terms of how exciting and competitive they should be. All home teams are listed second.

1. New York Mets vs. New York Yankees

All-time record: 84–67, Yankees

Two of baseball's best teams will battle in the rivalry known as the Subway Series, a rematch of the 2000 World Series. The big storyline will be Juan Soto returning to Yankee Stadium for the first time since ditching the Bronx to join the Mets on a $765 million contract. I'm sure he'll be welcomed back warmly by Yankees fans.

2. Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres

All-time record: 68–63, Mariners

This “rivalry” doesn’t have much notable history, but these teams do have the second-best combined records in 2025 of this weekend’s matchups. It features two of the best, most dynamic center fielders in baseball in San Diego’s Jackson Merrill and Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez. Plus, this is the first official edition of the 2025 Vedder Cup. A can't-miss series.

3. Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox

All-time record: 50–44, Red Sox

Both teams are hovering around .500 but should be far better and could combine for some quality baseball. Boston is bringing its Rafael Devers drama into the weekend. The new lefty ace the Red Sox acquired from the White Sox (Garrett Crochet) will face the old lefty ace they acquired from the White Sox (Chris Sale) on Friday night.

4. Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Guardians

All-time record: 76–59, Guardians

If the Los Angeles Dodgers want to repeat as World Series champs, they'll have do it without a key cog in their bullpen machine.

Dodgers pitcher Evan Phillips will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss at least the rest of the 2025 season, manager Dave Roberts announced Friday ahead of the team's series against the New York Yankees.

"It's surprising," Roberts said via Sonja Chen of MLB.com. "More disappointed for Evan, but he just wasn't responding to the rest and then (trying) to ramp back up. Ultimately, that was kind of the advice and the route he decided to go."

Phillips ends '25 with a 0-0 record and 0.00 ERA to go with six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

He last pitched on May 5, working a scoreless inning in a 7–4 win over the Miami Marlins. A move to the injured list with right forearm discomfort followed, and that snowballed into a shift to the 60-day injured list Thursday as Los Angeles traded for a potential replacement.

A valued member of the Dodgers' bullpen since 2021, Phillips saved 42 games for Los Angeles from 2023 to '24.

Breaking into Didier Deschamps' France squad is one of the toughest tasks in international football, but Tottenham’s Wilson Odobert is rapidly forcing his way into the conversation. After battling through injuries, thriving under Thomas Frank, and emerging as a decisive presence for Spurs and France’s U21s, the 20-year-old winger is now reportedly on Deschamps' radar and the timing may finally be on his side.

• Deschamps planning to call-up Spurs winger Wilson Odobert

  A place in France’s senior squad is notoriously difficult to secure. Deschamps has always strive to have a balanced squad merging the team with new talent while maintaining loyalty to trusted figures like Randal Kolo Muani, Adrien Rabiot, and Lucas Hernandez, players he has selected consistently despite their patchy club form.

  With Les Bleus already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the competition only intensifies. According to L'Equipe, several players outside the current set-up believe they can force a late surge, but very few catch Deschamps’ attention. One who has is 20-year-old Odobert, now seen as an emerging contender thanks to his strong start to the season at Tottenham and sharp progression with France’s U21s.

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  Odobert's Spurs breakthrough: From injury setback to key performer

  Odobert’s debut season at Tottenham was turbulent but promising. After joining from Burnley in August 2024, a severe hamstring injury sidelined him for months, restricting him to 21 appearances. Still, he produced standout moments, most notably his Europa League brace against AZ, a decisive performance that helped Spurs overturn a deficit and eventually win the trophy in Bilbao.

  This season marks a turning point. Injury-free and gaining rhythm, he has accumulated 679 minutes, scoring and assisting in recent matches. Coach Frank has stabilised Spurs' left wing by placing trust in Odobert, praising him for “stepping up” and delivering in key moments.

  Odobert has embraced the tactical shifts under Frank, calling the system “top-notch” and highlighting the importance of patience and hard work. His mindset reflects maturity:

  “If you look closely at our performances, we’ve been close even in the home losses. It’s about patience, hard work, and letting time take its course.”

