Major League Soccer

CHICAGO FIRE’S 99th minute winner against Montreal has sent fans into meltdown on social media.The MLS clash ended in dramatic fashion with a red card, a penalty and two stoppage time goals.Kellyn Acosta scored a 99th minute winner for Chicago Fire from inside his own halfCredit: MLSThe freak goal secured a dramatic turnaround as Chicago beat Montreal 4-3Credit: GettyChicago edged the seven-goal thriller 4-3 after coming back from 3-1 down late on.After Raheem Edwards was sent off for the visitors, the Fire pulled a goal back from the penalty spot with six minutes remaining.They then completed the turnaround with two goals in added time, including a 99th minute winner from Kellyn Acosta.However, it was the manner of the midfielder’s strike which left fans in shock.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAttempting to send the ball into the Montreal penalty area, Acosta lobbed the ball forward from inside his own half.Instead, though, the wind lifted the ball over a despairing Jonathan Sirois and into the back of the net.The goal has since gone viral on social media, with former USA international Paul Arriola writing on X: “This made me laugh, cry and smile all at once. Nice goal my bro @KellynAcosta.”Meanwhile, one fan commented: “MLS always delivers the unbelievable.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Best league in the world. Every week there’s a new lunchtime football moment.”A third fan also joked: “I would throw every TV in my house out the window if my team lost like this.”Lionel Messi ‘hits toddler with wayward free-kick’ in latest MLS clash with Inter Miami but scores twice in 5-0 winOne more supporter said: “If this happened to me on Football Manager I’d legit have a breakdown.”The goal secured Chicago’s first win of the season to leave them ninth in the Eastern Conference after four matches.In contrast, it consigned third place Montreal to their first defeat of the campaign. More

FORMER Newcastle star Matty Longstaff has been likened to Will from The Inbetweeners after making his MLS debut.The midfielder, 23, was released by the Toon last summer after failing to cement a place in Eddie Howe’s first team squad.Matty Longstaff made his MLS debut on SaturdayCredit: APLongstaff was likened to a classic Inbetweeners characterCredit: HandoutLongstaff joined Toronto FC earlier this month, having previously been without a club since last June.He made his MLS debut on Saturday, coming on as a substitute with 28 minutes remaining of his new side’s clash with Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC.The former England youth international made it a debut to remember by assisting Lorenzo Insigne’s late winner.Following the 1-0 triumph he took to social media, posting four images and writing: “Good to get out at BMO field and get a positive result with the boysREAD MORE IN FOOTBALL”ALL FOR ONE.”While many fans responded by congratulating Longstaff, one noticed that he had a patch on his shirt reading “debut”.They subsequently quote-tweeted his post with a clip of Inbetweeners character Will McKenzie, who was infamously made to wear a badge during his first day at a new school.The social media user joked: “There’s no way in MLS you have to wear a debut badge.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Longstaff’s shirt featured a patch saying ‘debut’Credit: APWill McKenzie was forced to wear a badge on his first say of Sixth FormCredit: E4Explaining the reasoning behind the gesture, another added: “It’s in partnership with a trading card company basically.”They’ll take out the debut patch and put it in a card. Weird.”I played offensive Inbetweeners star – this football team’s fans inspired character & hilarious scene nearly killed meFollowing his Toronto signing earlier this month, Longstaff’s former boss Howe said: “I’m delighted for Matty. He’s an inspirational character.”We obviously have close connections with the family with Sean, but Matty has worked incredibly hard and is an infectious guy.”We wish him all the best.”Toronto’s manager John Herdman added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad.”His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”Longstaff famously earned the man of the match award on his debut after scoring against Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to make 20 first team appearances for the Toon, scoring three goals.During his stint he went on loans at Aberdeen, Mansfield and Colchester, before being released last summer.Longstaff played 20 times for Newcastle’s first teamCredit: AFP More

