USA

United States women’s national team fans have noticed a new trend happening. American players are flocking across the pond with more USWNT players in Europe by the week.

The biggest story in January was Chelsea breaking the bank and spending $1.1 million on Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave FC. This set the record for the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer history.

Two more USWNT players have also left the NWSL as Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn both departed Gotham FC for European clubs.

MLS is going big.

Major League Soccer is reportedly considering a significant change to its season schedule, potentially shifting its traditional February-to-November (or Spring-Fall) calendar to align with the European model of August-to-May (Fall-Spring).

According to MLSMoves on X, Sportico spoke to representatives from two dozen MLS teams that expressed overwhelming support for this move. The shift, if it was to be confirmed, would likely take effect in the Fall of 2026, coinciding with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.

United States men’s national team fans received devastating news on Thursday as Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad reported that star U.S. and PSV striker Ricardo Pepi is out indefinitely with a knee injury.

A superb Gio Reyna backheel assist vs. Shakhtar Donetsk helped Borussia Dortmund secure a 3-1 victory in the Champions League and once against made USMNT fans wonder why he doesn’t get more time.

Reyna was once again on the bench for Dortmund as he’s only started three games across all competitions this season for the German giants. 

The 22-year-old American was brought on as a substitute in the 64th minute and produced a lovely piece of skill just 15 minutes later.

It's Captain America, baby.

Christian Pulisic came up big once again for AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League, scoring the momentary equalizer against GNK Dinamo Zagreb. The American received the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box, took a quick turn and sliced the ball into the bottom left corner in the 53rd minute.

Pulisic goal vs. Dinamo Zagreb

El Tren just ran over Liverpool.

U.S. men's national team's Ricardo Pepi started for PSV Eindhoven in their final UEFA Champions League league phase bout against none other than tournament-leaders Liverpool, with the American striker coming up huge for the Dutch club with a crucial turnaround goal. 

The 22-year-old attacker found a perfect cross to first post, slightly deflecting the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-2 and seal the Eredivisie club's victory.

Ricardo Pepi goal vs. Liverpool

Inter Miami and Messi fans won't like this one.

New York City FC's supporters group, Third Rail, received the prestigious "Best Tifo of the Year" award from the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) for their "Don't Be Plastic!" Barbie-themed tifo, unveiled during the club's 2024 MLS Season home match against Inter Miami.

You won't be seeing a whole lot of Messi, U.S. Open Cup fans.

Inter Miami is almost confirmed to be one of 11 MLS teams not participating in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, as the tournament will only feature 16 MLS clubs, Inter Miami insider reporter José Armando reports.

Inter Miami OUT of U.S. Open Cup in 2025; will play Concacaf Champions Cup

The teams participating in the domestic cup competition will automatically be placed into the Round of 32, which is reportedly set to take place on May 6-7.

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)

Ahead of the expected announcement of Denver becoming the 16th team in the National Women's Soccer League, commissioner Jessica Berman maintained that the circuit will continue to grow.

Berman said Thursday, according to ESPN, "Obviously, there's been a lot of rumors circulating, but we will have an announcement (regarding the 16th team) next week, so more to come in the not-too-distant future. We know that our expansion is not done.