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NYCFC and LAFC got back to winning ways while several MLS teams clinched their spots in the postseason

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NYCFC send message to NY Red BullsLAFC build momentum off USOC winOrlando has won four of its last five gamesWHAT HAPPENED?

Matchday 35 came to a close and seven clubs clinched spots in the postseason – and one of which did so emphatically in the case of NYCFC.

In addition to the Houston Dynamo, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Orlando City SC, New York Red Bulls and LAFC all secured their spots in the upcoming playoffs. Only one automatic playoff slot remains in each conference, while two play-in spots are up for grabs for both the Eastern and Western conferences as well.

With most of the postseason field determined, jockeying for playoff position will come next in the final three matchdays. And there is still a chance, albeit slim, that Inter Miami may lose their grasp on the Supporters' Shield — especially after yet another draw.

Here were the biggest results of this weekend.

AdvertisementHUDSON RIVER DOMINATED

The vibe was very similar to "Red Wedding" 7-0 masterclass by the Red Bulls back in 2016 — only this time it was NYCFC returning the favor.

Both teams entered the team in poor form. NYCFC hadn't won since July 3 while the Red Bulls weren't much better, with their last win coming on July 20. With both teams having their full squads available, there were no excuses and both managers were under immense pressure. In the end, it's Nick Cushing who would have checkmate over his counterpart Sandro Schwarz.

This is a result, NYCFC fans will talk about for years and rightly so considering the performance. It's not quite what was displayed in 2016, but its close enough and levels more pressure on a Red Bulls team that had high hopes this season.

CUP MOMENTUM

LAFC stressed the importance of momentum following their thrilling win over Sporting KC in the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday. They backed up Saturday in a potential preview of the MLS Cup Final against FC Cincinnati in a 2-1 win.

Just looking at the stats, FCC have won the match against LAFC at home. They had 60 percent of possession and edged the xG numbers at 2.1 to LAFC's 1.6. Yet, LAFC's difference in attacking quality proved to be the difference as they made more of the limited possession and capitalized on lapses repeatedly.

For all the talk of the visitors' established veterans such as Olivier Giroud, Hugo Lloris and Kei Kamara, it might have been 18-year-old Venezuelan starlet David Martinez who stole the show. In just his second start, the teen had a classy finish that belied his age to give his team the lead at the 34th minute.

More importantly, LAFC snapped a five-game winless streak in league play. All-in-all, a big result for Steve Cherundolo's group.

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ImagnFLORIDA'S OTHER TEAM IS ROLLING

With Inter Miami stealing the headlines, it can be easy to forget the other ambitious team in the Sunshine State — Orlando City SC.

Orlando has quietly picked up wins in four of its last five games, with its latest against FC Dallas. Facundo Torres is a catalyst behind this recent uptick, with the forward scoring four goals and providing one assist during that span.

Torres doesn't get as much hype as some of the other leading stars in MLS, but he's exceeding his xG by almost five goals, according to FBref. If he continues his recent tear, it could warrant some MVP consideration — even if there are stronger candidates who deserve to be favorites.

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund says his body "feels good again" after missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury.

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Hojlund injured in pre-seasonSays he now "feels good again"Admits to "fluctuating" weightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 21-year-old missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury but now he is back fit for the Red Devils. The Denmark international is content to be eased back into first-team action as he says there is "no point" rushing things and risking another injury. The former Atalanta star also spoke about he is now carrying a bit less weight after hitting the gym.

Advertisementgetty imagesWHAT RASMUS HOJLUND SAID

He told reporters: "There is no point in rushing things and risking another injury. My body feels good again. I might be ready to play 90 minutes, but if I also use my brain a little bit, I don’t think 90 minutes on Saturday against Spain is a good idea.

"I've lost a little weight, but it doesn’t matter. I know there are some benefits to being a little lighter and some benefits to being a little heavier. I’m not focused on the scales. I’ve gotten used to the fact that my weight fluctuates a little bit."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Hojlund has a big responsibility for United this season – to provide the goals in attack they need to challenge for trophies again. However, the Red Devils have had a poor start to the season and sit 14th in the Premier League. The Dane will hope he can hit form, stay fit, and deliver on the pitch.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

The forward could start for Denmark in their Nations League clash away at Spain on Saturday and then again against Switzerland on Tuesday. He will then return to Erik ten Hag's team next week.

