MLS sets 2027 Sprint Season schedule ahead of calendar switch

MLS sets 2027 Sprint Season schedule

Major League Soccer announced the 2027 Sprint Season schedule, a shortened competition that launches the league’s shift to a summer-to-spring calendar in July 2027. The regular season runs Feb. 19 to May 8, with each club playing 14 conference opponents once, split between seven home and seven away matches.

Inter Miami CF host FC Cincinnati in the opening match at Nu Stadium on Feb. 19. Decision Day on May 8 will feature Eastern Conference matches at 5 p.m. ET and Western Conference matches at 8 p.m. ET. The top eight teams in each conference advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket, with the conference champions meeting for MLS Cup on Memorial Day Weekend.

Every regular-season match will be available through an Apple TV subscription. The season will also determine qualification for the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.

U.S. U-17 women beat Spain to reach World Cup quarterfinals

The United States defeated two-time champion Spain 2-1 on Oct. 29 to advance to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Deus Stanislaus and Maddie DiMaria scored late in the first half, and the U.S. will face Korea DPR on Nov. 1.

Spain had more than 70% possession and outshot the U.S. 20-4, but the Americans held on after Spain scored in the 71st minute. DiMaria’s goal was her 12th of the tournament, a record in a FIFA women’s competition, Soccer America reported.

Gotham FC to host NWSL playoff quarterfinal on Nov. 8

Gotham FC will host its opening match of the 2026 NWSL Playoffs on Nov. 8 at Sports Illustrated Stadium, the league confirmed. ABC and ESPN Deportes will carry the national broadcast, with streaming on the ESPN App for unlimited subscribers. The matchup and kickoff time will be set after Sunday’s Decision Day.

Gotham, already assured of a top-two seed, is in line to host both its quarterfinal and semifinal. The reigning champion can clinch its first NWSL Shield with a win or draw against Utah, or if San Diego loses or draws at Bay FC.

Hal Hershfelt placed on season-ending injury list after ACL tear

Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt has been placed on the NWSL Season-Ending Injury List after tearing the ACL in her right knee during the Oct. 25 match against Kansas City, the club announced. She will undergo surgery and work with the Spirit’s medical and performance staff during rehabilitation.

Hershfelt made 31 appearances across all competitions for Washington in 2026. She has played for the Spirit since 2024, making 66 starts in 72 regular-season appearances, and helped the club win the 2025 Challenge Cup and reach consecutive NWSL Championship games.

Tubi to stream two MLS Decision Day games free on Nov. 7

Tubi will simulcast two MLS Decision Day matches live and free in the United States on Nov. 7: Inter Miami CF against Charlotte FC at 4 p.m. ET and Los Angeles Football Club against Seattle Sounders FC at 7 p.m. ET. The streams will complement MLS coverage on Apple TV.

Decision Day is the final day of the MLS regular season, when playoff qualification and positioning can be decided. The 2026 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs begin Nov. 18, with the MLS Cup set for Dec. 18.

St. Louis City SC raises first championship banner

St. Louis City SC raised its first championship banner, celebrating its 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title. The club, which began play in 2023, beat the Columbus Crew in a penalty shootout after a scoreless 120 minutes.

The title was the city’s first since 1988. The U.S. Open Cup champion receives a $600,000 prize from U.S. Soccer, and City SC qualified for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Alajuelense reaches fourth straight Central American Cup final

Costa Rica’s LD Alajuelense beat FC Motagua 2-1 in the second leg of their semifinal to reach the Concacaf Central American Cup final for the fourth straight time. Juan Añor scored in the 19th minute and Creichel Pérez added a goal in the 43rd, and Motagua’s goal came from an Alexis Gamboa own goal in the 74th minute.

The three-time champions will face fellow Costa Rican club CS Cartaginés in December. Motagua had more shots, 19-16, while Alajuelense posted the higher expected-goals total, 1.8 to 1.1.