NY Red Bulls in talks to sign Timo Werner. Story with Jeff Rueter, as reported by Tom Bogert. nytimes.com/athletic/64540…

NEW: On a rare gap day in this breakneck stretch, an update to my #ClubWorldCup team rankings for The Athletic | Football. Some teams grew into the group stage, others eased off for the final fixture. Which teams are best poised to thwart an all-UEFA semifinal? nytimes.com/athletic/64552…

#LAFC has “mutually parted ways” with Olivier Giroud, just one year after the French striker joined from Milan. No way to sugarcoat a return of 5 goals from 37 games. Given Cherundolo’s tactical approach, this failure of fit was damn near inevitable. nytimes.com/athletic/61890…

NEW: While many await a potential #CanMNT-#USMNT semifinal at the #GoldCup2025, Jesse Marsch won't overlook Guatemala. "We’re fit, we’re strong, we’re ready and we’re committed. I’m really excited for what that will mean for our performance tomorrow.” nytimes.com/athletic/64594…

NEW: In a continuously congested sport, the #USMNT had an oddity: a full week off between tournament games. The vibes are great at training, and the team is confident it can overcome Costa Rica. "The team is, I think, ready to compete like a team." - Poch nytimes.com/athletic/64595…

NEW: #CanMNT saw the Gold Cup as a chance to win an elusive trophy + build momentum ahead of 2026. Instead, they're on the wrong side of history after losing to Guatemala. "I think we lose because we beat ourselves. We can’t do that in important matches." nytimes.com/athletic/64614…

Although the USMNT blew another second-half lead and was pushed to the brink, it’s through to the semifinals of the Concacaf Gold Cup – thanks largely to the shootout heroics of Matt Freese. More from Jeff Rueter ⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/64616…

NEW: While Matt Turner can't get club games, Matt Freese's strong MLS form led to this Gold Cup shot. He's rewarded Poch's trust, with PK heroics vaulting the #USMNT into the Gold Cup semis. "I kept repeating to myself: ‘I want another, I want another.’" nytimes.com/athletic/64616…

NEW: The round of 16 saw #MLS's time in the #ClubWorldCup conclude. Let’s take stock: what impression did the league project to a global audience, and what we learn about its caliber and operation? A big read on the state of MLS: theathletic.com/6463505/2025/0…

That's our keeper in the The New York Times 📰👀

The New York Cosmos are being revived. The club that brought Pele and Franz Beckenbauer to the U.S. has laid dormant for much of the past decade but will make its return in third-division USL League One in 2026. They will play their games in New Jersey. Jeff Rueter has all the

NEW: In the NASL(s), the New York Cosmos had two inspired but brief eras. Third time's the charm, they hope: coming to USL League One, 2026. “When you’re operating a club, it is wonderful to have hope as part of your identity. We haven’t really had that." nytimes.com/athletic/64807…

NEW: Diego Luna had the #USMNT star turn he dreamt of in the Gold Cup. No player has benefitted more from Pochettino, and he’s the main man with #RSL. He isn’t satisfied. “I think it’s cool, but I think there’s still a lot of room for me to improve.” nytimes.com/athletic/65156…

Exclusive w Jeff Rueter: Kansas City Current have acquired forward USWNT Ally Sentnor from the Utah Royals. 21yo was named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year. Full story The Athletic | Football nytimes.com/athletic/65307…

Today’s The New York Times Sports front features #RSL man Diego Luna, as profiled so expertly by Jeff Rueter last week w/ The Athletic Soccer

Big stage for a big talent — Real Salt Lake & U.S. Soccer Men's National Team’s Diego Luna featured on the sports cover of today’s The New York Times. Excited to see his continued impact in Major League Soccer and with the national team as we build toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Read here: bit.ly/45Bj9QS

NEW: Son Heung-min is #LAFC's new frontman, a global superstar with undeniable quality. The issue: how will he fit into Steve Cherundolo's team with Denis Bouanga at left wing? Surveying his final years with Spurs. Son should thrive where Giroud failed: nytimes.com/athletic/65322…

📉 Declining numbers at Tottenham 🤝 Why he is a better fit for LAFC than previous marquee signing Olivier Giroud 🔧 How the MLS side will need to adjust to fit him in Jeff Rueter explains how LAFC can get the most out of Son Heung-min. 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/65322…

NEW: Once again, Gio Reyna nears the end of a transfer window with uncertainty. Time’s wasting for a one-time #USMNT prodigy who has played just 15.8% of possible minutes from 21/22 to now. His hopes of playing in the 2026 World Cup are at stake. nytimes.com/athletic/artic…

Over on the @totalsoccershow's MLS Update show, we dug into a wild weekend of MLS action + sat back as Jeff Rueter cooked up a serious set of questions about Leagues Cup. 💻 👇 youtube.com/watch?v=ROQDqQ…