A Lionel Messi hat-trick and a Luis Suarez brace lifted Inter Miami to new heights, setting an MLS record in their campaign finale

Inter Miami are the MLS record points holders, thanks to incredible 11-minute off-the-bench hat trick from Lionel Messi to secure a 6-2 win over the New England Revolution Saturday.

The result saw the Herons notch 74 points in 34 matches, edging New England's previous record of 73 points set in 2021.

The match wasn't as straightforward as the scoreline suggests as the Revolution actually started with a 2-0 lead in the contest. Argentine winger Luca Langoni scored within just two minutes. They then doubled their lead in the 34th minute through attacker Dylan Borrero, who seemingly put the ball through the hands of Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender from close range. But Luis Suarez would level things quickly, scoring a brace in three minutes to close out the half. Then entered Messi.

The Argentine attacker combined with Jordi Alba to start, with the fullback feeding midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi for the go-ahead strike, putting Miami up 3-2 from close range in the 59th minute. The Revolution thought they drew level minutes later, but ex-USMNT forward Bobby Wood committed a handball offense in the buildup to his goal.

Messi then found the back of the net himself in the 78th minute, before scoring again just two minutes later to make it 5-2. His third, and the goal for his first MLS hat-trick, arrived in the 89th minute after Suarez fed him for his second assist of the game, too.

It was the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's second hat-trick this week, too. He net one on international duty for Argentina Tuesday evening against Bolivia.

Inter Miami ended their season in the best way possible: with both Suarez and Messi on the scoresheet, and making MLS history – again.

Now? It's playoff season. Miami is the No. 1 overall seed, and will host the winner of the Eastern Conference Wildcard match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United next weekend.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…

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Drake Callender (3/10):

An absolute blunder on New England's second. Overall, he was shaky and lacked confidence.

Marcelo Weigandt (5/10):

Controlled his flank well, and kept Esmir Bajraktarević quiet for the most part, but just didn't influence anything.

Tomas Aviles (5/10):

Not his best day by any means. Looked uncomfortable against the run of play.

Hector Martinez (9/10):

Two assists from central defense. Really, really impressive.

Jordi Alba (9/10):

Two splendid assists and a superb defensive effort.

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Sergio Busquets (7/10):

Locked down the midfield in the second half after a shaky first 45.

Benjamin Cremaschi (9/10):

Rather influential in driving the ball forward. A really slick finish on his goal, too.

Yannick Bright(7/10):

Great assist on Suarez's second goal. He tried to move too fast at times, but overall, a good performance.

Attack

Julian Gressel (5/10):

Had a few good chances, but wasn't as influential up top as he is in the midfield. Replaced by Messi in the second half.

Luis Suarez (10/10):

Two goals, two assists. At 37-years-old. Genuinely phenomenal.

Robert Taylor (5/10):

Not his day. Replaced by Gomez in the second half.

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Subs & Manager

Lionel Messi (10/10):

Scored his first Miami hat-trick. It's hard to write just how good he was. Genuinely, beyond brilliant.

Diego Gomez (6/10):

Arrived in the 57th minute, but didn't threaten too much.

Noah Allen (N/A):

Brought on late.

Player (N/A):

Brought on late.

Tata Martino (5/10):

New England overwhelmed him early, but he countered by telling Suarez to shoot and bringing Messi off the bench. Sometimes, that's all you need to do as Miami manager.

Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are now willing to pay £60m to sign a Euro 2024 player this summer, pipping Liverpool to his signature in the process.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils face a potentially huge summer of change, especially if Ratcliffe decides to sack Erik ten Hag, although that remains to be seen currently. Other candidates are being linked with replacing him, with their agents reportedly being spoken to, but the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City could sway the club's thinking.

Benfica midfielder Joao Neves has been backed to move to United numerous times of late and has been compared to club legends Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, whetting the appetite for what a great signing he could be. He is still just 19 years of age, but has become a key man for his club side and could feature for Portugal at Euro 2024, too.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has also emerged as a reported target for the Red Devils, being considered a good replacement for Raphael Varane and a long-term centre-back partner for Lisandro Martinez.

