Indy Home Sat Night @ the Mike 7 pm Kickoff on CBS Golazo Network
The Boys in Blue lost the home opener last Saturday night and look to rebound vs the North Carolina Courage at 7 pm at Carroll Stadium in its “Kick for a Cause” match with partner Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana live on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Indy Eleven scored first and last, but came up short in a 3-2 setback to defending USLC champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in front of 10,202 fans on a rainy night at Carroll Stadium. Single-game tickets for all matches are available via Ticketmaster. Season, Flex Plan, Group, and Hospitality tickets are available here. For questions, call (317) 685-1100 during business hours or email tickets@indyeleven.com. A reminder to our Carmel FC GKs Coach James Pilkington who is also the GK coach for Indy 11 – invites everyone to come early say 6:15 pm or so to watch the Indy 11 GKs warm-up.
Depleted US Women face Brazil tonight 8 pm and Tues night on TNT, Telemundo, Max -US Also Gets 2031 World Cup
The US Ladies will face Brazil tonight in LA with a depleted roster as both central defenders and 2/3 of the Trio will be missing with just Trinity Rodman returning up front. Should be interesting to see who coach rolls out and which youngsters get playing time in the this match-up against the Olympic 2nd place finishers. Huge to see the US will be getting the 2031 World Cup! More details on that below.
U.S. women’s national team roster by position (Club; Caps/Goals) – April matches vs. Brazil
7:30 am USA Everton vs Arsenal 9 am ESPN+ Freiburg vs Dortmund (Reyna) 10 am USA Ipswitch Town vs Wolverhampton 10 am Peacock Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Brighton 10:!5 am ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Valencia 12 noon CBS Parma vs Inter 12:30 USA Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest 3 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) vs Florentina 4:30 pm Apple TV Real Salt Lake vs LA Galaxy 7 pm CBS Golazo Indy 11 vs NC 7:45 pm Apple TV Austin vs Portland Timbers 10:30 pm Apple TV San Diego vs Seattle Sounders
Sun, 4/6
9 am Peacock Fulham (robinson) vs Liverpool 9 am USA Chelsea vs Brentford 10 am ESPN+ Sevilla vs Athletico Madrid 11:30 am NBC Man United vs Man City
7 pm Apple TV Inter Miami vs Toronto FC Sunday Night Futbol
Races for more playing time next season as well as chances at promotion or avoiding relegation
Saturday
Coventry City v Burnley – 7:30a on Paramount+
Haji Wright started his third straight match last weekend as Coventry City fell to Sheffield United 3-1 but remained in fifth place, just two points ahead of West Brom, Middlesbrough, and Bristol City. They have another tough matchup this weekend as they face third place Burnley who are tied for second and automatic promotion with Leeds United.
Luton Town v Leeds United – 7:30a on Paramount+
Brenden Aaronson and Leeds drew again last weekend, this time with 16th place Swansea, and have won just once in the past five matches. With the run of results they have fallen out of the top spot and into a tie with Burnley for second place and that all important automatic promotion spot. Leeds travel to Luton Town this weekend where they face the 23rd place team that is currently in the relegation zone and three points back of safety but have managed points in each of their past three matches, including wins over fellow relegation candidates Hull City and Cardiff City.
Freiburg v Borussia Dortmund – 9:30a on ESPN+
Gio Reyna did not see the field last weekend in Borussia Dortmund’s return from the international break, the third straight league match in which he has failed to appear. Dortmund picked up the win but remain in tenth place in the Bundesliga. The team does have the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final matchup with Barcelona on Wednesday so perhaps there will be a bit of rotation this weekend to keep legs fresh.
Mainz v Holstein Kiel – 9:30a on ESPN+
John Tolkin made a brief appearance in his return from injury just ahead of the international break but did not make the field for Holstein Kiel last weekend in their 3-0 loss to Werder Bremen. Holstein Kiel are dead last in the Bundesliga table and need to make up five points on Heidenheim over the last seven matches just to make the relegation playoff and avoid direct relegation to the 2 Bundesliga.
Crystal Palace v Brighton and Hove Albion – 10a on Peacock
Chris Richards went the full 90’ last weekend in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Antonee Robinson and Fulham but Matt Turner was on the bench for the FA Cup matchup and looks like he is fully out of the Palace picture and in need of a summer transfer window move. However, Richards was not included in the midweek matchday squad as Palace drew with Southampton 1-1. Palace are in 12th place in the Premier League table and will face eighth place Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.
West Ham United v Bournemouth – 10a on Peacock
Tyler Adams and Bournemouth fell 2-1 to Manchester City in FA Cup action last weekend and lost at home to relegation candidates Ipswich Town midweek 2-1. Bournemouth are winless in their past five matches and have fallen to tenth place, eight points back of the top four.
Brest v Monaco – 1p on beIN Sports
Folarin Balogun is back for Monaco, getting 14’ minutes off the bench last weekend in the teams 2-1 win over Nice. Balo had been out since early December so it is certainly good to see him make it back on the field, even in a limited capacity. With the win Monaco moved into second place in the Ligue 1 table, well back of league leading PSG but an important position for Champions League qualification.
Groningen v PSV – 2p on ESPN+
Sergino Dest has started two straight matches for PSV Eindhoven and Malik Tillman made his return from injury as well last weekend though it was in a 2-0 loss to Ajax as the PSV rivals took a nine point lead in the title race, likely sealing their trophy this season. Richard Ledezma also appeared for PSV last weekend, seeing 13’ minutes off the bench.
AC Milan v Fiorentina – 2:45p on Paramount+
AC Milan fell to Napoli last weekend, likely sealing their Serie A fate as they are now nine points back of Champions League qualification with eight matches to play. Christian Pulisic started but was denied a goal as Santi Jimenez missed a penalty. Yunus Musah was serving a yellow card suspension and was not available.
Barcelona v Real Betis – 3p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Johnny Cardoso scored his second goal in four matches as Real Betis defeated Sevilla 2-1 to remain within six points of a top four finish in La Liga. Betis have won six straight and will now face Barcelona who have a three point lead in the title race thanks to Betis’ recent win over Real Madrid.
Olympique Lyon v Lille – 3:05p on beIN Sports
Tanner Tessmann and Lyon suffered a 4-2 loss to Strassbourg to fall to seventh place in the Ligue 1 table and will now face fifth place Lille. Lyon are just five points back of a top three finish and will need some results against other top teams down the stretch to make the leap.
Sunday
Lecce v Venezia – 6:30a on Paramount+
Gianluca Busio started last weekend but Venezia fell to Bologna 1-0 and remain five points back of safety in Serie A. Venezia’s defense has been solid lately, allowing just five goals in the last seven matches but they have also found it hard to score as they have found the back of the net just once over that same period.
Fulham v Liverpool – 9a on Peacock
Antonee Robinson returned from international break healthy enough to play the 71’ minutes in Fulham’s 3-0 FA Cup loss to Crystal Palace and turn around for a full 90’ midweek in Fulham’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Fulham are in ninth place now, heading into their matchup this weekend with league leading Liverpool who have a twelve point lead for the league title.
St Pauli v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally started for Borussia Monchengladbach as the team defeated RB Leipzig 1-0 to move ahead of them and into fifth place in the Bundesliga table. Gladbach are now within two points of fourth place Mainz for a Champions League spot and will take on a St Pauli side that are just outside of the relegation positions.
Union Berlin v Wolfsburg – 11:30a on ESPN+
Kevin Paredes was on the bench for the first time this season but did not appear for Wolfsburg in their 1-0 loss to Heidenheim. Wolfsburg are in ninth place though just four points back of qualification for next seasons Europa Conference League.
Roma v Juventus – 2:45p on Paramount+
Weston McKennie went the full 90’ and Tim Weah came off the bench for the final eight minutes last weekend as Juventus defeated Genoa 1-0 to remain in fifth place, one point back of fourth place Bologna and three points ahead of this weekends opponent Roma. Roma defeated Lecce 1-0 last weekend, they have won seven straight league matches and haven’t suffered a defeat in league play since December 15th. The two teams played to a scoreless draw in their last meeting, back in early September.
Olympique Marseille v Toulouse – 2:45p on beIN Sports
Toulouse fell to Stade Brest 2-4 with Mark McKenzie starting and playing the full 90’. Toulouse have lost two straight and fallen to eleventh in the table. The team will now travel to face third place Olympique Marseille who are coming off back to back losses by a 3-1 score line.
======RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ===
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
USWNT coach Hayes backs depleted defense for gold-medal rematch
Jeff Kassouf ESPN Apr 4, 2025, 04:22 PM ET
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — United States women’s national team coach Emma Hayes said she feels confident in her team’s defensive personnel ahead of an Olympic gold medal-game rematch against Brazil, despite the “extremely unfortunate” injury to center-back Tierna Davidson. Davidson tore her ACL last week and will miss the remainder of 2025. The USWNT was already without fellow starting center-back Naomi Girma, who is dealing with a calf injury, heading into Saturday’s game at SoFi Stadium.”Without Naomi Girma, without Tierna Davidson, this is the right time to develop individuals first,” Hayes said at a news conference Friday. “I’ve been really clear that this camp, the next two camps, there is going to be experimentation, and that means that the connections on the field might not be as strong, but we get a chance to see where the individual development is in that.”Defenders Crystal Dunn and Emily Sonnett are the most senior defenders on the current roster. They are joined by some young and less experienced players like center-back Tara McKeown, who earned her first caps in February, and fullback Avery Patterson, who is in her first camp with the USWNT.Hayes said on Friday that she would “drip-feed” young players into games alongside veterans to make sure that less experienced players are set up for success.
“What I have noticed in this camp is the gap closing across the board within the team, and that’s our first starting point,” Hayes said.The USWNT will also play Brazil on Tuesday in San Jose, California. The Americans won the 2024 Olympic final 1-0 in August to capture a fifth Olympic gold medal for the program.The USWNT is without nearly half their starters from that game. Forward Sophia Wilson (nee Smith) is on maternity leave, forward Mallory Swanson is on personal leave, and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher recently retired from international duty. In addition to injuries to Girma and Davidson, Rose Lavelle — a longtime mainstay in midfield — is also sidelined.Forward Trinity Rodman has returned to the squad, however, for the first time since the Olympics after dealing with chronic back problems. The 22-year-old said recently that she might not ever be 100% healthy.”I think the back’s very difficult because you can’t avoid using it at every moment in a game, every moment of your day-to-day life,” Rodman said on Friday. “For me, it is about management and training my back to be in certain positions so I’m not overworking other muscles to overcompensate for it.”It’s been an interesting and hard journey, but it’s been good getting back.”Hayes said she will manage Rodman to make sure she doesn’t push her too hard too soon. Rodman made her first start of the NWSL season for the Washington Spirit last weekend.Forward Catarina Macario is expected to play a significant role for the USWNT over the next two games against Brazil, which is her birth country. Macario was born in Brazil and moved to the U.S. with her family in 2012. She acquired U.S. citizenship in 2020 and received her first call-up to the USWNT on the same day.”I haven’t thought about it too much,” she said Friday about playing Brazil. “But will obviously be very special — kind of like a full-circle moment.”Hayes expects Brazil to bring high pressure defensively, which will force her team to make quick decisions. On Friday, she cited the famous Mike Tyson quote about how everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”Let’s see what we’re like when we’ve been punched in the game,” Hayes said. “That’s something that I think we’re set up to do in the work that we’re doing both on the pitch and in the classroom.”
