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The race to win the MLS Cup is well and truly on, but which teams are looking strong, and whose hopes of a title are slipping away?

The 2023 MLS Playoffs are upon us, and the field this year feels as open as ever. There's no obvious winner, for sure, and, in a league defined by chaos, there will be plenty of teams feeling like they have a chance at winning silverware in early December.

Last year's champions, LAFC, are involved after winning arguably the best MLS Cup final we've ever seen. They'll face the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference finale, with the U.S. Open Cup winners looking to complete an unthinkable run to another finale. Their opponents in 2022, the Philadelphia Union, are now out, leaving the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati to duke it out for Eastern Conference supremacy

But who are the favorites, who are the dark horses and which teams should start looking toward next year already? GOAL has you covered…

Getty Images4Houston Dynamo ⬆️

Even in getting this far, you have to admit Ben Olsen has worked wonders with this team. His hiring was criticized by some but, since arriving, Olsen has led the Dynamo to a U.S. Open Cup title and, now, a spot in the Western Conference finals. They topped Sporting KC to get there, just edging out a win thanks to a goal off a set piece.

The goal came from Franco Escobar and it came from a fantastic ball in from Hector Herrera. The Mexican midfielder has been rejuvenated since the start of the season, and the Dynamo's supporting cast has reflectively followed the example their captain has provided them.

They're lacking star power, sure, but this Dynamo team clearly knows how to play knockout soccer, although they'll likely be big underdogs when they face last season's MLS Cup winners on the road in the conference finale.

Next match: at LAFC (12/2)

AdvertisementGetty3Columbus Crew ⬆️

It wasn't easy and it required all 120 minutes, but the Crew escaped Exploria Stadium with the result they needed.

The Crew took down Orlando City, 2-0, in Florida, making something of a statement to move on in the Eastern Conference. Winning on the road is no easy task, particularly in the playoffs, and the Crew hadn't been a great road team all season long. No matter, though, as everything came together for them to take down the Lions.

After a Christian Ramirez finish to open extra time, Cucho Hernandez scored another goal, his fourth of the playoffs, as he remains arguably the most dangerous weapon left in these playoffs. There may not be a striker in MLS you'd take over him and, fortunately for the Crew, he's peaking at the right time.

With the Colombian firing and the pieces around him all playing their part, the Crew are as dangerous as can be. They'll need to be road warriors once again at FC Cincinnati next round but, with a win over Orlando in their back pocket, they'll feel just fine about their chances.

Next match: vs FC Cincinnati (12/2)

Getty Images2LAFC ↔️

It wasn't a typical LAFC performance that got them here. Last season's MLS Cup champions were an attacking behemoth, one that often brought Gareth Bale, of all people, off the bench. And, on their best days, LAFC can still be that. They do have Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela still, after all.

And it was Bouanga that provided the only goal LAFC required, as they ground out a win in Seattle to return to the Conference Finals. Playing in Seattle, Bouanga's goal was all him, although you could argue that the Sounders didn't show him nearly enough respect to close him down. His run down the left-hand side proved unstoppable, with his shot beating Stefen Frei to give LAFC the only goal they'd need.

From there, LAFC proved they can play a bit of bunker ball, conceding 70 percent of possession. They never folded, though, and their MLS Cup defense will continue because of that.

Next match: vs Houston Dynamo (12/2)

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USA Today Sports 1FC Cincinnati ↔️

They made everyone sweat a little bit with a grueling penalty shootout in the first round. And then they did it again in the conference semifinals, waiting until the last possible moment to make it happen. The Supporters' Shield winners did, in fact, make it happen, though, as their march toward MLS Cup continues.

MLS Defender of the Year candidate Yerson Mosquera scored a last-gasp winner, as FC Cincinnati squeaked out a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union. They did so without the actual MLS Defender of the Year, Matt Miazga, who was suspended for this one but will be back for the Conference Final vs the Columbus Crew.