Meanwhile, Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha is viewed as an ideal player to come in and bolster the attacking options at Ten Hag's disposal, and the fact that they are thought to be willing to double his wages could be too great for the Brazilian to turn down.

Man Utd willing to pay £60m for Koopmeiners

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are "immediately willing to pay a max sum of €60-70m (£51-60m)" for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners in the summer window.

The Dutchman is also believed to be wanted by Liverpool, but Ratcliffe is seemingly looking to pip their rivals to his signature, in what could be a major coup.

Midfield is an area of the pitch where United may need to focus on this summer, with Casemiro linked with a move away, reportedly already saying his Old Trafford goodbyes. In Koopmeiners, the Red Devils could have a fantastic option, with the 26-year-old maturing into one of Serie A's most impressive midfielders, proving to be an influential box-to-box presence for Atalanta. He scored 12 goals and chipped in with five assists in the league in 2023/24, while former Ajax hero Ruud Krol has lauded him, saying:

"Koop is a great player. He has an international caliber and is the starter in the Dutch national team. I certainly see him doing well at a big club. Juve or Milan? He would certainly be invaluable to both of them. Koopmeiners can play in all positions in the middle of the pitch: both as a playmaker and as a midfielder. He is a complete footballer who would be useful for all coaches, including Allegri."

If United could bring in both Neves and Koopmeiners, it could be significant in terms of the midfield rebuild, suddenly giving them so much more youth and quality in the middle of the park, and supporters should get a chance to watch both at Euro 2024.

MatériaMais Notícias

Agora é oficial: Rafael é o novo jogador do Botafogo. O clube anunciou, por meio das redes sociais, a contratação na tarde desta quarta-feira. O lateral-direito assinou um contrato de três anos.

+ Pupilo de Sir Alex Ferguson, torcedor de berço e recusa ao Flamengo: quem é Rafael, reforço do Botafogo

No anúncio, o clube fez uma referência à camisa 7, número lendário da história do Alvinegro e o nome do programa de sócio-torcedores. O Botafogo espera um aumento no número de associados com a contratação.

– Quando eu era moleque lá em Petrópolis eu nem imaginava onde meus sonhos poderiam chegar, mas chegaram longe, irmão. Saí muito novo do Brasil e fui titular de um dos maiores clubes do mundo, joguei em muitos clubes da Europa e dividi campo com muita gente braba. Realizei o sonho de vestir o sonho da amarelinha, mas está faltando um, talvez o maior de todos e está na hora de fazer isso com vocês (torcedores). Quando o clube falou que quem era camisa 7 jogava junto com o time eles não estavam brincando, chegou a hora de vestir a camisa do mais tradicional e tornar esse sonho realidade – afirmou.

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– Com responsabilidade e inovação é possível viabilizar grandes projetos. Rafael vai ser um importante instrumento de reconexão do torcedor com o clube, especialmente na ativação do programa de sócio-torcedor Camisa 7. Estamos todos trabalhando com afinco na transformação do nosso clube. O melhor lugar para o botafoguense estar hoje é acessando o site camisa7.botafogo.com.br e aderindo ao programa – colocou Jorge Braga, CEO do clube, em entrevista ao site oficial do Botafogo.

– O Rafael é um atleta que dispensa comentários. Um importante reforço que vem para qualificar ainda mais o nosso elenco na luta pelo acesso à Série A e no projeto para os próximos anos. Seguimos firmes no nosso propósito e agora mais fortalecidos com a vinda dele – elogiou Eduardo Freeland, diretor de futebol do clube.

أصدر نادي إنبي قرارًا بشأن لاعب فريق الكرة الأول أحمد خليل كالوشا بعد إهداره ركلة جزاء أمام الأهلي في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما مساء اليوم.

واحتضن ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب مباراة الأهلي وإنبي في سابع جولات دور المجموعات ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

الأهلي يسقط في فخ التعادل أمام إنبي بـ الدوري المصري

وحسم التعادل السلبي نتيجة مباراة الأهلي وإنبي، بعد إهدار كالوشا فرصة اقتناص الفوز بإضاعة ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 89 من عمر المباراة.