FIFA confirms U.S, UK as sole bidders for 2031, 2035 Women’s World Cups
By Matt Slater, Ali Rampling and more The Athletic April 3, 2025Updated April 4, 2025 3:00 pm EDT
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the United States and the United Kingdom are the sole respective bidders for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups.Infantino made the announcement on Thursday at the 49th UEFA Congress in Belgrade, Serbia. Should a compliant bid be submitted by the end of 2025, this will pave the way for the UK to host the Women’s World Cup for the first time. The U.S. last hosted in 2003, having previously done so four years earlier. The Football Associations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland announced in March they would be submitting a collective expression of interest to host the 2035 tournament, seemingly leaving the U.S. as the sole bidder for 2031 with the potential for another Concacaf nation to join. U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Soccer Federation announced last April their intention to lodge a joint bid for the 2031 tournament. The two federations withdrew their bid for the 2027 World Cup — which will be staged in Brazil — to instead focus on 2031. Infantino did not mention Mexico but said “potentially some other Concacaf members” could be involved. At March’s FIFA council meeting, football’s international governing body had invited federations affiliated to UEFA or the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to bid for the 2035 tournament. Reports in Spain had suggested Spain, Morocco and Portugal were planning to launch a rival bid for 2035 but the UK was described as the only “valid” bid by Infantino. Spain, Morocco and Portugal will jointly host the men’s competition in 2030.
The Athletic reported in March that the U.S.-Mexico bid was exploring staging matches in Costa Rica and Jamaica. Sources familiar with discussions, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated early-stage conversations about hosting a limited amount of fixtures in the two Concacaf countries had taken place.
“We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA women’s World Cup 2035,” English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said. “Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special. The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year
Infantio added: “Today, I can also confirm that as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for ’31 and one bid — valid bid, I should add — for ’35. The ’31 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together. And the ’35 bid is from Europe, from the home nations. Advertisement“So, the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in ‘31 and ‘35 in some great countries, in some great nations, to boost even more the women’s football movement.” Member associations will be required to formally submit their bids to FIFA in the final quarter of this year.
2035 World Cup can build on Euros success in England
By soccer writer Jacob Whitehead
When England won their last home tournament — the 2022 European Championship — it was heralded as an opportunity to secure a lasting legacy for women’s football across the entire UK.
“We see this as only the beginning,” the squad wrote in an open letter to the then-prime minister Rishi Sunak, bolding up that phrase.
Though the Lionesses continued to be successful, reaching the final of the next year’s World Cup, questions have been subsequently raised over whether that had been reflected at lower levels.
Figures indicate a moderate uptick — there has been a 14 per cent increase in schools offering girls equal access to football, according to an FA report last September — but it would be optimistic to describe this as an explosion across the grassroots game. There are still concerns over diversity across women’s football’s community and infrastructure.
But the 2035 World Cup gives these efforts fresh impetus. Rather than relying on the diminishing ripples of past success at their backs, this is a magnet which should pull investment forward — a lodestar to build towards.Between Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom, FIFA are pursuing tournaments in high-interest areas for women’s football from established markets — a notable departure from their approach to the men’s World Cups over upcoming cycles.
(Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Emma Hayes: USWNT in ‘dreamland’ as United States set to co-host 2031 Women’s World Cup
Emma Hayes says the U.S. women’s national team is in “dreamland” following the news that the United States is set to co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
FIFA confirmed on Friday that a joint bid from U.S. Soccer and other Concacaf member associations was the sole expression of interest for the 2031 tournament. Should a compliant bid be submitted by the end of 2025, this will pave the way for the U.S. to stage the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2003.
Advertisement
Hayes would not be drawn as to whether she would still be in international management ahead of the tournaments in 2031 and 2035, which the United Kingdom is the sole bidder for, but she said she intended to attend the tournaments in a supporter capacity at the very least.
“Dreamland I think for us to know that there’ll be a World Cup coming to these shores,” Hayes said, speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Brazil.
“The infrastructure’s going to be in place from the men’s World Cup (in 2026), so how amazing that is. I don’t know what that will look like beyond what we’ll do in this country, but I think real credit goes to (U.S. Soccer CEO) JT (Batson) and (U.S. Soccer president) Cindy (Parlow Cone) for the work they’ve done on that bid.
“It’s so aligned with our strategy and how we wanted to really push as best we could. We know we can’t control that decision but we wanted to make sure the federation knew it was really important for us to host, so real credit to them.”
U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Soccer Federation announced last April that they were set to launch a joint bid for the 2031 tournament. The two federations withdrew their bid for the 2027 World Cup — which will be staged in Brazil — to pivot to 2031. The Athletic reported in March that the prospect of staging matches in Costa Rica and Jamaica was also being explored.
“U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed its interest to submit a joint bid with other Member Associations from Concacaf (to be confirmed in due course),” a FIFA statement on the 2031 expression of interest read.
World football’s governing body say the hosts for 2031 and 2035 are expected to be announced at the FIFA congress in the second quarter of 2026.
It was also confirmed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday that a joint United Kingdom bid from the football associations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales was the sole expression of interest for the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
Advertisement
On the prospect of the Women’s World Cup taking place in her home country, Hayes added: “And obviously for England, home of football, it’s amazing for England, especially knowing how successful the Euros (in 2022) has been for them. So I think it’s fair to say in whatever capacity, fan or coaching, I will for sure be at those World Cups.”
(Maria Lysaker/Getty Images)
After rapid rise through USWNT ranks, 17-year-old Lily Yohannes is focused on steady growth
If Lily Yohannes succumbed to the nine-hour jetlag between her home in the Netherlands and Southern California when she sat down late Tuesday afternoon for an interview onThe Athletic’s Full Time podcast, it was scarcely apparent.
The 17-year-old U.S. women’s national team midfielder selected her words just as carefully from her Los Angeles hotel as she did at the Ajax training facility the first time she spoke with The Athletic in Amsterdam just over a year ago.
Advertisement
Many things have changed since then, including Yohannes’ decision to represent the United States at the international level, and not the Netherlands. But her composed consideration is by design, a mechanism to keep her feet planted firmly in the here and now.
“I think just trying to stay as present as I can,” she says, when asked how she manages the pace of her career. “I’ve been grateful to have experienced so many great moments in such a short career so far. I think just having a great support system around me with my family, coaches, teammates, and them all just helping me to stay grounded, stay on track.”
In Los Angeles, head coach Emma Hayes has made clear that the U.S. women’s national team is in very early World Cup-building mode, a year out from even their first qualifiers of the 2027 tournament’s cycle. She is relinquishing a focus on chemistry to properly assess the players at her disposal. However, demands for excellence have always been part and parcel of this team, and Yohannes has already felt the impact of the English manager’s approach.
“I’ve already grown and learned so much from her in a year or so,” she says. “You can really feel how much she is invested in every player, every player’s development in this environment, and I think she just pushes the standard and has expectations of what she wants from us and how she wants us to play, and I think just trying to be intentional (with) every detail.”
Even as women’s soccer continues to mature, there remains a fixation on its youth, particularly in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which boasts a hyper-competitive table of teams eager to bolster their rosters with fresh talent but lacks the culture and structure of Europe’s youth academy development system. That, combined with the lucrative opportunities of the American sports and entertainment market, intensifies the impulse to catapult teenage soccer phenoms to stardom.
“I’ve gotten some advice of, ‘Don’t get too high on the highs and too low on the lows’ and just trying to stay steady through it all,” she says. “For me, I have so many more goals that I want to achieve and obviously I celebrate the great achievements, but also just know that there’s more that (I) want and more goals that (I) want to accomplish.”
Advertisement
Yohannes has already crossed some considerable goals off her list.
She signed her first professional contract with Ajax when she was 15. A Champions League run with the Dutch club followed shortly thereafter, and Yohannes became the youngest player to start a group-stage match in that European continental tournament. That year, Ajax reached the quarterfinals but was knocked out by Hayes-coached Chelsea.
Lily Yohannes celebrates scoring in her debut for the U.S. against South Korea last June. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
Yohannes received her first invitation to the USWNT camp later that month as the team prepared for the SheBelieves Cup, an opportunity that did not tie her to the United States but provided an up-close glimpse of the national team environment while she continued to consider her commitment. Yohannes earned her first U.S. cap on June 4 in a pre-Olympics friendly against South Korea, a debut in which she scored 10 minutes after stepping onto the pitch as a 72nd-minute substitute for midfielder Korbin Albert.
Yohannes announced her commitment to play for the U.S. five months later, on Nov. 11, and featured for the national team later that month and in early December in fixtures against England and the Netherlands.
Now, with the USWNT’s Olympic gold medal run last summer in the rearview mirror and far-sighted visions set on the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, Yohannes said she can get back to another, quieter yet no less crucial goal: growth.
“In the short term, (it’s) staying present and continuing to work and grow with club and at the international level,” she says. “With the national team, just trying to take every experience that I can and learning and growing in this environment. It’s always an honor to come into camp and I just want to perform and help this team as best I can, and do the same at club (level).”
At the moment, Ajax is in a tight title race in the Dutch Eredivisie with Twente, currently at the top of the table, and PSV, who are ahead of Ajax and level with Twente on points. Just a point separates Ajax, who won the league’s cup title last year, from the other two contenders.
“I’ve been in the Netherlands since I was 10, and that’s sort of just normal for me. I think playing in the academy system with the boys and then at Ajax has helped me to develop, and I would say everybody’s path is different,” she says. “It’s just per your own personal choices, and I think it’s great to have so many great leagues all over the globe.”
Advertisement
She added that beginning her career in Europe meant focusing on the technical and tactical aspects of the game and that playing against other European teams and being exposed to a variety of playing styles has only benefited her.
“Ajax is a very possession-oriented team playing attacking football and having a sort of DNA has helped me to develop and grow qualities in my game,” she says. “I think within Europe as a whole it’s super-diverse, which is amazing, having Champions League and all those diverse teams and clubs come together and compete against each other.”
