Soccer

Millar scores winner, Larin notches two as Canadians come up big in English soccer

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 2 minute read 11:57 AM CDT

Liam Millar played hero this weekend, propelling Hull City to a 1-0 victory over Coventry in English Premier League action.

Here's a look at how the Canadian midfielder and some of his national squad teammates fared in the United Kingdom this week:

MILLAR MAGIC

The Tigers were promoted after winning the English Football League playoffs last spring, but little was expected of the squad to begin the campaign.

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Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals

Débora Rey, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals

Débora Rey, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 12:06 PM CDT

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina superstar Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, ending 21 years of national-team duty that were capped by winning the World Cup in 2022 to secure his place in the pantheon of the game's greatest ever players.

“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deeply — but I understand that the time has come,” the 39-year-old Messi said on his Instagram account.

Messi, who will continue to play at club level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, played in a record-tying six World Cups. He won it four years ago in a tournament he dominated in Qatar and also led Argentina to the title match in 2014 and again this year, when the Albiceleste lost to Spain in extra time in New Jersey.

Messi stands shoulder to shoulder with Diego Maradona, a compatriot with whom he was so often compared, and Brazil icon Pelé as the greatest players of all time.

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Updated: 12:06 PM CDT

Barcola joins Liverpool from PSG in $166M deal for biggest signing of the summer transfer window

Steve Douglas And Samuel Petrequin, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Barcola joins Liverpool from PSG in $166M deal for biggest signing of the summer transfer window

Steve Douglas And Samuel Petrequin, The Associated Press 3 minute read 8:09 AM CDT

Liverpool finalized the most expensive transfer of the summer window by signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday in a deal worth 123 million pounds ($166 million).

Liverpool secured its main target of the summer after a monthslong pursuit of a speedy 23-year-old France international who is coming off winning back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG but mainly as an impact substitute, backing up Désiré Doué.

Now Barcola will expect to be a key part of an expensively assembled Liverpool attack that also includes striker Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who were signed last summer for 125 million pounds ($170 million) and 116 million pounds ($156 million), respectively.

Barcola is primarily a left winger so isn't a like-for-like replacement for Liverpool great Mohamed Salah, who played on the right for nine years before leaving for Trabzonspor to end a trophy-laden spell at Anfield.

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8:09 AM CDT

Soccer

AFC Toronto hands Ottawa Rapid FC third straight loss, 2-1, in NSL action

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

AFC Toronto hands Ottawa Rapid FC third straight loss, 2-1, in NSL action

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 5:15 PM CDT

TORONTO - Sarah Stratigakis scored the eventual winner as AFC Toronto defeated Ottawa Rapid FC 2-1 in Northern Super League action on Sunday at BMO Field.

Stratigakis scored in the 86th minute to put Toronto (9-5-4) ahead 2-0.

Florence Belzile put Ottawa (10-5-3) on the board three minutes later to make it a one-goal game.

Kaylee Hunter had the opening goal for Toronto in the 73rd minute.

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Yesterday at 5:15 PM CDT

Soccer

Muller, White lead Whitecaps to 3-0 win over struggling Sporting KC

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Muller, White lead Whitecaps to 3-0 win over struggling Sporting KC

The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Thomas Muller had a goal and an assist, Brian White and Rayan Elloumi each added a goal and the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Sporting Kansas City 3-0 on Saturday night.

The Whitecaps (13-4-4) lead the Western Conference with 43 points and are tied with Eastern Conference-leading Nashville (52 points) for the best goal differential (plus-30) in all of Major League Soccer.

André Luiz, acquired from Greek club Olympiacos FC on Aug. 18, made his MLS debut for Kansas City when the 24-year-old designated player subbed on for Shapi Suleymanov in the 66th minute.

Muller converted from the penalty spot, his third goal in the past five games, to open the scoring in the 40th minute.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Soccer

Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez scores his side's fourth goal past CF Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier (31) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Messi scores four goals to lead Inter Miami to 7-1 romp over CF Montreal

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Messi scores four goals to lead Inter Miami to 7-1 romp over CF Montreal

The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi scored three times in the second half to finish off his first four-goal effort in Major League Soccer play while adding an assist, and Inter Miami scored six unanswered goals in a 7-1 romp over CF Montreal on Saturday night.

