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The United States Women’s National Team took control of the SheBelieves Cup standings Wednesday night with a 1–0 win over Canada in Columbus, powered by a second-half goal from Ally Sentnor. The 22-year-old forward smashed a half-volley into the net in the 55th minute after Rose Lavelle’s corner slipped through a crowd in the box. The win moves the U.S. to six points from two matches, meaning a draw against Colombia on Saturday would be enough to secure an eighth SheBelieves Cup title.

While the scoreline remained tight, the Americans controlled much of the match. The U.S. outshot Canada 18–6 and forced goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan into several important saves as the pressure gradually mounted. Chances began to build late in the first half, including a long-range effort from Alyssa Thompson that required a full-stretch stop and a close opportunity for Sentnor after she forced a turnover deep in the Canadian penalty area.

Sentnor’s breakthrough early in the second half rewarded that sustained pressure. The young forward has now scored three goals for the United States in 2026 and continues to cement her place in the evolving attack. Head coach Emma Hayes praised the striker’s mentality afterward, noting how she responded to earlier missed chances and maintained relentless pressure on Canada’s defenders throughout the match.

Hayes also highlighted the growing chemistry among the team’s younger players, particularly sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, who combined repeatedly down the flank. Hayes said the pair’s connection and work rate stood out, describing the experience of watching them play together as “so much fun” and praising their professionalism and preparation behind the scenes.

Beyond the individual performances, Hayes emphasized the maturity the team showed in managing a narrow lead. Rather than chasing a second goal recklessly, the United States controlled the final stages of the match and limited Canada’s opportunities. For Hayes, that composure was a sign of a squad that is continuing to develop tactically and emotionally as the next generation grows into larger roles within the program.

The tournament now heads to its final match day Saturday in Harrison, New Jersey, where the United States will face Colombia. A win or draw would secure the trophy, and the night will also include a celebration honoring U.S. legend Tobin Heath.

It is remarkable that the status of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is even a conversation right now. With less than two weeks until the tournament is scheduled to begin on March 17, the Confederation of African Football says it is still working to clarify whether Morocco will host the competition. CAF communications chief Luxolo September acknowledged that the issue has been under discussion for weeks and said the matter is receiving “urgent and high-level attention.”

Morocco has been slated to host the tournament for a third consecutive time, and CAF president Patrice Motsepe reiterated as recently as February that the competition would proceed there as planned. The dates cannot easily change because the tournament also serves as part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Persistent reports that Morocco could withdraw at this late stage have left the tournament’s logistics hanging in the air.

The uncertainty has already triggered frustration elsewhere on the continent. South Africa has previously offered to step in as host, and sports minister Gayton McKenzie publicly criticized Morocco for leaving the status of the competition unresolved this close to kickoff. The tournament was expanded to 16 teams late last year, which increases the logistical challenge and makes the lack of clarity even more concerning for teams and organizers.

All of this raises a larger question about what exactly is happening inside the Moroccan federation at the moment. Reports earlier this week suggested that Walid Regragui could be stepping down as coach of the men’s national team, adding another layer of uncertainty to the country’s football leadership. Morocco has positioned itself as one of the most ambitious hosts in global football, including plans to co-host the 2030 World Cup, yet the current situation leaves observers asking a simple question. What is going on with the Moroccan FA right now?

Arsenal are not trying to win a beauty contest. They are trying to win the Premier League. Their 1–0 victory away to Brighton & Hove Albion will not make a highlight reel, but it might be exactly the type of result that decides a title race.

Statistically, the match bordered on absurd. Arsenal went into halftime with just 0.01 expected goals and somehow led thanks to a speculative effort from Bukayo Saka that slipped past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Brighton created chances and controlled large stretches of the game, including a moment when Carlos Baleba nearly chipped David Raya only for Gabriel Magalhães to clear the ball off the line.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler complained afterward that Arsenal’s approach was “not football,” pointing to time-wasting and gamesmanship as reasons his side struggled to find rhythm. It was a familiar complaint about a team that has become extremely comfortable protecting narrow leads.

Then came the real comedy. Former manager Alan Pardew, who never won a league title in his career at any level, suggested Arsenal should have an “asterisk” next to any title they win because their performances are “functional” and “not beautiful.” Apparently the Premier League trophy now comes with a style guide attached. The table, however, tends to care less about aesthetics and more about points.

And here is the larger context the criticism conveniently ignores. Arsenal are currently seven points clear at the top of the league after Manchester City dropped more points this week, putting the title race firmly in their hands. Even more importantly, Mikel Arteta’s side are still alive in four competitions this season. They are chasing the Premier League while also competing in the Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, meaning a historic quadruple is at least mathematically on the table.

