Football

Cristian Arango Suspended for Violating MLS Anti-Harassment PolicyMajor League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Real Salt Lake's leading goalscorer, Cristian Arango, for four games for violating the league's Anti-Harassment Policy. The 29-year-old Colombian forward will miss crucial matches against Los Angeles FC, Colorado, and Atlas in the Leagues Cup.Arango, who has been a prolific scorer for Real Salt Lake this season with 17 goals and 11 assists in 23 matches, will also miss the MLS All-Star Game on July 24. The suspension is a significant blow to Real Salt Lake, who are currently tied with LAFC and the Galaxy atop the Western Conference with 43 points.The MLS Anti-Harassment Policy prohibits any form of harassment, including verbal, physical, or sexual misconduct. The league has not disclosed the specific nature of Arango's violation, but it is clear that the incident was serious enough to warrant a four-game suspension.Arango's suspension comes at a crucial time for Real Salt Lake, who are in the midst of a tight race for the Western Conference title. The team will have to find a way to replace Arango's production in his absence, which could prove to be a difficult task.The suspension also raises questions about Arango's future with Real Salt Lake. The Colombian forward has been a key player for the team since joining in 2021, but his off-field conduct could now put his place in the squad in jeopardy.Real Salt Lake has not yet commented on Arango's suspension, but the team is expected to release a statement in the coming days. The suspension is a reminder that even the most talented players are not immune to the consequences of their actions.

Inter Miami's resilience was on full display as they overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer. Luis Suarez continued his impressive scoring form, netting his 11th league goal of the season.Montreal seized the early initiative, with Bryce Duke capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give them the lead. Jules-Anthony Vilsaint doubled their advantage with a composed finish. However, Miami refused to be deterred. Matias Rojas converted a free-kick in the absence of Lionel Messi, who had briefly left the field for treatment. Suarez then leveled the score just before halftime, bundling the ball home from close range.After the break, Miami emerged as a transformed team. Rojas's exquisite pass over the Montreal defense found Benjamin Cremaschi, who slotted home the winning goal. Despite late pressure from Montreal, Miami held firm to secure their eighth win in 13 games.In the Ohio derby, FC Cincinnati avenged their Eastern Conference final loss to Columbus Crew with a 2-1 victory. Luciano Acosta starred for Cincy, scoring both goals. Maximilian Arfsten's late strike proved to be a consolation for Columbus.Christian Benteke's hat-trick of headers propelled D.C. United to a 3-2 triumph over Atlanta. Luis Muriel's brace inspired Orlando City to a 3-2 win at Philadelphia Union. Joao Klauss scored twice as St. Louis defeated Chicago Fire 3-1 in the derby. Dallas edged Austin 2-1 in the Texas derby.

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi unleashed an unstoppable attacking force on Saturday, leading Inter Miami to a resounding 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Suarez's hat-trick and Messi's record-breaking five assists propelled Inter to a dominant second-half performance, avenging their earlier defeat to the Red Bulls.After a lackluster first half, Inter's fortunes turned dramatically with the introduction of Matias Rojas. The Paraguayan substitute ignited the rout with a stunning goal just three minutes into the second half. Messi then took control, orchestrating Inter's attack with his trademark precision.Messi's five assists, a new MLS record, showcased his unparalleled vision and passing ability. He repeatedly found Suarez in dangerous positions, allowing the Uruguayan to showcase his clinical finishing. Suarez's hat-trick brought his season tally to 10 goals in 11 games, proving that his predatory instincts remain sharp despite his advancing age.Messi's influence extended beyond his assists. His telepathic understanding with Suarez, honed during their time together at Barcelona, allowed them to create scoring opportunities with ease. The Argentine maestro's through balls and incisive passes sliced through the Red Bulls defense, leaving them helpless.Inter's victory was a testament to the star power of Messi and Suarez. Their partnership, once feared by opponents around the world, has been rekindled in Miami, bringing joy to the club's fans and sending shockwaves through the MLS.

