Sunderland thrash Plymouth Argyle 5-0 at Roker Park on October 28, 2026, boosting the Black Cats to third in the Second Division. Brian Clough scores a hat‑trick, while Harry Hooper adds a brace, including a penalty, and George Herd provides two assists and a near‑miss. Despite the absence of Charlie Hurley and Ambrose Fogarty on international duty, youngsters Dickie Rooks and Willie McPheat impress on a heavy pitch. The win follows a recent away victory over Preston and keeps Sunderland in the hunt for promotion, though they ultimately finish the season in third place.
The Seattle Sounders treat their Wednesday clash with the Houston Dynamo as a must‑win to keep playoff hopes alive. A 13‑game winless stretch earlier in the season left them needing victories in their final three games to climb to at least sixth—and possibly fourth—in the Western Conference. With the Dynamo five points ahead but winless in seven, the Sounders can clinch a spot if they win and Portland drops points. Midfielder Paul Arriola stresses the urgency, while coach Brian Schmetzer confirms the return of Jordan Morris and the likely availability of Paul Rothrock and Yeimar Gómez Andrade after recent hamstring setbacks.
Nashville SC enters its matchup against Philadelphia Union with the Supporters’ Shield already secured and a chase for the MLS single‑season points record (70 points, three games left). Fresh off a 2‑0 win over Montréal, B.J. Callaghan’s side relies on Hany Mukhtar’s six‑game scoring streak (17 goals, eight assists). The Union, fresh from a 15‑game unbeaten run, now face a crippled attack: Milan Iloski is out with a hamstring, Bruno Damiani is suspended, and Quinn Sullivan remains sidelined. Coach Ryan Richter must shuffle in 17‑year‑old Malik Jakupovic and decide between Ezekiel Alladoh or Agustín Anello up front. The game could decide if Nashville eclipses Inter Miami’s 74‑point record while Philadelphia fights to stay in the playoff hunt.
With three games left in the regular season, FC Dallas and Columbus Crew face off in a high‑stakes MLS showdown at Toyota Stadium on Oct. 28. Dallas trails the Western Conference leader Vancouver by just one point after rebounding from a 5‑0 loss, riding a ten‑game stretch with only one defeat and a 3‑0 win over San Jose. Star striker Petar Musa, now with 23 goals, sits second in the Golden Boot chase behind Messi and is crucial for Dallas. Meanwhile, the Crew, fresh off a Cup final loss, have won five of their last six MLS games, led by mid‑season signing Brais Méndez, who has eight goals and five assists. Both clubs need a win to secure playoff positioning.
Mamelodi Sundowns clinch a 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Stadium, securing a spot in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter‑finals. Despite the victory, coach Miguel Cardoso’s side fails to bounce back convincingly after last week’s Champions League elimination. The lone goal propels Sundowns forward as they aim to recover form in the knockout competition.
Chicago Fire FC host Orlando City on Oct. 27, needing three points to solidify a top‑four seed in the Eastern Conference (51 points, 4th). The Fire come off their first MLS win at Atlanta United and will have captain Jack Elliott back, but will miss center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, midfielder Dje D’Avilla and forward Robin Lod through suspensions, while André Franco remains questionable after an ACL tear. Orlando, on a four‑match unbeaten streak, rely on summer signing Antoine Griezmann, who has five goals and two assists. Broadcaster Steve Cangialosi highlights the Fire’s back‑to‑back 50‑point seasons and the stakes of securing a higher seed before the playoff run.
With three games left, the Red Bull New York are fighting to control their playoff fate against a surging New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 27. New York sits ninth with 39 points, three behind FC Cincinnati, and needs a win to keep hopes alive, especially if Inter Miami beats Cincinnati. The Red Bulls come off a 2-0 upset of Miami, their first win over Messi’s side since March 2024, and have lost only one of their last three away games. Meanwhile, the Revolution sit second in the East with 55 points and a three‑game win streak, aiming for a top‑four finish and home‑field advantage. History favors New England at home, having won the last three MLS meetings by a single goal, but the Bulls believe they can break the trend.
