Angels Links: Mauro Icardi hat trick wins the Milan derby for Inter

Mauro Icardi Hat-trick seals wild derby win for Inter

Mauro Icardi helped carry on Inter Milan’s great start to the season as they won this year’s first edition of the Derby della Madonnina, 3-2. Icardi had a hat trick, including a late penalty to win the game. Inter twice took the lead through Icardi, only to be pegged back by a goal by Suso, and an own goal that went in off the Inter goalie Samir Handanovic. However, Ricardo Rodriguez was judged to have fouled Icardi late on in the box, and the Argentine buried the penalty to send all three points to the men in black and blue.

Manchester United and Liverpool play to uninspiring draw at Anfield

The other high-profile game this weekend was far less exciting. Manchester United and Liverpool played to a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday morning. This game was a Jose Mourinho special, with United playing ultra-defensive and Liverpool unable to break the deadlock, as they were missing arguably their best player Sadio Mane. David De Gea made a few spectacular saves to preserve a point for the Red Devils. However Mark Ogden of ESPNFC argues that Mourinho must be less cautious in big games going forward, or they risk being left behind by their high flying noisy neighbors, Manchester City.

Portland Thorns defeat the North Carolina Courage 1-0 to win the 2017 NWSL championship

Lindsey Horan scored the only goal in the NWSL championship as the Portland Thorns edged out the North Carolina Courage 1-0 to win the title. Both teams had their chances but Horan was the only one to put hers away, scoring in the 50th minute. Despite the game being across the country Portland had a good sized supporters group that made the trip. This is the second NWSL championship for the Portland Thorns.

Last playoff spot in MLS will come down to the wire to set up an exciting final day

The last regular season games in MLS are next weekend, and though some things are decided, there is still a lot left to play for. All the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference are decided, but seedings could still change, as Atlanta United could overtake New York City FC for the second seed and a bye in the playoffs. Out west, Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City both clinched a playoff spot, while San Jose’s draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps, combined with losses for FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake mean the Earthquakes are now in 6th place in the west, tied on points with FC Dallas but ahead on wins. If San Jose wins their final game, hosting Minnesota United, then they will secure that 6th seed in the playoffs. If not, all bets are off. It is set to be an exciting decision day next Sunday in MLS.

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