One team is at the top of its form, the other seems to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

Hemant Brar17-Oct-20207:26

Should Bumrah take the new ball against Kings XI?

Big pictureIf ever there was a contest of contrasting fortunes, this is it. At one end are Mumbai Indians, playing musical chairs with Delhi Capitals for the top spot on the IPL 2020 points table. At the other end of the very same table, right at the bottom, are their opponents for Sunday’s evening game in Dubai: Kings XI Punjab.ALSO READ: Fantasy Pick: Consistent Rahul your go-to man for captainMumbai are currently on a five-match winning streak and in all, have six wins and two losses from eight games. The Kings XI? Two wins and six losses from their eight matches. Mumbai have tried only 13 players so far, the least by any team. The Kings XI have tried 20, the most by a team in its first eight matches.Mumbai have been so dominant that their narrowest victory margins so far are 34 runs when batting first and five wickets when chasing. The Kings XI, meanwhile, have managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on more than one occasion. In their opening game, they failed to score one run from the last three balls against the Capitals before losing in the Super Over. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, they needed 29 from 24 balls with nine wickets in hand but couldn’t get over the line.Does it need saying who start as the favourites?Mayank Agarwal is castled by Jasprit Bumrah•BCCIPrevious meetingRohit Sharma set the platform with a 45-ball 70 before Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard took 25 off the final over, bowled by offspinner K Gowtham, to power the Mumbai Indians to 191 for 4. Jasprit Bumrah, James Pattinson and Rahul Chahar then picked up two wickets each to restrict the Kings XI to 143 for 8.Likely XIsMumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Ishan Kishan, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Rahul Chahar, 11 Jasprit BumrahKings XI Punjab: 1 KL Rahul (capt, wk), 2 Mayank Agarwal, 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Deepak Hooda, 7 Chris Jordan, 8 M Ashwin, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Arshdeep SinghStrategy punts In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two bigger venues, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have an average of 60-plus and a strike rate of over 150 against pace in IPL 2020. But against spin at these venues, their numbers are below par. Rahul’s average and strike rate drop to 33 and 97 respectively, while the corresponding numbers for Agarwal are 18.5 and 106. Expect Mumbai, who are big on match-ups, to deviate from their set bowling plan and try some spin early on. The lack of an offspinner in Mumbai’s regular playing XI could be an advantage for Chris Gayle. Mumbai’s regular spinners are Chahar (legspinner) and Krunal Pandya (left-arm orthodox). Since 2018, Gayle has a strike rate of 109 against offspin in the IPL. In the same period, he has struck at 154 against left-arm spin and at 206 against legspin. In their last game, Mumbai reaped the rewards for unleashing Bumrah against Andre Russell. They may do the same against Glenn Maxwell, whom Bumrah has dismissed six times in 12 innings while conceding 67 off 57 balls.Stats that matter The average first-innings total in Dubai this IPL has been 176. Mumbai have never won an IPL match in Dubai. In IPL 2020, Bumrah has an economy of 5.55 in the powerplay and 4.83 in the middle overs. The Kings XI’s death-overs economy of 13.60 is the worst for any team this season. Trent Boult hasn’t gone wicketless in this season so far. He has eight wickets from 12 games, and in six out of those eight games, he has provided his side with a breakthrough in the powerplay. Pollard has been dismissed just once in the six innings he has batted so far in the tournament. That one dismissal too came in the opening game of the tournament, against Chennai Super Kings.

Southampton are plotting a move for an "outstanding" £9,000-a-week international during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Southampton transfer news

Saints are preparing for life back in the Premier League and Russell Martin will be well aware that significant reinforcements are needed in his squad. All three promoted clubs returned to the Championship in 2023/24, highlighting the huge step up in quality in the top flight.

Ryan Fraser proved to be a good loan signing from Newcastle United, and now a permanent switch to St Mary's looks to be on the cards. The Scot scored six goals in the Championship this season, also netting twice in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, Union de Santa Fe teenager Jeronimo Domina has been linked with a summer move to Southampton, with a bid made for the "talented" youngster, and Ben Brereton Diaz is also a rumoured target, too. The 25-year-old scored six times in 14 Premier League matches for Sheffield United in 2023/24, showing that he can be a force in a team battling near the bottom.

