An assistant referee in Sao Paulo entertained the fans while the ball was on the other end. Read the whole story

The USL's OKC Energy FC upset Toronto FC, starting all its major new signings, 1-0, at the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic in Bradenton, Florida. … Read the whole story

Gabriel Farfan scored his first goal for Chiapas in its 3-2 victory over second division Zacatepec in Mexico's Copa MX. Fellow Americans Stevie Rodriguez … Read the whole story

Irish forward Stephanie Roche, who was runner-up for the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award, awarded to the player judged to have scored the best goal … Read the whole story

The U.S. Soccer Development Academy, which includes a winter futsal program for its U-13/14s, has named eight Top Performers from its regional competitions. It … Read the whole story

After 2-0 and 4-0 wins over their Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano counterparts, the U.S. U-14 boys national team ended their Spain tour with … Read the whole story

"I believe we should consider proposals to expand the competition to a 40- or even 48-team World Cup. Both these options are feasible with an extra three to four days of tournament play. If this expansion were to take place, I believe that additional teams should come from non-European nations."

-- Former Portuguese star Luis Figo, who is running for FIFA president, on his plans for the World Cup. His proposal for a 48-team World Cup would feature two 24-team group competitions on different continents followed by knockout play in a single country. (Reuters)

"To talk about black players in Italy today unleashes all those moralists and do-gooders who maybe need to purify their conscience. Some people don't even warrant a reply from me. I know their story -- the whole world does, just like the whole world knows mine."

-- Former Italy and AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi in response to Sepp Blatter after the FIFA president said he was shocked about Sacchi's comments about there being too many foreign and black players coming through the youth systems at Italian clubs. Sacchi insisted he's not a racist and said his words were taken out of context. (ESPN FC)

Real Madrid's Champions League title defense remained on course with a 2-0 away win against Schalke in a first-leg round of 16 clash. For … Read the whole story

Serie A leader Juventus and Liga MX take center stage Friday. The Premier League returns Saturday but the big game is Southampton-Liverpool on Sunday. Read the whole story