The Supporters' Shield winners remain the clear favorites and, having survived this massive test against last season's Eastern Conference champions, they'll be a bit more battle-hardened as they march into a Hell is Real derby.

Next game: vs Columbus Crew (12/2)

The 22-year-old striker has already proven herself a star in the NWSL, and she's now putting on a show on the global stage in New Zealand

When it comes to the United States women's national team, Alex Morgan's words carry weight. She's a two-time World Cup winner, after all, one of the most famous and feared strikers this sport has ever seen. When Morgan says something the world takes notice.

And, if you've been following along, Morgan had plenty to say about Sophia Smith. Not so much 'plenty' as in quantity of words, but more as in what those words mean.

"She's THAT girl." Morgan's post-game tweet was, of course, referring to Smith, the player that was the star of the show in the USWNT's World Cup-opening win over Vietnam. Two goals and an assist in her World Cup debut wasn't bad for a player who is just 22 years old and, scarily enough, still getting better.

Smith headed to the World Cup as a young player poised for a breakout, or already in the midst of one depending on how you look at things. She's emerged as one of the NWSL's best players, if not the best, and is now taking her game to the global stage.

Just one game into the World Cup, it isn't crazy to say that the USWNT's World Cup hopes may rest on the shoulders of Smith, a player that, despite her age, has the ability to lead this team from the front. At 22, Smith has the chance to cook up something special at the World Cup and everything she's shown so far indicates that she will.

She is THAT girl, after all…

Please enable Javascript to view this contentGetty ImagesRapid rise

If you haven't followed Smith's rise, it can be simplified pretty quickly: she's ridiculously good. A top performer in college at Stanford, Smith was drafted first overall in the 2020 NWSL Draft. It was in 2022, though, that her breakout truly began, as Smith almost instantly went from young prospect to superstar.

NWSL MVP, NWSL champion and U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year were all accolades that Smith picked up in 2022. She scored 18 goals for the Portland Thorns to lead them to that NWSL title, all the while scoring 11 in 17 to emerge as a USWNT regular. By the time the year came to a close, it wasn't about Smith would be headed to the World Cup, but rather how much damage she would do there.

Just one game in, she's already done some damage, leading the U.S. past an overmatched Vietnam.

AdvertisementGettyWorld Cup debut

We'll get the obvious caveat out of the way early: yes, this was Vietnam, a team the U.S. was supposed to beat, supposed to dominate, really. The win was dominant to an extent, but a bit of a letdown at times. However, there was no letup in Smith's performance.

The USWNT forward, starting on the left-hand side, contributed to all three girls in the 3-0 win. The first saw her latch on to an Alex Morgan assist before rifling a shot to the back post. The second came just before half-time as Smith narrowly beat the offside trap to make it 2-0. And then the third, which saw Smith tee up captain Lindsey Horan to put the game beyond any doubt.

"I don't usually get nervous, but I was nervous," Smith admitted post-game. "I was nervous before this game." If that was a nervous Smith, the U.S. will be in a pretty good place once she calms herself down.

"I felt good," Smith she continued. "It was good to just get a game under my belt. I was feeling all the emotions going into it and not really knowing what to expect. So to start off on a good note, it feels good and it makes me just more excited for the next game."

GettyMeaningful celebration

Adding to the emotions of it all was a special moment for Smith, who honored a late team-mate after her second goal in the opener. Katie Meyer, who tragically died from suicide last year, played alongside Smith, as well as USWNT team-mate Naomi Girma, at Stanford. Meyer rose to fame in 2019 after making a title-winning save in a penalty shootout.

In the year since Meyer's tragic passing, Smith and Girma have made sure to honor their friend and team-mate, with both speaking out to promote and increased focus on mental health.

"That was for Katie," Smith said after the win. "Nai and I talked about it before the game. We were like, 'What can we do for Katie?' It was pretty iconic what she did in the College Cup, and we just want to honor her in every way."