  The youngster recently earned the player of the match award for his performance against Manchester United helping the team clinch a 2-2 draw. Odobert’s ability to take on defenders, create opportunities, and remain effective under pressure showcased why he has become such a clutch player for manager Frank this season.

• Why Deschamps is looking into Odobert's profile

  Deschamps’ interest in Odobert aligns with both timing and profile. France’s attacking department is increasingly competitive, with recent call-ups Maghnes Akliouche and Rayan Cherki showing how quickly the hierarchy can shift. Yet Odobert offers something distinct herald by his direct wing play, verticality, and calmness in high-pressure moments, traits Deschamps values.

  His 15 U21 appearances with five goals show consistent development, and his Premier League adaptation displays resilience after adversity. Deschamps has always appreciated players who overcome setbacks, evolve, and stay mentally strong. Odobert fits that mould perfectly.

  With France seeking renewed attacking depth ahead of the World Cup, Odobert’s rising form gives Deschamps a compelling reason to hand him his first senior call-up, potentially opening the door to World Cup 2026 if he continues his ascent.

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  Odobert's time to shine for Les Blues

  If Deschamps decides to include him, the timing could not be better for Odobert. He is fit, trusted by Frank, consistently performing, and mentally ready. A senior call-up now offers him exposure to elite international rhythm and a chance to impress before squad decisions tighten.

  Tt is a strategic investment for Les Blues to include a winger who brings freshness, work ethic, and versatility. For Odobert, it is the opportunity he has been preparing for, to translate Premier League progress into international impact and position himself as a long-term attacking option for Les Bleus. If his upward trajectory continues, Odobert could become one of the surprise breakthrough names in Deschamps’ next squad.

Keeper-batter’s first List A century for Durham was followed by Will Rhodes’ maiden List A five-for

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Aug-2025

A brilliant century from Ollie Robinson and an excellent all-round effort from Will Rhodes led Durham to a 51-run victory over Sussex in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.Robinson’s counter-attacking century, which was his first List A ton for Durham, supported by a gutsy innings from Rhodes fired Durham to a total of 310 for 7 from their 50 overs, with Archie Lenham the pick of the Sussex bowlers.Sussex’s chase of 311 got off to a poor start as they found themselves 86 for 4 at one point, but middle order runs from Danny Lamb dragged his side back in the game.However, Rhodes secured Durham the opening day victory with his first ever List A five-wicket haul.Sussex won the toss at a sunny Roseworth Terrace and elected to bowl first and they got off to a great start as Alex Lees edged a Fynn Hudson-Prentice delivery behind to Charlie Tear in the opening over.Rhodes and Emilio Gay settled Durham down after the early loss and reached 50 in the powerplay as the former produced a crunching straight drive for four.Rhodes then reached his half-century from 43 balls on his List A debut for Durham, while Gay started to show some aggression as he took the aerial route to find the cover boundary.Gay then tried to launch a Jack Carson delivery down the ground for six, but he was caught well by Ari Karvelas for 34. Sussex then struck again as Lamb bowled Colin Ackermann for 14 to leave things finely poised.Robinson joined Rhodes at the crease and looked to be proactive as he pulled a Lenham ball for four and he followed that up with a cut shot on the back foot that went for four.Rhodes then hit the first maximum of the day as he gave a Carson ball the treatment with a beautiful slog sweep.Robinson then got his fifty from 47 balls, getting to the milestone with a six, but Rhodes fell four short of his century as Lenham got him caught at deep square. Wickets then came like buses for Sussex as Lamb got Ben Raine for six. Despite the wickets, Robinson kept the scoreboard ticking over and picked up another maximum as he pulled a Henry Crocombe ball over the ropes.Haydon Mustard, making his first appearance of the season, also looked to move Durham towards 300 as he picked up a couple of boundaries including a lovely cut shot.Mustard then fell for a lively 36, but Robinson reached his century off 78 balls to take his side to a big total. The centurion fell for 100 exactly, Ari Karvelas picking up the wicket, but Durham reached 310 for seven at the end of their 50 overs.Tom Haines and Danial Ibrahim started Sussex’s chase of 311, but it got off to a bad start as Ibrahim was caught behind off the bowling of Codi Yusuf for two.Durham cranked up the pressure as George Drissell got Tom Clark caught behind for 14.Haines showed a glimpse of some aggression as he reverse swept Drissell for four, however, Tear departed for nine after he pulled a Mitch Killeen delivery straight to Yusuf in the deep.Killeen then struck again as he got Haines for 23 as he chipped one straight to Ackermann at mid-on.Hudson-Prentice was frustrating Durham and he took a liking to James Minto’s bowling as he smashed one over the square boundary and out of the ground.Durham got the big wicket of Hudson-Prentice for 43 as he went for a second run, but a throw came in from Yusuf and Robinson whipped the bails off with aplomb.Oli Carter then hammered one from Drissell down the ground for six and followed that up with a four off Minto. Danny Lamb then hit Ben Raine for six to boost his team’s hopes and he backed that up with a tidy flick off his legs for four a few balls later.Lamb continued his charge, dragging his side back into the game with some powerful strokes and reached his fifty from 35 balls.However, Carter departed for 38 as Rhodes got him caught behind to halt Sussex’s momentum. Lamb continued his assault on the Durham attack as he pulled a Yusuf ball for four, but Rhodes got another wicket, getting Carson caught and bowled for four.Rhodes got his third, removing Lamb for an excellent 74 to leave Durham on the verge of victory.Rhodes then wrapped things up for Durham to bowl Sussex out for 259 and he finished with figures of 5 for 30.