The Vancouver Whitecaps return home to BC Place with a must-win midweek fixture on the horizon against San Diego FC. Pretty much every match is a must-win one at this point, with the Caps immediately squandering the breathing room they had gained for themselves with their 1-0 loss to Colorado over the weekend. That leaves them just one point ahead of FC Dallas for first …
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Welcome back, everyone. The Vancouver Whitecaps are back home this Wednesday night as they host San Diego in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Final. While Vancouver remains at the top of the table, San Diego is languishing in 12th in the West, having failed to build on last year’s stellar play. Match Preview: Coming Home In terms of roster news and notes, here’s …
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Get the latest FC Dallas injury report ahead of their match against Columbus. See who is out, who is questionable, and who could return before kickoff.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou blasted his squad for “selfish” play after a 3-0 Carling Knockout last‑16 win over Milford FC on Tuesday. While the clean‑sheet victory moves the defending Betway Premiership champions into the quarter‑finals, Ouaddou warned the performance falls short of title‑defending standards and urged immediate improvement.
Wandile Duba nets a rapid hat‑trick to power Kaizer Chiefs past TS Galaxy 3-0 at FNB Stadium, securing a spot in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter‑finals. The forward scores shortly after halftime, adds a rebound from a missed penalty, and completes the trio within five minutes, capping a dominant second‑half performance.
Historically, soccer has questions that are answerable with context, but are not measurable. Not anymore.
Lionel Messi, 39 years and four months old, finishes fifth in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the third‑oldest top‑ten finisher behind Gianluigi Buffon (39y 10m in 2017) and Stanley Matthews (41 in 1956). The Inter Miami captain missed the London gala but earned the spot after an eight‑goal, four‑assist World Cup run that netted him the Silver Ball. Harry Kane won the award, with Kylian Mbappé second, Lamine Yamal third, and Rodri fourth. Messi’s 2026 placing marks his 17th Ballon d’Or appearance and his eighth trophy, cementing his record as the most decorated player in the award’s history.
Shocking footage emerges as LAFC launch investigation into racist abuse of MLS star footballer Son Heung-min.
Three games to go and FC Dallas still has a shot to win the conference.
Whether it's Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo winning ahead of other candidates, boycotts or errors, there has been plenty of Ballon d'Or drama
Niko and Adam break down the another Sounders tie.
Raphael Wicky's side aims to replicate their July victory over the Loons while battling to climb out of the league cellar.
The post On the Brink: Sporting KC Visits Minnesota United appeared first on KC Soccer Journal .
Washington D.C. city council is set to consider councilmember Phil Mendelson’s $300 million bill to add a roof and more seats to Audi Field, sparking "stadium fatigue" after recent large projects for the Commanders, Wizards and Capitals. D.C. United owner Jason Levien argues the roof is essential for the MLS winter schedule and to retain the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, whose lease expires next year. However, Spirit CEO Kim Stone says the women’s team is neutral on the proposal, fearing added events could disrupt their schedule and preferring a dedicated locker room over a costly enclosure. The debate highlights the tension between men’s and women’s soccer needs in D.C.
Inter Miami faces Cincinnati on Thursday, 29 October 2026, in the MLS’s 32nd round at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The kickoff is set for 02:30 Saudi Arabia time (03:30 UAE time). The article provides streaming options and confirms the match details, including the venue and date, for fans planning to watch Messi’s side in action.
Sounders are making it harder on themselves than they need to.
A detailed scouting report on Columbus ahead of FC Dallas’ 2026 showdown, breaking down formations, key players, tendencies, and tactical edges.
Harry Kane has done it!
Unpacking another late breakdown vs Austin, Raphael Wicky's tactical rigidity, front office additions, and the KC Current punching their playoff ticket.
The post Square Pegs in Round Holes for Sporting KC appeared first on KC Soccer Journal .