Jeff Rueter
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Soccer, association football, football, profiles, human interest
Soccer correspondent, The Guardian US || Fmr: The Athletic || Putting the "bi" in byline 🏳️🌈
Articles by Jeff Rueter
Red Brawl New York: Fighting and five red cards mar ‘friendly’ v Club América
The brawl erupted deep into the second half. Photograph: Jordan Bank/Getty Images One hallmark of Mauricio Pochettino’s time in international management was been his refusal to embrace the term “friendly.” His preferred branding is “unofficial games”. His spin gained a bit of validity on Saturday, in the New York Red Bulls’ “friendly” against Club América, marred by a mass brawl between the sides that resulted in five red cards and a bevy of beverages thrown from the stands.
Five red cards issued for mass brawl in New York Red Bulls v Club América friendly
One hallmark of Mauricio Pochettino’s time in international management was been his refusal to embrace the term “friendly.” His preferred branding is “unofficial games”. His spin gained a bit of validity on Saturday, in the New York Red Bulls’ “friendly” against Club América, marred by a mass brawl between the sides that resulted in five red cards and a bevy of beverages thrown from the stands. The game itself was odd for a few reasons.
Five red cards issued for mass brawl in New York Red Bulls v Club América friendly
One hallmark of Mauricio Pochettino's time in international management was been his refusal to embrace the term "friendly." His preferred branding is "unofficial games". His spin gained a bit of validity on Saturday, in the New York Red Bulls' "friendly" against Club América, marred by a mass brawl between the sides that resulted in five red cards and a bevy of beverages thrown from the stands. The game itself was odd for a few reasons.
Pulisic double leads US to 6-0 rout of Haiti in Pochettino's farewell tour
When Mauricio Pochettino named his US roster for the November window, few could have expected that the games would double as his brief lame-duck era. A week of camp instead brought constant media coverage, efficient negotiations and questions about the future of the national team.
Pulisic double leads US to 6-0 rout of Haiti in Pochettino’s farewell tour
Auston Trusty celebrates after opening the scoring for the United States against Haiti in Saturday’s Concacaf Nations League quarter-final first leg in Miami. Photograph: JC Ruiz/Getty Images When Mauricio Pochettino named his US roster for the November window, few could have expected that the games would double as his brief lame-duck era. A week of camp instead brought constant media coverage, efficient negotiations and questions about the future of the national team.
Even before the 2026 World Cup, the US Soccer Federation projected an air of confidence in its ability to, someday, replace Mauricio Pochettino. "We have a process of, on a regular basis, always reviewing sort of succession planning for all of our key roles at US Soccer," JT Batson, the federation CEO, told ESPN in April. "We're ready when anything happens, whether it's CFO, whether it's a head coach or anything in between." Now, it's time to put those words to the test.
How will the USMNT replace Mauricio Pochettino? There’s no clear answer Original
Even before the 2026 World Cup, the US Soccer Federation projected an air of confidence in its ability to, someday, replace Mauricio Pochettino. "We have a process of, on a regular basis, always reviewing sort of succession planning for all of our key roles at US Soccer," JT Batson, the federation CEO, told ESPN in April. "We're ready when anything happens, whether it's CFO, whether it's a head coach or anything in between." Now, it's time to put those words to the test.
How will the USMNT replace Mauricio Pochettino? There’s no clear answer
Mauricio Pochettino is on the verge of sealing a move to Manchester United. Photograph: Mike Stewart/AP Even before the 2026 World Cup, the US Soccer Federation projected an air of confidence in its ability to, someday, replace Mauricio Pochettino. “We have a process of, on a regular basis, always reviewing sort of succession planning for all of our key roles at US Soccer,” JT Batson, the federation CEO, told ESPN in April.
Pochettino's Manchester United interest is as natural as it is disruptive to the US
As Mauricio Pochettino left the podium to close his final press conference of the last international window, he offered an ambiguous farewell. “See you next …” Pochettino began as he headed to the tunnels of Allianz Field in Saint Paul, before cutting his sentence short. Then, a bit of a sing-song: “See you next, see you next.” You don't need an AI clanker's autocomplete function to try closing the sentence. “See you next month” would have been synonymous with “see you next window”, after all.
