Cesar Hernandez

🇲🇽 fútbol, 🇺🇸 soccer, and more for ESPN. AYSO 677 all-star, runner-up for Pinetree Elementary's creative writing contest.

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Oh hey it's a new year! With the start of 2026, here's a thread on my favorite articles that I worked on in 2025.

Let's start with this one on Monterrey's Christina Burkenroad, who is one of the most inspiring figures in North American women's soccer

https://t.co/P4SXvYiqvw

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Christina Burkenroad didn't have the advantages of her high school teammates.

She was worried about what she could eat, worried about where she could sleep. But that didn't stop the young San Diegan from dreaming.

Soccer saved the future Mexican star.

https://t.co/SJBeYdv85E

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Sources have confirmed to me that Deyna Castellanos is set to join Tigres after her recent Portland Thorns exit

https://t.co/Qq1CCJTSF5

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

deal is now official! Contract until June 2029

https://t.co/GNaC8gNZIm

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Source has confirmed to me that Manchester United are finalizing a deal for Washington Spirit’s Rebeca Bernal.

@The_Cutback first to report.

https://t.co/JMEAZy4MfZ

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Quick update to the report: An announcement is expected at some point on Wednesday

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

@TheDon_Tical ideally competitive club soccer but let's talk either way!

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Are you a parent/guardian that has a child involved in competitive youth club soccer for boys? Let's chat!

Working on a project regarding the pathways to becoming a pro in the U.S. and the underlying costs of youth soccer.

DMs open, feel free to reach out to me there.

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Are you a parent/guardian that has a child involved in competitive youth club soccer for boys? Let's chat!

Working on a project regarding the pathways to becoming a pro in the U.S. and the underlying costs of youth soccer.

DMs open, feel free to reach out to me there.

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Story updated after FMF announced a "new sporting model, which reaffirms lack of pro/rel for LMX. Admission into LMX could still be allowed if clubs meet "established criteria, as Atlante did," but it should be noted that Atlante purchased the franchise rights of Mazatlan

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

After a few clubs announced earlier this week that they would look into doing so, the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed to me this morning that 5 teams from Mexico's 2nd division have officially filed an appeal regarding pro/rel

https://t.co/9xdFo3icXQ

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Spot(s) would go to team with the most accumulated points (aggregate table) in Liga MX's 2025-26 season not already qualified.

Also, the same would apply to MLS clubs, using the supporters’ shield standings for this season

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

For the Leagues Cup nerds, just got this confirmation from Concacaf regarding who would get a 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup spot if a Liga MX team already qualified for next year, finishes in the top three of Leagues Cup this year

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

I've already reshared my in-depth feature on Christina Burkenroad a couple of times in the past, but with her announcing her retirement today, it might be a good time to share the story once more on the Liga MX Femenil legend

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Christina Burkenroad didn't have the advantages of her high school teammates.

She was worried about what she could eat, worried about where she could sleep. But that didn't stop the young San Diegan from dreaming.

Soccer saved the future Mexican star.

https://t.co/SJBeYdv85E

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

After a few clubs announced earlier this week that they would look into doing so, the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed to me this morning that 5 teams from Mexico's 2nd division have officially filed an appeal regarding pro/rel

https://t.co/9xdFo3icXQ

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

After his fallout with San Diego, is Chucky Lozano ready to make an impact with his new team?

"The [LA] Galaxy have given me an opportunity, and I'm going to try to always give my best for this club"

Alongside @JeffreyCarlisle, here's our story: https://t.co/0FHpdUWTJ9

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Source: Zavier Gozo close to Crystal Palace move from Real Salt Lake.

Deal expected to be finalized over the next 24 to 48 hours, Gozo set to travel to London on Friday.

The Athletic first to report the news.
https://t.co/E6bPPGE464

[Jeff Kassouf @JeffKassouf]

Interesting format changes to the Liga MX Femenil season, via @cesarhfutbol:

https://t.co/b4HWRApe4g

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Liga MX announce Francisco Iturbide as new president

https://t.co/fQUI9XxEJ3

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

@lizzy_becherano of course, this back-and-forth may not be news to those who have been following along. Pro/rel battle continues, but this is the first time (that I've seen) Liga MX explicitly noting no pro/rel in their league rules

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

Has gone under the radar, but Liga MX stating in their league rules for the 26-27 season that pro/rel will not return

"...clubs comprising Liga MX will not be relegated to Expansion MX, and likewise, Expansion MX clubs will not be promoted to Liga MX"

https://t.co/tIAv6sEloA

[Cesar Hernandez @cesarhfutbol]

As noted in my reporting with
@lizzy_becherano, there may actually be some sort of promotion in the future, but not due to sporting merit. Signs point to two more teams being selected (in what way who knows) to join Liga MX in the future