Moeen Ali and Andrew Flintoff provide coaching cameos as England build up to Edgbaston Test

Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Jul-2025

After missing Monday’s training session due to a family emergency, Jofra Archer was at Edgbaston on Tuesday making up for lost time.A strong session in the nets on the Colts Ground included a stint bowling at Ben Stokes. Unsurprising, really. Archer is not the first bowler to be left out of an XI and immediately seek to give his captain a reminder of their talents the day before a Test.It perhaps spoke to who had the better of that duel that Stokes ended up rushing to his 11.15am press conference after opting for another hit to get some groove back. Not that Stokes needed a reminder of Archer’s qualities, or indeed Archer had anything to prove, despite missing the cut for this second Test against India.”I know Jof, obviously, a lot better than you guys sat down here,” Stokes said, when assessing the situation around his 30-year-old quick, and the notion Archer would need to be kept interested in a format he has not played for over four years.”I’ve been in constant communication with him since the injuries. And I said it a few times – he was so determined to get back and play Test cricket or to make himself available to be selected. So, look, he didn’t need any more reason to find any more desire. He loves playing cricket. He loves playing for England.”The figurative “here” of being Test-ready for a first appearance of the new era – he has previously played one Test under Stokes in 2020 – was as important as the literal.Having returned for Sussex last week against Durham – his first red-ball appearance since May 2021 – Archer could have dropped back into their match against Warwickshire at Hove to add to the 18 overs of work last week. ECB regulations state that players released from international duty can be shoehorned back into ongoing County Championship fixtures, provided there are at least two days remaining, which would have been the case on Tuesday.However, England confirmed on Monday that none of their four unused squad members would be released for their respective county fixtures. While Jacob Bethell was always due to remain as the spare batter, Archer, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton were probably glad to be saved from what looks to be hard toil with the Kookaburra ball.Jofra Archer bowled 18 overs for Sussex last week but hasn’t been released for further game-time•PA Photos/Getty Images