Messi snapped a 1-1 tie in the 40th minute when he found the net for the 15th time, scoring off a free kick.

The reigning Golden Boot Award winner and league MVP scored for a 3-1 lead in the 52nd minute. His 17th and 18th goals of the season came in the 83rd and sixth minute of stoppage time with the final one also coming off a free kick. Messi began the day two behind Petar Musa of FC Dallas in the goals race.

Carlos Casimiro scored with a header off a corner kick by Telasco Segovia in the 20th minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. It was the first goal for the 34-year-old midfielder in his sixth league appearance and a career-best ninth assist for Segovia in his second MLS season.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Soccer

New York City FC's James Sands (6) jumps on top of Toronto FC's Josh Sargent (9) as they vie for the ball during first half MLS action in Toronto, on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman

Salloi’s late marker helps Toronto earn 1-1 MLS draw with New York City

Griffin Porter, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Salloi’s late marker helps Toronto earn 1-1 MLS draw with New York City

Griffin Porter, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

TORONTO - Toronto FC battled back with a late second-half goal and salvaged a point as they played New York City FC to a 1-1 draw on Saturday at BMO Field.

The result stretched Toronto’s unbeaten run to five games, with the Major League Soccer team not having lost since July 25th. The Reds have two wins and three draws during that stretch as they try to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

“I think as guys are now getting healthy, we’re seeing more belief, more conviction,” said Toronto head coach Robin Fraser after the match on his team’s improved results of late.

“It’s definitely a function of, and I keep saying this, having guys healthy. Training is sharper, training is better. I think it’s raising the level of everyone.”

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

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Soccer

NSL roundup: Wild surprise Rise with 2-2 draw, Roses tame Tide 1-0

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

NSL roundup: Wild surprise Rise with 2-2 draw, Roses tame Tide 1-0

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

BURNABY - Jessica De Filippo's goal five minutes into second-half stoppage time helped the Vancouver Rise salvage a 2-2 draw with the visiting Calgary Wild in Northern Super League action on Saturday.

Serita Thurton gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute at Swangard Stadium, but Quinn got the hosts on the board when she converted a penalty kick in the 40th minute.

Kahli Johnson's goal three minutes before the halftime break snapped a 1-1 deadlock and gave the Wild a 2-1 lead entering the break.

With the tie, the last-place Wild improved to two wins, 12 losses and four draws for 10 points. The fourth-place Rise improved to seven wins, nine losses and two draws for 23 points.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Soccer

Liverpool reaches agreement with PSG on $166M deal to sign Bradley Barcola, AP source says

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Liverpool reaches agreement with PSG on $166M deal to sign Bradley Barcola, AP source says

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 1 minute read Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola is heading to Liverpool in one of the big-money signings of the summer transfer window.

The clubs have agreed to a deal worth 123 million pounds ($166 million) for Barcola, a person with knowledge of the transaction confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday.

The person confirmed the deal on the condition of anonymity because the details have not been made public.

Neither Liverpool nor PSG have made any official comment about the transfer.

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Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Soccer

Montreal Roses FC forward Tanya Boychuk (12) is surrounded by her teammates as they celebrate her scoring a goal against AFC Toronto during first half Northern Super League soccer action in Toronto on Saturday, April 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Arlyn McAdorey

Montreal Roses aim to retake NSL’s top spot in record-breaking game

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Montreal Roses aim to retake NSL’s top spot in record-breaking game

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

MONTREAL - The Montreal Roses are expected to join an elite club this weekend.

The Northern Super League team expects to have more than 15,500 fans in the stands when they take on the Halifax Tides at Stade Saputo on Saturday, setting a new league record for attendance.

“I’m so excited for the players to perform on an exceptional pitch and in front of a full stadium. It’s a great opportunity to send an important message on behalf of the entire club,” said sporting director Marinette Pichon.

“It does remind me of my time with the French national yeam. Big games, World Cups and European Championships where the pitch is perfect, without a since blade of grass out of place.”