Yohannes isn’t the only player in the U.S. camp who had options as to which country she could represent, nor is she the only one who pursued opportunities in Europe at a young age.
Lily Yohannes and Catarina Macario have bonded in their short time together on the national team. (Ary Frank / Getty Images for USSF)
Although Catarina Macario’s path was markedly different from Yohannes’ — the Brazilian-American forward completed three seasons at college level with Stanford before setting off for Europe, first with Olympique Lyonnais in France and now Chelsea — the two have formed a bond after just two camps together.
“Cat’s super-cool. I think we have a great bond on and off the pitch,” Yohannes says of the 25-year-old. “I think she sort of took me under her wing when I first came into camp. Last camp was our first time playing together, so I know that’s something we were both looking forward to. Cat’s just such an amazing player with so much quality, so I’ve really enjoyed playing with her and off the field (we’re) having a good time.”
If given the chance again to partner in the U.S. attack in back-to-back friendlies against Brazil — first at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday and again at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif. three days later — Yohannes and Macario’s combined creativity on the ball could prove enough to withstand the South American team’s attempt at revenge for a 1-0 defeat last August in the Olympics’ gold medal match.
Indy Home Opener Sat Night @ the Mike 7 pm Kickoff
Indy Eleven went on the road to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and picked up a 1-1 draw. Indy Eleven midfielder Bruno Rendon has been named to the USL Championship “Team of the Week” for Week 3 of the regular season after he scored his first USLC goal in a 1-1 draw at Lexington SC on Saturday. The Eleven finished its season-opening two-match road trip with a 1-0-1 mark, good for a three-way tie for fourth with four points in the Eastern Conference, despite having a bye the first week of the campaign. The Boys in Blue host 2024 USL Champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the home opener Saturday at 7 pm at Carroll Stadium. Single-game tickets for all matches are available via Ticketmaster. Season, Flex Plan, Group, and Hospitality tickets are available here. For questions, call (317) 685-1100 during business hours or email tickets@indyeleven.com. A reminder to our Carmel FC GKs Coach James Pilkington who is also the GK coach for Indy 11 – invites everyone to come early say 6:15 pm or so to watch the Indy 11 GKs warm-up.
US Women face Brazil Next Friday night on TNT – Rodman Back on Roster
I have not had the chance to work with the Triple Espresso, Rose [Lavelle], Naomi [Girma] together since the Olympics, so it’s a long time, but to get one of them [Rodman] back is really exciting,” Hayes said.”Of course, [I] have to urge a little bit of caution [with Rodman], because she’s had an ongoing back complaint. I think she’s on the right road to that, but it can be quite easy to sort of trigger it. You can go from a position of a managed return to play, to too much. So, I have to try and find the sweet spot in camp to reintegrate her back in the team, but also to manage her, because she has a long season ahead.”Hayes continues to experiment with “less experienced players continuing to try to prove themselves,” as she said in a statement, in the early buildup to the 2027 World Cup. Eleven players on the roster have 10 caps or fewer, with an average age of 25.3 years old.”All of the players know they have to earn every roster spot, every starting spot and every minute they get as a finisher off the bench,” Hayes said. “Working with players who are striving for consistency in elite performance, so they can keep getting call-ups and keep exceling at this level, is an exciting process and one that continues with these two games.”The young faces include 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes, who will return after impressing at the SheBelieves Cup despite the Americans’ loss to Japan to concede the tournament title.Midfielder Claire Hutton, 19, is the other teenager on the roster. Houston Dash full-back Avery Patterson has also received her first senior call-up.
Hayes has also recalled several players who have been absent from the USWNT since she took over as coach last year. Center-back Alana Cook and forward Ashley Hatch return to the USWNT in a training camp with games for the first time under Hayes (Hatch trained with the team in January). Each player’s last appearance for the team was in late 2023. Forward Mia Fishel will also join the USWNT as a training player in camp, along with goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. Fishel tore an ACL in USWNT camp in February 2024 and just returned to the field for Chelsea FC’s senior team on Sunday. Anderson will train alongside the three rostered goalkeepers: Jane Campbell, Mandy McGlynn and Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Hayes has said that she will use 2025 to evaluate who could be the next starting goalkeeper following the retirement of longtime starter Alyssa Naeher.”If you think about this, prior to when even Alyssa [Naeher] made the No. 1 her own, it takes a period of time to be able to solidify that,” Hayes said. “And I think it’s fair to say we’ve got a lot of really good quality goalkeepers. Who will emerge from that as the No. 1? I don’t know, but they have to take their chances when they get them.”This is a performance-related business, and each and every opportunity they get, they have to make the most of it, because, of course, that will impact my decision making as we progress. This camp, there will be changes in goal again.”
U.S. women’s national team roster by position (Club; Caps/Goals) – April matches vs. Brazil
6:00 PM – Stadium gates, Box Office opens & Fun Zone open
7:00 PM – Kickoff vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Fun Zone
Fans are encouraged to visit the Fun Zone before each home match.
Sogility will bring their Technical Soccer Zone for you to test your soccer skills.
Fans can also play cornhole, take a shot at the inflatable goal and play bocce ball.
Playing with soccer balls at the stadium is solely permitted in the Fun Zone
Food Trucks/Vendors
Fans are encouraged to visit the Carroll Stadium concession stands for stadium favorites and the following food trucks & vendors in attendance before and during the match:
Union Jack
Stadium on Wheels
Shaved Ice
Bull Grill
Travelin Tom’s Coffee
Gordon’s Milkshakes
Come Early Sat night to get your Schedule Magnet !
7:30 pm Ion TV KC Current (Chawinga) vs Utah Royals 7:30 pm Apple TV DC United vs Columbus 8:30 pm Apple TV Chicago Fire vs Montreal 10 pm Ion TV Olrando Pride (Marta) vs San Diego NWSL 10:30 pm Apple TV LAFC vs Orlando City 10:30 pm Apple TV Vancouver vs Chicago
Sun, 3/30
8:30 am ESPN+ Preston North End vs Aston Villa FA Cup 10 am ESPN+ Barcelona vs Girona 11:30 pm ESPN+ Bournmouth (Adams) vs Man City FA Cup 2:15 pm Fox, Apple TV San Jose vs Seattle Sounders 2:45 pm Para+ Napoli vs AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) 4 pm CBSSN Chicago Stars (Naeher) vs Racing Louisville NWSL 7 pm apple TV Portland vs Houston Sunday night Futbol 8 pm CBSSN Angel City FC vs Seattle Reign FC NWSL
Tues, 4/1 2:45 pm Peacock Arsenal vs Fulham 3 pm Peacock Notingham Forest vs Man United 9:15 pm FS2 America vs Cruz Azul Champs Cup 11:15 pm Fox or FS2 LAFC vs Tigres Concacaf Champs Cup
Wed, 4/2
2:35 pm USA Man City vs Leicester City 3 pm Peacock Liverpool vs Everton 3 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Inter Milan 3:30 pm ESPND + Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Cup 9:30 pm Fox Vancouver vs Pumas Champs Cup 11:30 pm Fox Sport 1 LAFC vs Inter Miami (Messi) Champs Cup Thur, 4/3 3 pm USA Chelsea vs Tottenham Fri, 4/4 TBS, Max USWNT vs Brazil
Juventus vs Genoa, 1p on CBS, Paramount+, FuboTV: Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juve host Genoa in Serie A.
Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake, 8:30p: Apple TV Diego Luna and RSL visit Minnesota United in MLS.
América vs Tigres, 9:05p TUDN USA, Univision USA, FuboTV, ViX: Alex Zendejas and América host Tigres in Liga MX.
Also in action:
Watford vs Plymouth Argyle, 8:30a on Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo: Caleb Wiley and Watford host Plymouth Argyle in the Championship.
Venezia vs Bologna, 10a on FOX Deportes, Paramount+, FuboTV: Gianluca Busio and Venezia welcome Bologna into town for this Serie A match.
Mönchengladbach vs RB Leipzig, 10:30a on ESPN+: Joe Scally and Gladbach host Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Hoffenheim vs Augsburg, 10:30a on ESPN+: Noahkai Banks and Augsburg visit Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
Holstein Kiel vs Werder Bremen, 10:30a on ESPN+: John Tolkin and Holstein Kiel host Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Burnley vs Bristol City, 11a on Paramount+: Luca Koleosho and Burnley host Bristol City in the Championship.
Cardiff vs Sheffield Wednesday, 11a: Ethan Horvath and Cardiff City welcome Sheffield Wednesday in for this Championship match.
Leeds United vs Swansea, 11a on Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo: Brenden Aaronson and Leeds host Swansea in the Championship.
Middlesbrough vs Oxford United, 11a on Paramount+: Aidan Morris and Boro host Oxford United in the Championship.
Celtic vs Hearts, 11a on Celtic TV: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic host Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. Trusty missed international duty, but may be ready for action; we’ll see.
Barça Atlètic vs Cultural Leonesa, 1p on Barça One: Diego Kochen often jumps back and forth between Barcelona’s first team and their reserves. The reserves host Cultural Leonesa in Spain’s third division.
Standard Liège vs Mechelen, 1:15p: Marlon Fossey and Standard host Mechelen as Belgium’s first division splits into group play. Fossey and Standard are in the Europa Conference League group.
Frankfurt vs VfB Stuttgart, 1:30p on ESPN+: Nathaniel Brown and Frankfurt host VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Anrie Chase has been out injured, missing some time for Stuttgart.
Monaco vs Nice, 4:05p on beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, FuboTV, Sling TV, Fanatiz, TV5 Monde USA: Folarin Balogun may be ready to get back on the field for Monaco as they host Nice in Ligue 1.
Colorado Rapids vs Charlotte FC, 4:30p: Tim Ream, Patrick Agyemang, and Charlotte visit Zack Steffen and the Rapids in MLS.
Chivas vs Cruz Azul, 11:05p on Peacock, UNIVERSO, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FuboTV: Cade Cowell and Chivas host Cruz Azul in Liga MX.
Sunday
PSV vs Ajax, 8:30a on ESPN+: Malik Tillman is aiming for a return from injury for PSV, joining Sergiño Dest and Richy Ledezma as they host Ajax in the Eredivisie.
Bournemouth vs Man City, 11:30a on ESPN+: Tyler Adams and Bournemouth look to knock giants Man City out in this FA Cup quarterfinal.
Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz, 11:30a on ESPN+: Gio Reyna and Dortmund meet Lennard Maloney and Mainz in the Bundesliga.
Napoli vs AC Milan, 2:45p on FOX Deportes, Paramount+, FuboTV (free trial): Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and Milan have a big Serie A match against Napoli.
