For the last three years, MLS was in a dispute with U.S. Soccer, which runs the Open Cup. That led to the league limiting how many of its teams played in the national championship.

Monaco's Folarin Balogun nixed a move to Everton and is on track to remain with the Ligue 1 club. The clubs previously agreed to his transfer.

Ranked No. 1 to start the season, Medfield features multiple players on our watch list, which also includes three returning Globe Athletes of the Year, All-Americans, and multiple league MVPs.

Seneca enters the season on the heels of what coach Chris Melograna calls one of the best years in program history, coming off a South Jersey, Group 2 championship and a 16-6-1 record.

Front-of-jersey sponsors are the bread and butter of soccer’s commercial business. Outside of stadium naming rights, the logo across the chest is generally among the most valuable pieces of sponsorship inventory a club can sell.

Undrafted rookie Kevin Jobity Jr. transitioned from soccer player to defensive tackle to earn a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster.

Deptford graduated four contributors from last season’s playoff roster, including forward Kenny Cockerill, who led the team with 25 goals. Midfielders Enzo Castillo and Rony Felix and goalkeeper Mason Henry all departed, leaving key openings across the field.

After both teams suffered major injuries to key positions, the Clear Fork Colts and Lexington Lady Lex used their nonleague match to reinvent themselves.