🗞️ Weekly News Roundup — Liga MX pro/rel, Poch & Pulisic rift, and more!

Welcome to the latest edition of the Weekly News Roundup on In Transition! Every Friday we 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!

Alyssa Thompson joins Chelsea in historic transfer

Angel City FC star forward Alyssa Thompson joined Chelsea FC Women in a multi-million dollar transfer, reportedly around $1.3 million, making it the second-highest transfer fee in women’s soccer history.

She has signed a five-year contract, marking a career-defining move. With this departure, Angel City FC may only adjust via intra-league trades until October 9, altering the playoff picture significantly.

Luis Suárez apologizes for spitting incident after Leagues Cup Final

Following Inter Miami's 3–0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup Final, Luis Suárez issued a public apology after spitting on a Sounders staffer in a heated post-match altercation.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, and disciplinary action is reportedly under discussion by tournament officials. Miami has condemned the behavior, but no suspension has yet been announced.

“Firstly, I want to congratulate Seattle Sounders for their win in the Leagues Cup. But above all, I want to apologize for my behavior after the match," Suarez said. "It was a very tense and frustrating moment, where… actions occurred that should not have happened, but that is no justification for my reaction. I made a mistake and I sincerely regret it.

“It is not the image I want to show in front of my family, who suffer for my mistakes, nor in front of my club, who also don’t deserve to be affected by something like that."

Mauricio Pochettino opens up Christian Pulisic relationship after summer rift

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about his relationship with star forward Christian Pulisic this week.

The duo appeared to have a fracture in their relationship this summer after Pulisic opted out of participating in the 2025 Gold Cup. But Pochettino has revealed that it is all water under the bridge.

"For me, it’s in the past," he said. "These things happen. We make mistakes, we read the situation in different ways. Christian is happy to be here, of course he’s an important player for us. The mood is good.”

The U.S. is set to take on South Korea and Japan in international friendlies during the September international break.

CAS rejects appeal to reinstate pro/rel to Liga MX

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected an appeal by six second division Mexican clubs in their aim to reinstate promotion and relegation in Mexican soccer.

The Mexican Football Federation paused promotion and relegation in 2020 for six seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic amid fears it would cause financial turmoil for relegated clubs.

However, 10 Liga Expansión clubs demanded the immediate return of pro/rel in May, filing a lawsuit against the federation and Liga MX. That bid has failed, however.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal by second division Mexican football clubs (‘the Clubs’) against the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) concerning the immediate reinstatement of promotion and relegation in the Mexican first division league (Liga MX),” Thursday’s statement read.

“The appeal filed on 19 May 2025 sought to reinstate promotion and relegation in the Liga MX after a decision by the FMF on 29 April 2025 confirmed that they remained suspended for the 2025-2026 season.”

San Diego FC standout Anders Dreyer named MLS Player of the Month for September

Dreyer's five goal contributions (3G/2A) were tied for third-most in the league during the month of August, and his three goals were tied for second-most.

The Dane has been a standout for San Diego in their historic debut season in MLS, as they currently sit top of the Western Conference and have booked their ticket to the MLS Cup Playoffs with five games to spare.