Every week we will be reviewing the top games, events, and stories of the weekend, making sure you don't miss a beat. Come here every Tuesday to catch up on what you might have missed around the football world!
Dempsey Hangs Them Up
After a long career, the best and most successful American male soccer player abruptly retired this week. He exits the game as the leading Premier League scorer for Fulham, second-leading scorer for Seattle, and the joint-leading scorer for the U.S. Men's National Team. Clint was known for his grit and determination on the pitch, pairing that with the skill he possessed on the ball and in front of goal. Though his impact on Seattle Sounders is unmatched, he will be best remembered by his contributions to the USMNT and Fulham. Below are two of his biggest goals, which also happen to be personal favorites. Thanks for everything, Clint. Enjoy fishin'.
FIFA Snubs Messi
For the past twelve years, one name has been a constant on the three-man shortlist for FIFA's Player of the Year. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Liverpool winger Mo Salah qualified for the shortlist, leaving Messi on the outside looking in. Messi scored 52 goals and added 21 assists in 64 games for club and country in the past year, leading Europe in the most combined. This news arrives during the same week that Luka Modric was announced the UEFA Men's Player of the Year, an award that saw Messi finished as the fifth finalist. As if the Argentinian needed further motivation.
Champions League Draw
The draw for the Champions League Group Stage took place this past week, and the results produced some scintillating matchups. Groups B and C each feature three of Europe's biggest clubs, while Group H will feature homecomings for both Ronaldo and Pogba. Fixtures kick off on September 18th, with Liverpool vs. PSG as the headline match.
Watford is Buzzin!
England's top four after four games is Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, and...Watford? The Hornets continue to find ways to win, coming from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday. Captain Troy Deeney has showed no signs of slowing up front, manhandling defenders and scoring two goals in the process. The left side of the field has been extremely potent, as the creativity of Roberto Pereyra and Jose Holebas has delivered goals in droves. Throw in mascot Harry the Hornet's knack for pissing all of the opposition - notably Roy Hodgson - off, and you have a club that is all-in.
Old Firm Derby
The latest edition of the footballing world's most heated rivalry was showcased early Sunday morning, as Celtic and Rangers met at Celtic Park. Sunday's match contained major implications outside of the usual bragging rights. Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers is under pressure after his team crashed out of Champions League qualifying, while Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has gotten off to a rocky start in his first season at the helm.
Celtic dominated possession and created the majority of the chances throughout the match, and tension built into the second half. French midfielder Olivier Ntcham finished off a beautiful team goal to give Celtic the lead, and the home team saw out the win. Situated in Glasgow, Scotland, the hatred between the clubs is deep-rooted and goes beyond football. For more information on the Old Firm Derby, check out the Vice documentary below, which gets up-close and personal with the fans, the clubs, and the city.
USMNT Announces Roster
In lieu of the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Mexico, caretaker manager Dave Sarachan released the 24-man roster that will feature during the international break. The roster carries an average age of 23 and averages 11 caps, blending youth with some familiar faces. John Brooks, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt Miazga, and DeAndre Yedlin return to the with defense, with left-back Antonee Robinson entering the fray to put his stamp on the position. It is center-heavy midfield, and fans should be excited to watch promising youngsters Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie together for their first serious test for the USMNT. Lastly, veterans Bobby Wood and Gyasi Zardes lead the way up top, with Andrija Novakovich rounding out the forwards.
Notable exclusions include Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, and Brad Guzan, whose absence indicates that the team could be edging towards a new direction.
You're all caught up! Here is a look ahead to marquee games this week and weekend:
USWNT vs. Chile: 9/4, 10 pm
Wales vs. Ireland: 9/6, 2:45 pm
Germany vs. France: 9/6, 2:45 pm
Portugal vs. Croatia: 9/6, 2:45 pm
USMNT vs. Brazil: 9/7, 7:30 pm
NYCFC vs. DC United: 9/8, 4:55 pm