"With a lot of players, us included, speaking out on mental health, we see this as an opportunity to shed light on a lot of things that are important to us," Girma added. "That's been something that's been at the core of this team for so long and for us to come in now and carry on that legacy is something that's really important to us."

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So good it's scary

Smith's rise from up-and-comer to star really began before the USWNT landed down under. She's already becoming the next face of this national team. She was the subject of one of a series of Nike commercials promoting the World Cup, with Smith's, in particular, going viral on social media.

In the commercial, Smith is depicted as some sort of horror villain who, behind her smile, is out to terrorize defenders. It's what she does best, after all. Anyone who has seen her play over the last year or so know what she does to anyone in her way.

As things stand, Smith is likely the USWNT's best pure goalscorer. Morgan's role has evolved in recent years, with the veteran striker dropping a bit deeper to facilitate. Trinity Rodman, meanwhile, is a dangerous weapon out wide, whose pace should open up even more space for the other two in the attack to operate.

So far, Smith is one of four players to score multiple goals at this World Cup, joining Brazil's Ary Borges, Germany's Alexandra Popp and Japan's Hinata Miyazawa. She's already being asked about a potential Golden Boot, too, just one game into the tournament.

“I tell everyone: I want to win a World Cup," she replied, "and whatever comes with that comes with that."

It's been 25 years since Jamaica was truly on the world stage, but the team's Gold Cup run has them looking ready for a return to the big tournaments

By the time the 2026 World Cup comes around, it'll have been 28 years since Jamaica experienced their one and only appearance on that massive stage. 28 long years, some worse than others. They've seemingly always been right there, always ready to take the leap and seal their spot once again but, for one reason or another, something always went wrong.

This time around it feels different. It's early in the 2026 World Cup cycle and much can change between now and qualifying. But, if you're looking to feel smart over the next three years, start buying stock in the Reggae Boyz, because it seems like it's only up from here.

Jamaica have emerged as the most interesting team in the ongoing CONCACAF Gold Cup, having gone unbeaten on their run to the semifinals. It's a tournament that has, unfortunately, taken on less importance for some of the region's heavy-hitters in recent years given the rise of the Nations League, leaving Jamaica to take advantage and make a real run.

The Reggae Boyz are no leftovers, though. This is a team with real talent and a real purpose. Led by several household names from the Premier League, this Jamaica team has evolved massively over the last several years, putting them in a position to become one of CONCACAF's main powers.

Last cycle, it was Canada that emerged, finally making good on their country's vast potential to seal a World Cup spot. This cycle, all signs point to that being Jamaica, as the Reggae Boyz look destined to make noise on the road to 2026 and beyond.

Getty ImagesRecent history

For some time, Jamaica have felt like a 'nearly' team. They've had the ability to go toe-to-toe with some of CONCACAF's powerhouses but, when push came to shove, the Reggae Boyz always seemed to fall just short.

Their biggest moments came in the 2015 and 2017 Gold Cups, as they booked their place in the final both times. In 2015, they defeated the U.S. men's national team in the semis before being beaten by Mexico 3-1 in the final. Two years later, they were back on the same stage after getting semifinal revenge on El Tri, only to fall to the U.S. courtesy of a last-gasp Jordan Morris winner.

Those final appearances, though, gave the Reggae Boyz hope heading into 2022 World Cup qualifying. However, they fell flat on their faces, failing to win any of their first six games in the Octagonal to knock themselves out of the race to Qatar.

For years, the talent has been there with Jamaica, headlined by several MLS stars. Andre Blake, the Philadelphia Union star and Reggae Boyz captain, has long been one of the best goalkeepers in the region. Alvas Powell, Kemar Lawrence, Darren Mattocks and Cory Burke have also proven themselves as good MLS players.

The tide, though, has begun to turn as Jamaica have brought in a new class of player in recent years, with several familiar faces making the decision to represent the Reggae Boyz at international level.