Having that trio of seam bowlers around the group, particularly Archer, was seen by Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum as far more beneficial.”This is something we had to consider around bringing him back into the squad,” Stokes told when asked why Archer was not released to play for Sussex.”For me, personally, and Baz as well, we felt if he didn’t play it was important to have Jof around the group, around the people, to get him back into the environment again. Having him back in the squad is great but we want him to play a part in the series and going forward with this group.”There were benefits to both situations, but how me and Baz think about the time we spend as a group is very important as well. He (Archer) has been playing for a long time. He has bowled a lot of overs. You can’t really control how a first-class game will go. Because of how last week went, he [only] got 18 overs in a week.”Of course, Archer has been around England set-ups plenty, even with his elbow and lower-back travails. Since his last Test cap on the India tour in 2021 – not just under a different regime but during the pandemic – Archer has played 41 ODIs and T20Is for England. Nine of them have been with McCullum in charge, since the unification of his red- and white-ball coaching roles at the start of the year.While Archer is with how McCullum and Stokes work, the squad as a whole has an altogether different feel. One which, despite McCullum and Harry Brook’s best efforts, they have yet to replicate across the other codes. As such, keeping “newer” players around, even when they are not in the XI, makes sense.By design, this environment is geared towards making Test cricket more enjoyable, on and off the pitch, and thus more attractive to players at a time when T20 riches are hard to spurn. And it is not just Archer who has that option open to him.Even Overton, who made his one and only Test appearance under Stokes and McCullum in the 2022 summer, is still embedding.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo in April while at the IPL with Chennai Super Kings, Overton had not even considered that Test cricket may be across his radar this summer: “There’s not many bowlers that play all three formats now… It’s going to take a lot to get the body back to those bowling workloads, and we’ll just see where we go and play it by ear.” Even while on the periphery at Headingley, and over these last two days at Edgbaston, Overton has seemed very happy with his lot.Related

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Kuldeep Yadav is ready. Are India?

The regime’s efforts to make their players’ lives more enjoyable have included jaunts to the UAE ahead of series in Pakistan and India, and an extended stay in Queenstown on their last tour of New Zealand. Domestically, they play plenty of golf, of course, but the odd cameo coaching appearance has helped lift the mood too. Moeen Ali dropped in as a mentor on Monday and worked with Shoaib Bashir – “they’d never met until yesterday,” Stokes revealed – before Lions head coach Andrew Flintoff graced Tuesday’s training. A few used the afternoon after training to hit the course.Much of the bonhomie throughout the match will come from, as Stokes says, mucking in. And there is also the carrot of working yourself into pole position for a berth at Lord’s.Given the third Test starts three days after this one is scheduled to finish, changes are likely with the pace attack of Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse already going back-to-back. Archer might not have to wait much longer for his return.”Here he can come and bowl, he can help out the lads, he can get used to the environment again and when the opportunity does come, he is comfortable in it,” Stokes said.”This week being here, and building up to be in contention for next week, it is tight back-to-back games and having a few fresh bowlers to choose from. He was in contention to play this week and, unless anything goes wrong, I can’t see why he won’t be next week.”

Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich are seriously targeting Feyenoord's 19-year-old right-back Givairo Read and have already held initial talks, according to reports. However, the German giants face a "very complicated" transfer battle, with multiple Premier League clubs also vying for the highly-rated Dutch Under-21 star.

Bayern transfer chiefs 'working on the matter'

The 19-year-old has emerged as a highly-coveted young defender, and his performances have now triggered firm interest from the Bavarian giants, who are looking to strengthen their options at full-back.

However, Bayern are not alone, with the German champions reportedly facing a major transfer battle with multiple, unnamed Premier League clubs who are also tracking the Dutch U21 international.

reports that Bayern director of sport Max Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund are both "working on this matter" personally. Read is understood to be "one of the preferred candidates" to bolster the right-back position for Vincent Kompany's side.

Initial talks between the club and the player's camp have reportedly already taken place. The report notes that "this interest is flattering to the player's side – and Read himself is aware of it."

Despite the early contact, securing a deal is described as a "very complicated undertaking" due to the intense competition from England and Feyenoord's strong negotiating position.

AdvertisementImagoWhy Read is one of Europe's most-wanted teenagers

Read, who only turned 19 in June, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since breaking into the Feyenoord first team. He was promoted from the club's U18 setup in January 2023 and became a first-team regular during the 2024-25 campaign.

That breakout season saw him rack up an impressive two goals and seven assists in the Eredivisie, and he was also noted for a "solid performance" during Feyenoord's shock Champions League knockout play-off victory against AC Milan.

