The former Portugal international, who shared the pitch with Lionel Messi at Barcelona and faced the highest standards of European football, believes Major League Soccer is growing into a more competitive league, but says players arriving from abroad have a responsibility to help take it further. COLUMBUS, Ohio — André Gomes has experienced football at some of its highest levels. From representing Portugal on the international stage to playing alongside Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona and...

By Alonso Contreras Spain came from behind to defeat England 3–2 in a thrilling match that saw the lead change hands twice and both teams create opportunities late in the game. Spain struck first in the 2nd minute, with Lamine Yamal finishing from inside the box after receiving the ball in the center. England responded strongly, and Anthony Gordon leveled the match in the 36th minute, cutting inside before firing a right-footed shot into the bottom corner. Just four minutes later, Harry Kane...

By Alonso Contreras Australia and Brazil played out a 1–1 draw after Brazil scored a dramatic equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Brazil thought it had taken the lead just before halftime when Estêvão found the net in the 45th minute, but VAR intervened and the goal was overturned. Australia then took the lead in the 68th minute. Nestory Irankunda stepped up for a free kick and delivered a spectacular right-footed strike into the top-left corner, putting Australia ahead 1–0....

By Adam Luna What a wild six-goal thriller in Vancouver. The Whitecaps and D.C. United played out a 3–3 draw, with the lead changing hands multiple times and D.C. United scoring the equalizer late in the second half. D.C. United struck first in the 16th minute. Kimito Nono finished from inside the box after D.C. created sustained pressure around the Vancouver penalty area. Vancouver responded in the 25th minute through Brian White, who finished from the center of the box to make it 1–1. The...

By Alonso Contreras LA Galaxy completed a dramatic comeback, overcoming a 2–0 halftime deficit to defeat the Colorado Rapids 3–2. Colorado started fast. Donavan Phillip opened the scoring in the 4th minute, finishing from the left side of the box after a combination involving Josh Atencio and Jackson Travis. The Rapids doubled their advantage in the 39th minute when Paxten Aaronson finished from inside the box, assisted by Rob Holding with Loïc Williams providing the second assist. LA Galaxy...

By Adam Luna AUSTIN, TX — Austin FC completed a dramatic comeback to earn a 3-3 draw against San Diego FC, recovering from a three-goal deficit with three unanswered goals in the final stages of the match. San Diego appeared to have complete control after building a 3-0 lead, but Austin refused to give up and produced an extraordinary late comeback. San Diego Takes Control The first half ended scoreless, with both teams unable to break through despite several opportunities. Austin created...

By Alonso Contreras PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Union defeated Orlando City 4-2 after scoring twice early in the second half and building a four-goal advantage before the Lions mounted a late comeback attempt. Orlando City struggled to contain Philadelphia's attack throughout the opening half, and the Union took control from the penalty spot in the 11th minute. Philadelphia Takes Control Early Milan Iloski opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting a penalty to give Philadelphia a...

By Alonso Contreras United States 4, Peru 1 The United States defeated Peru 4-1 after pulling away in the second half, turning a 1-1 halftime score into a convincing victory with three goals after the break. Peru started the match with a strong response after conceding early. The United States opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Justin Ellis headed home to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Peru quickly answered. In the 15th minute, veteran striker Gianluca Lapadula leveled the match...

By Alonso Contreras ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over San Diego FC, with Antoine Griezmann providing the decisive moment and the Lions holding on through a tense final stretch. It was not a match Orlando dominated from start to finish. Instead, it was a game decided by efficiency, defensive commitment and the ability to survive when San Diego pushed forward looking for an equalizer. The difference came in the 28th minute. Griezmann strikes first Orlando found...

By Alonso Contreras Inter Miami CF 2-2 Atlanta United Inter Miami CF appeared to be on course for another important victory, but Atlanta United produced a dramatic late comeback to leave South Florida with a 2-2 draw. Miami twice took the lead, including a first-half goal from Casemiro assisted by Lionel Messi and a second goal from Luis Suárez. But Atlanta refused to surrender, with Miguel Almirón bringing the visitors level before Breel Embolo converted a late penalty in the 87th minute....

By Alonso Contreras Orlando City and Minnesota United played out a wild 3–3 draw in a match that changed direction several times and produced a dramatic finish. Orlando appeared to be on course for a valuable road victory after building a two-goal lead, but Minnesota United fought back with three goals in the second half. Just when it looked like the Loons had completed the comeback, Tyrese Spicer delivered for Orlando in stoppage time to rescue a point. Dike Gives Orlando the Lead Minnesota...

By Alonso Contreras Inter Miami CF delivered one of its most dominant performances of the season, crushing CF Montréal 7–1 in a match that featured four goals in the final 18 minutes and another brilliant performance from Lionel Messi. Miami controlled the match for long stretches and eventually turned the game into a rout, with Messi scoring a hat trick, including two spectacular free-kick goals, as Inter Miami continued to show its attacking power. Casemiro Opens the Scoring Inter Miami...