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For the first time in 2026, it’s officially MLS Matchweek.

Atlanta United opens its 10th season on Saturday in Cincinnati, and we’ll be there to call it live on 92.9 The Game and the Audacy app. Pregame coverage begins at 3:30pm with Abe Gordon and Madison Crews, and Mike Conti and I will have the match call as this next chapter begins.

This week is about more than one opener. It’s about a new season, a milestone year for the club, and the start of another long story Atlanta is writing in MLS.

We’ll be getting you ready all week across the SDH Network and on 92.9 The Game: more Atlanta United at 10 features, a special Atlanta Soccer Tonight on Tuesday from 8–10pm, the return of Training Ground Dispatch on Thursday, and full coverage as players and Tata Martino speak after training on Tuesday and Thursday.

And as always, our mission is simple: provide context.

This is Atlanta United coverage with memory and with perspective.

That’s what we’ll bring all season long: smart coverage, real access, and the connective tissue between the matchday moments and the club’s direction.

The season starts now. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Another weekend in Europe, another round of officiating controversy, and once again the loudest takeaway in some corners was the familiar one: scrap VAR, go back to the old days, accept that referees will get things wrong.

That idea is outdated thinking.

The point of replay technology is simple. We want to get more calls correct. Football does not become fairer by removing the tools that allow officials to fix clear errors. Criticize wrong decisions, absolutely. Criticize poor protocols and inconsistent application, yes. But arguing that VAR should be eliminated entirely is damaging to the game.

User error is not system error.

If referees are inconsistent, that is not proof that video review should disappear. It is proof that the system needs better training, clearer standards, and stronger execution. The answer is to improve the process, not abandon it.

And it is worth remembering how difficult this is for referees, too.

In Serie A this weekend, referee chief Gianluca Rocchi criticized players who “try everything they can to cheat” officials after a controversial Juventus sending off against Inter. He also blamed coaches for making the environment harder rather than helping improve it.

The incident highlighted the limitations that still exist. Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was shown a second yellow for what appeared to be a shirt pull on Alessandro Bastoni. Replays suggested there was no contact, but VAR could not intervene because second yellow cards fall outside its remit.

That is not an argument against review technology. It is an argument for tightening the framework.

The uglier reality is what followed. Bastoni and his family reportedly had to block social media comments after abuse tied to accusations of simulation. Referees are operating in a faster game, under more scrutiny, with more pressure than ever.

This is where the MLS perspective is instructive. American sports have used replay for decades, and the conversation is rarely about abolishing it. It is about getting the process right, improving consistency, and making sure officials have support. The tool is not the enemy. The execution is the challenge.

VAR is not a pursuit of perfection. It is a pursuit of fewer avoidable errors.

Get the system right. Train the officials properly. Apply the standard consistently. Give referees the tools they need.

The answer is not to go backward.

Macclesfield host Brentford tonight with a chance to extend the FA Cup’s best story of the round. After knocking out holders Crystal Palace, the Silkmen are back at Moss Rose with the spotlight still fixed firmly on a sixth tier club that has already delivered the competition’s defining shock.

That Palace win was not a fluke or a lucky moment. Macclesfield earned it. Paul Dawson’s header put them in front, Isaac Buckley Ricketts doubled the lead, and even a late Palace response could not stop the final whistle from confirming one of the great modern giantkillings. Now comes the harder question: can the magic stretch one more night against Premier League opposition again?

What makes this tie so compelling is not just the opponent, but the setting. Moss Rose is not built for spectacle, but for community. A sold out crowd, a town that rarely shouts about itself, and a club that suddenly carries the attention of the entire football country for an evening.

And then the wider story of Macclesfield itself comes into view. John Brewin’s piece in The Guardian captures a place that remains quietly unassuming even in the aftermath of something seismic. The town moves at its own pace, the high street is subdued, the Treacle Market remains the monthly gathering point, and yet football still sits at the heart of its identity.

This is also a club shaped by hardship. The old Macclesfield Town collapsed in 2020, a reminder of how fragile life is in the lower leagues. The reborn Macclesfield FC is not just chasing results, it is rebuilding a civic institution, restoring Moss Rose as a hub and a source of pride.

