MLS is the real deal, folks.

Major League Soccer has solidified its position among the world’s top-tier soccer leagues, now ranked as the ninth-best league globally, according to Opta Analyst.

MLS ranked as ninth-best league in the world, over EFL Championship and Eredivisie

This milestone places MLS above renowned leagues like the English Championship and the Dutch Eredivisie — two leagues in Europe with long histories of having top soccer talents.

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

The New England Revolution said farewell to Esmir Bajraktarevic and signed fellow forward Luis Diaz on Thursday.

The Revs transferred Bajraktarevic, 19, to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee after three MLS seasons. New England retained a percentage of the homegrown player's future sell-on rights.

Bajraktarevic appeared in 45 matches (28 starts) from 2022-24, contributing three goals and three assists.

U.S. men’s national team forward, Ricardo Pepi, scored yet again for Eredivisie giant PSV Eindhoven, sealing a wonderful hat trick against Groningen on Saturday.

The American, who only tallies four starts for the Dutch club this season, scored his ninth goal of the season.

That's Eredivisie leading scorer Ricardo Pepi

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands, May 5 (Reuters) - PSV Eindhoven ended a six-year wait to secure a 25th Dutch league title on Sunday with defender Olivier Boscagli scoring at both ends in a 4-2 victory over Sparta Rotterdam at a jubilant Philips Stadion.

Needing a point to make sure after a dominant campaign in which they have lost only once in 32 games, PSV fell behind early but rallied to defeat mid-table Sparta.

Desperate Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem have turned to crowdfunding in a bid to retain the club's license to play next season and raised over one million euros by Friday, with the club's players donating their salaries to the cause.

1.000.000!!!

Wat een mooie mijlpaal!

Doneren? -> https://t.co/ToFVYqkjn9#vitesse pic.twitter.com/7RhZFf5sYL

Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem have been given an 18-point deduction due to licensing issues on Friday and will be relegated, ending 35 years of uninterrupted play in the top flight Eredivisie.

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) independent licensing committee imposed the deduction, placing the club at the bottom of the standings with minus one point with four matches remaining.

Vitesse point deduction

| Dutch club Vitesse have been deducted 18 POINTS! ❌

Sergiño Dest scored PSV’s game-winning goal against Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie on Friday in spectacular fashion. This was his second goal of the season and another sign of his comeback.

Let’s admire the goal first and then talk a little more about Dest’s season.

Sergiño Dest goal vs. Go Ahead Eagles

Wat een goal van matchwinner Sergino Dest