Jack Clarke is another player who could potentially move to Southampton in the coming months, with former Saints player Carlton Palmer talking up a move for the Sunderland ace recently: "I think it's almost certain to happen. Harte has repeatedly said that the choice would be there for him to move on. I think there will be a lot of interest. Clarke's been a consistent performer for Sunderland, and now it's time for him to move on and see if he can take it up to that next level in playing in the Premier League."

Southampton want "outstanding" player

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Southampton are among the clubs interested in signing Joe Rodon this summer, with Ipswich Town also mentioned as possible suitors:

"Rodon has attracted attention from elsewhere and two of the teams who went up ahead of Leeds – Southampton and Ipswich, are both understood to be considering moves of their own for the 44-times capped Wales international."

Rodon could represent a fantastic option for Southampton ahead of next season, having impressed so much for Leeds on loan from Tottenham. In fact, the 44-cap Wales international won more aerial duels per game (2.9) than Taylor Harwood-Bellis (1.9) in 2023/24, and more than any Saints player for that matter. His tally of 4.4 clearances per match was also superior to the latter's 3.3.

Former Ipswich striker Alex Mathie was full of praise for the 26-year-old earlier in the campaign, saying he has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League: "It’s not been Ipswich’s day today. Joe Rodon has been outstanding at the back [for Leeds]. He looks like a Premier League defender."

Appearances

46

Starts

45

Goals

0

Assists

0

Clearances per game

4.4

Aerial duel wins per game

2.9

Tackles and interceptions per game

1.2

Signing the £9,000-a-week Rodon feels like a no-brainer for Southampton, given his age and proven international pedigree, and a move to another top-flight club would surely appeal to him, especially with his chances at Spurs appearing to be limited.

West Bromwich Albion supporters would have been mostly pleased with what they saw of their side last season, despite the Baggies crashing out of the Championship play-offs when everything was over and done with.

Although the West Midlands side really struggled in the second leg of their play-off exit against Southampton, as the eventual promotion-winners blew away Carlos Corberan's men 3-1 back on home turf, fans of the Championship side would just be happy with the fact they gave it their best shot.

That's the case as the Baggies are still scarred somewhat by Steve Bruce's dire previous regime, with the Spaniard taking over from the unpopular former manager when West Brom were submerged in the relegation spots during the 2022-23 season, to then take them to within touching distance of a Wembley final.

Yet, there will be frustrations all the same if the likes of Alex Mowatt and Cedric Kipre do end up walking away for nothing this summer, but there will be many a relieved face, on the contrary, at the Hawthorns that one of their colleagues is contracted until the end of next campaign, after standing out from the centre of the park last season.

West Brom's contract situation

Both Mowatt and Kipre, unlike midfield star Okay Yokuslu, could soon be leaving the West Midlands club for nothing, despite both players starring for the Baggies last campaign on the way to a top six finish being achieved.

Kipre even scored the consolation strike at St. Mary's in the lottery of the play-offs, despite being an imposing centre-back for the majority of the regular season, whilst Mowatt tried his best to steer his side to a positive outcome in both clashes against the Saints, notching up seven key passes in total across the two nail-biting contests.

Yet, despite being key performers under Corberan, both players still haven't agreed new deals, as the end of the month now comes hurtling into view, with their contracts expiring come the conclusion of June.

There is less worry about Yokuslu's immediate future ahead of the 2024/25 season, however, with the former Trabzonspor man actually forming an intimidating duo with Mowatt from the holding midfield spots, as he aims to impress again in the Championship next campaign, with or without the ex-Leeds United midfielder partnering him.

Okay Yokuslu's numbers for West Brom last season

Yokuslu has been a constant top performer under Corberan over the last two campaigns, with the 2023/24 term in particular seeing the steely defensive midfielder stand out, only missing two second-tier games all season long as a key cog.

Whilst Mowatt operates more as an attack-minded individual in the partnership – picking up five assists last season subsequently – the forceful 30-year-old loves doing the dirty work for the team more so, winning an average of 4.9 duels per game during the regular 2023/24 season, on top of completing 4.9 ball recoveries.

Games played

44

43

Goals scored

1

2

Assists

1

5

Shots total

0.89

0.91

Shot-creating actions

1.12

2.94

Passes attempted

53.68

67.30

Pass completion %

87.1%

86.1%

Progressive passes

3.72

6.57

Progressive carries

0.78

1.52

Tackles

1.84

1.64

Interceptions

1.34

0.86

Aerials won

2.24

0.97

Complementing each other well as a feared duo in the second tier when looking at the table above, it will be gutting for those involved at the Hawthorns if this partnership is no more next campaign, but Yokuslu staying is arguably more important than keeping a firm grip on Mowatt.