So yes, Arsenal might not be playing the prettiest football every night. But when the team leading England, competing for every trophy available, and arguably performing better than anyone in Europe right now is being criticized by the usual pundit echo chamber, the complaints start to sound less like analysis and more like noise.

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is beginning to spill directly into the soccer world, creating uncertainty around international fixtures and World Cup qualification. Two separate situations this week show how quickly geopolitical instability can affect the global game.

UEFA still plans to stage the Finalissima between Argentina national team and Spain national team on March 27 in Doha despite Iranian missile strikes targeting Qatar. The match between the champions of South America and Europe is expected to feature stars like Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal at Lusail Stadium, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final. UEFA says no alternative venue is currently being considered, though a final decision on whether the game proceeds in Qatar is expected next week.

The conflict is already causing logistical problems elsewhere. Iraq national team could struggle to participate in the inter-confederation playoff in Mexico that will determine the final places at the World Cup. Iraq is scheduled to play the winner of a preliminary tie between Bolivia national team and Suriname national team in Monterrey on March 31, but airspace closures across the region have disrupted travel plans.

Iraq’s federation says head coach Graham Arnold is currently unable to leave the United Arab Emirates while embassy closures are preventing some players and staff from securing visas to travel to Mexico. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are monitoring the situation, another reminder that when global conflict escalates, the ripple effects quickly reach the soccer calendar as well.

Griezmann MLS Move Paused
Antoine Griezmann has reportedly paused discussions about a potential move to Orlando City SC as he focuses on finishing the season with Atletico Madrid. Sources told ESPN that the MLS club wanted the deal completed before the March 26 transfer window deadline, but Atletico’s run to the Copa del Rey final on April 18 has complicated that timeline. Atletico manager Diego Simeone and the club’s leadership are hopeful the French star stays through the campaign for a potential trophy farewell.

USL Championship Season in Doubt
The start of the 2026 USL Championship season remains uncertain as negotiations between the league and the USL Players Association continue over a new collective bargaining agreement. The two sides met for five hours with a mediator this week but remain apart on key issues including compensation, health insurance, and NIL rights. With the season scheduled to begin March 6 in Lexington, the possibility of a player strike still hangs over opening weekend.

Portland Thorns Name New Head Coach
Portland Thorns FC have hired Robert Vilahamn as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming National Women’s Soccer League season. The 43-year-old arrives after managing Tottenham Hotspur Women and previously coaching BK Hacken Women in Sweden. Vilahamn replaces Rob Gale and will lead one of the league’s most successful clubs when Portland opens the season March 13 against Washington Spirit.

FC Cincinnati Plans Stadium Expansion
FC Cincinnati is planning upgrades and expansion to TQL Stadium that would add seating, premium areas, and modernized fan amenities. The club has applied for $136.3 million in state funding as part of a broader $545 million project tied to a major mixed-use development planned next to the stadium. The goal is to keep the venue competitive with newer MLS facilities while expanding opportunities for concerts, international matches, and other events.

SDH AM Today: The morning starts at 9:05 a.m. with Jon Nelson hosting SDH AM. Chris Doran from the Columbus Crew radio network joins in hour one, while hour two features Nino Torres with updates from the Primeira Liga and Niko Moreno of Pulso Sports.

Training Ground Dispatch: Later today we’ll have a new Training Ground Dispatch after Gerardo Martino and Enea Mihaj speak with the media following Atlanta United FC training.

Colombia Edge Argentina in SheBelieves Cup
Linda Caicedo scored the only goal in the 64th minute as Colombia women's national team defeated Argentina women's national team 1–0 in the SheBelieves Cup. The win keeps Colombia alive heading into Saturday’s finale against the United States women's national team in New Jersey.

Matarazzo Leads Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey Final
American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has guided Real Sociedad into the Copa del Rey final less than three months after taking over. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late penalty to secure a 1–0 semifinal win over Athletic Club and a 2–0 aggregate victory.

Marseille Eliminated From French Cup
Olympique de Marseille crashed out of the Coupe de France after losing a penalty shootout to Toulouse FC following a 2–2 draw at Stade Vélodrome. The result continues a difficult stretch for new manager Habib Beye, who has now suffered cup exits with two different clubs this season.

Canada Considering Contract Extension for Marsch
Jesse Marsch and Canada Soccer have begun informal talks about extending his contract ahead of the World Cup. Marsch has impressed federation leaders not only with results but with his involvement in youth development and coaching education across the Canadian system.

