🇺🇸 State of the Union: WC debut, Atlanta land winger and Grinwis extends | OneFootball

Amidst the frenzy of the World Cup action, moves are being made across North America.

Here is what you need to know this Thursday.

Last one standing (so far)

Despite putting on their best performance of the tournament against Saudi Arabia, Mexico have been knocked out of the World Cup group stages – for the time since 1978.

As things stand the USMNT are the only Concacaf side that have progressed to the knockout rounds with Canada eliminated before playing their final game and Costa Rica needing a result against Germany on Thursday.

Free winger

Atlanta United continue to make moves during the off-season, snapping up former Columbus Crew winger Derrick Etienne Jr. on a one-year deal with an option for 2026 and 2027.

The 26-year-old has featured 148 times over eight seasons in the MLS as well as 26 caps with seven goals for the Haiti National Team.

First steps on the biggest stage

Sticking with Atlanta United, Thiago Almada became the first Major League Soccer player to ever feature at the World Cup for Argentina when he replaced Alexis Mac Allister in the 84th minute.

Grinwis extends

Orlando City also announced that goalkeeper Adam Grinwis has extended his stay for one more season.

In the video above, relive the 30-year-old’s stunning penalty shoot-out heroics in during the 2019 MLS play-offs.

Rosales stays

As the season of transfers continues, Minnesota United have signed midfielder Joseph Rosales from Argentine side CA Independiente on a one-year deal.

Rosales initially joined the Loons on loan in 2021 before making a permanent move to Minnesota at the end of the current campaign with his deal set to begin on the 1st of January 2023.

Throwback rack

As Derrick Etienne Jr. signs a deal with Atlanta United, let’s throw it back to the 26-year-old playing for New York Red Bulls against none other than the Five Stripes themselves.