🗞️ Weekly News Roundup — MLS deadline moves, USMNT media wars & more!

Welcome to the latest edition of the Weekly News Roundup on In Transition! Every Friday we will post a select rundown of the must-see stories unfolding in North American soccer.

From MLS and USL to the national teams, we'll make sure you don't miss a thing in the rapidly evolving news cycle.

Let's get into it!

Paxten Aaronson joins Colorado Rapids in club-record deal

The Colorado Rapids secured the services of 21‑year‑old USMNT midfielder Paxten Aaronson from Eintracht Frankfurt in a five‑year deal worth $7 million, a club-record fee. Aaronson should be seen as the replacement for recently departed star Djordje Mihailovic.

The American was a standout on loan at Dutch outfit FC Utrecht last season, bagging 12 goal contributions in 33 league games.

While many have questioned Aaronson's decision to come back to MLS amid major European interest this summer, the former Philadelphia Union academy standout feels confident in his choice.

“The puzzlement from the media is fair," he said after signing with the Rapids. "But nobody ever knows the full story. It wasn’t easy for me to make a decision. But where was I going to be the happiest playing my soccer? It was a massive decision & I was super happy."

MLS clubs dominate Leagues Cup quarter-finals

For the second year running, all four Leagues Cup semifinalists hail from MLS: Inter Miami, Orlando City, Seattle Sounders, and LA Galaxy.

Each defeated a Liga MX opponent in the quarter-finals after a change in tournament format this season — though three of the four quarter-finals went to penalties.

Despite the MLS dominance, Leagues Cup doubters would point to obvious disadvantages for Mexican sides, who have a major travel burden and lack of home-field advantage throughout the tournament.

Date for 2026 World Cup draw revealed

The draw for the 2026 World Cup in The United States, Canada, and Mexico is set to take place on December 5th at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

The three hosting countries received automatic bids to the tournament, but they, and the rest of the competing nations, will learn who their opponents will be before the turn of the year.

Canada stalwart Alistair Johnston set for extended absence after injury

Alistair Johnston will be out for about three months, according to Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Canadian was stretchered off in the first-half of the Scottish club's Champions League Qualifier against Kairat Almaty earlier this week, appearing to suffer a major hamstring injury.

Johnston is a key player for both Canada and Celtic.

D.C. United make deadline day move for youngster Caden Clark

D.C. United bolstered their lineup by acquiring 22‑year‑old Caden Clark from CF Montreal under the U22 Initiative in a deal worth up to $800,000 plus a sell-on clause.

Clark, who was once seen as one of the league's top rising stars has tallied six assists in 26 appearances this season, and brings both MLS experience and youth to United’s midfield as they look to rebuild on the fly.