That is why nights like this matter. The FA Cup belongs to places like Macclesfield, where history, resilience, and hope can converge for 90 minutes. Whether the run ends tonight or not, the Silkmen have already reminded everyone what this competition is supposed to feel like.

FC Dallas add Uruguayan creator Joaquín Valiente
FC Dallas have acquired midfielder Joaquín Valiente from Defensor SC on a long-term deal through 2027-28 with multiple club options beyond that. The 24-year-old brings proven end product, coming off a loan at Barcelona SC where he posted 5 goals and 6 assists in 48 appearances. Valiente also helped Defensor win back-to-back Copa Uruguay titles, giving Dallas another attacking connector with experience across South America.

Minnesota United sign Kyle Duncan in free agency
Minnesota United have signed veteran fullback Kyle Duncan after eight seasons with the New York Red Bulls. Duncan arrives with 166 appearances, a track record of reliability, and championship experience including the 2018 Supporters’ Shield. The Loons see him as a steady defensive piece who raises competition in the back line, and he has also begun earning international looks with Jamaica.

Nashville land Reed Baker-Whiting in major cash trade
Nashville SC have acquired young defender Reed Baker-Whiting from Seattle in a cash-for-player deal reported at $800,000 plus add-ons, with the Sounders retaining a 20% sell-on clause. For Seattle, the move opens a senior roster spot and significant salary cap flexibility, especially with Baker-Whiting still on a U22 Initiative contract. For Nashville, it is a bet on upside and development, with the 20-year-old seen as a long-term successor option at left back despite injuries limiting his minutes so far.

SDH AM is live this morning at 9:05am as we turn the page into MLS Matchweek and a busy week ahead for Atlanta United. Abe Gordon of 92.9 The Game joins us along with Bart Keeler from the Soccer for US podcast to break down the weekend’s stories from around the world.

We’ll also start setting the table for Atlanta’s season opener in Cincinnati, with the first big conversations of the week about what to watch, what matters, and how Year 10 begins.

Chivas edge América in Clasico Nacional
Guadalajara claimed a 1-0 win over Club América in the latest edition of the Liga MX Clasico Nacional, with Armando González scoring the decisive goal in a tense encounter. Chivas held on against late pressure from América to secure pride and three important points in the Clausura standings. The victory continues Chivas’ strong form and their position near the top of the table.

Cruz Azul beat Tigres behind Ibáñez brilliance
Cruz Azul defeated Tigres UANL 2-1 in a dramatic match on Matchday 6, with Nicolás Ibáñez scoring against his former club to help La Máquina into second place in the Clausura standings. The win came in a tight contest that had fans buzzing at Estadio Cuauhtémoc as both teams entered the weekend level on points. Cruz Azul now looks ahead to maintaining momentum while Tigres regroup after falling just short.

Tottenham name Igor Tudor as interim head coach
Tottenham have appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach through the end of the season following the dismissal of Thomas Frank. The 47-year-old brings experience across major European clubs, including Juventus, Marseille, and Lazio, and is viewed as a short-term stabilizer before a full managerial search this summer. Tudor’s first match in charge will be next weekend’s north London derby against Arsenal, a high-pressure debut as Spurs look for immediate consistency.

Nottingham Forest turn to Vitor Pereira
Nottingham Forest have appointed Vitor Pereira as head coach on an 18-month deal through the end of the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese manager replaces Sean Dyche, dismissed after less than four months in charge amid another turbulent campaign at the City Ground. Pereira previously steadied Wolves after arriving in late 2024, though his second season unraveled with a winless league start.

Wrexham reach the fifth round and dream of a glamour tie
Wrexham are into the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in nearly 30 years after Josh Windass’ goal edged Ipswich Town. Phil Parkinson’s side now wait for Monday’s draw, with the possibility of a long-awaited marquee opponent still on the board. The cup run continues to add chapters to Wrexham’s modern rise under new ownership.

Harry Kane hits the 500-goal milestone
Harry Kane reached 500 career goals with a brace in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win at Werder Bremen. He becomes the first Englishman to reach the mark and has done so in 743 matches, faster than Cristiano Ronaldo managed the same milestone. Kane’s scoring pace in Germany remains extraordinary, with 125 goals in 131 appearances for Bayern.

