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The 10th season of Atlanta United is officially underway as the team returns to the training pitch today, and that means it is also the 10th season of Soccer Down Here and our morning show. Ten years of covering this club, this city, and this game alongside you. If you have been with us from the very beginning, thank you for helping build this. And if you just found us last week, welcome to the family. You are just as much a part of this story as anyone who was here on day one.

As we step into this new season together, our promise stays the same. We will keep covering soccer with clarity, context, and humanity, around the corner from everywhere. We will reject cynicism, choose responsibility over spectacle, and stay committed to the belief that an informed and connected community is what makes this game stronger.

That has always been our mission, and in year ten, it matters more than ever.

Football has a way of refusing to behave, and Sunday night in Jeddah was one of those glorious reminders. Barcelona’s 3–2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final was chaotic, dramatic, and completely absorbing, the kind of match that feels like it is constantly slipping out of anyone’s control. It ended with every player crammed into the Barcelona box, Raúl Asencio rising for a last-gasp header, and Joan García clinging to the ball as if the trophy itself depended on it. In the end, two goals from Raphinha and one from Robert Lewandowski were just enough to carry Barça over the line.

The first half-hour hinted at a tactical chess match, with Madrid sitting deep and looking to spring Vinícius Júnior on the counter while Barcelona monopolized possession without much incision. Then everything exploded. Three goals in six frantic minutes at the end of the first half turned a cautious final into a wild Clásico. Raphinha opened the scoring after a sharp spell of pressure, Vinícius responded with a dazzling solo run and finish after a nutmeg, and Lewandowski struck almost immediately after to restore Barcelona’s lead. By halftime, it felt less like a final being managed and more like one being unleashed.

The second half only added to the sense that anything could happen next. Madrid drew level through Gonzalo García after Dean Huijsen’s header struck the bar, and for long stretches Vinícius looked the most dangerous player on the pitch, forcing multiple saves from Joan García and dragging Madrid forward with every run. But just when the momentum seemed to tilt white, Raphinha struck again, his shot slipping off his boot, deflecting off Asencio, and wrong-footing Thibaut Courtois. It was not a goal of perfect design, but it was one of decisive consequence.

From there, the night belonged to nerve and endurance. Frenkie de Jong’s late red card raised the stakes, Kylian Mbappé’s introduction raised the volume, and Madrid threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. They came close more than once, but Barcelona held firm, led by a goalkeeper who made himself the last line of resistance in the final seconds. For Hansi Flick, it was another trophy and a statement that his Barcelona side thrives on the biggest stages, and maybe a statement of intent about 2026 for them. For Xabi Alonso, it was another painful but oddly encouraging night, proof that Madrid remain competitive even in defeat.

It may only be the Supercopa, the least significant trophy on the calendar by reputation, but nights like this give it meaning. Chaotic, emotional, and unforgettable, this final reminded everyone why this rivalry never disappoints. Barcelona lift the first silverware of the season, Real Madrid leave with questions but also belief, and the rest of us are left grateful for a match that once again made football feel wildly alive.

Africa’s biggest football tournament now enters its final week with the four semifinalists confirmed following a dramatic quarterfinal weekend in Morocco. Hosts Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and Senegal all booked their places in the last four, setting up two huge semifinal clashes on Wednesday. The host nation will face Nigeria in Rabat, while Senegal takes on Egypt in Tangier in a rematch of the 2021 final. These matchups bring together some of the continent’s most decorated teams and storied footballing traditions.

The quarterfinals delivered pulsating football from start to finish, ending with Egypt’s narrow 3–2 victory over the defending champions Ivory Coast. Mohamed Salah starred for the Pharaohs, scoring the decisive goal and earning acclaim for his clinical finishing and leadership. Egypt’s win not only knocked out the 2023 titleholders but also set up a classic showdown with Senegal.

Nigeria continued their impressive run with a convincing 2–0 win over Algeria. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a well-timed header shortly after halftime and played a key role in Akor Adams’ composed finish. Nigeria’s performance combined physicality and clinical execution, setting up an enticing semifinal clash with tournament hosts Morocco.

Hosts Morocco stamped their authority in front of home fans with a 2–0 win over Cameroon. Brahim Díaz continued his electric form with the opening goal, marking his fifth consecutive game on target in this tournament, while Ismael Saibari added the second to seal the victory. It is Morocco’s first semifinal appearance in over two decades and a statement of intent from Walid Regragui’s side to start a World Cup year.

Senegal completed the semifinal line-up by edging Mali 1–0 earlier in the weekend, demonstrating their trademark defensive organization and tactical discipline. They now await Egypt in what promises to be a tightly contested battle between West African rivals with rich AFCON histories. With momentum on all sides and the continent’s elite now just two wins from the final, it’s an exciting conclusion to what’s been a compelling tournament.