FANS were left baffled by a shambolic passage of play during the MLS match between Inter Miami and Montreal yesterday.Lionel Messi’s side were taking on the Canadians hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the season.Drake Callender came racing out of his goalCredit: X / @MLSMatias Coccaro had the empty net at his mercyCredit: X / @MLSThe forward tried to chop insideCredit: X / @MLSCallender managed to get back into his six yard boxCredit: X / @MLSCoccaro went on to miss the targetCredit: X / @MLSThe Argentine, 36, was rested for the match – but Inter Miami’s starting XI still featured the likes of Jordi Alba, with Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez coming off the bench.Just 12 minutes into the game, with the score locked at 0-0, Inter really ought to have conceded.Following a long punt forward, home goalkeeper Drake Callender came racing out of his goal.The 26-year-old horribly misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing it to bounce over his head.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMontreal forward Matias Coccaro went haring after it with the goal at his mercy.Instead of slotting the ball into the empty net with his left foot, however, the Uruguayan tried to chop back onto his right.This allowed Inter defender Serhiy Kryvtsov to get back, with Callender and Noah Allen also providing reinforcements.Coccaro tried to beat Kryvtsov, but had his eventual shot blocked by the Ukrainian.Most read in FootballFans were left aghast at the remarkable sequence of play.One blasted: “How can anyone take this league with this level of players seriously? I’ll terminate that striker’s contract at half-time.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveWhile a second asked: “Are they professional footballers ?”A third claimed: “What Callender did here is much worse than the miss lol.”And a fourth called it an “MLS moment”.Another added: “Is this a pro league?”Fernando Alvarez gave Montreal the lead just two minutes after Coccaro’s cock-up.Leonardo Campana equalised on 71 minutes, before Coccaro redeemed himself by restoring the visitors’ lead.Sunusi Ibrahim then made it 3-1 in the 78th minute, only for Jordi Alba to pull one back moments later.Inter Miami produced a rousing comeback against Nashville in the Concacaf Champions Cup in mid-week.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut they were unable to repeat the feat this time around, going down 3-2.Messi and Co will next be in action on Wednesday night, when they host Nashville in the second leg of their round of 16 clash.Lionel Messi watched the game from the standsCredit: GettyCoccaro later redeemed himself with a goalCredit: ReutersJordi Alba got himself on the scoresheetCredit: Getty More

LIONEL MESSI crumpled into a heap after being caught by a follow-through during Inter Miami’s MLS clash with Nashville SC.David Beckham’s MLS franchise travelled to Tennessee for a Concacaf Champions League meeting with their fellow US side.Lionel Messi ran to chase down a clearanceCredit: https://twitter.com/FOXSoccerThe Argentine was caught by Lukas MacNaughton’s follow-throughCredit: https://twitter.com/FOXSoccerMessi, 36, required treatment on his left legCredit: GettyNashville went 2-0 up via Jacob Shaffelburg’s double.Messi, 36, got his side back into the contest by bending home a trademark left-footed shot from the edge of the box in the 52nd minute.As Inter Miami hunted an equaliser, the former Barcelona star looked to chase down Lukas MacNaughton’s clearance.After MacNaughton clipped his pass forwards, his follow-through inadvertently caught Messi’s shin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNo foul was given, although the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was left writhing in agony.When the ball went out of play, Messi could be seen slapping the floor in frustration.He subsequently received treatment from medical staff before being able to continue the game.Messi and Co did then find an equaliser late into stoppage time, with Luis Suarez nodding in from close range to steal a point on the road.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Despite MacNaughton’s clearance not being a foul, fans were left outraged at the sight of Messi rolling around.One hysterically claimed: “Players like this one should be banned for 6 months.”Football Food Tour: Behind the Scenes of Hospitality at Inter Miami, with incredible foodWhile a second wrote: “Wtf ban the defender.”A third whinged: “That referee is a clown. How tf is that not a red!!”And another joked: “You can see the fear in number 3 eyes. He knew he was about to be the most hated guy in football.”Inter Miami will next be in action on Sunday when they host Montreal Impact in MLS.Luis Suarez grabbed a last-gasp equaliser for Inter MiamiCredit: AP More

