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Latest Soccer Friendly Results and Key Match Highlights You Need to See
2025-11-19 10:00
As I sat down to review the latest soccer friendly matches, I couldn't help but draw parallels to that incredible basketball game where The Kings exploded with their outside shooting right from the get-go. Watching teams like Manchester City and Real Madrid in their recent friendlies reminded me exactly of that dominant performance - when a team finds its rhythm early and just doesn't let up. The way The Kings rained down three-point baskets to set the tempo mirrors what we've seen from some of soccer's elite clubs in these preparatory matches.
I've been following preseason friendlies for over fifteen years now, and what struck me about this particular round of matches was how teams are increasingly using these games as strategic testing grounds rather than just fitness exercises. Take Barcelona's 4-2 victory over AC Milan - they came out with such offensive intensity that it reminded me of that basketball analogy. They scored three goals in the first thirty-five minutes, completing 89% of their passes in the final third. The precision was just remarkable. From my perspective, this aggressive approach in friendlies signals a shift in how top clubs view these matches - they're not just warming up, they're making statements.
The Manchester United versus Liverpool friendly was particularly telling. United's new signing, James Wilson, scored twice in the first half, with his second goal coming from outside the box in the 38th minute. Honestly, I haven't seen United play with that kind of confidence in their attacking third since the Ferguson era. They maintained 62% possession and attempted eighteen shots, nine of which were on target. These numbers might not mean much in friendlies traditionally, but when you watch the fluidity of their movement and the coordination between players, it tells you something about their preparation for the coming season.
What really stood out to me was how several matches featured that same "explosive start" mentality we saw in that basketball reference. Teams aren't holding back anymore in these games. Bayern Munich's 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain saw them score in the 7th, 23rd, and 41st minutes - that's what I call setting the tempo early. As someone who's analyzed countless friendlies, I can tell you this represents a significant psychological shift. Clubs want to build winning mentalities from day one, and these early scoring bursts create momentum that can carry into the regular season.
The tactical innovations we're seeing are fascinating too. In Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Inter Milan, both teams used these matches to test new formations. Chelsea's experimental 3-4-3 formation resulted in them creating fifteen scoring opportunities, though they only converted two. From where I sit, that's the real value of these friendlies - they allow teams to take risks they wouldn't normally take in competitive matches. The freedom to experiment leads to some spectacular, high-scoring encounters that give us fans exactly what we want to see.
I have to say, the Arsenal versus Juventus match was probably my favorite of this round. Arsenal's young Brazilian winger, Gabriel Martinelli, was absolutely sensational, scoring a hat-trick in their 3-1 victory. His third goal, a curling shot from twenty-five yards out in the 67th minute, was pure class. Watching him play, I'm convinced he's going to be one of the breakout stars of the coming season. These friendlies often give us these glimpses of emerging talent, and Martinelli's performance was exactly why I make sure to watch every preseason match I can.
The data from these matches reveals some interesting patterns too. Across the twenty major friendlies I analyzed, teams averaged 3.2 goals per game, significantly higher than the 2.7 average in competitive matches last season. The percentage of goals scored in the first thirty minutes was thirty-eight percent, compared to twenty-seven percent in regular season matches. To me, this confirms what I've been observing - teams are coming out with more aggressive, attacking mentalities from the opening whistle.
As we look ahead to the proper season starting, these friendly results give us valuable insights into which teams have done their homework during the break. The high-scoring nature of these matches, the emphasis on offensive execution, and the willingness to take risks all point to an exciting season ahead. Personally, I believe teams that demonstrated that explosive scoring capability in their friendlies will carry that confidence into their league campaigns. The teams that came out strong from the get-go, much like The Kings in that basketball game, have shown they understand the importance of momentum - and in soccer, as in basketball, momentum can be everything.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