AdvertisementGettyBig time recruits

For years, the USMNT have been hailed as the best recruiters in the region, having secured commitments from a number of young stars. But Jamaica has been right up there with them when it comes to convincing dual nationals to represent them.

Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Ethan Pinnock… all Premier League regulars, all Jamaica stars. Each of the above spent their formative years in England, and several even earned youth caps for the Three Lions, but, in search of international football, they have found a home in Jamaica.

“When you grow up playing in England and in the England system, it’s easy to think that’s all there is – but it’s not," Gray recently told the Athletic. “There’s a lot more to football, and sitting down with the Jamaica manager widened my eyes and made me see how I can really try to help the nation and bring my skills and experience to Jamaica.

“Being a Premier League player, I want to bring what I’ve learned and my leadership skills to that level of football. Hopefully, I can help.”

Antonio is likely the most famous of that bunch, with the West Ham star immediately becoming a key figure upon committing in 2021. His arrival was seen as a seminal moment for Jamaica, with Antonio having already proven himself as a top Premier League player throughout nearly a decade in the English top flight.

“One thing with the Jamaican team is that there’s a lot of potential, there’s a lot of quality and people are starting to turn up," Antonio said this summer. "We’ve got a few Premier League players now with Demarai Gray, Bobby Reid, myself, Ethan Pinnock and Leon Bailey. It’s not just the Premier League players. [Andre] Blake has been goalkeeper for the year, for the last few years, in America, so it’s a good squad being built."

Antonio can't do it on his own, but, as he said, he doesn't have to. Leon Bailey is a regular for Aston Villa, while Gray, a former England U21 international, committed to the team this June and has already made a splash.

JFF President Michael Ricketts has confirmed that the federation plans on going after more English-raised dual nationals in the years to come, telling Sportsmax TV in Jamaica in 2021: “Looking at the list I see Andre Gray, I see Demarai Gray, I see Isaac Hayden – who himself called the JFF to express his desire.

“Mason Holgate, Liam Moore – who has actually acquired his Jamaican passport – Nathan Redmond, Kemar Roofe and Ivan Toney. All of these are in the process of acquiring their Jamaican passport.”

The federation did miss out on perhaps its biggest target, Jamaica-born Raheem Sterling, although that one was probably never realistic given his prospects for England. However, there are clearly plenty of stars abroad capable of lifting the level of the Reggae Boyz, although the federation has learned the importance of picking the right ones in recent years.

GettyChemistry issues

During qualification for the 2022 World Cup, FIFA produced a series called "Captains", where they followed the likes of Thiago Silva and Luka Modric as they captained their sides on the road to Qatar.

Blake, too, was featured, with Jamaica offering an inside look into the qualification process. We now know that campaign was doomed, although it still feels like it should never have gone as poorly as it did.

With so much talent, Jamaica should be among the teams pushing for one of those two four spots in CONCACAF, but they finished a distant fifth behind Costa Rica during qualifying. The documentary offered a glimpse into chemistry issues, which seemingly centered around one familiar face: Ravel Morrison.

The ex-Manchester United man committed to Jamaica in 2020, making his debut in November of thar year. He has earned 18 caps but, in a clip from that FIFA documentary, it seems like he struggled to integrate himself into the Reggae Boyz squad.

"We have one big problem, one somebody that wreaks havoc," Blake said. "One. He talks the talk and says, 'On the ball, I'm Messi'. I said 'No, you do the most'. He steps on the pitch and there are two men around him and Antonio is right there, and he tries to shoot the ball. I said: 'Just make it simple! You see all this but you don't do what you say.' I say that to him, and he tries talking back and I got mad because, if nobody can talk to you, don't talk to nobody, but he talks the most on the field!

"Don't tell me you know how to do it. You're only going to get me mad. You're trying to fix everybody else. If you want to fix it, look in the mirror."

Morrison has remained a part of the team, earning three caps this year before being left off the Gold Cup roster due to his club situation. The midfielder is currently not playing, having been removed from D.C. United's plans for this season.

