Charles Erb

Writer for http://thesoccergoal.com, where I focus on the beautiful game.

How Would an Academy-Only Bayern Munich Team Fare in the Bundesliga?

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It’s no secret that Bayern Munich dominates the Bundesliga. The Bavarian giants have won the last eleven Bundesliga titles, shattering records during that span: longest winning run, longest unbeaten run, most points, most wins, and more. Many have pointed to the club’s financial advantage, with the club breaking the bank this summer to sign English … Read more

FC Sochaux-Montbéliard Has New Ownership

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The fortunes of FC Sochaux-Montbéliard might finally be changing. After years of mismanagement, most recently under the Nenking group, a local investment group has taken over the club. The group is called FCSM 2028 — a reference to the club’s upcoming 100th anniversary. FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, founded by Peugeot director Jean-Pierre Peugeot, was one of the … Read more

Marchwiński On Fire: Poznań Star Sweeps Monthly Awards

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For just the second time in history, the Ekstraklasa Player of the Month and Young Player of the Month have gone to the same player. Filip Marchwiński won both awards after a strong start to the season, helping Lech Poznań take an early lead on top of the Ekstraklasa table. In July, Marchwiński scored both … Read more

Ghanaian Talent Producers WAFA SC Withdraw From Division One

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West African Football Academy Sporting Club, better known as WAFA SC, has withdrawn from Division One, the second tier of Ghana. They will now function primarily as an academy. Not that long ago, WAFA looked like they could challenge Ghana’s traditional elites. In 2016, the club finished sixth in the league despite having one of … Read more

Suwon FC Star May Have Played His Last Game in Korea

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Suwon FC striker Lars Veldwijk may be forced to find a new club after three years in South Korea. The former South African international was arrested on Monday morning for drunk driving in Seoul. The Suwon FC board has reportedly already decided to terminate Veldwijk’s contract. The striker has not exactly stayed out of trouble. … Read more

Striker Luka Jović Linked With Return to Serbia

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Seven years after leaving Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda, Luka Jović could return to the club. Transfer expert Nicolò Schira reported today that the club has enquired about a move for the Fiorentina striker. Jović broke into the Crvena Zvezda’s first team as a teenager, making 48 appearances. In January 2016, Cypriot side Apollon Limassol, who … Read more

Nkounkou Wants Out: Former Everton Prospect Demands Saint-Étienne Exit

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Just six months after joining the club, Niels Nkounkou is already trying to leave Saint-Étienne. The French defender was absent from the club’s season opener, a 1-0 loss to Grenoble. Nkounkou joined Saint-Étienne in January, with the once-mighty club struggling. Les Verts, having suffered relegation from Ligue 1 the previous season, were rooted to the … Read more

Now a Free Agent: The Sad Story of Mohamed Ihattaren

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In January 2019, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven took on FC Groningen. In the final minutes of the match, PSV, fighting for back-to-back Eredivisie titles, made an unusual substitution: despite leading by just one goal, they subbed off Uruguayan international Gastón Pereiro for a 16-year-old attacking midfielder. His name was Mohamed Ihattaren. Over the next few months, … Read more

Matildas Star Mary Fowler Stepping Up In Kerr’s Absence

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Days before the opener, Women’s World Cup hosts Australia suffered a massive blow. Star forward Sam Kerr, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, suffered a calf injury in training. Shortly after, it was revealed Kerr would miss the first two group-stage matches, leaving the Matildas in trouble. However, another forward … Read more

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