Real Betis vs Sevilla, 3p on ESPN Deportes USA, ESPN+, FuboTV: Johnny Cardoso is back in training; we’ll see if he can play for Betis in their La Liga match with Sevilla.
Also in action:
Utrecht vs Heerenveen, 6:15a: Paxten Aaronson and Utrecht host Heerenveen in the Eredivisie.
Heracles vs Twente, 8:30a on ESPN+: Taylor Booth and Twente visit Heracles in the Eredivisie.
Toulouse vs Brest, 9a on beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, FuboTV, Sling TV, Fanatiz: Mark McKenzie and Toulouse host Brest in Ligue 1.
Cesena vs Juve Stabia, 9a on DCTV: Jonathan Klinsmann and Cesena host Juve Stabia in Serie B.
Hajduk Split vs Sibenik, 10a: Rokas Pukštas and Split host Sibenik in Croatia’s first division.
Salernitana vs Palermo, 11:15a on DCTV: Kristoffer Lund and Palermo visit Salernitana in Serie B.
Dender vs Westerlo, 1:15p: Bryan Reynolds, Griffin Yow, and Westerlo visit Dender as Belgium’s top division splits into groups. Westerlo are in the Europa Conference League group.
Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo, 7p: Jack McGlynn and the Dynamo visit Portland in MLS play.
Only the San Diego vs LAFC & Portland vs Houston are on Normal Apple TV without the season pass.
======RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ===
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
Trinity Rodman returns to the USWNT, Emma Hayes continues to work around notable absences
Trinity Rodman has returned to the U.S. women’s national team roster for the first time since winning gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Head coach Emma Hayes named her 24-player roster, and two training players, on Tuesday for the team’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil. While the deep dive into player evaluation has continued, there is slightly less turnover in this roster compared to others with 19 players returning from the SheBelieves Cup.
Advertisement
The only field player on this roster without a national team cap is Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson, earning her first senior team call-up. After being listed as a training player for SheBelieves Cup, Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made the full roster for April and may get the chance for her first cap.
There are also multiple notable absences. Center-back Naomi Girma is still out after she left her Chelsea debut match injured earlier this month. Last week, Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor continued to confirm Girma was out but did not share a firm timetable for her return at club level.
Rose Lavelle continues to recover after ankle surgery in the offseason, and Mallory Swanson’s return remains uncertain. She has missed the first two weeks of the NWSL season with no further update provided by the Chicago Stars since March 12. The final third of Triple Espresso, Sophia Wilson, announced her pregnancy earlier this month.
Two players will join the camp as training players, with Mia Fishel joining the environment for the first time since she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ahead of the Concacaf W Gold Cup in February 2024. Hayes also tapped Angel City FC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson as a training player, marking her return following a call-up to the January camp.
“This roster has Olympians returning, less experienced players continuing to try to prove themselves, a few uncapped players and some players who have seen and done it all. The mix of players along with two games against a dynamic Brazil team who we last saw in the gold medal game means this event will be a lot of fun,” Hayes said in U.S. Soccer’s press release. “All of the players know they have to earn every roster spot, every starting spot and every minute they get as a finisher off the bench.”
We know you’ve heard it before, but 2025’s major theme is player evaluation at the start of the cycle. Nothing has changed here, even with two “fun” games against Brazil and the extra spice of the Olympic gold rematch.
Hayes has a couple of uncapped players to look at in Tullis-Joyce, finally promoted to the full roster, and Patterson as potential attacking-minded outside back depth. Patterson was part of January’s Futures Camp which featured under-23 players alongside the senior team.
Hayes has also opted to bring in two veteran players, Alana Cook and Ashley Hatch, for fresh looks in 2025. Their inclusion comes as questions remain around Girma’s return and forward options without the entirety of Triple Espresso available. Hatch was called up to the USWNT January camp, but both she and Cook haven’t made an appearance for the team since 2023.
There are fewer brand new names from Hayes, but she’s still working her way through the pool on her own time — and the year remains about as free from pressure as this team experiences, even as the USWNT looks to bounce back from the loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. Hayes still appears to be in individual evaluation mode with a side of tinkering — outside of the midfield which remains unchanged from SheBelieves Cup. Eventually, the switch to building meaningful chemistry will happen across the board ahead of next summer’s World Cup qualifiers, but there’s still no need to worry about it just yet.
—Meg Linehan
Who’s staying and who’s going?
The trade-off for evaluating younger players is that those spots don’t exist in a vacuum, and player selections inevitably come at the cost of more experienced players’ call-ups.
This squad is no exception. Many expected to see Wilson and Swanson miss out again. Girma is also an understandable omission as she settles in with Chelsea and deals with a possible minor injury.
Other veterans missed out for various reasons. Lynn Biyendolo has been listed as “day-to-day” by the Seattle Reign due to a lower leg injury. Abby Dahlkemper has played all 180 minutes of Bay FC’s young season but missed this U.S. squad as younger center-backs like Tara McKeown are vetted. Goalkeeper Casey Murphy seemed like a logical successor once Alyssa Naeher retired, but she’s missed successive camps as other goalkeepers get assessed.
Midfielder Hal Hershfelt seemed to be one of the new regulars for Hayes but hasn’t played for the USWNT since the December win against the Netherlands. The midfielder picked up a knock in Washington’s regular-season opener and was moving around after the Spirit’s loss last weekend in a walking boot. Defender Casey Krueger has been in fine form for Washington but hasn’t featured for Hayes since December. She spoke to the Hey Spirits podcast last month, saying she had a conversation with Hayes that indicated the team is moving forward without her.
Defender Casey Krueger said last month that she thinks the U.S. is moving forward without her. (Elsa / Getty Images for USSF)
“It sounds like things are moving forward, which I understand. And I’m happy that the player pool is so deep. Getting everybody experience, giving people the recognition that they deserve, I think that’s huge,” Krueger said.“But it also stinks. I wanted to continue playing with them for as long as I could and continue to push the pool forward and just give the experience that I have, and help in any way that I can. But it looks like that’s not the case, so I’ll be supporting from afar.” Midfielder Ashley Sanchez was part of Hayes’ January training camp but hasn’t played for the national team since October. The scale of changes plays an obvious role, as Hayes is fully committed to exploring the deep end of her player pool. For more veteran players like Krueger, Murphy, Dahlkemper and even Sanchez, however, each missed squad only leaves more reason to wonder how, if at all, they fit into Hayes’ planning ahead of 2027.
—Jeff Rueter
(Top photo: Daniela Porcelli / Getty Images)
USMNT frustrations boiling over as World Cup clock keeps on ticking
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The frustrations with this U.S. men’s national team have been simmering for some time, built not just through a series of underwhelming performances, but also in a growing perception of complacency and entitlement.On Sunday night, after a 2-1 loss against Canada that didn’t even feel too surprising, the most productive player in the program’s history publicly voiced that disappointment.
“I’m so sick of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all the amazing clubs they play for,” USMNT legend Landon Donovan posted on X after the Concacaf Nations League Finals third-place playoff. “If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s!%* about playing for your national team, decline the invite. Talent is great, pride is better.”Donovan was hardly alone in expressing that sentiment about a team that some have dubbed the most talented generation of players in American history. Former USMNT players Stu Holden and Clint Dempsey, and even legendary French striker Thierry Henry, noted the growing disconnect and discontent between this group, its fanbase and the program’s alumni.
The disappointment around this team is not just because of the results. Yes, this U.S. team is falling short of expectations. But it’s also how this team is losing these games. The way Panama and Canada played offered a stark contrast. They looked like they had something to prove. The U.S. looked like they believed they didn’t have to prove anything to anyone.
Christian Pulisic didn’t have his finest performances for the U.S. during the Nations League Finals. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The U.S. couldn’t match its opponents’ fight. They were out-willed. What once felt like a hallmark of U.S. teams now feels like a weakness. The Americans were flat against Panama, lacking the creativity and directness to break them down. There was more energy at the start against Canada, but they faded against a team that clearly wanted it more.
The narrative that this might be the U.S.’s golden generation was crafted because a group of players landed at big clubs in Europe earlier than any Americans before them. Putting aside the question of whether that was down to talent or the globalization of the sport (and the impact of Christian Pulisic’s success at Borussia Dortmund), it’s now clear that whatever ability this U.S. group has, it’s not enough to overcome teams that play like they have something more to fight for.
Advertisement
Panama might not have the talent of this U.S. team, but it looked the stronger team. Canada also has players at top clubs, but it’s a team that plays with a clear chip on its shoulder. It was once a prerequisite that U.S. teams came with that mentality — and to be fair, the current players showed that level of fight at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and in other big games, too. But that spirit has not been evident. Last year’s 3-1 win over Jamaica in the Nations League semifinal after a last-minute equalizer was a warning shot. The Copa América was obviously a reality check. A coaching change was made in search of a spark.
This week’s results at SoFi Stadium show how much work must be done to figure out exactly what has changed since the World Cup exit. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino isn’t blind to the problem. After the loss on Sunday, he pondered how to turn a collection of players that looks great on paper into a team that consistently demonstrates its talent on the field.
“We assume. It may be because we have a certain quality,” Pochettino said. “But when it comes to competing, perhaps we don’t show that quality — or that presumption of quality — that makes us appear better than our opponents in all the analysis before playing.
“But then we have to prove it. So maybe that’s what’s costing us. We assume we’re better, but when it comes to competing, when it comes to showing it, perhaps we fail to find that form.”
How Pochettino accomplishes that is his biggest task. This roster felt like Pochettino beginning to search for answers. For the 23-man squad, he called in nine MLS players from January camp, including three injury replacements. It felt like a bid to manufacture competition within the team by adding hopefuls desperate to break into the World Cup picture.
The USMNT needs to huddle up and iron out some issues before cohosting the 2026 World Cup (Alex Gallardo/Imagn Images)
It may not have changed the results, but it wasn’t a complete failure. On Sunday, Pochettino praised attacking midfielder Diego Luna for his mindset. Luna, 21, was making his competitive debut for the U.S. He hasn’t played in Europe. He played in the USL and then in MLS for Real Salt Lake. He saw this as his chance to break into a group where some might think he didn’t belong.
Advertisement
“The desire and the hunger that he showed is what we want,” Pochettino said. “And that is not to say anything against the rest of the people; it’s only one example. When I told him today you are going to play, he was ready. And after playing well or not playing well, performing well, scoring, assisting — or not — that is what we want to see. And that is the example that we need to take.”
Pochettino put the onus on himself and his staff to get things right. He has had just three windows with his full team: October and November 2024 and this March camp. This summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup will be a vital opportunity to spend a month with the group and to find a way to unlock the requisite mentality needed to compete.