Pochettino’s Manchester United interest is as natural as it is disruptive to the US
Mauricio Pochettino led the US to the last 16 at this year’s World Cup. Photograph: Jamie Squire/Getty Images As Mauricio Pochettino left the podium to close his final press conference of the last international window, he offered an ambiguous farewell. “See you next …” Pochettino began as he headed to the tunnels of Allianz Field in Saint Paul, before cutting his sentence short.
CF Montreal are for sale: What it means, how much it could cost, and what’s next for the MLS club
In a rare press conference, CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo announced that his family was beginning the process of "initiating a structured sale process" of the MLS club. Saputo informed the public of his intentions on Monday afternoon, pausing multiple times to fight back tears after over three decades of owning the Quebecois club. "This decision is neither driven by urgency, nor dictated by circumstance," Saputo said in his initial scripted remarks.
CF Montreal are for sale: What it means, how much it could cost, and what's next for the MLS club
Jeff Rueter In a rare press conference, CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo announced that his family was beginning the process of “initiating a structured sale process” of the MLS club. Saputo informed the public of his intentions on Monday afternoon, pausing multiple times to fight back tears after over three decades of owning the Quebecois club. “This decision is neither driven by urgency, nor dictated by circumstance,” Saputo said in his initial scripted remarks.
CF Montreal are for sale: What it means, how much it could cost, and what’s next for the MLS club
Joey Saputo announced that the club was up for sale on Monday. Photograph: Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press/AP In a rare press conference, CF Montreal owner Joey Saputo announced that his family was beginning the process of “initiating a structured sale process” of the MLS club. Saputo informed the public of his intentions on Monday afternoon, pausing multiple times to fight back tears after over three decades of owning the Quebecois club.
How Gotham FC re-tooled for another NWSL title run – this time as favorites
Gotham FC celebrated winning their first NWSL Shield on the final day of the regular season. Photograph: Elsa/NWSL/Getty Images By the time Gotham FC had won their second NWSL Championship in three seasons, Yael Averbuch West had already determined what was going to change. Some of that is the nature of her job; The general manager of a perennial contender can’t rest on laurels.
How Gotham FC re-tooled for another NWSL title run – this time as favorites Original
How Gotham FC re-tooled for another NWSL title run – this time as favorites Gotham FC celebrated winning their first NWSL Shield on the final day of the regular season. Photograph: Elsa/NWSL/Getty Images By the time Gotham FC had won their second NWSL Championship in three seasons, Yael Averbuch West had already determined what was going to change. Some of that is the nature of her job; The general manager of a perennial contender can't rest on laurels.
NWSL playoff predictions: who can spoil Gotham’s bid for the double? Original
Compelling storylines that kept the league interesting during a crowded sports summer. The interval years that aren't Olympic or World Cup years are often quieter for the NWSL (see: average attendance was essentially flat among the non-expansion teams).
NWSL playoff predictions: who can spoil Gotham’s bid for the double?
Rose Lavelle (Gotham), Croix Bethune (Kansas City) and Trinity Rodman (Washington) are among the stars seeking to lead their team to an NWSL title. Composite: Photo by Elsa/NWSL via Getty Images; Lachlan Cunningham/NWSL via Getty Images; Greg Fiume/Getty Images The regular season was defined by … Compelling storylines that kept the league interesting during a crowded sports summer.
Wooden Spoon, Golden Boot and playoff spots: what to watch for on MLS Decision Day
The LA Galaxy are one of several teams in a fight for the final playoff spots in the West. Photograph: Chris Torres/EPA Just days after millions of Americans cast their votes in the midterm elections, we will soon arrive at the second-most meaningful decider in US society: Major League Soccer’s Decision Day. With eight 4pm ET kickoffs on the east coast and another seven games kicking off hours later out west on Saturday, there’s still plenty to play for at the end of the regular season.