Read, whose playing style is described as that of an "excellent ball carrier" and "progressive passer," has continued that form into the current 2025-26 season. In nine Eredivisie appearances, he has already provided two assists, and he also found the net in Feyenoord's recent Europa League win against Panathinaikos.

Feyenoord in strong negotiating position

Complicating matters for Bayern and their Premier League rivals is Read's contract situation. The Dutch prodigy only signed a new long-term contract extension in April 2025, committing his future to the Rotterdam club until 30 June 2029.

This long-term deal gives Feyenoord significant leverage in any negotiations. With multiple top clubs interested, the Eredivisie side are in a position to demand a fee far in excess of his current market valuation, likely sparking a bidding war for his services.

Bayern's interest in a specialist right-back comes despite the outstanding form of Konrad Laimer, who has been transformed under Kompany. The Austrian, traditionally a central midfielder, has become "indisputable" for Bayern this season, showing versatility at both right-back and left-back amid a defensive injury crisis.

Laimer's recent form was highlighted by a remarkable hat-trick of assists in the 4-0 Champions League win against Club Brugge. Bayern are now reportedly looking to reward him with a contract extension beyond his current deal, which expires in 2027.

Beyond Laimer, Sacha Boey has been "gaining confidence" with his recent performances, while Josip Stanisic – who can also cover the role – only recently returned from injury in the 4-1 DFB-Pokal win against Koln. The move for Read suggests Bayern's hierarchy is focused on a long-term, high-potential specialist for the position.

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Read part of a wider Bayern squad overhaul

The pursuit of Read is not happening in isolation. The report details that Eberl and Freund are assessing multiple positions as part of a wider squad strategy.

In central defence, Bayern are understood to hold Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck among their preferred candidates.

Further up the pitch, the club is looking to strengthen its attack. Cologne's rising star Said El-Mala is reportedly on the shortlist for the left-wing position. In the hunt for a backup to star striker Harry Kane, Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani is considered a possibility, though that decision may depend on whether Bayern opt to make Nicolas Jackson's loan from Chelsea a permanent move.

Finally, movement is also possible in central midfield, with the club potentially entering the market for a new player should Leon Goretzka's contract not be extended.

MLS Decision Day rarely lacks drama, and this year two young USMNT players will fight to keep their seasons alive

MLS often gets knocked for lacking regular-season drama, but Decision Day is a notable exception. The annual showcase features all 30 teams playing in two conference-based time slots on the final day of the regular season. Modeled after the Premier League’s simultaneous finales – with a touch of NFL RedZone frenzy – it delivers nonstop stakes.

Last year offered plenty: D.C. United’s Christian Benteke had an MVP-caliber campaign end in heartbreak, while LAFC leapfrogged the LA Galaxy for the West’s top seed after trailing nearly all season.

This year promises similar tension. The Eastern Conference field is set, but seeds No. 2 through No. 9 are still in play. In the West, four teams – FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapids and the San Jose Earthquakes – are vying for two play-in spots. For USMNT hopefuls Diego Luna (RSL) and Paxten Aaronson (Colorado), those matches could also be chances to impress Mauricio Pochettino in pressure-filled moments.

What's at stake on Decision Day? GOAL takes a look.

Getty Images SportNo. 2 in sight for Inter Miami

Inter Miami's season hasn't been short on headlines – from the controversy of Lionel Messi skipping the All-Star game to the transfer pursuit of Neymar to the blockbuster signing of Rodrigo De Paul. On the pitch, it’s been nearly as turbulent. The Herons made history at the Club World Cup, but also sustained heavy defeats, losing by three or more goals four times in league play.

Yet, despite the chaos, Messi is looking to repeat as MLS MVP and Miami still have a real shot at finishing second in the East – an impressive position given everything that’s unfolded. They’re level on 62 points with FC Cincinnati, who hold the edge on tiebreakers and goal differential.

For Miami to climb, they’ll need struggling CF Montréal to pull off a surprise result against Cincinnati at TQL Stadium – a tall order, but not impossible given Montréal’s recent win over playoff-bound Austin FC. However, Miami must also handle their own business against a solid Nashville side that just lifted the U.S. Open Cup.