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Soccer

Midfielder Dante Sealy back with CF Montréal after trade with Rapids

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Midfielder Dante Sealy back with CF Montréal after trade with Rapids

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

MONTREAL - CF Montréal has reacquired midfielder Dante Sealy from the Colorado Rapids, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday.

Colorado receives US$400,000 in 2026 general allocation money (GAM), $1 million in 2027 GAM, and $300,000 in conditional GAM.

General allocation money can be used by teams for roster flexibility, including lowering a player's salary cap hit or offsetting transfer fees.

Sealy returns to Montreal after scoring nine goals and adding two assists in 30 MLS games with the club last year.

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Soccer

Johnson’s multi-year extension latest business for busy Vancouver Whitecaps

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Johnson’s multi-year extension latest business for busy Vancouver Whitecaps

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

VANCOUVER - Tate Johnson's introduction to Major League Soccer was swift.

Months after the Vancouver Whitecaps selected him 15th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, the American fullback was pressed into action — and answered with a goal in his first start for the team.

The 21-year-old University of North Carolina product has continued to deliver.

"He's been a guy who has been rising to the occasion, whatever we put him through," said Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen. "And we relied on him when Sam (Adekugbe) got injured last year, and he was ready to step up faster than we thought. And from then on, he's just been very easy to coach."

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Soccer

Canada’s women’s soccer team looking to build in return to home soil: coach

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Canada’s women’s soccer team looking to build in return to home soil: coach

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Casey Stoney hasn't yet seen the best possible version of her Canadian women's soccer team.

The former England captain has been head coach of the program since January 2025, but injuries and circumstance have limited her options for assembling the quintessential lineup.

“I think I've got a really good idea of what our strongest squad could be. I've never been able to put it together yet," she said in a video call from her home in San Diego, Calif. "So I'm hoping over the next few windows we'll be able to get closer to that.”

Stoney and her team last gathered in early June for a camp and a friendly in Costa Rica.

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Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Soccer

Canadian striker Olivia Smith continues making history with WSL’s Arsenal

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Canadian striker Olivia Smith continues making history with WSL’s Arsenal

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

VANCOUVER - Olivia Smith has always had big dreams.

She was just six or seven years old -- "a little baby" -- when she detailed her plans to play for Canada at the World Cup and Olympics in her diary.

Now the history-making striker is on the cusp of making those ambitions a reality.

“That's been my dream since I was a little girl," Smith said Thursday. "So I'd be fulfilling my dream just being there and getting that experience.”

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Soccer

FILE - Vancouver Rise FC's Jessika Cowart (3) controls the ball during a NSL match against Toronto AFC in Burnaby, British Columbia, June 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

New team, investment and competition: The women’s Northern Super League is on the rise

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

New team, investment and competition: The women’s Northern Super League is on the rise

Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

The fledgling Northern Super League has been boosted in its second year by investment and expansion plans as the women's game in Canada grows.

The six-team NSL, co-founded by former Canada national team player Diana Matheson, announced this summer that it will add a team in Winnipeg in 2027.

The league also announced that London-based sports investment firm APEX will invest up to $30 million in the women's league. And that's in addition to the $5.45 million that the Canadian government pledged on the day of the league's first championship last year.

“I know my first season in the NWSL was nothing compared to where the NSL is now,” said midfielder Quinn, who was an early signing for the Vancouver Rise after playing for the Seattle Reign in the United States. “I think it’s just set a really amazing standard at the very beginning, and I think the crowds that we have, the resources that every team has, it’s really set a great bar for what it can look like."

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Soccer

England’s Bolton signs Canadian winger Jayden Nelson to four-year deal

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

England’s Bolton signs Canadian winger Jayden Nelson to four-year deal

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

BOLTON - Canadian winger Jayden Nelson has joined English soccer club Bolton Wanderers on a four-year contract.

Bolton announced the signing Wednesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Nelson joins Bolton, which plays in the second-tier English Football League Championship, from Major League Soccer side Austin FC. He had two goals in 13 appearances with the Texan side.

Austin acquired the 23-year-old from Brampton, Ont., from the Vancouver Whitecaps on Dec. 18 for allocation money and its first-round draft pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

August 31, 2026

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