NEW YORK CITY FC have announced plans for a groundbreaking “cube” stadium in Queens.The MLS club, who were founded just 10 years ago, have long been working on building a stadium in one of the City’s five boroughs.New York City FC have announced plans to build a new stadium by 2027Credit: newyorkcityfc.comThe custom-built arena will sit adjacent to Citi Field, home of MLB’s New York MetsCredit: newyorkcityfc.comThe ground with feature a seven-story entrance lined with LEDsCredit: newyorkcityfc.comThe unnamed stadium is set to feature some incredible designs including a seven-story tall entrance lined with 11,000 square feet of LEDs that the club is calling “The Cube”.NYCFC’s CEO Brad Sims told The Athletic that he thought the unusual entrance would be the distinctive feature that would help differentiate their stadium from others.He said: “You go through the whole process and you think how are we going to differentiate ourselves?“Not just amongst soccer-specific stadiums in North America, but also differentiate ourselves against the New York area’s other sports venues.”I think our grand entrance through the cube is going to be very different from any other kind of sense of arrival, of welcoming to a sports event that any of our fans have ever seen.”There’s a need to stand out amongst the crowd in New York too with a whole host of sporting venues dotted around the city.NYCFC’s new stadium is anticipated to be built at Willets Point adjacent to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets in MLB and a stones-throw from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, home of the U.S. Open.The stadium is expected to cost around $780million (£613million) to construct and will be entirely privately funded.Most read in SoccerThe project would be the first ever soccer-specific arena built in New York and has a planned capacity of 25,000 people.It is part of a bigger development in Willets Point with plans to build 2,500 affordable homes, a 650 seat public school, 250 hotel keys and 115,000 square feet of open space in the surrounding area.The plans are set to offer over 16,500 jobs for the local community from construction and operations too.The 2021 MLS champions have announced that they intend for the stadium to be completed in time for the 2027 MLS season.Mock-ups show what the stadium will look like insideCredit: newyorkcityfc.comThe exterior has a striking designCredit: newyorkcityfc.comThe plans would see investment into the surrounding area tooCredit: newyorkcityfc.com More

LIONEL MESSI appeared to accidentally hit a toddler with a wayward free-kick while starring for Inter Miami.The World Cup winner, 35, scored twice as David Beckham’s franchise romped to a 5-0 MLS win over Florida rivals Orlando City.Lionel Messi’s wayward free-kick apparently hit a toddler in the standsThe ace scored twice as Inter Miami battered Orlando FC 5-0Credit: XLuis Suarez also netted a brace in the opening 11 minutes as Miami moved top of the Eastern Conference standings.But one error from Messi saw a toddler left in tears.The Argentina legend lined up a free-kick in the hopes of bagging a third goal.However, Messi’s effort went some way wide of the post.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it ended up sailing into the Miami crowd behind the net.Unfortunately, a toddler with a pacified appeared to be hit by the ball as it sailed into supporters.Video footage shows the moment Messi sent his effort wide.And the camera then swings around to show a kid in tears being comforted by two women, one of who is holding the match ball.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLFans were left bemused by the situation as they reacted online.One said: “Brave parents there.”Lionel Messi documentary promises ‘special access’ to Argentina star’s ‘raw feelings’ throughout World Cup winAnother joked: “The baby was shouting ‘Ronaldo’ at Messi.”One noted: “Should probably be holding a kid that small at a game if you’re the parent.”Another added: “Who was the smart a** who thought allowing infants in that area would be a good idea?”Messi’s latest strike was his third of the season, and his 14th since joining Miami last year.He made the move to America after quitting Paris Saint-Germain in June.Barcelona had hoped to re-sign him but were left high and dry due to financial constraints. More