وقال محمد إسماعيل المدير الفني لفريق إنبي في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “تم صرف مكافأة استثنائية لكالوشا لأنه أحد أفضل اللاعبين خلال مواجهة اليوم أمام الأهلي”.

وأوضح إسماعيل في تصريحاته أن كالوشا قدم مباراة كبيرة والمكافأة تعتبر حافزًا للاعب خلال المباريات المقبلة.

الجدير بالذكر، أن التعادل رفع رصيد إنبي إلى 6 نقاط محتلًا المركز الرابع عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري.

ويعتبر تعادل إنبي اليوم هو الثالث هذا الموسم، فيما نال ثلاثة خسائر وفاز في مباراة وحيدة. ركلة جزاء إنبي الضائعة أمام الأهلي

رد فعل دكة إنبي بعد إضاعة ركلة الجزاء

Ed Smith has provided the strongest hint yet that Joe Root is likely to miss out on the T20 World Cup and that there will be no Test comeback for Adil Rashid.Explaining Root’s absence from England’s squad for the T20 section of their tour to South Africa, Smith insisted the door for a recall was not shut. But he also suggested Root would continue to be “rested” from T20 cricket at the start of next year. With England currently focused on settling on a line-up ahead of the T20 World Cup less than a year away, that would appear to provide a clear indication of their intentions.And while Smith has previously suggested Rashid could be in line for a Test recall, he has now admitted his troublesome right shoulder means such a scenario “doesn’t seem likely” in the immediate future.ALSO READ: Wood prepares to pit his pace against ‘battle-hardened’ IPL starsHad it not been for a dramatic last over, Root could easily have been named player of the match in the last World T20 final. But although there have been glimpses of brilliance in his T20I career, his strike-rate since that final – 107.16 – is modest and the aggregate of runs – he has averaged 29.90 in that period – insufficient to compensate. With Dawid Malan, in particular, taking his chances when offered – in the same period, Malan is averaging 48.71 at a strike-rate of 146.66 – Root’s position as the accumulator has been squeezed. And, having not bowled in T20I cricket since September 2017, Root has had little chance to compensate with his spin.Smith’s hint that Root would continue to be rested from T20Is in early 2021 is also revealing. England are due to play both Tests and limited-overs series in India at the start of next year. It would seem perverse not to include Root for the T20 segment of that tour if he is a serious candidate for the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in the same country from October in the same year. By contrast, all England’s IPL stars – the likes of Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer – have been included in this T20 squad despite their busy recent schedule. Root hasn’t played a game since September 20.So although there were flattering words from Smith about Root’s inherent class and ability when the squad was announced on Tuesday, it was hard to avoid the impression they were there for consolation.”It’s obviously true that Joe Root stays outside that T20 set-up for now,” Smith, England’s national selector, said. “We’re very aware just how great a cricketer Joe Root is; he’s one of England’s greatest ever cricketers. If there was a major tournament around the corner – as there will be next autumn with the T20 World Cup – we could easily include him.”But as it stands he’s not in the starting XI in T20s. And it’s also the case that Joe is one of those people who will need to have some rest over the next year. If I had to make a prediction, I would say that England would use T20s to rest Joe Root in early 2021.”That doesn’t mean that he’s in any way ruled out or couldn’t come in for a major tournament later on in the year. But looking after players like Joe Root who are so central to England’s success is very important.”Root’s involvement in the T20 World Cup cannot be completely ruled out. Such is his desire – he appeared for Yorkshire the day after England’s international summer was concluded – and such his ability, England could yet come calling once more. Equally, with Moeen Ali and Rashid the only two frontline spinners in England’s squad, it could yet be the selectors conclude Root’s spin could play the sort of role they once saw Joe Denly providing.But his opportunities to prove himself in the format would appear to be thin on the ground now. As a key part of England’s Test and ODI squads, he has little time to appear in franchise cricket and, when he has done so, his record has been modest. He could, at a push, yet make an impact in The Hundred or even in the inter-squad games that preface this tour.It was only a few weeks ago that Smith was expressing the hope that Rashid could play a part in England’s Test plans over the next few months. It now seems he has reluctantly concluded this is unlikely. Rashid hasn’t played a first-class game since January 2019 since when he has suffered a significant shoulder injury.”Adil is making a very successful comeback from a serious shoulder injury which kept him out of cricket for the second half of 2019,” Smith said. “He’s doing really well and that shoulder is getting better all the time.”But at the moment there is a real question mark about whether Adil feels it’s the right thing to do to push that by playing in four and five-day cricket. That doesn’t seem likely in the immediate term. However, I think Adil is an exceptional all-round cricketer in all formats and there might be a time when that’s something he feels able to do.”Although England did not announce the coaching set-up for the tour, ESPNcricinfo understands that Marcus Trescothick will fulfil the role of consultant batting coach.

