Nove Mesto Panoramica

One struggling MLS club got aggressive in the transfer market, while another laid some of its difficulties bare on the pitch

Ivan Toney staked his claim for a starting berth by netting a clinical hat-trick during England’s convincing 5-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Sporting Kansas City. The training fixture was specifically arranged at the team's base camp to maintain match fitness and sharpness among the squad's fringe players.

Dejan Joveljic is an excellent MLS striker, but in another life he might have been a competitive chess player.

Lionel Messi and Co. remain favorites, but strong starts from Nashville, San Jose and Vancouver have the league nicely poised heading into a long break.