Corberan could look to other midfielders such as Jed Wallace and Grady Diangana to offer a similar creative spark to the one that the West Brom number 27 offers, whilst the Baggies would struggle to replace the valiant nature of their number 35 so quickly.

Yokuslu also has a rocket of a shot in his back pocket, away from just being a disruptive holding presence, as was seen with this sublime strike against Huddersfield Town last season.

Therefore, losing the standout 30-year-old would be a far bigger blow arguably, with talk surrounding his Baggies future coming to the forefront in January of this year, when a move back to his native Turkey was on the agenda.

Those rumours were eventually rubbished, as Yokuslu remained rooted in the West Midlands, but the Baggies number 35 is also worth keeping a hold of based on his increasing transfer value, which could grow even more if he excels again in the second tier next time out..

Yokuslu's transfer value at West Brom

According to Football Transfers, Yokuslu's transfer value now stands at a hefty £3.1m, with the decision by West Brom to gamble on signing the 30-year-old as a free agent back in 2022 continuing to look like a masterstroke, after initially impressing on loan at the Hawthorns.

Yokuslu's valuation now means he is actually worth more than Mowatt and Kipre combined, which might well make the agony of losing both for £0 potentially easier to stomach, with the soon-to-be free agent duo worth £2.9m altogether, at £1.5m and £1.4m respectively.

June 2024

£3.1m

December 2023

£2.9m

December 2022

£4.8m

July 2022

£0

Once worth a staggering £4.8m, just a matter of months into his permanent stay at West Brom, there will be some concerns mounting already that Yokuslu could become their next star to leave for nothing at the end of the forthcoming season, following in the footsteps of both Mowatt and Kipre, who are seeing what other options are out there before committing.

The duo leaving won't completely kill next season for the Baggies, however, with another season competing near the top-end of the Championship potentially on the horizon, especially if Mikey Johnston re-joins permanently, as per recent rumours, and Corberan stays in the managerial hot-seat.

Yokuslu will strive to become a promotion-winner for his West Midlands outfit ahead of the next campaign, with the Baggies number 35 further cementing his tag as a firm fan's favourite if that did become reality.

Corberan could soon sell West Brom star who earns 2x more than Johnston

West Bromwich Albion could look to offload this star in the summer who earns more than Mikey Johnston.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 19, 2024

Nico Williams has explained why “crazy” success has not changed Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, with the Athletic Club star acting as a big brother.

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Euro 2024 glory savoured with SpainLa Roja winger illuminated that tournamentStruck up close bond on & off the fieldFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Williams is only 22 years of age, but that makes him a seasoned veteran compared to international team-mate Yamal. The talented teenager savoured Euro 2024 glory with Spain the day after his 17th birthday, having made a senior breakthrough in Catalunya at the age of 15.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT NICO WILLIAMS SAID

Yamal and Williams starred for La Roja as a continental crown was captured on German soil, with the pair striking up quite the friendship. Williams has told of that bond: “We laugh a lot. I think it's obvious that we have the same or very similar personalities and we like the same things. He's a kid that I get along with really well and I always try to give him as much advice as possible, like my brother Inaki has done with me. He's in a great place and he's a world star at 17 years old. It's crazy. Everything that goes well for Lamine makes me happy. He's a great player who's still maturing and I think he has no limits if he keeps doing things the way he's done up until now. He's a kid who, on top of that, hasn't changed at all with success. He's still the same person and I'm really happy to have him as a friend.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Yamal is not the only international colleague that Williams now considers to be part of his sporting family, with the Athletic Club forward adding on an emotional summer: “The camaraderie and lifelong friends I took away from there. More than I expected at the beginning, to be honest. You spend 44 days with the same people, with similar experiences and ways of seeing life, and in the end you get along.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

There has been talk of Yamal and Williams being reunited at club level, with Barcelona eager to bring another exciting playmaker into their ranks. Said interest has been shunned for now, but a big-money transfer appears destined to form part of Williams’ short-term future.

ESPNcricinfo’s updates from the 26th match of IPL 2020, in Dubai

Matt Roller11-Oct-2020