Six teams, 33 matches, a majority under lights, all of them in a bio-bubble – the tournament begins Nov 24

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2020Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, one of the state’s stalwarts Anustup Majumdar, and up-and-coming allrounder Shahbaz Ahmed will lead three of the six teams at the inaugural chapter of the Bengal T20 Challenge, to be played at Eden Gardens in “a bio-bubble eco-system” from November 24.Each of the teams (all clubs) – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Tapan Memorial, Town, Kalighat and Customs – have 15 players in their ranks; seven of these were retained by the teams from their existing squads, and eight were picked up at a draft, with four more players named as stand-bys. There will be a total of 33 games in the tournament, with each team playing the others twice, followed by the semi-finals and the final, with a “majority” of them under lights. The schedule is expected on Saturday, which may include triple-headers on some days.”Majority of the matches will be played under the floodlights at Eden Gardens. All the players, coaches and match officials will continue to remain in the bio bubble during the entire course of the tournament,” Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya said after the draft, conducted on Tuesday at a Kolkata hotel. “The thought process behind this tournament is to nurture the talents of the state of West Bengal and also enable this competition to act as a talent feeder to the various age groups representing the association.”Abhimanyu Easwaran tests positive for Covid-19

Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday and will be in quarantine for the next two weeks. His participation in the inaugural Bengal T20 Challenge, therefore, becomes doubtful.
“He underwent a mandatory COVID-19 test and was found positive. He is however asymptotic. He is now quarantined and under the treatment of medical panel of CAB,” CAB joint-secretary Debabrata Das said in a media statement.
Easwaran had joined Bengal’s pre-season training a few days back, PTI reported.

On the absence of corporate-owned teams, and the decision to field prominent cricket clubs of the region, Dalmiya said, “This tournament is a CAB property and it will continue to remain the same without franchises. We are trying to ensure all the top brands are associated, top players are associated. We took suggestions from our think tank, the Bengal support staff and the coaches.”

By the time we start the season, a couple of board tournaments are over and for the selection process we have to look into last year’s performance. I believe you can do a great service to Bengal cricket if you can dislodge the entrenched players, they are the ones under pressure not the youngstersArun Lal

Similar T20 tournaments have been organised by some of the state cricket associations around the country over the past few years – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, Jharkhand, Andhra, Mumbai, for example – and, like them, the CAB is also hoping to make the competition an annual affair. This year, though, the Covid-19 situation has made things slightly more complex that it would be otherwise.”These are very difficult times and to make this tournament successful, we must adhere to the (Covid-19) guidelines and protocols,” Dalmiya said. “There will be health officers who will be ensuring that the bio-bubble norms are followed and if anyone’s out of the bio-bubble, he’s out of the tournament.”For the duration of the tournament, expected to be around three weeks, all the players, support staff, and everyone else associated with the tournament will be stay in a city hotel and not interact with anyone from outside the “safety zone”.The timing of the tournament is a good one from the point of view of Bengal-based cricketers, as it will end before the BCCI’s domestic season kicks off – on January 1, according to board president Sourav Ganguly.”If one can perform here, he can open the gates to greater opportunities. I have been telling the marquee players that this is a godsent opportunity; this has never happened to any of the Bengal players before. By the time we start the season, a couple of board tournaments are over and for the selection process we have to look into last year’s performance,” Arun Lal, the state team coach, was quoted as saying on the CAB’s Facebook page. “I believe you can do a great service to Bengal cricket if you can dislodge the entrenched players, they are the ones under pressure not the youngsters. This is a great opportunity for the youngsters and the players who are forgotten.”While Mohammed Shami and Wriddhiman Saha, senior Bengal players, are in Australia with the Indian side and Ishan Porel, the young quick, has also travelled with the team as a net bowler, there is no dearth of prominent players in the teams. Apart from Abhimanyu, Majumdar and Ahmed, there are the likes of Manoj Tiwary, Shreevats Goswami, Abhishek Raman, Mukesh Kumar, Debabrata Das, Akash Deep, Sudip Chatterjee and Aamir Gani scattered among the six teams.