The Argentine manager is celebrated for creating and inspiring strong groups at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. Even at Chelsea, Pochettino got more out of the team he inherited. Can he unlock a similar motivation in a U.S. group that has regressed since Qatar? Could the growing discontentment around them create a feeling of us versus the world?
A pair of defeats on home soil was a disappointing twist for Mauricio Pochettino. (Alexis Quiroz/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Something must change to get this team to live up to its hype — and to do so at an all-important home World Cup that has the opportunity to inspire the next generation of American soccer fans and players.
Pochettino reminded everyone that the 2026 World Cup is still the ultimate goal. He asked fans not to lose that perspective.
“I don’t want the people to feel pessimistic,” he said. “Disappointed? Disappointed, we are all. And the fans need to feel the disappointment that we didn’t win. But I don’t want to allow (them) to feel pessimistic, because we have good players. We are going to find a way to perform. We are going to compete in a different way. We are going to get different results than Thursday and today.”
The U.S. is running out of time to figure it out. The Gold Cup, which starts in June, is probably their last best chance to generate excitement before the World Cup — and build momentum within the team itself.
Three tactical issues behind the USMNT defeats to Panama and Canada
“We want to destroy Panama, (and) we want to destroy the next one,” said head coach Mauricio Pochettino prior to the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal on March 21.
His eyes were on the final. Instead, the U.S. hit the self-destruct button to lose 1-0 to Panama courtesy of Cecilio Waterman’s added-time goal. They did it again against Canada in the third-place playoff to fall 2-1 and end their Nations League journey in anything but style.
Advertisement
Pochettino emphasised taking the positives from the two matches, but his options on that front are limited. The USMNT were outplayed, outworked, and — most worryingly ahead of the 2026 World Cup at home — outfoxed tactically.
Three major issues warrant Pochettino’s immediate attention.
An unclear approach out of possession
When the U.S. beat Panama 2-0 five months ago in Pochettino’s debut, they caused problems for Thomas Christiansen’s side by winning the ball high up the pitch on multiple occasions. So it was not a surprise to see them commit multiple men forward in their March 21 meeting too.
Midfielder Tanner Tessman is conflicted on whether to push ahead or protect the back line. But as Panama pass back to goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, he joins the press.
Mosquera plays a pass right through the gap in midfield, bypassing all six U.S. players to find a team-mate.
The space between the midfield and defence is huge as the U.S.’s back line does not push up the pitch with the midfield.
The result is that Panama now have a five-on-four situation in transition…
To Pochettino’s credit, he altered the system shortly afterward. Tyler Adams and Tessmann stayed deeper while the front four of Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah and Josh Sargent pressed higher up the pitch.
Panama remained confident playing out from the back but did not have easy passes into their central attackers.
Pochettino used a similar approach against Canada, despite making five changes to his starting XI, with Canada happy to go long from defence to target their pacy front four of Ali Ahmed, Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi. The issue the U.S. faced on this occasion was in coping with the quartet’s fluidity.
David lined up alongside Oluwaseyi up top but was excellent at dropping back to receive the ball, while Ahmed and Buchanan stayed wide. While Pochettino’s tweak against Panama had solved the U.S.’s primary issue, it was not foolproof.
In this example from the 45th minute, Canada centre-back Moise Bombito carries the ball forward under no pressure. David begins the move between the centre-backs but drops as they begin retreating to receive the ball and holds onto it to draw a defender before feeding a team-mate.
As seen in the final frame, both Oluwaseyi and Ahmed are on the blindside of U.S. defenders and can easily get into dangerous areas to meet a cross.
Neither of these moves resulted in goals, but they raise valid concerns about the USMNT’s out-of-possession approach.
Tracking back-post runners and individual errors
The Canada example prompts another concern for the U.S. — marking players at the back post. On multiple occasions against Panama and Canada, they were drawn towards the ball and left themselves vulnerable to blindside runs, with these moments often compounded by personal errors. Waterman made them pay for one of those incidents to score the winner.
The move begins with Pulisic’s ill-advised header backwards when he had more time to control the ball than he thought. The Milan forward splits the gap between his midfielders, and Waterman gets to the ball ahead of U.S. centre-back Mark McKenzie.
Waterman feeds Ismael Diaz, who passes back to midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla. While Carrasquilla considers his options, Waterman begins his move towards the right side, unnoticed by the U.S. defenders.
Carrasquilla then plays a pass into Waterman, with the U.S. defense yet to realize that he is unmarked.
Waterman responds with an emphatic finish into the bottom corner across goalkeeper Matt Turner, whose positioning is questionable.
Alarmingly, the U.S. did not learn from this mistake and almost conceded a similar goal against Canada.
On this occasion, a cross comes into the box with Canada forward Cyle Larin peeling away to the back post unmarked.
The U.S. get the ball clear but, once again, they rush towards the ball rather than covering the spaces or marking Canada’s players. Larin receives a pass under no pressure whatsoever.
Luckily for the U.S, he delays his shot, which is blocked by a sliding Marlon Fossey.
The U.S.’s inability to track runners was their downfall for Canada’s opener, too. As Ahmed drives inside, three Canadian players are free to run into the box, with three American players in static positions.
Timothy Weah does little to stop Ahmed from delivering a pass into the box, which is attacked by two players.
When the shot eventually comes in, the U.S. players are caught between committing to block it, like McKenzie and Cameron Carter-Vickers (white circle), and the rest who are caught ball-watching.
Ultimately, it hands Oluwaseyi the simplest of chances to put Canada ahead, and he duly obliges…
The U.S. did well to get themselves back into the game through Patrick Agyemang’s equalizer and withstood Canada’s threat for most of the game before committing an avoidable error in the lead-up to David’s winner.
In the 59th minute, Turner does well to collect a cross before spotting an opening up the pitch. He goes for the long throw down the middle despite having seven players in his vicinity, two of whom (white circles) are open.
But when the camera pans forward, we see two U.S. players up against Canada’s three, resulting in a predictable conclusion: Canada winning the ball and recycling possession, with the U.S. still getting back into their shape.
Canada eventually go long and, after a scramble down the right, the ball falls to Ahmed, who sets up David.
Throw-ins
The final concern for Pochettino will be how his side deal with throw-ins. Canada’s Alastair Johnston caused problems for them on two separate occasions in the first half, with both moves requiring Turner to intervene.
The first, in the 22nd minute, sees Ismael Kone unmarked, and he collects the ball despite the U.S. winning the first header.
Kone shoots unopposed, and the volley deflects off McKennie.
Turner punches it out under pressure before the U.S. clear the ball.
Johnston gets another opportunity in the 43rd minute. Once again, the U.S. win the first header, but it falls straight to the unmarked Mathieu Choiniere, who heads it back into the mix.
From here, the ball is headed on towards the back post from where Canada direct another header towards goal, but it goes straight to Turner.
The most damning example came in the 14th minute against Panama, when the U.S. somehow turned their own throw-in into a corner for Panama in the span of 25 seconds.
The U.S.’s importance in football is being fast-tracked as Major League Soccer rises in prominence and the country prepares to host the Club World Cup this summer and the World Cup in 2026. But this month’s results are a brutal reality check.
The two USMNT performances were littered with errors and tactical issues. Pochettino must return to the drawing board ahead of the team’s next match against Turkey in June.
(Header photo: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
Worry, anger, frustration: What past USMNT greats think of struggling side
At some point during the U.S. men’s national team’s loss to Canada in the Nations League third-place game, members of the American Outlaws, the official USMNT supporters group, began pleading with Clint Dempsey.Dempsey, to some the greatest player in the history of American men’s soccer, was at the game as an analyst for CBS Sports, stationed at a desk just in front of the supporters end. After the broadcast, Dempsey recalled the exchange during the network’s wrap-up show.Advertisement
“You had some of them saying, ‘Hey, (Clint), get ‘em right. Say something,’” Dempsey said. “And I’m like ‘Hey! Y’all let them know. Let them know what’s going on. They need to fight for y’all.’”Nobody ever needed to teach Dempsey how to fight. Born and raised in tiny Nacogdoches, Texas, Dempsey was entirely different than most American players. He grew up poor, living in a trailer in his grandparents’ backyard and playing streetball with kids twice his age. He idolized players like Diego Maradona and Cuauhtémoc Blanco and cut his teeth in the largely Mexican men’s leagues in the area, playing against opponents twice his age.Dempsey made a habit throughout his career of showing up in big games, scoring consequential goals with club and country. He largely disappeared after his retirement in 2018 and can sometimes come across as softspoken even as a pundit. But his USMNT pedigree — along with Landon Donovan, he is the program’s all-time leading goalscorer — gives his words weight. And after the USMNT’s Nations League semifinal loss against Panama, Dempsey teed off.“During my career, the biggest blow that there was was not qualifying for the World Cup in 2018,” Dempsey said. “And you think — sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. And people talked about this team being the ‘golden generation.’ … You look at the step back. Copa América, not getting out of the group there on home soil. Here tonight, in an important game as we get closer to the World Cup, another failure. It doesn’t give you a lot of hope. You have more fans here for Mexico right now than the U.S.”
Dempsey continued, pointing out that some key USMNT players will miss this summer’s Gold Cup as they compete in the FIFA Club World Cup and that the U.S. might struggle to find competitive matches as the year wears on, with other countries still in the thick of World Cup qualification.
“I’m a little nervous,” said Dempsey. “And I’m worried about the future of this U.S. men’s national team.”
Like Dempsey, Donovan can more or less let his national team career do the talking.Nobody scored more goals for the USMNT than Donovan, and nobody’s goals were more consequential. Some of the most important strikes in U.S. history came off his feet — a goal against Mexico in the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup; and a trio of goals in the 2010 World Cup that included a last-gasp group-winner against Algeria, which galvanized an entire nation.
Like Dempsey, Donovan disappeared from view a bit after retirement but eventually found his legs as a coach, first in USL and then NWSL. He remains a foundational figure in the history of U.S. soccer, called upon frequently to analyze the current state of affairs.
On Sunday, Donovan’s analysis made Dempsey’s look timid.
“I’m so sick of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all of the amazing clubs they play for,” Donovan wrote on X. “If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s!%* about playing for your national team, decline the invite. Talent is great, pride is better.”
A couple days later, Donovan calmed down a bit, but not much.
“You’re probably more objective about stuff like this,” Donovan told The Athletic, “but I was just so viscerally upset after that game. I’m just getting tired of watching all of this s**t.”
Donovan was quick to let a pair of USMNT players off the hook for their performance against Canada. Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna showed well, Donovan thought, and Christian Pulisic — invisible for long stretches of both the Panama and Canada matches — was “really hurt by these performances.”