And that matchup carries even more intrigue. Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 26 goals. The Argentine has the MVP race all but locked up, but securing the scoring title for the first time would be another milestone.

AdvertisementImagnLuna, Aaronson fight to extend seasons

Luna has blossomed under Pochettino, making 14 appearances this year and scoring three goals. Odds are he'll have a spot on the team's World Cup roster. Still, it would be less than ideal for the Real Salt Lake star to miss the playoffs.

If RSL fall short, their season ends – and with it, potentially two extra months of competitive matches. That could affect Luna, who would be without club action until late February 2026.

Fortunately for Luna and RSL, they’ll face a St. Louis CITY SC side long out of playoff contention. While that doesn’t guarantee three points, it’s a far more favorable draw than what their Rocky Mountain rivals, the Colorado Rapids, are facing. Win, and RSL are in.

Luna’s place in Pochettino’s plans appears secure, but that’s not necessarily the case for the Rapids’ Aaronson or goalkeeper Zack Steffen. Aaronson – younger brother of USMNT midfielder Brenden – returned to MLS to be a focal point on a playoff-caliber team and raise his profile. Instead, it’s been a struggle. Colorado have just one win in the six matches since his arrival.

Steffen, meanwhile, was once firmly in contention for a USMNT goalkeeper spot before injuries stalled his momentum. He excelled in knockout settings last year during the Leagues Cup, and a playoff run could be the showcase he needs.

But first, Colorado have to get there. They host a surging LAFC side in a must-win match – and even then, they’ll need help, with either Dallas or RSL dropping points elsewhere. One source of hope: their history at home against LAFC. The Rapids haven’t lost to Steve Cherundolo’s team at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park since 2018 – LA's first season in MLS.

The last time they met on Decision Day, in 2021, Colorado’s 5-2 win clinched first place in the West. That said, the Rapids have yet to face Son Heung-Min, arguably the league’s second-best player. It promises to be one of the matchday's most compelling matchups, with a full house expected in Commerce City.

Getty Images SportSon could make history

Speaking of Son, he has a chance to make MLS history in just his 10th league match. If the South Korean superstar scores a brace against the Rapids, he would tie Mamadou Diallo (10 games in 2000) and Carlos Ruiz (10 games in 2002) for the quickest debutants to score 10 goals in MLS.

If he notches a hat-trick, he would set the record. In a league that has featured several world-class goalscorers – including Thierry Henry, David Villa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Messi – that would be impressive. But Son chasing history isn't the only thing at stake for LAFC. Denis Bouanga is second in the Golden Boot chase, sitting behind Messi with 24 goals.

A win against Colorado could seal the second seed for the club, depending on whether new rival San Diego FC drop points. San Diego sit just one point ahead of LAFC, who have a 6-1-2 record since Son's arrival.

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Getty Images SportWill Muller and Vancouver claim top seed?

Thomas Muller isn't as widely discussed as Messi or Son, but he's not far off the impact of both superstars. Since the former Bayern Munich star's arrival in July, the Vancouver Whitecaps are unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions (7-0-4). Their streak pushed them ahead of San Diego in the race for the best in the West, with Muller notching six goals and three assists in six league matches. 

Muller and Vancouver can secure the top seed in the West, but it won't be easy, as they host playoff hopeful FC Dallas. If Dallas beat Vancouver at BC Place, their trip to the playoffs is secured. If they don't, teams below them in the standings could claim their spot.

If there's one area in which Vancouver will feel they have the edge, it's on defense. Dallas are one of the worst teams in defense among potential playoff teams, allowing 54 goals this season. Vancouver have scored the second-most goals in MLS this season after Miami with 65, and they have the second-best defense in the league – allowing just 35.

All signs point to a positive result for the Whitecaps, though stranger things have happened in MLS. 