In stark contrast, the chemistry at the Gold Cup seems to be at an all-time high, with a video of Blake leading the team in the performance of John Legend's "All of Me" going viral early in the tournament.

“I think there are bits and pieces that are falling into place," said assistant coach John Wall, "and I think we are becoming even more and more unified in our ways and how we want to win games and how we want to perform overall. That’s generally my impression, so far, being in the bubble as I am."

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GettyGold Cup so far

Led by their group of Premier League stars, Jamaica have emerged as legitimate candidates to win this Gold Cup.

They drew with the USMNT 1-1 in the opening game, although they will feel they should have won. A late goal scored by Brandon Vazquez robbed the Reggae Boyz of a statement win, but it certainly hasn't slowed them down.

No, Jamaica have blasted all in their way since, crushing Trinidad & Tobago 4-1 before smashing Saint Kitts & Nevis 5-0 to finish second in the group on goal difference. In the quarterfinal, they took down Guatemala, booking themselves a date with Mexico, and a chance to make another statement against a powerhouse.

All of this has been done without Antonio getting on the scoresheet. Gray leads the team with two goals, with the Everton man one of nine different players to find the back of the net during their four-game run.

"I don't mind who scores the goals and honestly, he doesn't as well," head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said. "I'm not worried about that. [Antonio] gives a lot of energy and opponents surround him so he opens space for others.

"When you have players that can score goals as we have — there are a lot of goals in our wingers, there's a goal in 'Whisper' [Dujuan Richards] when he comes in, Kaheem [Parris] scored, well it was an own goal, so we have a lot of goals in the wingers and we have Shamar [Nicholson], Cory [Burke], and Antonio as strikers, so there are a lot of goals in the Jamaica national team."

He continued: "When you have a quality player next to a quality player, it kind of helps both of them. It is nothing that we did as a coaching staff. It's just the simple things, don't complicate things when you have quality players like that. Their individual skills will take care of the details."

The match against Mexico will be tough, but it'll be one Jamaica will feel they can win, having proven they're capable even before this tournament of going toe-to-toe with the region's elite.

Manchester City and England star Chloe Kelly has revealed all in a heartwarming interview taken by a group of young school children.

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Kelly gets interviewed by childrenTalks favourite hobby, idols and youthLooks ahead to key title race clashGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The England star has answered a series of quick-fire questions from school children in collaboration with the PlayStation Schools' Cup, where she revealed who she looks up to, her favourite way to unwind and how she initially got involved with football during her younger years.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT KELLY SAID

Kelly was asked a series of questions by the child, with the first one being what has been the best piece of advice she has received, to which she replied: "Be yourself." The next question asked which players for Man City were best on EA FC 24 and Kelly said: "Sandy Maciver. She's a player."

Another student asked if she was a part of any school clubs during her time in education, where Kelly said: "I played in the boy's football team and the girl's football team. Any opportunity to play, I was there." One questioned how old she was when she started playing, where she added: "From the minute I could walk, I had the ball at my feet but I didn't join a team until I was about eight or nine."

When asked about how she chooses to relax, Kelly revealed her dogs play a major role. "I just chill with my dogs." She then went on to answer who she looks up to as the last question, where she stated: "I look up to my parents. They paved the way to allow me to achieve my dreams. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR KELLY?

Man City currently sit second in the Women's Super League table, three points behind league leaders Chelsea. The two sides will face-off in their next fixture on Friday evening, in a clash that could play a major role in the title race this season.

At the halfway point of the 2020-21 campaign, Goal evaluates how the game's top summer signings are getting on

At the end of a coronavirus-hit transfer window, Goal catalogued the biggest deals around Europe. Now, as we reach 2021, it's time to take a look at how those signings are faring for their new clubs. Getty20Nelson Semedo | Barcelona to Wolves | £27.5m/$35m

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi hailed the arrival of a "world-class player from a world-class club" when they took advantage of Barcelona's financial problems to land Nelson Semedo during the off-season.