Newcastle United are pushing to complete the signing of a "brilliant" £20m-rated long-term target in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are being linked with players left, right and centre this summer, with AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori emerging as a candidate to bolster Eddie Howe's defence. An approach has been made for the Englishman, who is seen as a dream partner for Sven Botman.

Tomori isn't the only Milan player being looked at by Newcastle, however, with fellow central defender Malick Thiaw seen as an alternative to him. Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti is also considered an option at the heart of the defence, which is clearly seen as a key area of the pitch to add quality. The 26-year-old made 30 starts in Serie A last season, proving to be a key figure for the Turin giants.

Leeds United ace Crysencio Summerville was named the Championship's best player last season, helping the Whites reach the playoff final, and he has been linked with a summer move to St James' Park, being seen as someone who could add quality in wide positions.

West Ham star Jarrod Bowen is considered the top target for Newcastle between now and the beginning of next season, however, in what would be a statement piece of business, considering the England international has grown into a formidable player and is representing the Three Lions at Euro 2024.

Newcastle pushing to sign "brilliant" goalkeeper

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claims that Newcastle are trying to sign James Trafford with a larger up front fee, with Burnley wanting £20m after rejecting a £16m bid – which included lots of add-ons – earlier in the summer:

"In terms of priorities for incomings, Newcastle want a goalkeeper, and they're still working on James Trafford from Burnley. Burnley want £20million for that deal, and Newcastle's last offer was about £16million – but it was quite add-on heavy.

"So not only would Newcastle have to go up in value, but they would also have to provide more of a guaranteed fee to get that over the line. But they remain optimistic, nonetheless."

Trafford is arguably the standout goalkeeper for Newcastle to bring in as a long-term replacement for Nick Pope this summer, considering his age and potential. He will be viewed as England's future No.1, assuming he continues on his current trajectory.

Admittedly, 21-year-old found it tough in the Premier League at times last season, being relegated with Burnley in the process, but he still received plenty of praise for his performances, including from Ian Wright, who said: "He was brilliant, I was delighted for him. Coming into the Burnley side after a £19m move, Vincent Kompany has shown a lot of faith in him and he made some very, very good saves.

"A lot of the Burnley fans weren’t quite sure simply because of [Arijanet] Muric and how well he had done to come up, but he made some fantastic saves. It was great the way he spread himself, it was very Schmeichel-esque, that was a really good save."

Related Trabzonspor make contact to sign £45,000-p/w Newcastle star

He’s been an important part of Eddie Howe’s side.

Posts ByTom Coates Jun 27, 2024

To even be compared to Peter Schmeichel says a huge amount about Trafford's ability, given the Dane's status as one of the best 'keepers of all time, and Newcastle would potentially be signing a top-quality player for the next 10 to 15 years.

Chelsea will not be able to call upon star winger Jadon Sancho for their clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and here's why.

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Sancho unavailable for Man Utd clashLoan players can't play against parent clubWinger recently lost place in Blues XI anywayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Sancho made the loan move to Chelsea on the deadline day of the summer transfer window from Manchester United having been outcast from the senior team by former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag after a public spat last season. He has been in fine form for Enzo Maresca's side so far, but the Italian will not have Sancho at his disposal for the Blues' crucial clash against Ruud van Nistelrooy's United.

AdvertisementTHE EXPLANATION

Sancho is currently on loan at Chelsea from United and as per the guidelines of the Football Association, loan players cannot face their parent club in the Premier League. The rule was introduced in 2004 after Lomana LuaLua, on loan from Newcastle, scored a late equaliser for Portsmouth against the Magpies.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

However, the FA's rules would allow Sancho to play for Chelsea against United if the two rivals met each other in any domestic cup competition. As such, if the two sides were to face off against each other in the FA Cup later in the season, Maresca would be allowed to play the winger against his parent club.