Advertisement
“Those are the only ones that stick out to me,” continued Donovan. “There were just too many guys out there who were just going through the motions. When I watch games, sometimes it’s difficult to accurately judge someone’s ‘desire.’ But you also just see what your eyes tell you. It was obvious in these games who cared.”
Donovan, like any former player, is wary of being perceived as being some sort of grumpy old man. Undoubtedly, he is representative of the prototypical American player of his era. For years, the common perception of the American player, fairly or unfairly, was that they were a little short on skill and tactical acumen but excelled at the intangibles. They were often exceptionally fit, fearless and possessed a laundry list of other nebulous descriptors: grit, determination, hustle, edge.
Landon Donovan sees the USMNT getting further away from its identity. (Photo by Rob Kinnan/Imagn Images)
USMNT teams of Donovan’s era were sometimes not the prettiest to watch, but they wore opponents down. They were led by a series of American coaches raised in the pits of this country’s college and professional soccer ecosystems, most of whom possessed a deep understanding of the American game, none more so than Bruce Arena.
“People used to hate playing against us,” Donovan said. “Even when we lost. We’d get beat 2-0 and you could tell the other team was still like ‘f***, this game is going to be a f***ing nightmare.’ Occasionally, though, we’d have a poor effort. And Bruce would say ‘Guys, a coach shouldn’t have to coach effort. That’s not my job.’
“Back then I thought that was ridiculous,” Donovan continued. “But now I think about it and realize he was spot on. The last thing Mauricio Pochettino should have to worry about is whether these guys are going to leave it all on the field or not. Leaving it all on the field — that’s been a hallmark of the American player since the mid-80s. If we lose that, we are in big, big trouble.”
Donovan, who has certainly worked with his share of young players over the years, is cautious to paint with too broad a brush when it comes to the source of the U.S.’s current perceived mentality issue. He cannot help but agree, though, that part of the issue is simply generational, and mirrored outside of the sports world.
“There is absolutely a generational piece to this,” Donovan said. “You see it all over society. People just do not take pride in what they do anymore. When I first went to Leverkusen, when I was 17, it blew my mind how much pride the server took in doing their job. That’s a server at a restaurant — not a player playing for their national team. There is a lack of sense of pride in what people do.
Advertisement
“When you are proud, you are not going to let two games like that just slip by without trying to do something about it,” he added. “I would’ve been embarrassed on the field after that game against Panama. I sure as hell wouldn’t have gone into the Canada game and played that poorly. I would have been too embarrassed.”
Donovan was never lacking in pride. He’s still not. When asked whether he thinks the USMNT of 2002 or 2010 could beat what some are referring to as a “golden generation” of players, he laughed.
“We would not have let Canada or Panama beat us without it being an absolute bloodbath,” Donovan said. “I used to hate going into training camps, because I got the shit kicked out of me. The competition was real. We had real players who cared about the result and were always, without exception, willing to put themselves on the line to get a result. I can’t talk about who was more skilled or talented, but we were always responsible for the result.
“Right now,” he concluded, “of course I’d take those teams over this current one.”
Tab Ramos hails from a different era than Dempsey or Donovan, one that feels almost alien to modern observers of the USMNT.
Ramos made his World Cup debut 35 years ago as part of the 1990 team that thrust the USMNT back into the global spotlight for the first time in 40 years. It’s impossible to overstate just how different the program looked in those days. Players in the mid-to-late 80s, when Ramos entered the picture, were underpaid and overworked, nearly invisible to the general public. The U.S. sometimes struggled to schedule matches against meaningful competition, and when it did, players sometimes flew in on the day of the game and back out just after the final whistle.
Born in Uruguay, Ramos spent his adolescence in Kearny, N.J., an American soccer holy site if there ever was one. From the beginning, his understanding of the game felt different than many other players of his era. So did his technical ability. Almost beyond argument, Ramos was the most technically gifted American player of his time. That talent took him abroad, earning him contracts with Real Betis and Figueres in Spain. He was a central figure at the 1994 World Cup, which the U.S. hosted. When MLS was founded 30 years ago, Ramos was the first player signed to a contract.
Ramos, who would go on to coach in MLS and USL after retirement and also serve as an assistant at the 2014 World Cup, has an intimate understanding of this current USMNT group. He worked with many of the squad’s players during his decade-long tenure as a coach and technical director in the U.S. youth program. Like Donovan and Dempsey, Ramos was shocked at what he saw in the Nations League.
“When I hear the players do interviews after the games, every single one of them says, ‘We need to have a stronger mentality. We need to work harder, tackle more,’” Ramos told The Athletic. “Here’s the thing: this isn’t the first time we’ve heard this. I think the fact that Pulisic, (Tyler) Adams, (Weston) McKennie, all of the important guys are saying ‘We need to get stuck in, we need to work harder.’ Well yeah, of course. But you need to stop talking about it. You need to start doing it.”
Tab Ramos doesn’t like what he sees from the current U.S. men’s national team players. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
In post-match interviews, Pochettino sometimes seemed almost shocked at the lack of effort from his squad and suggested, vaguely at least, that other players would be brought in to replace underperforming ones should the issue continue.
“If you were to ask any player in the world, people would say, ‘The American guys aren’t technical enough, this isn’t their game,’” Ramos said. “But at the end of the day they knew they had to play hard to beat you. Because they knew we’d fight to the end. I’m sure Pochettino was shocked. I’m sure he thought that with a full-strength squad, he probably took it for granted a little bit that his players would outwork the other team. He must have been shocked when he saw that wasn’t true.”
Like Donovan, Ramos chalks part of the current state of affairs surrounding the USMNT up to a generational shift, but his view includes some international perspective. Kids everywhere are changing, and the problem in the U.S. has more to do with soccer’s place in the cultural and sporting landscape, Ramos said.
“We don’t come from a soccer culture in this country,” he said. “All of the kids in other countries, they’re the same as our kids. They too are playing on their phone. It’s not like in Brazil or Argentina they’re not on their phone all day. But when they’re not on their phone? They are playing soccer. And they play like they mean it — they play to win. It just has to do more with our culture than some generational difference. Soccer in this country, it’s still not one of the biggest leagues, it’s fifth or sixth or seventh, however you want to look at it.”
Ramos bristles at the suggestion that this current generation of U.S. players accounts for a “golden generation” of sorts. Ramos himself hails from a foundational generation of players — the team that represented the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup, the first ever played on U.S. soil.
Advertisement
“A ‘golden generation?’” Ramos said. “Are you kidding me? A this point I feel like I came from the golden generation. After seeing all of this? My generation was probably the golden generation. We took the U.S. to a World Cup after hopping fences to play in playgrounds and getting paid $400 a game to play for the Brooklyn Italians to prepare for the national team. If that’s not golden, I don’t know what is. We have just lost the essence of who we are as a soccer country.”
That ‘94 tournament served as a springboard for the founding of MLS and in many ways founded the general American public’s connection to the sport of soccer itself, one that continues to deepen every day.
Yet Ramos cannot help but be disappointed these days when he watches the USMNT play. A little over a year out from what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history, the U.S.’s Nations League matches against Panama and Canada were played in mostly-empty stadiums, with little to no fanfare. It’s a sobering reminder to Ramos, of soccer’s — or maybe American soccer’s — continued struggle for relevance.
“We were hoping for so much more,” he said. “We were hoping that soccer would get closer to the NFL, to everything else. And here we are 30 years later, and it still hasn’t happened. I’m disappointed. This is the year where everything should be clicking, everybody should be excited about the national team and how well Pulisic is doing at Milan and how McKennie is doing at Juventus and how Adams is a leader at Bournemouth.
“And guess what? People don’t even go to the games. People don’t want to see it.”
Canada sends USMNT reeling to fourth-place Nations League finish
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Canada downed the U.S. men’s national team, 2-1, on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, claiming third place in the Concacaf Nations League, and delivering another disappointment to a U.S. team that had won the three previous versions of this tournament.
After falling to Panama in the semifinal on Thursday, the U.S. was asked to show more energy and creativity in the third-place game. There might have been some good moments, but it still was not enough to best Canada.
The Canadians entered the game feeling like they had performed well in their semifinal loss to Mexico. There was real belief that they are a team to be taken seriously in the region, and the game against the Americans was an opportunity to prove that.
On the other side, after an early exit from the Copa América last summer, the U.S. will go into this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup desperate for any semblance of optimism and momentum, with the 2026 World Cup looming in the not-so-distant future.
While Canada was the better team throughout Sunday, though not by the widest margin, it was what was finally presented up top that proved to be the difference: goals from the two starting forwards, David and Oluwaseyi.
Marsch moved on from his oft-used forward pairing of David and Cyle Larin after they struggled to consistently score. Coming into this match, Canada had gone goalless in half of Marsch’s 14 games in charge. Canada had generated just one shot on target against Mexico. Something had to give, which Marsch acknowledged after Thursday’s loss.
“A few more times where we can have a little bit more of an understanding of how to slow things down in the last third, and make some final passes that get us in and around the goal,” Marsch said of his team’s shortcomings in attack. “Then we can have the movements in the box that can give us more chances to be more creative in those moments.”
Oluwaseyi and David looked spirited throughout the game, fulfilling their roles well and providing those moments. Oluwaseyi acted as a poacher close to goal, punching home a quick shot after a few deflections in the 27th minute. David was given the assist on the goal.
In the second half, after multiple possible missed penalty calls, David dropped deep into the midfield as he often does for Canada. He eventually found a pocket of space inside the U.S., deftly turned in possession of the ball and curled a perfectly placed shot past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner.
One big question coming out of Canada’s win will be the status of Larin and David as the preferred forward pairing. Marsch has no shortage of options with the recent additions of Daniel Jebbison and Promise David, making for plenty of roster intrigue leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
USMNT left grasping after two losses
U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino wanted to see more of just about everything from his team against Canada than he had in a semifinal loss to Panama a few days prior.
“Tomorrow is going to be an important game to see how we react,” Pochettino said Saturday. “We need to show character. We need to show (that) all that we were talking (about) is not only about the result, but it’s only about improving our performance.”
More passion. More energy. More risk taking. More goals.
Pochettino got some of that in flashes, but it didn’t change the result.
Now, the U.S. coach will try to find something out of the performance off of which he can try to build. The U.S. certainly was not as flat as it was in the 1-0 loss to Panama, but at a time when this program desperately needed wins and momentum, it’s instead still left searching for answers.
Both Canada goals were aided by defensive lapses by the U.S.
Oluwaseyi’s opener was aided by a poor clearance and far too much space given to Canadian players to eventually allow a close-range finish. Those issues showed on the second goal, too. David’s 59th-minute game-winner included some frustrating defensive letdowns from the U.S.. Weah’s tackle of Tajon Buchanan bounced the ball unluckily into the path of Ali Ahmed, who found David in the U.S. box. U.S. center back Mark McKenzie dropped off of David in order to take away Buchanan’s run, but with that space afforded him inside the box, David, Canada’s deadliest finisher, easily picked out the far post.