Columbus Crew's historic run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup continued on Wednesday as they secured a spot in the final for the first time ever. After a 2-1 victory in the first leg at home, the Crew traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, and emerged with a stunning 3-1 triumph, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory.Monterrey, seeking their sixth Champions Cup title, started brightly and took the lead through an own goal by Columbus defender Yevhen Cheberko. However, the Crew refused to be disheartened and equalized in dramatic fashion just before halftime. Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada's poor clearance was intercepted by Aidan Morris, who slotted home to level the scores.After the break, Columbus took control of the game. Diego Rossi fired them into the lead with a clinical finish, and the Crew held firm despite Monterrey's desperate attempts to equalize. Substitute Jacen Russell-Rowe put the icing on the cake in the 89th minute, securing a memorable victory for the MLS champions.Columbus's victory marks a significant milestone for the club and the MLS as a whole. They are now just one step away from becoming the fourth MLS team to be crowned champions of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Crew will face Mexican club Pachuca in the final, with the winner earning a place at next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Lionel Messi's scoring prowess continues to shine in Major League Soccer (MLS), as the Argentine maestro netted a brace to lead Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday. The win extends Miami's winning streak to three games, with Messi contributing five goals during that run.Despite New England taking an early lead through Tomas Chancalay, Miami equalized through Messi's first goal in the 32nd minute. The 36-year-old then put Miami ahead in the 68th minute with a clinical finish after a superb pass from Sergio Busquets.Messi's influence continued in the final stages, as he assisted Benjamin Cremaschi and Luis Suarez for Miami's third and fourth goals, respectively. The victory sees Miami climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino praised his team's performance, highlighting the importance of their recent win over Kansas City. "The Kansas City game was a key for us, because we had just been eliminated by Monterrey and the team showed their character," he said.New England coach Caleb Porter acknowledged Messi's brilliance, stating, "That's Messi. You have to look at both those moments because I thought they were able to find two goals when we felt pretty good about the way we were limiting their effectiveness in creating clear chances."Elsewhere in MLS, Christian Benteke scored twice for D.C. United in their 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders. Real Salt Lake moved to the top of the Western Conference with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union, while defending champions Columbus Crew were held to a goalless draw by Montreal.

Inter Miami's star-studded squad faced a brutal 4-0 thrashing at the hands of New York Red Bulls on Saturday, leaving coach Gerardo Martino fuming over his team's lack of desire and spirit.Despite the absence of injured superstar Lionel Messi, Miami's lineup boasted high-profile signings Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. However, they were outplayed from start to finish by a determined Red Bulls side.Former Inter player Lewis Morgan stole the show with a superb hat-trick, while Dante Vanzeir also contributed to New York's dominant performance. Miami, on the other hand, struggled to create any meaningful chances, with Suarez's curling shot in the first half their only notable attempt.Martino took responsibility for the loss but pointed the finger at his players, saying, "There is not much to say, except that we were outmatched from start to finish. Red Bulls had the desire to win and we had no desire to compete."He refused to blame Messi's absence, noting that the team had won without him last week. "The absence of the best player in the world is important for everyone, but last week with D.C. Leo didn't play either," Martino said.Morgan's brilliant performance was a major factor in Miami's downfall. The Scottish international opened the scoring after just three minutes and doubled the lead in the second half. He then assisted Vanzeir for New York's third goal and completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish.The win lifted New York to the top of the Eastern Conference alongside Columbus Crew and Miami. The Revs, meanwhile, earned their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire.

Inter Miami's star-studded lineup put on a dominant performance, crushing Orlando City 5-0 in their MLS encounter on Sunday. The match, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, showcased the brilliance of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who combined for four goals.Suarez opened the scoring with a sensational brace in the opening 11 minutes. His first goal came from a deflected shot off the crossbar, while his second was a clinical finish from close range. Robert Taylor extended Miami's lead to 3-0 in the 29th minute.The second half belonged to Messi, who mesmerized the crowd with two stunning goals in a six-minute span. His first goal was a fortunate deflection off the post, while his second was a towering header assisted by Suarez.Despite the impressive performance, Messi's night was marred by an unfortunate incident. After his brace, he attempted a free-kick that went wide and struck a baby girl in the stands. The incident left the toddler in tears.Speaking after the match, Messi expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. "We're doing well, we're enjoying it, we're growing," he said. "Today was an important match to win, to continue on this path of growth and this has to make us very strong for everything that's to come."Inter Miami's victory was a testament to the quality of their squad. Suarez and Messi proved to be an unstoppable force, while the rest of the team provided solid support. The win keeps Miami in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.