After a wild offseason, this week marks the start of the 2019 MLS season. In its 23rd year, the league will have 24 teams, with FC Cincinnati joining the fray. D.C. United host Atlanta United to kick off their season, while the first legs of the Coppa Italia semifinals take place during the week. Oh, and there was a player mutiny on the field during the Carabao Cup Final between Manchester City and Chelsea.
Here are the links of what we've been reading and watching over the weekend:
2019 DC United Preseason Preseason & Training - FloFC: With Flo and United partnering up this year, we have been with United all during the preseason to bring you content. Here are all the videos from January and February, including interviews with Ben Olsen, Wayne Rooney, and a couple of the new faces on the team.
D.C. United Fail Last Preseason Test With 3-0 Loss To Montreal Impact - FloFC: United's preseason preparation didn't end on a high note against the Impact. The first half was poor from the Black-and-Red, and while there was a bit more promise to start the second half, that promise quickly faded away, as the Impact scored twice to provide the final scoreline. Don't read too much into the preseason results, but that's not the performance the Black-and-Red were looking for.
Transfer records, new DPs and more: What you missed this MLS offseason - MLSsoccer.com: A quick rundown of everything that has gone on during the long MLS offseason. The league is still trying to find its place in the global soccer scene, and even within the sports market in the US and Canada, but each year seems to provide more and more storylines, and 2019 seems no different.
Fiorentina score with 101st-minute penalty to draw with Inter Milan - ESPN FC: Fiorentina host Atalanta on Wednesday in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals. There might not be any drama left after their secured a point against Inter on Sunday with a late, late penalty on a controversial call. A penalty was called and upheld on a video review, much to the chagrin of Inter. Jordan Veretout calmly slotted home the penalty in the 101st minute, capping off a game in which Fiorentina took the lead in the 1st minute off an own goal by Stefan de Vrij.
Gennaro Gattuso, Krzysztof Piatek Are Leading The AC Milan Revolution - FloFC: On the other side of the bracket, AC Milan travel to face Lazio in the other Coppa Italia Semifinal. Milan haven't had their hands on meaningful silverware since they won Serie A in 2011. With club legend Gennaro Gattuso at the helm, and new signing Krzysztof Piatek scoring at will, AC Milan have a great chance at winning the cup for the first time since 2003.
Back On Track At Marseille, Does Balotelli Have A Future With The Azzurri? - FloFC: The career of Italian striker Mario Balotelli has had plenty of highs and lows. Since joining Marseille in January, Balotelli has quickly made his mark, scoring three goals in his first four games.
And finally, here's a wild season from Sunday's Carabao Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester City. Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga seemed to get injured late in extra time, right before the game was to go to penalties. Manager Maurizio Sarri got ready to send in Willy Caballero, until Kepa furiously waved off the sub. It was a moment of madness, the likes of which have never really been seen before. Kepa won that battle, but City claimed the cup by winning in penalties.
? - Have you EVER seen anything like it!?
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 24, 2019
Maurizio Sarri tries to substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga for Willy Caballero, but Kepa refuses to come off and Sarri is absolutely FURIOUS! ? pic.twitter.com/Q81v6ry3Kk