The Americans did show more energy in the attack against a Canada team that allowed more space in transition. The one bright moment of the game featured some of the players the U.S. hoped would use this platform to make an impression: Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna assisted on Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang’s goal.
The U.S. was challenged to show how it would respond to the Panama loss, but it also had to show how it could respond to going down a goal. After Oluwaseyi opened the scoring for Canada in the 27th minute, the U.S. found life again. Tyler Adams found Tim Weah on the left wing, and Weah took on his defender well before finding Luna in the box. The RSL midfielder paused slightly to let a defender slide by, then touched it to Agyemang, who finished past Dayne St. Clair.
The intensity of the game picked up in the second half after the penalty shout and Marsch’s red card. In the end, though, it was Canada that landed the final punch.
Pochettino seemed to stick to his plan to see players in the third-place game. Three key starters — Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Christian Pulisic — were all subbed out in the 69th minute. The subs, which included Gio Reyna, couldn’t turn the game in the Americans’ favor.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Mauricio Pochettino had a message for those whose belief is waning after the U.S. men’s national team’s concerning fourth-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League: Have patience.
“I don’t want that the people feel pessimistic,” the U.S. manager said after his team lost 2-1 to Canada in the tournament’s third-place game at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. “Disappointed? Disappointed, we are all. And the fans need to feel the disappointment that we didn’t win. But I don’t want to allow (them) to feel pessimistic, because I think we have good players. We are going to find a way to perform. And for sure we are going to compete in a different way. And (at) the end, we are going to get different results than Thursday and today.”
After two more negative outcomes, losing to Panama in Thursday’s semifinal and again to a Canadian team that had coach Jesse Marsch red-carded, it is clear that the U.S. team and its Argentinean coach has a lot to fix. What it is that they need to change is not as easy to pinpoint. Right now, it feels like just about everything needs to get taken down to the studs.
“It’s back to the drawing board in terms of that intensity, that passion, that fight,” U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner said. “I think it’s pretty clear after these two games that we weren’t up to that level of intensity and some hard conversations need to be had amongst ourselves and we need to push each other to get back to that level. Because it’s not just a given that we can step onto the pitch and perform at a certain level.”
It feels like a long road and a complicated task. Or maybe not. U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams believes there is a quick way to remedy it. “Win games,” Adams said. “It’s that simple.”
Goalkeeper Matt Turner endured another disappointing afternoon. (Alexis Quiroz / Jam Media / Getty Images)
Pochettino came back time and again to the idea that the Nations League was only one stop on a journey toward the end game that is the World Cup. It’s an idea he discussed earlier this week, pointing to teams who have played well or poorly ahead of the tournament only to have opposite results at the World Cup. Pochettino said he didn’t want to let these losses overwhelm the ultimate goal.
“I don’t want to say I am happy at this (failure), don’t take me wrong, but if there (is) something negative about results, or things to learn, it’s better (to learn it) now because I think we have time,” Pochettino said. “Because if we will be in this situation in one year’s time, for sure I will tell you: ‘Houston, we have a problem.’ No? Eso es.
“But you will see. If in one year we are talking about that, it’s because we have a big problem and we were not capable to discover and to try to decide a better strategy and way to provide the team the capacity to play in a different way. I think we have time. And I prefer to let that (lesson) happen today than in one year.”
The road to fixing things starts this summer at the Gold Cup. Pochettino and his staff will get a month with the squad, their first chance to truly spend time and try to build something within the group.
“Obviously, the feeling is not good right now,” U.S. star Christian Pulisic said. “We need to turn it around and we can hopefully build some momentum this summer, because we really do need it and with big, big tournaments ahead.”
Better vibes for Canada
On the other side, Canada can leave Los Angeles feeling positive about their ability to beat their rivals on U.S. soil. That positivity, although slightly muted given the win comes in a third-place contest, was the prevailing feeling from the Canadian side.
“The mentality of this team is strong. And today was another big test for us against a very good American team and it showed that we’re ready to compete and beat everybody in this region,” Canada assistant coach Mauro Biello said. “For many years, we were always the underdog. But I think things are starting to shift. And we’ve proven that over the last two games here.”
A turning point in the game for Canada was head coach Marsch being sent off in the 54th minute with a straight red card. Marsch had stepped on the field to shout repeatedly at referee Katia Itzel García in protest of two potential missed penalty calls on Canada forward Jonathan David.
Jesee Marsch was infuriated by two refereeing decisions. (Eliecer Aizprua Banfield / Jam Media / Getty Images)
David would score a stunner of a goal five minutes later. That goal would end up being the difference.
Biello said the goal “galvanized the team.” Yet David himself was quick to clarify, with a grin, that Marsch’s second protest might not have been totally necessary.
“So for me, the first one is a penalty. The second one, there’s nothing because I don’t even try to win the penalty. I just slipped. I think it’s an accumulation of what happened in the Mexico game and the first penalty that we didn’t get today. And his reaction I think is understandable, because you want to be taken seriously and not have the referee even just not even consider our pleas,” David said.
Marsch’s red card appeared to change the dynamic of the game. Canada attacked more fervently afterwards . The U.S. had little response.
“I saw him over there flying about. I was loving it. He made an emotional stand for us,” Canada defender Alistair Johnson said. “I think that was something that’s been bubbling underneath the surface over these past couple of matches in terms of not getting the same whistles that he feels that we should, and that he knows that us, being Canadians, we’re a little too humble to start rolling around and begging for a call. So I think he felt like, ‘No, this is my moment. I need to make a stand to show that, f***, this isn’t right.’”
Marsch’s red card prevented him from fulfilling his postgame press conference duties. But it didn’t prevent him from injecting some life into the Canada locker room afterwards.
“(Marsch) had a smile from ear-to-ear,” Johnson said. “Beating the Americans for us is top of the agenda, as good as it gets. And then obviously for (Marsch) with his double allegiance, it probably felt really good.”
(Top photo: Alexis Quiroz / Jam Media / Getty Images)
Indy 11 Win 1st, Face Lexington Tonite at 7 pm on ESPN+
Miami, Fla.- Indy Eleven scored three first-half goals off set pieces on its way to a 3-1 victory at Miami in its USL Championship season opener last weekend. Six players made their debuts for the Boys in Blue—Elvis Amoh, Hogan, Kizza, James Murphy, Bruno Rendon, and Oliver Brynéus. Rendon tied for team highs with six recoveries (with Maalique Foster) and three tackles won (with Aedan Stanley). Indy Eleven travels to Lexington SC today at 7 p.m. in a game streamed on ESPN+. The Boys in Blue host 2024 Champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Carroll Stadium to open the home slate on Saturday, March 29 at 7 pm. Single-game tickets are available for all matches via Ticketmaster. Season, Flex Plan, Group, and Hospitality tickets are available here. For questions, call (317) 685-1100.
US loses to Panama 1-0 faces Canada for 3rd Sun 6 pm on Para+, Univision
I don’t even know what to say? Horrific Management, Horrific preparation, Horrific play! Those who were dogging Gregg Berhalter and begging for a foreign manager might need to rethink things. Pochettino was clueless in this game. Yes we are missing players but that was a B- team for Panama that absorbed pressure all game and countered to win 1-0. USa vs Panama Highlights The US had zero creativity in this game despite having 90% possession and 4 shots on goal. Musah at right back? Starting 2 #6s I mean — he got nothing right in this game. Yes the players were shit on this day – no spark, no aggression – only Pulisic seemed to friggin care they couldn’t score. But his subs? No Luna or Reyna at the 10 to try to find a pass on the subs. You can see now why POCH has NEVER won a trophy at any level. Sure he talks a good game working part time for 6M a year while still living in Europe. But I am not sure he has a clue. ESPN FC Questions Everything US Soccer Now for the players – this game lacked bite, lacked hard tackles, lacked what used to make the US strong – PRIDE. Not sure these millionaires playing overseas understand what US Soccer is supposed to be about. Always play like an underdog.
Sure we are missing huge players here – no Jedi Robinson was huge (the goal came from his side) and we had no movement down the left wing. No forwards up top (Pepi + Bologan are both injured) but Agyemang couldn’t hit the ocean from the pier on his 2 golden chances where was Haji Wright? I love Ream but if he starts the World Cup next summer the US will be out in 3 games. Oh and Matt Turner – its way past time for him to be replaced – I think Horvath is our best – but Matt can’t start again until he plays more in Europe. Men in Blazers Wrap Turner’s Goal I am so upset I don’t know what else to say. The US plays Canada and the man who should be our coach on Sunday at 6 pm. No one will be there again – who would pay money to watch this US team play (I was in LA last week-nothing about the game anywhere – but the Mexican’s bought all the tickets anyway). My buddy in The American Outlaws out there said they literally got no access to tickets.
DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (club/country; caps/goals)
DEFENDERS (8):Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 19/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0) MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 42/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 6/0) FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 3/1)
Was Turner out of spot on this one? Looked like a save-able ball during the game?
TV Schedule
Sat 3/22
1 pm Fox Sp 2 Modova vs Norway 7:30 pm Ion TV Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs KC (Chawinga) 8:30 pm Apple TV Salt Lake vs Dallas 10 pm Ion TV Bay FC vs Louisville NWSL 10:30 pm Apple TV Seattle Sounders vs Houston 10:30 pm Apple TV Vancouver vs Chicago
Sunday 3/23
3:45 pm FS2 Germany vs Italy NL 3:45 PM Fubo TV Spain vs Netherlands NL 4 pm Apple TV Austin vs San Diego 5 pm ESPN2 NY/NJ Gothem vs Orlando Pride (Marta) 6 pm Univision, Para+ USA vs Canada 3rd place NL 9:30 pm Uni, Para+ Mexico vs Panama NL FINAL
Mon, 3/24 3:46 pm FS 2 England vs Latvia WCQ Tues 3/25 3:46 pm FS 2 Israel vs Norway WCQ 8 pm Telemundo Argentina vs Brazil WCQ NWSL Schedule MLS Schedule USL Schedule
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
Early blockbusters headline NWSL
Kansas City faces 2024 NWSL runners-up Washington on Saturday. (Kyle Rivas/NWSL via Getty Images)
The NWSL’s second match weekend promises some standout matchups, as last week’s winners look to build while its losers attempt to shift the energy.
Last year’s top-four finishers square off against one another this weekend, while a pair teams searching for their first points of 2025 will do the same.
What to watch: While not a carbon copy of the 2024 playoffs, these heavyweight clashes could set the early-days tone for 2025’s championship favorites.
