🇺🇸 State of the Union: NWSL award nominees! Juanfer to Chicago? MLS Cup! | OneFootball

Happy Friday! You’ve made it! Just one more sleep before we get to the MLS Cup playoffs! Here we go!

Juanfer to Chicago Fire?

According to Hugo Balassone of big Argentinian outlet TyC Sports, Colombian star Juanfer Quintero is in ‘very advanced talks’ to join the Chicago Fire next season.

During his career, the 29-year-old has been touted as one of the most promising players in all of world football and was linked to just about every big club in the world at one point or another.

Nevertheless, Quintero has scored in the last two World Cups and won the 2018 Copa Libertadores with River Plate.

Perhaps a move to MLS can finally unlock that potential?

NWSL announce 2022 MVP candidates

Debinha (NC), Naomi Girma (SD), Alex Morgan (SD), Mallory Pugh (CHI), and Sophia Smith (POR) are the five nominees for the 2022 NWSL MVP.

NWSL name September Best XI

Ahead of the NWSL playoffs, the league have named many familiar names to their Best XI for September and October.

Debinha was named NWSL Player of the Month while Naomi Girma won the league’s Rookie of the Montn award.

Toronto FC announce roster changes

Goalkeepers Alex Bono and Quentin Westberg, defender Doneil Henry, and midfielder Noble Okello will not return as their contracts expire at the end of the year.

Toronto FC will not exercise the option of forward Ifunanyachi Achara.

Meanwhile, long-time midfield star Jonathan Osorio is out-of-contract but the club are actively working with him on a new deal. A decision is not expected to be made until after the World Cup.

Timbers sponsor taking funds to Thorns

Amid ongoing issues surrounding both clubs, a sponsor has pulled their funds from the Timbers and directed them to the Thorns, a move which has been received well by fans of both clubs.

Haji Wright bags brace

The American striker continued his incredible form in Turkey, taking his totals to seven goals and an assist in his first nine games of the season as Antalyaspor fell 3-2 at Alanyaspor.

What’s on tap today?

The MLS Cup playoffs get underway on Saturday as New York Red Bulls host FC Cincinnati while LA Galaxy host Nashville SC.