Championship Playoffs Expanding to Six Teams
The EFL Championship will expand its promotion playoff field from four teams to six beginning in the 2026–27 season. Under the new format, teams finishing third and fourth advance directly to the semifinals while clubs placed fifth through eighth compete in eliminator matches.

Flamengo Hire Leonardo Jardim
CR Flamengo have appointed Leonardo Jardim as head coach through 2027 after unexpectedly dismissing Filipe Luis. The decision sparked backlash from supporters after the club fired Luís just hours after an 8–0 win in the Rio state championship.

Summer Series Returning to the United States
A preseason Summer Series will bring four English clubs to the U.S. in July with Liverpool FC, Leeds United, Sunderland AFC and Wrexham AFC scheduled to play six matches across the country. The tour will visit Tampa, Nashville, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia as clubs prepare for the 2026–27 season.

Xavi Declines Morocco Job
Xavi has turned down an offer to replace Walid Regragui as coach of the Morocco national team. Reports say the former FC Barcelona manager wanted to bring his own staff while the federation insisted he arrive without them, ending the negotiations.

Juárez Shock América in Liga MX
FC Juarez stunned Club America with a 2–1 victory in Matchday 9 of the Clausura 2026 season. Juárez took an early lead through Jairo Torres, and although Alejandro Zendejas equalized for América in the second half, a stoppage-time goal from Guilherme Castilho sealed the upset.

The defeat is another frustrating result for América, who dominated possession but failed to convert chances and now sit in the middle of the Clausura table rather than among the title contenders. For Juárez, the late winner delivered a major three points and one of the club’s most notable road results of the season.

Monterrey Rout Querétaro
CF Monterrey delivered one of the most dominant performances of Liga MX’s Clausura Matchday 9 with a 4–0 victory over Querétaro FC at Estadio BBVA. The match was largely decided early as Monterrey controlled possession and created the majority of chances on the way to a comfortable win.

Luca Orellano starred with a brace, while Sergio Canales and Jesus Corona also scored as Monterrey overwhelmed the visitors with pace and counterattacks. The result gives Monterrey three points and momentum heading deeper into the Clausura campaign while Querétaro continues to struggle near the bottom of the table.

Inter Bogotá Sign Ian Poveda
Ian Poveda has been announced as a new signing for Internacional de Bogotá, adding European experience to one of the surprise leaders of Colombia’s top division. The 26-year-old winger arrives after his most recent stint with Sunderland AFC and will be playing his first season in Colombian domestic football.

Born in London but eligible for Colombia internationally, Poveda developed through elite academies including Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City before building his professional career in England. His arrival strengthens an Inter Bogotá side that has surged to the top of the Liga BetPlay table early in the 2026 season.

RWDM Deducted Points Over Debt to Forge FC
RWDM Brussels have been docked three points after failing to repay outstanding debts related to the transfer of Canadian forward Kwasi Poku from Forge FC. The move was a record deal for the Canadian Premier League, reportedly worth around $800,000 CAD, but the Belgian club has not completed the required payments.

RWDM are part of the multi-club group Eagle Football Holdings led by John Textor, whose network of clubs has faced repeated scrutiny over financial and governance issues. The situation around RWDM has become another example of the instability surrounding the group’s operations, and the club says it plans to appeal the sanction while attempting to resolve its financial obligations.

Thursday’s news cycle offered a reminder of how wide the soccer world’s lens can be on any given day.

On the field, the United States women's national team took a big step toward another SheBelieves Cup title with a win over Canada women's national team, powered by Ally Sentnor’s breakthrough moment and a young group continuing to grow into bigger roles under Emma Hayes.

Across the Atlantic, Arsenal keep grinding their way toward what could be a historic season. The aesthetics might not impress everyone, but the points continue to pile up. When you are leading the title race and competing on multiple fronts, the complaints from the usual pundit echo chamber start to sound a lot like background noise.

At the same time, the broader world continues to intrude on the game. The escalating conflict in the Middle East is already affecting international matches and travel, while uncertainty around tournaments and qualification shows how fragile the global calendar can be when geopolitics intervene.

And as always, the sport keeps moving everywhere else. From MLS transfer rumors involving Antoine Griezmann to labor negotiations in the USL Championship and infrastructure plans around FC Cincinnati, the ecosystem continues to evolve.

That is the game today. Local, global, political, commercial, and competitive all at once.

And tomorrow morning, we do it again with another Espresso. ☕⚽

Jason