USWNT keep winning without ‘triple espresso’ and men’s summer transfer season hits high gear early

Hello! As national teams continue playing matches this week, clubs are busy with some significant transfers. Here`s the latest as soccer settles into its summer rhythm.

Footy Fix

Upcoming matches (All times U.S./Eastern):

• Wednesday, June 4: EU UNL: Germany vs. Portugal, 3 p.m. – FS1
• Thursday, June 5: EU UNL: Spain vs. France, 3 p.m. – FS1
• Thursday, June 5: World Cup Qualifier: Ecuador vs. Brazil, 7 p.m. – Fanatiz

The Forward Line

Ally Sentnor, Lynn Biyendolo Shine for the USWNT

The U.S. women`s national team wrapped up a successful international window with a commanding 4-0 victory against Jamaica on Tuesday. It was another strong performance where the team`s attacking players effectively utilized their opportunities.

Ally Sentnor, who was recently named U.S. Soccer`s Young Female Player of the Year, netted two goals in the first half, giving the Olympic gold medalists a 2-0 lead at halftime. Lynn Biyendolo came on as a substitute in the second half and also scored a brace, with her first goal coming only three minutes after entering the match. Biyendolo has now scored 13 goals coming off the bench for the USWNT since her debut in October 2016, highlighting her significant impact as a national team player. Both Sentnor and Biyendolo`s performances demonstrated that Emma Hayes` focus on younger attackers is effectively compensating for the absence of `triple espresso` players like Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson.

The head coach continues to broaden the player pool, a strategy fully in motion since the USWNT secured Olympic gold. This included giving left back Kerry Abello her first cap. Despite this ongoing experimentation, Hayes provided a second consecutive start to several less experienced players who have shown strong form for their clubs and the national team: goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, midfielder Lily Yohannes, and forwards Catarina Macario and Alyssa Thompson. Yohannes, Macario, and Thompson, in particular, were involved in multiple goals during this international break, which also featured a 3-0 win against China on Saturday.

Hayes is expected to further expand the player pool in the next international window, with two friendlies scheduled against Ireland on June 26 and 29, and one against Canada on July 2. Following these games, Hayes stated she anticipates having a clearer understanding of the available players as preparation for the 2027 Women`s World Cup continues.

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Comings and Goings for AC Milan

Although the AC Milan offseason has just begun, it is already shaping up to be a busy summer for the Italian club, with both player arrivals and departures expected.

Perhaps the biggest transfer story this week involves Tijjani Reijnders` potential move from Milan to Manchester City. Reports indicate the Premier League side is prepared to pay around $85 million for the midfielder. Reijnders had a strong season for Milan, scoring 15 goals and standing out during what was otherwise an inconsistent campaign for the team. He now looks set to join a City side aiming to rebound next season after not winning any domestic or continental trophies. Francesco Porzio suggests the Dutch international would be a valuable asset for the ambitious English club.

• Porzio`s analysis: “The Dutch midfielder`s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a potentially perfect fit for Guardiola`s system at Manchester City. Reijnders is versatile, capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or even in a more advanced attacking role. With 2024 Ballon d`Or winner Rodri set to return after missing significant time in the 2024-25 season due to injury, Reijnders` capacity to complement him could be vital. His versatility positions him as an ideal midfield partner for the Spaniard, capable of sharing both the creative and defensive responsibilities, allowing Rodri to anchor the midfield and forming a dynamic pairing.”

Reijnders might not be the only significant player leaving Milan this summer. Chelsea is reportedly interested in signing goalkeeper Mike Maignan ahead of their return to the UEFA Champions League after a three-year absence. However, Milan might bring in a high-profile player to energize the squad for the upcoming season – departing Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric. The 2018 Ballon d`Or winner will become a free agent after competing in the Club World Cup with Madrid this summer, making him an attractive signing for several clubs despite turning 40 in September.

Milan failed to qualify for any European competition next season, leading to Massimiliano Allegri`s hiring as manager. This situation could make the club an ideal destination for Modric. He should be able to handle the demands of playing for an ambitious Milan side without the added strain of midweek European fixtures, though time will tell if this transfer materializes.

Follow the latest transfer updates throughout the summer.

Top Stories

• Simone Inzaghi departs as Inter manager after the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain; a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia is rumored. Como`s Cesc Fabregas is reportedly Inter`s top choice for a replacement, but other managers are also being considered.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is in ongoing discussions with senior Saudi Arabian officials and the nation`s sovereign wealth fund regarding a contract extension with Al-Nassr.
• USWNT head coach Emma Hayes reflected on her first year, emphasizing the need to maximize every training session with the team.
• Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes confirmed that a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal “was considered” but he ultimately declined the move.
• Latest Transfer Window News: Manchester United`s Rasmus Hojlund is reportedly a target for Inter; Nico Williams` bond with his brother Inaki might influence his decision regarding his future at Athletic Bilbao; a look at the top free agents available this summer.
• Ballon d`Or race: A look at leading contenders for the award, including Mohamed Salah, Ousmane Dembele, and Raphinha.
• Peyton Manning invests in NWSL: Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning has joined the ownership group for the upcoming NWSL expansion team in Denver, set to begin play in 2026.
• Youth players suspended: Newell`s Old Boys suspended six youth players and revoked their scholarships after they were photographed with a player from rival club Rosario Central.

The Back Line

Best Bets

• CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers: Ecuador vs. Brazil, Thursday, 7 p.m.
  THE PICK: Vinicius Junior to score (+195) – Carlo Ancelotti makes his debut as Brazil`s manager in a challenging match against Ecuador, who are second in CONMEBOL qualifying. Ecuador could secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup with a win. Brazil`s qualification campaign has improved, but with the World Cup a year away, Ancelotti`s statement that “my Brazil will play like Real Madrid” indicates urgency. Vinicius Junior, who scored 90 goals in 198 games for Ancelotti`s Real Madrid, is a prime candidate to help the Ancelotti era start strongly. This match is an opportunity for him to translate his club form to the international stage for a talented and ambitious Brazil side preparing for 2026.

For additional picks, predictions, expert advice, and betting news, visit the betting home page.

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What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network

CBS Sports Golazo Network offers extensive soccer coverage:

• Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m. ET): The network`s main morning program featuring highlights, interviews, and major soccer news. Also available as a podcast.
• Morning Footy (10 a.m. ET): A special edition kicking off coverage for big games, with highlights, interviews, and key storylines. Available as a podcast.
• Champions League Today (1 p.m. ET): Pregame analysis hosted by Kate Scott with analysts Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards. Coverage from Allianz Arena begins at 1 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network, followed by coverage on CBS and Paramount+ starting at 1:30 p.m. ET.
• The Champions Club (5:30 p.m. ET): Live reactions and match analysis from Poppy Miller, Mike Grella, Nigel Reo-Coker, Tony Meola, and Jimmy Conrad, breaking down the Champions League final action.
• Scoreline (7 p.m. ET): A daily show (seven days a week) for fans to catch up on global football news, results, match highlights from top competitions, and unmissable goals.

How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel dedicated to global soccer. You can stream it free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.