Soccer

Crystal Dunn (left) celebrates with Alex Morgan after Morgan scored during a friendly match against Japan last year. The World Cup champion team and the U.S. Soccer Federation have settled on a wage deal, ratifying a contract that runs through 2021.

In 'Important Step,' U.S. Women's Soccer Team Reaches New Labor Deal

3:14pm April 06, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

The players' union and U.S. Soccer announced the collective bargaining agreement Wednesday, ending protracted and sometimes bitter negotiations over wages. The deal runs through 2021.

Now, now, we know what you're thinking: How will I ever tell them apart?

Cristiano Ronaldo's New Bronze Bust Is Turning Heads

6:08pm March 29, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

At the dedication of an airport named for the soccer legend, officials unveiled another honor: a bust of his head. The Internet was quick to note that the bust, well, kind of missed its mark.

Former star goalie Bruno Fernandes de Souza, shown in 2012 at his murder trial in Contagem, Brazil, was convicted of ordering his ex-girlfriend's death. He was recently released on a technicality and has been signed by another professional soccer team.

Brazilian Soccer Star, Convicted In Ex-Girlfriend's Murder, Returns To The Sport

6:56pm March 14, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

The team that signed Bruno Fernandes de Souza says he "deserves a new opportunity." Souza, sentenced to 22 years in prison for ordering the 2010 murder, was recently released on a technicality.

Players who headed a lot of balls — an average of 124 in two weeks — were three times more likely to get a concussion compared to soccer players who rarely headed.

With Concussion Risk In Soccer, Headers May Kick It Up A Notch

4:43pm February 01, 2017

by Jessica Boddy

While a large number of the concussions in soccer come from players knocking skulls, heading the ball poses its own threat, a study finds.

U.S. men's national soccer team coach Bruce Arena watches his team during a practice session on Jan. 11, in Carson, Calif. Arena returned to the U.S. team in November to salvage its run for World Cup qualification.

U.S. Men's Soccer Goes Back To The Future With New Coach, New Priorities

4:28pm January 25, 2017

by Tom Goldman

For the first time in decades, the struggling U.S. team may not qualify for next year's World Cup. But the return of Bruce Arena, who led the team to two World Cups, brings hopes of a turnaround.

Queue Listen Now

In the weeks since a former professional soccer player told a British newspaper that as a child, he had been sexually abused for years by a youth coach, several other former players have gone public with similar allegations of abuse by coaches and scouts.

Pedophilia Scandal Sends Shock Waves Through U.K. Soccer

6:59pm December 02, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

After a former pro player went public with allegations he had been sexually abused as a child by a well-regarded coach, a wave of similar reports emerged. One player says he was paid for his silence.

Hanan Abu Qassem is the first female EMT to staff professional soccer games in Gaza.

A First In Gaza: A Female Treats Injured Male Soccer Players

4:59am November 07, 2016

by Lauren Frayer

Hanan Abu Qassem is one of a handful of female emergency medical technicians working at Palestinian soccer games. Stares and jeers don't faze her. "I'm anxious to be a very famous EMT," she says.

Two members of the LA Galaxy took on a team of 30 8-year-olds, in a matchup of (young) age and (soccer) beauty.

Watch 2 Elite Soccer Players Take On A Pack Of 8-Year-Olds

4:22pm September 16, 2016

by Bill Chappell

What happens when two talented 36-year-olds face off against 30 8-year-olds on a soccer field?

Sports

Local Soccer Players Learn From Olympic Stars

10:12am August 08, 2016

by Paul Garber

The 2016 Games are underway in Rio de Janeiro, but some local soccer players didn't have to go to Brazil to get close to Olympics stars.

U.S. women's soccer player Crystal Dunn (in white) contends with Amel Majri of France during their match at Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The U.S. earned a 1-0 victory in the the Group G first-round meeting in the Rio Summer Olympics tournam

U.S. Women Edge France, Passing A Tough Test In Olympic Soccer

6:28pm August 06, 2016

by Bill Chappell

A tense tone dominated with both offenses repeatedly getting the ball into the penalty area. All shots were turned away but one, by American Carli Lloyd.