LAFC players and staff celebrate in Seaside, California, after the reigning MLS champions and Concacaf Champions League finalists, with eight teens in the starting lineup, rallied to beat Monterey Bay F.C. and move into the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 16. Photo: LAFC.

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Paul Kennedy edited Soccer America for 41 years (1985-2026). He began writing for SA in 1974. He started writing for France Football in 1978 and has served on in Ballon d'Or jury since 2007.