Wooden Spoon, Golden Boot and playoff spots: what to watch for on MLS Decision Day Original
Just days after millions of Americans cast their votes in the midterm elections, we will soon arrive at the second-most meaningful decider in US society: Major League Soccer's Decision Day. With eight 4pm ET kickoffs on the east coast and another seven games kicking off hours later out west on Saturday, there's still plenty to play for at the end of the regular season.
Champions League review: comebacks, thrashings and a Mauritanian first
Still without the recovering Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich are among the favorites to win the Champions League, which would be their first European title since 2019-20. René Marić's side produced a dominant display at the Metropolitano, playing Atlético Madrid off the field in a commanding 2-0 win.
Champions League review: comebacks, thrashings and a Mauritanian first
A big week for… Still without the recovering Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich are among the favorites to win the Champions League, which would be their first European title since 2019-20. René Marić's side produced a dominant display at the Metropolitano, playing Atlético Madrid off the field in a commanding 2-0 win.
Champions League review: comebacks, thrashings and a Mauritanian first
Nico Paz, Lennart Karl and Aboubakary Koita had starring roles this week. Composite: Getty Images A big week for… Still without the recovering Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich are among the favorites to win the Champions League, which would be their first European title since 2019-20. René Marić’s side produced a dominant display at the Metropolitano, playing Atlético Madrid off the field in a commanding 2-0 win.
Champions League review: comebacks, thrashings and a Mauritanian first
A big week for… Still without the recovering Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich are among the favorites to win the Champions League, which would be their first European title since 2019-20. René Marić's side produced a dominant display at the Metropolitano, playing Atlético Madrid off the field in a commanding 2-0 win.
Champions League review: comebacks, thrashings and a Mauritanian first
Still without the recovering Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich are among the favorites to win the Champions League, which would be their first European title since 2019-20. René Marić’s side produced a dominant display at the Metropolitano, playing Atlético Madrid off the field in a commanding 2-0 win.
Champions League review: comebacks, thrashings and a Mauritanian first
Still without the recovering Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich are among the favorites to win the Champions League, which would be their first European title since 2019-20. René Marić's side produced a dominant display at the Metropolitano, playing Atlético Madrid off the field in a commanding 2-0 win.
Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun return to USMNT roster for Nations League
Christian Pulisic is back on the USMNT roster for the first time since this summer’s World Cup. Photograph: Jose Breton/AFP7/Shutterstock Mauricio Pochettino has selected his 26-man roster for the United States’ upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti, including recalls for Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun. After 13 players earned their first caps in the previous window, only two selections could be in line for international debuts this month.
Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun return to USMNT roster for Nations League
Mauricio Pochettino has selected his 26-man roster for the United States’ upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti, including recalls for Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun. After 13 players earned their first caps in the previous window, only two selections could be in line for international debuts this month.
Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun return to USMNT roster for Nations League
Mauricio Pochettino has selected his 25-man roster for the United States' Concacaf Nations League quarter-final matches against Haiti, including recalls for Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun. After 13 players earned their first caps in the previous window, only two selections could be in line for international debuts this month.
Folarin Balogun takes a first, tiny step toward moving on from a calamitous summer
Lyon and Paris FC win while Marseille continue to improve Nov 1 - Olympique Lyonnais and Paris FC both won on Sunday to keep in touch with the Ligue 1 leaders while Olympique de Marseille continued their …
Folarin Balogun takes a first, tiny step toward moving on from a calamitous summer
Folarin Balogun scored in Monaco’s 3-1 loss to Paris FC over the weekend. Photograph: Xavier Laine/Getty Images Before this weekend, the last time Folarin Balogun scored was in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at this past summer’s World Cup. In the immediate aftermath, the outlook for Balogun seemed rosy; an ascendant player who could muster a goal in tense games.
Folarin Balogun takes a first, tiny step toward moving on from a calamitous summer
Before this weekend, the last time Folarin Balogun scored was in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at this past summer’s World Cup. In the immediate aftermath, the outlook for Balogun seemed rosy; an ascendant player who could muster a goal in tense games. At half-time against Bosnia, US fans weren’t just wondering how far his team could advance – they were sizing Balogun up against some of the world’s best strikers.