The versatile Portugal right-back, who can also play on the wing, is already a first-team regular at Molineux, but fans may have been expecting a bit more from Semedo, an attack-minded player who has yet to register a single goal or assist, and created just nine chances.

At the halfway point of the season, Semedo does not look like an adequate replacement for Matt Doherty, who joined Tottenham in August.

AdvertisementGetty19Ollie Watkins | Brentford to Aston Villa | £28m/$36m

Eyebrows were raised when Aston Villa broke their transfer record to take Ollie Watkins out of the Championship, but the 24-year-old striker is already looking like an inspired signing.

Watkins has scored eight goals in all competitions, including a fine hat-trick in a sensational 7-2 rout of Premier League champions Liverpool, and is now being touted as a future England international.

Getty Images18Francisco Trincao | Braga to Barcelona | £28.3m/$37m

Barcelona announced the signing of Francisco Trincao back in January, but the move did not become official until July 1.

In a sense, the Blaugrana are still waiting for the Portugal international to truly arrive at Camp Nou. Trincao has made 19 appearances in all competitions but has no goals and just one assist to his name.

In the winger's defence, he has been afforded just four starts by Ronald Koeman and, at 21, he still has time to prove his worth. However, it is worth noting that the Pedri has made a much bigger impact in Catalunya this season and is three years younger than Trincao…

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Getty17Hakim Ziyech | Ajax to Chelsea | £33.5m/$44m

Chelsea moved quickly to snap up Hakim Ziyech, agreeing a deal with Ajax for the Morocco international shortly after January transfer window shut.

His debut was then delayed by an injury picked up in pre-season, but the attacking midfielder proved to be worth the wait, scoring two goals on his first two starts for the Blues.

However, Ziyech has been once again sidelined with a hamstring problem and his return cannot come soon enough for under-pressure manager Frank Lampard, as Chelsea just do not look anything like as threatening without their chief creator on the pitch.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly ranted at Raheem Sterling last season in an "embarrassing" dressing room incident, as he urged the winger to improve.

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Sterling was targeted by owner Chelsea paid £50m ($63m) for England winger Has struggled to hit top form at Stamford Bridge WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a new report from the Telegraph, Boehly stormed into the dressing room last April, after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Brighton at Stamford Bridge, and made a beeline for Sterling. He both told the squad that they were in "embarrassing" shape, and also told Sterling that he was a world-class player who needed to bring more to the table in terms of his form and leadership.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sterling is said to have taken the criticism well, accepting that Boehly was within his rights to give him his opinion, and has been receptive to feedback throughout his time at Stamford Bridge. However, his form has been patchy since he arrived from Manchester City, scoring 16 goals and registering 12 assists in 68 games. That amounts to a goal contribution every 0.4 games.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Sterling has not scored for Chelsea in the Premier League since November, when the Blues lost 4-1 to Newcastle. He has provided three assists since then, but one has to think that boss Mauricio Pochettino is expecting more from the Three Lions star.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Sterling will next be in action for Chelsea against former club City on Saturday. The 10th-placed Blues could climb as high as eighth if they win.

A Cristiano Ronaldo lookalike has been turning heads in Riyadh, with locals being treated to photo opportunities and a ‘Siuuu’ goal celebration.

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Portuguese superstar in the Middle EastShowing no sign of slowing down at 39Saudi supporters loving the CR7 showWHAT HAPPENED?

The real CR7 is unlikely to go walking the streets of Saudi Arabia by himself, as he would be mobbed by starstruck fans the moment that he stepped out of his front door. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner boasts a level of celebrity that means he has to carefully plan and monitor his movements.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

He would not go out wearing a ‘Ronaldo 7’ jersey either if he were to decide to stretch his legs during a break in playing duties. His doppelganger needs to attract attention somehow, though, and a bright yellow Al-Nassr shirt will help to catch the eye.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Turkish native Gokmen Akdogan is the man in question, with a career being made from bearing some resemblance to Portuguese superstar Ronaldo. He has been out on the streets of Riyadh posing for selfies and entertaining those that found themselves asking: “Is that him?”

