Welcome to the Nutmeg, each week, you can expect: Exclusive previews of major football events – Spotlight features on top football creators – In-depth analysis of trending football culture. Delivered as consistently as Beckham’s crosses.

USWNT Falls Short

For the first time since 2019, the SheBelieves Cup trophy will not be staying in the United States. The USWNT fell 2-1 to Japan in their final game of the tournament, marking their first loss under coach Emma Hayes. Japan, the first non-European or American team to win the title, struck early through Yuka Momiki. The US equalized in the 14th minute via Ally Sentnor, assisted by Catarina Macario. However, Japan sealed the win with a Toko Koga goal off a set-piece in the 50th minute.

Japan controlled the match, dominating possession at nearly 60% and dictating the tempo. The US had promising transition moments but struggled to break through Japan’s well-organized defense. Goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita denied Tierna Davidson’s late equalizer attempt, capping a strong defensive performance. While the USWNT pressed late, Japan’s superior passing and tactical discipline ensured their victory. It was a statement win for a team now proving itself among the world’s elite.

Despite the loss, this was a USWNT squad missing key stars like Rose Lavelle, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson. Hayes is focused on testing young talent, with this lineup averaging just 50.9 international caps per player. The absence of veteran leaders was noticeable, especially against an in-form Japan side. Still, tournament experience like this is crucial for player development. Hayes is betting on long-term growth rather than immediate success, and this defeat will provide valuable lessons.

The USWNT has long been built on veteran leadership, but a new era is emerging. Historically, icons like Alex Morgan and Becky Sauerbrunn played in 30% of all USWNT matches. In contrast, this lineup’s experience level was the lowest against Japan since 1993. Growing pains are expected as younger players adjust to top-level competition. With the 2027 World Cup ahead, setbacks like this may ultimately strengthen the squad. For now, the US must regroup, while Japan celebrates a well-earned triumph.

Jamie Carragher in The Hot Seat

Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher found himself in hot water after claiming that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is not a major tournament. His comments, made while discussing Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances, ignited a heated debate across social media and the football community. Carragher suggested that Salah’s participation in AFCON puts him at a disadvantage compared to European stars like Kylian Mbappé, who compete in the UEFA European Championship.

Carragher’s remarks came following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, where he argued that Salah’s best shot at winning the Ballon d’Or would be through Champions League success, as AFCON “does not carry the weight” of other international tournaments. His comments immediately faced backlash from fans, fellow pundits, and former players, including Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand. Richards quickly interjected during the broadcast to assert that AFCON is indeed a major tournament, while Ferdinand labeled Carragher’s viewpoint as “ignorant.”

The controversy deepened when Carragher responded to Ferdinand’s criticism on Instagram, calling him a “clown” and accusing him of playing to the gallery. In an attempt to clarify his stance, Carragher later posted on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging that calling AFCON a minor tournament was “clumsy” but standing by his belief that the competition lacks the prestige of the World Cup or Euros in the context of Ballon d’Or voting. His argument centered on the perception that even if Salah won AFCON as MVP, it would not weigh as heavily as a European or World Cup triumph in award considerations.

Many African football legends, including Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Riyad Mahrez, have spoken about the importance of AFCON, emphasizing its difficulty and prestige. Critics of Carragher’s stance argue that the tournament is often unfairly undervalued due to a Eurocentric perspective. While issues like scheduling and infrastructure challenges have sometimes plagued AFCON, its competitive nature and passionate following continue to grow. With the 2025 edition set to take place in Morocco, many believe the tournament’s influence on global football—and perhaps even the Ballon d’Or—will only continue to rise.

Chaos, Surprises, and Instant Classics in MLS week 1

Week 1 of the MLS season is in the books, and in true MLS fashion, expectations were flipped, new stars emerged, and some teams left us scratching our heads. Let’s dive into the biggest surprises from the opening weekend.

Seattle Refuses to Fade If you thought the Sounders would take time to adjust after losing three starters from their MLS Cup-winning squad, think again. Seattle seamlessly shifted into a 3-5-2 and looked like they had been running it for years. Raul Ruidiaz did what Raul Ruidiaz does, while homegrown midfielder Josh Atencio slotted in effortlessly. Minnesota, meanwhile, looked hesitant, which raises some questions about their highly anticipated step forward this season.

Montréal Laughs in the Face of Predictions No team was written off more than CF Montréal heading into the season. After a preseason embarrassment against a third-division USL League One side, the predictions of doom felt justified. Then they went out and put four past Toronto FC in a 4-2 win. Romell Quioto and Mason Toye ran riot, and Djordje Mihailovic used his post-game interview to remind everyone that their doubts meant nothing. Meanwhile, Toronto, coming off a huge CCL win, played like they forgot the MLS season had started.

Austin FC Are No Typical Expansion Side First-year teams are supposed to struggle, but Austin FC showed no signs of first-game jitters. Against an LAFC squad known for ruthlessness, Austin held their own, kept the game close, and even limited LAFC’s chances. They faded in the second half but still looked more like a playoff-caliber squad than an expansion side bracing for a long season.

Cincinnati? Scoring Goals? FC Cincinnati, who barely found the net last season, decided to flip the script and put two goals past Nashville within 11 minutes. New signings Brenner and Lucho Acosta wasted no time making an impact. They couldn’t hold onto the lead, but considering Nashville needed a ridiculous wonder goal from Randall Leal to tie things up, Cincinnati might finally have an attack worth watching.

Chicharito & Higuain Turn Back the Clock Two of MLS’s biggest names reminded everyone why they matter. Gonzalo Higuain delivered a goal and an assist for Inter Miami, but it was Chicharito who stole the show with a brace for LA Galaxy. His raw emotion after scoring was a reminder of his difficult 2020, both on and off the field. Greg Vanney’s decision to play him with a second striker already looks like a game-changer. If this is the version of Chicharito we get all season, Galaxy fans have reason to believe again.

What’s Next? It’s only Week 1, so let’s not crown champions or panic just yet. But if this weekend’s chaos is a sign of things to come, buckle up—MLS 2025 is going to be a ride.

Extra Time

The Hidden Toll of Concussions on Female Athletes

When people think of concussions in sports, they often picture football. However, female athletes suffer concussions at higher rates than their male counterparts in nearly every sport. Girls’ soccer ranks second only to football, with 8.4 concussions per 10,000 games and practices. As participation in women’s sports grows, understanding the unique risks female athletes face is crucial. Addressing these concerns can help improve safety and ensure proper treatment.

Research suggests that women are more susceptible to concussions due to physiological and behavioral factors. Thinner skulls, smaller neck muscles, and differences in brain structure may increase their risk. Additionally, women are more likely to report symptoms, leading to higher documented cases. Dr. Sarah Menacho, a neurosurgeon at University of Utah Health, notes that female athletes also experience longer recovery times. Their symptoms, including vision problems and mood changes, often last longer than those of male athletes.

FIFA and the World Health Organization recently launched the "Suspect and Protect" campaign to educate teams on concussion risks. This follows high-profile incidents like Germany’s Christoph Kramer in the 2014 World Cup final, where he unknowingly continued playing while concussed. FIFA has sent educational toolkits to 211 national federations, emphasizing that concussion symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear. Their push for immediate player removal and proper medical evaluation aims to prevent long-term damage.

Repeated concussions can lead to severe consequences, including increased risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The U.S. Soccer Federation has already banned heading for players under 10 to reduce head trauma. Coaches, parents, and athletes must stay informed about concussion risks, particularly for female players. Recognizing symptoms early and prioritizing recovery can prevent long-term cognitive damage. No game is worth compromising an athlete’s brain health.