Gossip: Man City face battle for Villarreal's Freeman
While most of La Liga’s oxygen was consumed by the first el clásico since José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid this weekend, another rivalry put Alex Freeman in the spotlight position. Or quite a few positions, as it turned out. While not among the most storied derbies in Spain, Valencia v Villarreal has grown into a regional contest with considerable teeth since billionaire Fernando Roig bought Villarreal rather than following his brother, Paco, as the head of Valencia.
MLS announces ‘sprint season’ schedule, with accommodations for cold-weather locales
Major League Soccer’s 2027 “sprint season” will begin on 19 February, with MLS Cup taking place during Memorial Day weekend at the end of May. The stopgap half-season is a one-off, as the North American league inverts its calendar to align with most top leagues around the world beginning with the 2027-28 season. The nuts and bolts of the change were initially announced in March.
MLS announces ‘sprint season’ schedule, with accommodations for cold-weather locales
Inter Miami will host FC Cincinnati in the 2027 sprint season opener. Photograph: Chris Arjoon/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Major League Soccer’s 2027 “sprint season” will begin on 19 February, with MLS Cup taking place during Memorial Day weekend at the end of May. The stopgap half-season is a one-off, as the North American league inverts its calendar to align with most top leagues around the world beginning with the 2027-28 season.
A three-year-old soccer prodigy went viral. The adults have already let him down
A three-year-old soccer prodigy went viral. The adults have already let him down A viral video of a three-year-old soccer player in Florida has sparked a national debate over youth sports, parental behavior and the perils of internet fame. Photograph: Tim Clayton/Corbis/Getty Images There is real tragedy in this week's story of the three-year-old Florida boy whose parents claimed he was so good at soccer that police were called to do what opposing defenders couldn't.
A three-year-old soccer prodigy went viral. The adults have already let him down
There is real tragedy in this week's story of the three-year-old Florida boy whose parents claimed he was so good at soccer that police were called to do what opposing defenders couldn't. But it doesn't lie where the outrage cycle wants you to think. It's broader, implicates more people, and to me, is far more depressing. You may have seen the video by now.
A three-year-old soccer prodigy went viral. The adults have already let him down
There is real tragedy in this week’s story of the three-year-old Florida boy whose parents claimed he was so good at soccer that police were called to do what opposing defenders couldn’t. But it doesn’t lie where the outrage cycle wants you to think. It’s broader, implicates more people, and to me, is far more depressing. You may have seen the video by now.
A three-year-old soccer prodigy went viral. The adults have already let him down
A viral video of a three-year-old soccer player in Florida has sparked a national debate over youth sports, parental behavior and the perils of internet fame. Photograph: Tim Clayton/Corbis/Getty Images There is real tragedy in this week’s story of the three-year-old Florida boy whose parents claimed he was so good at soccer that police were called to do what opposing defenders couldn’t. But it doesn’t lie where the outrage cycle wants you to think.
Haiti postpones first presidential election in a decade to July 2027
Haiti’s Frantzdy Pierrot celebrates with teammates after scoring against New Zealand during an international friendly in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in June.Photograph: Megan Briggs/Getty Images Concacaf on Thursday announced it has approved Haiti’s request to relocate their Nations League quarter-final first leg against the United States on 14 November from Kingston, Jamaica, to Miami in an “exceptional hosting arrangement”.
Team success, the 'Bundesliga tax' and the World Cup: Three takeaways from the 2026 Ballon d'Or
It was an awards show that, as Michael Owen admitted, could have been a phone call – as it was in 2001 when he won. A quarter-century on, a ballroom full of footballers, power brokers, a gravity-defying dancer and a handful of heckling rabble-rousers plodded through a three-hour slog of a ceremony. Aside from reminding viewers at home just how precious our free time is, what can we glean from the men's element of the Ballon d'Or ceremony?