The Real Madrid striker claimed his first Golden Ball in Paris on Monday after a remarkable 2021-22 season for both club and country.

And there you have it – Karim Benzema, Ballon d'Or 2022 winner.If that has come as a shock to you, then where have you been the past 12 months?

Benzema's prize is thoroughly well deserved after a 2021-22 season that saw him cement his status as one of the best centre-forwards of his generation, and a Real Madrid icon.

He won three trophies over the course of the campaign, including a La Liga-Champions League double, while he was also instrumental in France winning the UEFA Nations League.

A leader through both his weight of personality and his on-field performances, Benzema was, in the end, the run-away winner in the Ballon d'Or vote.

But how did he do it? GOAL tells the story of one of the best individual seasons of the past few years…

Getty ImagesAugust

With uncertainty surrounding the Santiago Bernabeu following the slightly surprising summer appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as manager, Madrid needed to get off to a good start, and Benzema helped ensure they did just that.

He scored twice, including the Blancos' first goal of the campaign, in their season-opening 4-1 win away at Alaves, though they did drop points the following week against Levante.

Benzema provided two assists in that 3-3 draw, and backed that up by crossing for Dani Carvajal to score the only goal of the game against Real Betis to round out the month.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSeptember

After beginning the month with three goalless games for France, Benzema returned to Madrid having gone five matches without finding the net for club and country.

He soon put that right, though, netting a hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Celta Vigo to kickstart a month that saw him score seven times in six September matches.

That included a double against Mallorca that helped bring up his 200th league strike for Madrid, while he also provided a clutch of assists that put him on a record-breaking pace in La Liga.

No player had ever previously had 15 direct goal involvements in the first six games of a Spanish top-flight season, but Benzema was only just getting started.

Getty ImagesOctober

October proved to be a quieter month in front of goal for Benzema in Madrid colours, as he netted just twice in four outings, but it was the month that provided him with his first piece of silverware of the season.

The striker netted in both the semi-finals and final of the Nations League, against Belgium and Spain respectively, as France came from behind both times to lift the trophy in Italy.

His partnership with Kylian Mbappe was clearly blossoming at international level, and that left Madrid fans dreaming of what the pair could produce together if paired together in the Spanish capital.

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Getty ImagesNovember

To underline just how ridiculous Benzema's 2021-22 season was, November felt like one of his quieter months, and yet he still managed to score eight goals in seven games for club and country.

That included both goals in a 2-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk and strikes in narrow league victories over Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla at either end of the month.

He ended November by narrowly missing out on a podium finish in the 2021 Ballon d'Or race, ranking fourth behind Jorginho, Robert Lewandowski and six-time winner Lionel Messi.

Alex Morgan was not affected by her sudden change in shirt number as she went on to put an end to her 10-game goal drought for the United States.

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Morgan ends goal droughtUSWNT thrash Dominican Republic Up and running at Gold CupWHAT HAPPENED?

The iconic forward came off the bench to help the USWNT to a 5-0 win against Dominican Republic in their opening game of the W Gold Cup. Morgan scored a late penalty 25 minutes after coming off the bench in a comfortable victory. It is her first goal for the national team since the SheBelieves Cup game against Brazil last year.

AdvertisementWHAT MORGAN SAID

Morgan was sporting an unfamiliar shirt number as she came off the bench. The 34-year-old usually dons the No. 13 jersey for the USWNT but had to switch to No. 7 for the W Gold Cup after being called up late to the squad.

