World champion Argentina opened its bid for back-to-back Copa America titles with a 2-0 win over Canada in front of a crowd of 70,564 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
A combination of inspired goalkeeping from Canada’s Max Crepeau and Lionel Messi’s surprising lack of precision in front of goal ensured that the underdog Canadians were in the game until late.
Both coaches had beefs afterwards:
• Lionel Scaloni: The Argentina coach hit out at MBS’s temporary grass surface, saying it was unsuited for major tournament play.
• Jesse Marsch: The Canada coach said Argentina should be fined after they came out five minutes late for the start of the second half.
• How to watch: Copa America
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: JOHNNY CARDOSO
“I always read the game very well, which helped me to adapt. It opened my eyes a bit more, made me pay attention and learn. I would watch videos of players who played in that position: Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Casemiro. I looked at their body position, when they would play first-time passes, how they protected the ball. Even today, I always watch videos of them, seeing if I can learn something. They are top, top players and that’s the level I want to be at. You have to learn from the best.”
— USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who credits his studious nature for making the transition from forward or futsal pivot to defensive midfielder — annoying at first — late in his youth days in Brazil, where he debuted for Internacional just five days before his 18th birthday. Now 22, Cardoso moved to Real Betis in January and has attracted interest from clubs across Europe for his play in LaLiga. (The Athletic)
BY THE NUMBERS: MLS
Top 5: Most goal contributions (Newcomers):
1. Luis Suárez, Inter Miami (12 goals + 5 assists), 17
2. *Gabriel Pec, LA Galaxy (5 goals + 7 assists), 12
3. *Jonathan Rodríguez, Portland (7 goals + 4 assists), 11
4. *Petar Musa, FC Dallas (8 goals + 2 assists), 10
4. *Joseph Paintsil, LA Galaxy (5 goals + 5 assists), 10
*Designated Player.
Source: MLS.
NWSL
The Houston Dash signed goalkeeper Jane Campbell to a four-year contract extension through the 2027 season plus an option for 2028.
Campbell, the 2023 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, has been with the Dash since being taken in the 2017 NWSL Draft out of Stanford.
• Olympic hopeful: She is battling for one of two keeper spots on the 2024 USWNT Olympic team. If not selected, she could still go to the Olympics as an alternate.
MLS NEXT CUP
The first two finals are set for Sunday’s conclusion of the MLS Next Cup playoffs at GEODIS Park, home of Nashville SC: LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire for the U-15 title and FC DELCO vs. Real Colorado for the U-16 title.
Under-15 (Semifinals)
Chicago Fire 3 FC Cincinnati 1 (Highlights)
LA Galaxy 2 Atlanta United 1 (Highlights)
Under-16 (Semifinals)
FC DELCO 4 Philadelphia Union 1 (Highlights)
Real Colorado 3 St. Louis City SC 1 (Highlights)
SUMMER OF SOCCER: WATCH PARTIES
• Boston: The American Outlaws’ Boston chapter will be hosting watch parties at The Banshee in Dorchester for all three USMNT group stage matches at the Copa America. The Greatest Bar in the West End is hosting watch parties for games involving top teams during the Euros.
EURO 2024
• Spain 1 Italy 0: Live-wire winger Nico Williams was irresistible for Spain, which is raising hopes of a glory days return for La Roja. The decider was an own goal, but the Spaniards completely dominated with the craft and skill of 21-year-old duo Williams and Pedri, and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal.
• England 1 Denmark 1: In its opener, England was fortunate to escape with a 1-0 win against Serbia after a spluttering display. It produced an even more limp performance as Harry Kane’s 18th-minute strike was canceled out by Morten Hjulmand’s brilliant long-range blast.
• Slovenia 1 Serbia 1: Luka Jovic snatched a last-gasp equalizer for Serbia to keep both teams in round-of-16 contention.
OLYMPICS
A new report backed by climate scientists and athletes warned about the dangers posed by extreme high temperatures at this year’s Paris Olympics.
U.S. group-stage matches:
Men: Marseille, Marseille, St. Etienne.
Women: Nice, Marseille, Marseille.
FRIDAY MORNING: WHAT WE’RE READING
1. USMNT’s Weston McKennie: ‘Everyone doubted me… but look at me now’ By Adam Crafton (The Athletic)
2. Biden courts Latino voters with “Gooaalll!” ad blitz during Copa América By Monica Alba (NBC News)
3. Philadelphia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup fan fest site will be on Lemon Hill By Jonathan Tannenwald (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Source link : https://www.socceramerica.com/newsletter/friday-am-copa-america-argentina-gets-scare-both-coaches-complain-also-johnny-cardosos-models-spain-domination-at-euros/
Author :
Publish date : 2024-06-21 06:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