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Major League Soccer is officially in preseason mode as clubs across the United States and Canada begin training ahead of the 2026 campaign, the last full season played under the league’s traditional February-to-December schedule. This year’s buildup carries extra significance as MLS prepares to bridge from its long-standing calendar year format to a new fall-to-spring structure beginning in 2027, a shift designed to align the league with most of the world’s top competitions.

Players and league stakeholders have publicly backed the calendar change, emphasizing how the move will better synchronize MLS with the global soccer calendar. The new schedule will see the regular season kick off in late summer and run through the spring, incorporate a winter break, and culminate with a May postseason. The shift will simplify the transfer market and make MLS a major player in it, reduce conflicts with FIFA international windows, and create a more consistent rhythm for players and clubs alike.

2026 will be run entirely on the familiar timeline, however the break in the summer for the World Cup will mimic the summer break going forward between seasons. Training camps are underway, teams are stepping out onto the training pitch today, clubs are preparing for preseason fixtures, and rosters are shaping up for a campaign that will feature the usual mix of league play, CONCACAF competition, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, and playoffs for the more successful teams.

As MLS enters this transitional moment in its history, the league and its players are focused on making the most of the 2026 season while also setting the stage for what many hope will be a more globally integrated future. The coming months promise both continuity and evolution as the sport’s top flight in North America approaches one of its most consequential changes.

Toronto FC push for Josh Sargent
Toronto FC are in active talks to sign United States men’s national team striker Josh Sargent from Norwich City, with reports indicating an $18 million bid on the table. Norwich manager Philippe Clement insists the club has no intention of selling this window, even as Sargent’s absence from the FA Cup over “transfer things” suggests the situation remains fluid.

San Diego FC move on from Chucky Lozano
San Diego FC confirmed that Hirving “Chucky” Lozano will not be part of the club’s plans for 2026, ending a high-profile experiment just one year in. Despite 11 goals and 11 assists in a record-setting expansion season, the club’s leadership said the decision was made collectively and reflects a broader vision for where the team is headed.

FC Cincinnati sell Luca Orellano to Monterrey FC
Cincinnati have agreed to send winger Luca Orellano to CF Monterrey in a multi-million-dollar transfer, closing the book on a productive two-year spell in MLS. Orellano leaves with 15 goals, 14 assists, and a highlight reel moment as the 2024 MLS Goal of the Year, a fitting legacy for one of the league’s most electric wide players.

Red Bulls deal Daniel Edelman to St. Louis
New York Red Bulls are finalizing a trade that will send academy product Daniel Edelman to St. Louis City, another notable departure during Julian de Guzman’s reshaping of the roster. Edelman’s exit continues a trend of young talent moving on as New York recalibrates its identity ahead of the new season. Edelman should be a better fit under new St. Louis manager Yoann Damet with his skills on the ball in the midfield.

Ricardo Pepi sidelined with broken arm
United States striker Ricardo Pepi is set for around two months on the sidelines after suffering a broken arm while playing for PSV Eindhoven. The injury interrupts a strong run of form and creates a short-term concern for both club and country as competitive fixtures ramp up.

Angel City and Denver make key NWSL moves
Angel City FC strengthened their back line by acquiring United States defender Emily Sams from Orlando Pride in exchange for $650,000 in intraleague transfer funds. Meanwhile, expansion side Denver Summit FC stayed busy by landing Canadian international Janine Sonis and signing highly rated midfielder Yuna McCormack, a college champion and youth national team standout, as they continue to build toward their inaugural NWSL season in 2026.

College stars honored nationally
North Carolina State’s Donavan Phillip and Stanford’s Jasmine Aikey were voted winners of the 2025 Hermann Trophy, recognizing them as the nation’s top male and female college soccer players. Phillip led the Wolfpack with 19 goals en route to the College Cup final, while Aikey scored 21 goals for Stanford and has since signed with Denver Summit FC in the NWSL.

Chicago Stars eye Ryan Field as 2027 home
The Chicago Stars FC have filed with the city of Evanston for permission to make the newly renovated Ryan Field their home starting with the 2027 NWSL season, looking to play there for at least the next several years as they pursue a long-term stadium solution. The move would follow their temporary 2026 tenure at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston and reflects a strategic shift north of Chicago that aligns with strong local support and community interest, including a reported 82 percent favorable response from residents surveyed. Chicago’s plan is to be a tenant at Ryan Field while continuing to pursue a soccer-specific venue of their own, and the proposal is part of a broader push to solidify the franchise’s presence in the region and grow its fan base.