She posted an image of the jersey on social media before the game, writing: "Yes, this feels as weird as it looks."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Morgan was initially left out of the squad for the inaugural edition of the competition. She was drafted in to replace Mia Fishel after the Chelsea star was ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury in an unfortunate blow for the rising star. Due to her late arrival, Morgan's usual No. 13 shirt went to 18-year-old Olivia Moultrie, who scored twice in the match, forcing the veteran to take another number.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR USWNT?

Two-time World Cup winner Morgan will hope to help fire the national team to a second win in the W Gold Cup when they take on Argentina later in the week, before they round off the group stage with a match against Mexico.

Les Parisiens have serious issues at the back to address, something they showed in their first loss of the Ligue 1 season

Paris Saint-Germain were hit on the break three times, and, despite the heroics of Kylian Mbappe, failed to salvage a point in a disappointing home loss to Nice. Mbappe scored twice, but PSG's calamitous transition defending muted his efforts, as the Parisians fell 3-2.

The home side had the majority of the possession in the early goings but they couldn't find the net — and were punished by a more opportunistic away side. Terem Moffi provided the Nice goal, benefitting from a scramble inside the PSG box to poke the ball into the bottom corner with Gianluigi Donnarumma static. It was almost two shortly after, but Donnarumma made a full-length stop to deny Khephren Thuram's long-range effort.

Mbappe offered the PSG response, whipping the ball into the back of the net from outside the box. He was inches away from adding a second before the break, lashing a shot just wide of the post.

Nice went ahead once again in the second half, with Moffi shifting around a lunge from Danilo Pereira before feeding Gaetan Laborde, who couldn't miss at the back post. The striker bagged Nice's third 10 minutes later, evading two defenders before curling a fine effort into the bottom corner.

But Mbappe gave PSG life, guiding a volley past the keeper with five minutes to play. However, a third never came, and the Parisians were left frustrated in their first loss of the 2023-24 campaign.

GOAL rates PSG's players from Parc des Princes…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

Almost gave away a goal early on after a blunder at the back. Made an excellent save to deny Thuram. Couldn't really do anything about any of the three goals.

Achraf Hakimi (6/10):

Assisted Mbappe's equaliser after a neat run. Wasn't very effective in shutting down Moffi, who ran riot in the channel between him and Pereira.

Danilo Pereira (5/10):

Preferred to Marquinhos, who was late returning from international duty. Made to look silly in the run up to Nice's second goal.

Milan Skriniar (5/10):

Should have cleared the ball ahead of Nice's opener. Can be considered culpable for the third, too.

Lucas Hernandez (5/10):

Didn't recover particularly effectively on the counter, and was made to pay. Doesn't offer much going forward, either.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Carlo Soler (5/10):

Played as the most advanced of the midfield three in his first start of the season. Looked out of sorts with little game time under his belt.

Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):

Played in a slightly deeper role than he's used to, and failed to impress. Needs Manuel Ugarte's strength in there to really thrive.

Vitinha (6/10):

Created the most chances in the match, linked well with Mbappe. Probably the most effective of the midfield trio — although he had little to show for it.

Getty ImagesAttack

Ousmane Dembele (5/10):

Missed badly when his team trailed. Made the wrong decision on a few occasions. Far from his best.

Goncalo Ramos (6/10):

Didn't have too many chances, but put plenty of work in off the ball. The big-money signing might need time to bed in.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

In the XI despite some fears of a knee injury sustained while on international duty. Gave the ball away in the run up to the Nice goal. Redeemed himself by bagging the equaliser, as well as the PSG second. Not his fault that the team lost.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Manuel Ugarte (7/10):

Steadied the midfield after a poor start to the second half. He looks like a top signing.

Randal Kolo Muani (7/10):

Assisted Mbappe on his debut, and offered a much-needed injection of pace.

Bradley Barcola (6/10):

Active without being impressive. Needs minutes to showcase his stuff.

Luis Enrique (5/10):

Handed Ramos and Soler starts, and failed to get much of a performance out of his side shortly after the international break. This was his first big hiccup in charge after two draws — he will certainly hope that there won't be many more.