Team success, the ‘Bundesliga tax’ and the World Cup: Three takeaways from the 2026 Ballon d’Or
Team success, the ‘Bundesliga tax’ and the World Cup: Three takeaways from the 2026 Ballon d’Or
Three takeaways from a closely run, historic men’s Ballon d’Or award
Harry Kane was awarded the Ballon d’Or after a lengthy ceremony at London’s Palladium. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images It was an awards show that, as Michael Owen admitted, could have been a phone call – as it was in 2001 when he won. A quarter-century on, a ballroom full of footballers, power brokers, a gravity-defying dancer and a handful of heckling rabble-rousers plodded through a three-hour slog of a ceremony.
Three takeaways from a closely run, historic men’s Ballon d’Or award
It was an awards show that, as Michael Owen admitted, could have been a phone call – as it was in 2001 when he won. A quarter-century on, a ballroom full of footballers, power brokers, a gravity-defying dancer and a handful of heckling rabble-rousers plodded through a three-hour slog of a ceremony. Aside from reminding viewers at home just how precious our free time is, what can we glean from the men's element of the Ballon d'Or ceremony?
Three takeaways from a closely run, historic men’s Ballon d’Or award
It was an awards show that, as Michael Owen admitted, could have been a phone call – as it was in 2001 when he won. A quarter-century on, a ballroom full of footballers, power brokers, a gravity-defying dancer and a handful of heckling rabble-rousers plodded through a three-hour slog of a ceremony. Aside from reminding viewers at home just how precious our free time is, what can we glean from the men’s element of the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Three roles and a goal: USMNT’s ‘super player’ Alex Freeman is breaking out for Villarreal
Alex Freeman scored his first goal for Villarreal over the weekend. Photograph: Ana Escobar/EPA While most of La Liga’s oxygen was consumed by the first El Clásico since Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid, another rivalry clash put Alex Freeman in spotlight position. Or quite a few positions, as it turned out. Sign up to read this article Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you. Email is required Email is already registered. Please sign in instead. Start reading
Three roles and a goal: USMNT’s ‘super player’ Alex Freeman is breaking out for Villarreal
While most of La Liga’s oxygen was consumed by the first El Clásico since Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid, another rivalry clash put Alex Freeman in spotlight position. Or quite a few positions, as it turned out. While not among the most storied derbies in Spain, Valencia v Villarreal has grown into a regional contest with considerable teeth since billionaire Fernando Roig bought Villarreal rather than following his brother, Paco, as the head of Valencia.
Haiti move Nations League home clash with USA to Miami amid gang violence crisis
Haiti’s Frantzdy Pierrot celebrates with teammates after scoring against New Zealand during an international friendly in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in June.Photograph: Megan Briggs/Getty Images On Thursday, Concacaf announced that it had approved Haiti’s request to relocate their Nations League quarter-final first leg on 14 November from Kingston, Jamaica, to Miami in an “exceptional hosting arrangement”.
History comes home as St Louis City top Columbus Crew to win US Open Cup
For much of the 20th century, winning the US Open Cup required a team to beat someone from St Louis. The Gateway City was home to many of the nation's best teams during some ramshackle eras of soccer in the United States, with six different clubs combining for 10 trophy lifts. The most recent came in 1988, when St Louis Busch Seniors beat San Francisco-based Greek-American AC in the last throes of a tournament history dominated by amateur and semi-pro teams.
History comes home as St Louis City top Columbus Crew to win US Open Cup
St Louis won the city’s 11th US Open Cup title. Photograph: Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images For much of the 20th century, winning the US Open Cup required a team to beat someone from St Louis. The Gateway City was home to many of the nation’s best teams during some ramshackle eras of soccer in the United States, with six different clubs combining for 10 trophy lifts.
At Strasbourg, Gio Reyna is starting to gain what had been elusive: momentum
Gio Reyna marked his return to the starting lineup with a goal on Saturday. Photograph: Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images For an entire four-year cycle, to write about Gio Reyna was to write about his potential – especially the nagging feeling that it was going unfulfilled. Once hyped as possibly the greatest prospect in US men’s history, a series of injuries kept him from simply taking the field, much less making his mark on it.
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