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WHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

Over the last few weeks, Sancho has fallen back down the Stamford Bridge pecking order. Maresca has claimed this is due to 'tactical reasons', and so the winger should be back in contention next week.

The USWNT's do-everything defender scored two goals, and could have been credited for a third, on a night she'll surely never forget

Given what we saw when the U.S. women's national team played Argentina earlier this year, it was easy to predict a multi-goal win in Wednesday night's friendly in Lousiville. It's safe to say no one could have predicted goalscorer would steal the show, though, and, based on the smile on her face, that included the goalscorer herself.

Naomi Girma scored her first two goals for club or country on Wednesday night, leading the USWNT to a 3-0 win over Argentina. She wasn't just involved in those two, though, as she very well could have been credited with a third, as her header glanced off an Argentina defender for an own goal. In that sense, Girma was a little bit unlucky… she deserved a hat-trick.

Who could have seen that coming? A calm, steady defender, Girma had never shown this in her career. She hadn't found the net at any level since her college days at Stanford. You could understand, then, while her smile was so big all night long.

Girma's first came in the 37th minute, as she pounced to head into an open net. Seven minutes later, her glancing header on a corner from Rose Lavelle – who was celebrated on the night for previously getting her 100th USWNT cap – banked off Argentina's Aldana Cometti, making it 2-0. Moments into the second half, it was three, with Girma placing a header from an Alyssa Malonson cross.

"The ball just fell right in front of me, it was so great," Girma said. "I was like, 'I don't think I can miss this.' It fell right on my head."

And with that, an expected result was sealed being an unexpected goal explosion. Girma stole the show, but she wasn't the only one with a memorable performance. Three USWNT players – Malonson, Eva Gaetino and Mandy Haught – earned their first caps, and none looked out of place. With the three debuts, the USWNT now has 10 players who earned their first cap in 2024, the most in a calendar year since 2013.

Meanwhile, Lavelle and Lindsey Horan, who both had significantly more caps than the rest of the starters combined, created plenty from the midfield.

This was Girma's night, though. So often, she operates near-perfectly in the shadows. Not this time, as the defender stole the show in a game she'll never forget, and in the process, capped a perfect 3-0 camp for the USWNT (following back-to-back 3-1 victories over Iceland). That also kept USWNT coach Emma Hayes unbeaten in her first 13 matches in charge of the program, including the gold medal at this summer's Paris Olympics.

"We were all just laughing and so excited," Girma said of her first international goal. "Anytime someone gets their first goal, it’s such a joy and the whole team gets so excited, so it was fun to get mine tonight. I’ve always wanted it … Being our Olympic victory tour, and Rose 100th, so many celebrations, it’s fun to add that on top of it."

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Lynn Family Stadium.

• IMAGN
  

  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Mandy Haught (6/10):

  Wasn't asked to do much, which isn't the worst thing for a debuting goalkeeper.

  Alyssa Malonson (7/10):

  One of multiple newcomers this camp with a goal contribution. Malonson's assist for Girma's second was fantastic, showing a bit of what she offers in her first USWNT cap.

  Naomi Girma (10/10):

  About as good as you can be. Scored two, created an own goal and kept a clean sheet. Girma is always spectacular, but she somehow reached a new level in this one.

  Eva Gaetino (7/10):

  Another debutant, but she looked like a vet out there. To be fair, playing next to Girma is a huge help, but Gaetino certainly held up her end of the bargain with a solid performance.

  Hailie Mace (6/10):

  Was OK, but nothing special. Got up field often against an overmatched Argentina team.

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• Getty
  

  Midfield

  Lindsey Horan (7/10):

  Was very dangerous, particularly early on. Was involved in so many chances and good looks on goal, as she usually is.

  Hal Hershfelt (7/10):

  Looked very calm with the two experienced stars next to her. Did good work to let Horan and Lavelle shine, which can't go understated.