Madison Crews and Sofia Cupertino are on the ground in Marietta today as Atlanta United opens preseason training, bringing you the sights, sounds, and early storylines from day one of year ten. Follow along on our social channels at @soccerdownhere for updates, video, and behind-the-scenes moments as the season officially begins to take shape.

And the conversation continues live this morning on SDH AM, with Jon Nelson hosting starting at 9:05am alongside his usual Monday crew, Abe Gordon from 92.9 The Game and Bart Keeler of the Soccer for US podcast.

Plus, be sure to check the SDH podcast feed for a brand-new Red Clay Soccer Report, as President Luke Pelkowski and Vice President Christian Faulkner stop by to talk about Valdosta FC’s second season in the UPSL, what they learned in year one, how the game is growing in south Georgia, and what excites them most as the club builds on both the men’s and women’s sides in the UPSL.

FA Cup Shock: Macclesfield Stuns Palace
Macclesfield produced one of the great FA Cup shocks by knocking out Crystal Palace, sending a non-league side through at the expense of Premier League opposition. The result underlined everything the competition stands for, with Palace left stunned and Macclesfield handed a night their supporters will talk about for generations.

Wrexham Knock Out Nottingham Forest
Wrexham added another chapter to their growing cup folklore by beating Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, sending the League Two side into the next round at the expense of Premier League opposition. It was another reminder of how dangerous Wrexham can be in knockout football, with their organization and belief once again turning a mismatch on paper into a famous result on the pitch.

Manchester United Crash Out Under Interim Leadership
Managerless Manchester United were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton in a 2–1 defeat at Old Trafford, deepening a miserable week that included the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim. Danny Welbeck’s winner against his former club leaves United out of both domestic cups and staring at another potential trophyless season, with Champions League qualification now the club’s only realistic target for salvaging the campaign.

Brighton Post Loss Despite On-Field Progress
Brighton & Hove Albion reported a £54.4 million loss for the 2024–25 season, driven largely by heavy investment in new players under Fabian Hürzeler and a sharp swing in player trading from profit to loss. Club chairman Tony Bloom stressed that the numbers reflect long-term ambition rather than instability, pointing to strong league finishes for both the men’s and women’s sides and reaffirming Brighton’s goal of becoming a regular contender for European qualification.

McTominay Keeps Napoli in the Title Fight
Scott McTominay scored twice as Napoli showed their resilience in a 2–2 draw away to Inter Milan, coming from behind on both occasions to deny the Serie A leaders a statement win at the San Siro. The result keeps Napoli firmly in the title conversation, three points off second place and refusing to fade despite Inter’s continued grip at the top of the table.

Toluca Start Clausura Strong With Win Over Monterrey
Defending Liga MX champions Toluca opened their Clausura 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Monterrey, thanks to a late goal and a dramatic penalty save that sealed all three points and set a positive tone for their bid at a historic third straight title. Hugo González was the hero in goal, stopping a late Sergio Canales penalty and preserving Toluca’s narrow lead as the Diablos Rojos showed poise on the road despite missing several regular starters. The result keeps momentum on Toluca’s side early in the season and adds intrigue to their quest for a tricampeonato in Mexico’s top flight.

Indian Super League Set to Return After Turbulent Delay
After months of financial uncertainty and legal wrangling, the Indian Super League will kick off its 12th season on February 14, following government intervention that helped stabilize the competition. While the league’s return offers much-needed continuity for top-flight football in India, the challenges remain clear, with sustainability concerns, tight budgets, and governance questions still hanging over a competition that is vital to the country’s long-term football development.

APL Steps In to Steady Central Coast Mariners
The Australian Professional Leagues has taken interim control of the Central Coast Mariners after terminating the club’s participation agreement under current ownership, moving quickly to ensure stability as the season continues. League officials say the focus now is on keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly while an expedited sales process begins to find new, long-term ownership for one of the A-League’s most important community clubs.

As we close out today, it feels right to come back to where we started. A new season for Atlanta United, a new season for Soccer Down Here, and another chance to do this the way we do this. From Barcelona lifting silverware to AFCON reaching its decisive stages, from preseason camps across MLS to stories from every corner of the global game, today is a reminder of why this sport connects so many dots in so many different places.

Most of all, it is a reminder of why this community matters. Whether you have been with us since 2017 or for 17 days, thank you for choosing to spend part of your morning with the SDH Network. If today’s edition gave you something to think about, talk about, or smile about, share it with a friend and invite them into the conversation. That is how this grows, and that is how we keep telling the game’s story together.

Thank you! See you tonight for Soccer Over There at 8pm and tomorrow morning for a new Morning Espresso.

Jason