Leipzig slip in the Champions League race
RB Leipzig’s top-four hopes took a hit in a 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg, salvaged only by an 89th-minute equalizer. The result drops Leipzig to fifth, two points behind Stuttgart with 12 rounds remaining. Wolfsburg gained a valuable point in their fight near the bottom.

Lens emerge as PSG’s true Ligue 1 challenger
Lens moved one point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1 after a dominant 5-0 win at Paris FC. Marseille, widely expected to challenge PSG, continue to stumble and now sit 12 points back. Lens are doing it without stars, leaning instead on ruthless teamwork and clinical finishing.

Lyon keep marching in France
Lyon beat Nice 2-0 to consolidate third place in Ligue 1, extending their winning run to eight straight league matches. Corentin Tolisso opened the scoring just before halftime and Noah Nartey sealed it after the break. The next stretch is decisive, with trips to Strasbourg and Marseille looming.

Rayo Vallecano stun Atletico amid protests
Rayo Vallecano beat an understrength Atletico Madrid 3-0 in a match overshadowed by supporter protests against club owner Raul Martin Presa. Fans chanted for Presa to leave after each goal, with anger fueled by complaints over poor infrastructure and conditions. Atletico rotated heavily ahead of Champions League duty and paid the price.

CAF considers expanding AFCON to 28 teams
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the Africa Cup of Nations could expand from 24 to 28 teams, though no timeline was set. Motsepe also reaffirmed the tournament will move to a four-year cycle after 2028. He stressed the need to protect the integrity of African football following major controversies at the 2025 final.

Neymar returns for Santos
Neymar made his return for Santos, playing his first minutes since minor knee surgery in December. He came off the bench in a 6-0 win over Velo Clube as Santos reached the Campeonato Paulista quarterfinals. The 33-year-old is focused on building form in hopes of a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

River Plate’s struggles deepen ahead of Copa Argentina
River Plate’s form crisis continues to raise questions as they prepare for their Copa Argentina tie against Ciudad de Bolívar. Managerial decisions and inconsistent performances have left fans uneasy about the club’s direction. The pressure is mounting on Los Millonarios to find solutions quickly on both tactical and personnel fronts.

Boca Juniors fail to find rhythm against Platense
Boca Juniors could not break down Platense in their latest Primera División clash, leaving a subdued performance and more uncertainty about their offensive identity after a scoreless draw. Without sharpness in the final third, El Xeneize remain in need of cohesion and confidence as the campaign progresses.

Di María delivers as Rosario Central beat Barracas
Rosario Central earned a 2-0 home win over Barracas Central, with Enzo Copetti opening the scoring before Ángel Di María sealed it in stoppage time with a clever chipped finish. The result marked Central’s first home victory of the Apertura campaign and lifted them up the Group B table. Di María’s goal was his third of the season, and afterward he spoke about how much it meant to score again in front of the supporters at the Gigante de Arroyito.

Deportivo Cali stun Atlético Nacional in Colombia
Deportivo Cali defeated Atlético Nacional 1-0 in Liga BetPlay Apertura action, ending Nacional’s unbeaten start to the season with a second-half winner from Juan Ignacio Dinenno. The match was tight and competitive, with both sides creating chances but Cali defending resolutely to hold the narrow lead. The victory gives Cali momentum in their campaign and represents a setback for Nacional as they look to climb the table.

Nacional stun Cerro Porteño in Paraguay
Nacional delivered a statement 2-0 win over Cerro Porteño in the Paraguayan Primera División Apertura at La Nueva Olla, with goals from Sebastián Vargas and Hugo Adrián Benítez. The victory saw Nacional move to the top of the table while snapping Cerro’s momentum and leaving the hosts with questions before their Superclásico with Olimpia. Cerro struggled to break through and couldn’t overturn the deficit despite pressure late in the match.

MLS Matchweek is here, Atlanta United Year 10 begins this weekend, and we’ll be with you all the way through it. From training ground access to matchday coverage, from the big picture to the smallest details, this is what we do best.

Thanks for starting your Monday with Morning Espresso. Join us live on SDH AM at 9:05am, and stay close all week as we build toward Saturday in Cincinnati. The season starts now.

Jason