  Rose Lavelle (6/10):

  Special night for the midfielder, who was honored for her 100th cap. Played her 45 minutes and got out of there healthy, which was all that really mattered, while also getting a pseudo-assist on the own goal.

• IMAGN
  

  Attack

  Ashley Sanchez (6/10):

  Starting out on the wing rather than centrally, Sanchez still found some ways to impact the game. A decent return to form for her, but she'll need to show more either as a 10 or out wide to compete given the wealth of talent up top.

  Jaedyn Shaw (6/10):

  Played essentially as a false nine, and she did the little parts of that role well. Unfortunately, the big parts never quite came off, but that's OK given Girma's exploits.

  Emma Sears (6/10):

  You can see the vision with her. She makes defenses uncomfortable and put Argentina ont he back foot a few times. Could be a bit more decisive in the moments after but that'll come.

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  Subs & Manager

  Korbin Albert (6/10):

  Replaced Lavelle, which is never an easy position to be in. Played a bit deeper than the Gotham midfielder as the U.S. took their foot off the gas just a little bit in the second half.

  Emily Fox (6/10):

  Another solid outing from the Arsenal defender. More of the same from her.

  Mallory Swanson (6/10):

  Felt ruthless to even put her out there with the scoreline. Overall, though, nothing crazy from the superstar attacker, who subbed in the second half.

  Emily Sams (6/10):

  Came on to replace Gaetino, building on her own fantastic debut against Iceland.

  Casey Krueger (6/10):

  Brought in to add some life and energy from out wide but, realistically, it wasn't really needed.

  Emma Hayes (8/10):

  Did everything she promised she would. Key stars got rest and the USWNT battered Argentina anyway. Overall, a job well done.

Chelsea summer of spending is set to continue as they eye up another attacker, and have reportedly made an enquiry for a player available for just £25m this summer.

Blues need forward additions

After a disappointing sixth-placed Premier League finish last time out, Chelsea's decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino and appoint Enzo Maresca as their new head coach was understandable, if a little surprising given the way that they finished the season.

But what is clear is that he will need further additions to improve the side – the Blues actually scored the fifth most goals in the Premier League, but with European football now to contend with they will need a deeper squad to be able to compete across multiple fronts.

Goals scored 23/24 Premier League

Manchester City

96

Arsenal

91

Liverpool

86

Newcastle United

85

Chelsea

77

Aston Villa

76

To that end, they are keen to add at least one more striker to their ranks this summer, with Nicolas Jackson suffering a mixed campaign despite ending the season with 14 goals in the top flight. There will also be question marks as to whether Cole Palmer can reproduce his outstanding output, which saw him net 22 goals across the season, a record only beaten by Erling Haaland (28).

The club have held talks with Lille for in-demand striker Jonathan David, who found the net 19 times in Ligue 1 last time out and could be available for just £25m this summer as he heads into the final year of his contract.

However, he is also wanted by several other clubs, and a younger option is Barcelona teenager Marc Guiu, who the Blues have apparently jumped ahead of the queue for by entering contract talks with the 18 year-old.

Chelsea enquire for Bundesliga starlet

Now, it has emerged that they have also enquired for 21-year-old attacker Maximilian Beier, who has also caught the eye of Manchester United and Liverpool with his performances this season.

The Hoffenheim youngster enjoyed an excellent campaign, scoring 16 times in 33 Bundesliga games, and was rewarded with a call up to the German national side, making his debut in the most recent round of June internationals and coming on as a substitute in their final Group A game, which saw them rescue a draw against Switzerland.

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Hoffenheim’s sporting director, Alexander Rosen, has praised Beier, claiming that: “Maxi is a super guy and an extremely talented striker. He is incredibly fast, dangerous and can kick really well.”

And Sky Sports have linked Chelsea to the young talent, with Florian Plettenberg explaining on X that the Blues have "made a specific enquiry" about the forward, who has a 30m euro (£25.3m) release clause in his contract with Hoffenheim.

A move may not come easily this summer, with Beier still having three years left to run on his £16,000 a week deal with the German side and a clear starter heading into the new season, whereas the Blues may only be able to offer him a more supporting squad role to begin with. But with Chelsea keen to sign just about every young talent around, a transfer can't be ruled out.