Footy Digest: Why Charlotte sacked Miguel Angel Ramirez

Footy Digest is a global roundup of the headlines, stories, and matches that make the beautiful game so beautiful.

US Soccer

• When Christian Pulisic said he wasn't “super happy with the Amount of Americans here” at the US vs Morocco game, he seemed to forget that many of the Morocco fans are Americans. The statement might have been more careless than malicious, but it was def insensitive: Let Adnan Ilyas pull it apart for you. —Stars and Stripes

• Matt Turner has had quite the journey—from high school basketball player to undrafted college goalkeeper to #1 starter on the USMNT to the newest Arsenal shot-stopper, his ups and downs are epic. —The Athletic

International

• Ukraine advanced past Scotland in a war-delayed 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match, and will face Wales on Sunday for the final European spot. It’s such a feel-good story even the Scottish fans were singing the Ukrainian national anthem. —New York Times

New York

• Gotham FC superstar and US international Kristie Mewis spoke with Jenna Tonelli about playing in New York New Jersey, the USWNT, and Pride Month. —All for XI

• The votes are in, and these are the best goals in the history of NYCFC. —Hudson River Blue

MLS

• Why did Charlotte FC make the shocking decision to fire manager Miguel Angel Ramirez just 14 games into a surprisingly solid first season? Here’s Chris Smith with the best postmortem on what went down. —90min

• When the CONCACAF Champions League gets a makeover in 2024, as many as 10 MLS clubs will be invited to the dance. —Sounder at Heart

• Sure, Giorgio Chiellini kinda retired at Juventus then signed with LAFC, but MLS totally isn’t a retirement league. Here’s why. —Angels on Parade

Europe

• Is Gabriel Slonina going to Real Madrid? The Chicago Fire wunderkind sparked interest in Chelsea, but it looks like he’s going to Spain. —Daily Mail

• It’s a done deal: Former Chelsea man Antonio Rudiger is heading to Real Madrid. The West London fire sale is on. —Marca

• It’s practically a done deal: Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United on a free transfer this month. You just can't teach the kind of wheelings and dealings Man U puts together. —BBC Sport

Games to Watch

Saturday, June 4

Gotham FC v Washington Spirit (NWSL), 7 pm ET — Paramount+

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Real Salt Lake (MLS), 7 pm ET — ESPN+

Sunday, June 5

Peru vs New Zealand (friendly), 11:30 am ET — FS1

Wales vs Ukraine (World Cup Qualifying), 12 pm ET — ESPN+

USMNT vs Uruguay (friendly), 5 pm ET — Fox, TUDN

Know of other articles NYCFC fans should read? Games they shouldn’t miss? Post a short description and a link in the comments below.