حددت لجنة الاستئناف الإسبانية موقفها من استئناف جديد تم تقديمه من جانب برشلونة للسماح لهانز فليك بقيادة الفريق من على مقاعد البدلاء يوم الأحد في ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو في الدوري الاسباني.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية فقد رفضت اللجنة استئناف برشلونة الثاني، بعد أن تعرض هانز فليك للطرد في المباراة الماضية أمام جيرونا في ملعب مونتجويك حيث اعترض على أحد قرارات الحكم، كما أشار جيل مانزانو في تقرير المباراة.

وكان برشلونة قد قدم طعنًا إلى لجنة الاستئناف صباح الخميس لإلغاء عقوبة الإيقاف لمباراة واحدة والمفروضة على المدرب الألماني من جانب لجنة الانضباط في الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، وقد تم رفضه.

أقرأ أيضاً.. دفعة معنوية.. ألونسو يستعيد 4 لاعبين في كلاسيكو ريال مدريد وبرشلونة

ورأت لجنة الاستئناف أنه لا يوجد ما يبرر إزالة هذه العقوبة على مدرب برشلونة بسبب ما قام به أمام جيرونا في الدوري الاسباني.

وجاء في تقرير لجنة الاستئناف: “تم الاتفاق على رفض الاستئناف المقدم من برشلونة مؤكداً الاتفاق المتنازع عليه الوارد في القرار الصادر عن لجنة الانضباط في الاتحاد الاسباني بتاريخ 20 أكتوبر”.

ويبدو أن الخيار الوحيد أمام برشلونة هو طلب حكم أولي من محكمة التحكيم الرياضية “CAS” مما يسمح للمدرب فليك بإدارة المباراة من أرض الملعب.

وكان هانز فليك قد قاد برشلونة لتسجيل 16 هدفًا واستقبل أربع أهداف، وحقق أربع انتصارات ولم يخسر في أي مباراة، وسيتولى مساعده سوروج مسؤولية تدريب برشلونة في مباراة ريال مدريد، وسيتواجد الألماني في مقصورة ملعب البرنابيو.

Arsenal now hold a firm interest in signing another “dangerous” forward, despite recently signing Eberechi Eze, and his club desperately need to sell.

Gunners keen on another forward after Eberechi Eze

The Gunners’ attacking quality was on full display in the recent 5-0 victory against Leeds United, with Viktor Gyokeres bagging his first two goals for the club, but the one downside was Bukayo Saka sustaining a relatively lengthy injury.

The injury is not as bad as first feared, but Saka is set to miss around four weeks due to a hamstring issue, with Martin Odegaard also picking up a knock, joining Kai Havertz on the sidelines.

Three injury setbacks at such an early stage of the season has underlined just how important it is for Mikel Arteta to have a deep squad, with the manager saying: “We’ve been two weeks and we’ve already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo, so it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want.”

Arteta should already have enough players to deal with the absences, given the recent arrival of Eze, while the Spaniard also has Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard at his disposal, but the north Londoners have now entered the race for another forward.

That is according to a report from Diario Nervion on X, which states Arsenal now hold a firm interest in signing Sevilla forward Dodi Lukebakio, who looks like he could be on the move this summer.

The Spanish club desperately need to sell players this summer, given their difficult financial position, and there is widespread interest in Lukebakio, with Everton and AC Milan also named as potential suitors.

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However, the 27-year-old is reluctant to leave the La Liga side, having already turned down moves away in the past, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.

"Dangerous" Lukebakio would provide depth in attack

Lauded as “dangerous” by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, the Belgium international enjoyed a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, chipping in with 11 goals in La Liga, matching the number of goals he scored for Hertha Berlin in the previous season.

The Brussels-born forward is also established at international level, having picked up 26 caps for Belgium, with his attacking quality on show when assisting Romelu Lukaku in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden.

That said, there are doubts over whether the forward, who is known to pocket £50k-a-week, would be a necessary signing, given the arrivals of Eze and Noni Madueke this summer, while Trossard also remains an Arsenal player.

As such, Lukebakio should not be a priority target for the Gunners, and they should instead focus on getting a deal for a Jakub Kiwior replacement over the line, with Piero Hincapie recently emerging as a major target.