Washington Spirit vs. KC Current, Saturday at 7:30 PM ET (ION): Each coming off big regular-season opener wins, KC travels to DC for a game with great potential for attacking fireworks.Gotham FC vs. Orlando Pride, Sunday at 5 PM ET (ESPN2): Orlando sit atop the NWSL table after battering Chicago 6-0 last weekend, but now face a pragmatic and talented Gotham side in a game with chess match written all over it.Chicago Stars vs. Houston Dash, Sunday at 3 PM ET (Paramount+): After suffering tough losses last week, both Chicago and Houston are eager to put their first points on the board with bounce-back performances.
Bottom line: With a number of teams already looking close to mid-season form, these early NWSL matchups really could have major implications down the line.
USMNT vs. Canada: A desirable matchup with undesirable third-place stakes
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Stephen Eustáquio began to look down at the floor in frustration before stopping to consider what lies ahead. It was less just a few hours after his Canada team came into their Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Mexico riding a wave of optimism and, they believed, preparation before a must-win match. That sense of optimism began to erode just 47 seconds after kickoff when Mexico scored the opening goal. It then disappeared completely with Mexico’s second goal to send El Tri to the final. The long-time bosses of Concacaf showed the savviness and experience Canada still lack.Canada’s midfield general knows this.“It’s experience,” he said of what Mexico has that Canada doesn’t right now. “It’s something that we will get in the future, we just have to continue to work.”
And when Eustáquio considered when the next opportunity to work, as it were, would come? That’s when his demeanor flipped.
“It’s a game against the U.S., and that motivates us a lot more,” he said of Canada’s opponent in the upcoming third-place game, following the U.S.’s stunning defeat in the other semifinal to Panama. “They’re our rivals. We beat them in (a September friendly). They want to beat us, and we want to beat them again.”U.S. vs. Canada: it’s the game so many at the Nations League – the Canadians especially – wanted. It’s just happening under wholly undesirable circumstances. The next chapter in this burgeoning rivalry will be more about avoiding catastrophe and humiliation rather than competing for a trophy. Both Canada and the U.S. should have woken up Friday morning feeling incomplete. With the World Cup a little over a year away, this third-place game offers each a chance to save face, and the opportunity to do so against an opponent equally as determined to set things back on course.
Against Panama, the U.S. couldn’t display the necessary work rate and emotion to properly influence the game, in manager Mauricio Pochettino’s estimation. A lackadaisical performance made for a wholly boring affair. Coupled with a premature Copa América exit, this group of skilled American players – many plying their trade for prominent European clubs – will aim to turn its talent into a more cohesive effort against Canada.The difference was the way they fight for the game,” Pochettino said of Panama. “They were hungry for every single ball. Every ball was the last one for Panama and, from the touchline, you feel that difference.”For the U.S., facing Canada presents a second match in which it can demonstrate the requisite enthusiasm, intensity and quality that’s been lacking, arguably dating back to the 2022 World Cup.“Just as we always do after games: We have to rest a bit, we’re going to watch back the game a little bit, see what we can improve on so we can get better and just get ourselves in the best physical and mental conditions to go again in a few days,” U.S. star Christian Pulisic said.
The Nations League semifinals made for a night of long faces for Christian Pulisic and the U.S. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
For Canada, it can probably sleep a little easier knowing the effort was front and center against Mexico. It dominated possession, tried to act as the aggressor by winning more duels and got close to goal on occasion. But once Canada got there, it faltered mightily. The questionable finishing and lack of quality final passes were once again Canada’s tactical undoing. Canada has now been shut out in half of manager Jesse Marsch’s 14 games in charge. The time to continue relying solely on his trusted forward pair of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin may have run out.
But beyond rectifying poor play in the final third, the intangibles will matter to Canada against the U.S. Canada knows its core is lacking a truly decisive win against the U.S. in tournament play. It may not be in a final, and perhaps a third-place match won’t carry the same clout, but this is an opponent the players have been eyeing, backed with supreme motivation.
“There’s no secret there’s a bit of a political issues surrounding this game more recently,” Canada’s Jonathan Osorio said. “There’s no hiding that it is the back of our mind. But at the end of the day, we are going to prepare for this game the best way possible: to go out and win.”
That’s been easier said than done for Canada. A group with talent that can stack up against the of the U.S., must show the kind of canny and game management that is necessary in pressure-filled, tournament situations. There was no doubting Canada’s intensity against Mexico. But the Canadians still lack the experience to turn intensity into quality attacking opportunities and close games out. The latter was alarmingly true earlier this summer as Canada squandered a lead in the Copa América third-place game against Uruguay.
“Now, it’s just that little bit of savviness that the best teams have and the best players have that we’re going to continue to push (for),” Marsch said.
Canada was left to grimace after a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the Nations League semifinals. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
As Osorio alluded to, this match could garner more attention than the average third-place game because of the wider implications.
The strained political relations between the two longstanding allies – and World Cup cohosts – serves as a backdrop. How each team channels that aspect – or elects not to – will reveal plenty. The recent Canada-U.S. games at the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament provided a window into what kind of intensity an inflamed political climate can create. There were three fights in nine seconds. Fans booing opposition national anthems. A final that went down as an immediate classic.
The third-place setting zaps some of the organic aura surrounding the game, but there should still be plenty of motivation considering each’s desire to respond to disappointment – and doing so amid the external factors.
Plus, outside of this summer’s Gold Cup, which will feature less-than-full strength squads given that FIFA has allowed clubs to take priority over countries for the expanded Club World Cup, this will realistically be each team’s final opportunity to play a truly competitive game before hosting World Cup games at home.
So no, there’s no trophy at stake. It’s not a final. But it’s still a matchup that both can use to apply to the games that truly matter in 15 months.
“Every game from now on,” Canada’s Jonathan David quickly and sternly answered, when asked about the third-place game, “is preparation for the World Cup.”
Yes, USMNT fans: It’s time to worry about the 2026 World Cup
Jeff Carlisle ESPN Mar 22, 2025, 08:00 AM ET
LOS ANGELES — In the wake of the U.S. men’s national team‘s 1-0 defeat to Panama in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League (CNL), it’s fair to say it’s time for USMNT fans to worry about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. has shown flashes of stellar play since manager Mauricio Pochettino took over last September, especially in the CNL quarterfinal series with Jamaica. But Thursday’s semifinal exit exposed some old troubles. The USMNT’s lack of aggression to start matches, especially when the opposition cedes possession, remains a problem. That leads to an inability to break down tightly packed defenses. And though Panama has emerged in Concacaf as a tough-to-break-down unit, if the Americans can’t consistently get past the Canaleros, who have beaten the U.S. three straight times in tournament play, how can the USMNT expect to get out of a group at the World Cup? That isn’t to say that all hope is lost for the Americans — far from it. But with just 447 days between now and the start of the World Cup, Pochettino has little time and few opportunities to turn things around. This summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup — the USMNT’s only competitive games before the World Cup — has taken on increasing importance. It will allow Pochettino an extended camp to further familiarize himself with his players. The U.S. will also host friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland before Gold Cup matches to mimic the cadence of the World Cup.
The hope — which is not guaranteed based on Thursday’s performance — is that the players will get more experience in knockout games. But on this front, Pochettino’s plans are being undermined by the Club World Cup, with the Juventus duo of Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, along with Borussia Dortmund‘s Gio Reyna, all possibly unavailable for the Gold Cup due to their respective clubs’ participation.
After that, and with no CNL scheduled for 2026, there are just four more international windows in September, October, November of 2025 and March of 2026, plus some pre-World Cup friendlies. That is a scant amount of time to further refine things.
And there is plenty this U.S. team needs to refine, especially with the ball.
To get a sense of how toothless the American attack was against Panama: The U.S. had 811 touches, the 11th time the Americans have had more than 800 touches in a game since September 2017. But they had an expected goals, or xG, of 0.68, making it the first time in that span that the U.S. had over 800 touches but an xG below 1.00. That shows the U.S. had plenty of time with the ball, but struggled to create dangerous scoring chances.
The return of several injured players would greatly help the U.S. cause. The U.S. has badly missed right-back Sergiño Dest, who has recently returned for PSV Eindhoven after suffering an ACL tear 11 months ago. Dest is the ultimate attacking wild card who can deliver the unexpected, either off the dribble or striking at goal. Left-back Antonee Robinson and his marauding runs down the flank were also missed against Panama.
The two absences have a massive effect on the way the U.S. plays. Joe Scally is a capable, defense-first option, but isn’t one to contribute much to the attack. That’s why in Dest’s absence, Scally usually stays home and allows the opposite full-back to get forward. But Yunus Musah seems miscast as a wing-back, given his distribution limitations.
The frontline has also been beset by injuries, with Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi out for long stretches. Their returns would increase the competition for places in attack that have lacked a certain spark.
All these absences lead to questions about the depth of the USMNT’s player pool. But in situations like Thursday’s loss to Panama, the U.S. would also be aided by Pochettino tilting the lineup more toward attack. Against a team bunkering in, Tanner Tessmann‘s presence in the midfield seemed redundant given that the defensively dependable Tyler Adams was back in the team. That would’ve freed a spot for a more creative player such as Reyna or Diego Luna in the middle.
Herculez Gomez calls USMNT’s performance ‘pathetic’ in loss to Panama
Herculez Gomez rips Mauricio Pochettino and the United States men’s national team in their loss to Panama.
Yet the team’s mindset might be Pochettino’s most difficult challenge. The U.S. manager pointed to a “lack of aggression” in the first half, which he described as “painful” to watch.
This was illustrated by the Americans’ touches in Panama’s box. The U.S. had 32 touches in the Panamanian penalty area. That ranks 12th in the USMNT’s past 35 games. But only nine of those touches came in the first half. When Tim Weah started occupying wider positions in the second half, the U.S. made more headway.
Pochettino needs to create competitive tension for playing time. But are the players who could take on bigger roles good enough to unseat any incumbents? Solving the aggression puzzle won’t be easy. Some players are proving not as capable as their club reputations dictated at one point.
Pochettino has attempted to bring in reinforcements, mostly from MLS clubs, and has talked up how they’ll get chances to impress. But until he gives those players more prominent roles, his words will feel empty.
Still, there are limits to how much Pochettino can do as a manager. At some point, the onus is on the players to improve, and channel the aggression required.
“You always learn more from setbacks than you do from games that, say, we would’ve won, that you’re papering over the issues that I think everybody saw in terms of getting behind and aggression and all that,” U.S. defender Tim Ream said. “There’s always teaching moments, there’s always learning moments in every game, every training, every day that you step on the field and we have to look at that and make sure that we take on board exactly what he wants, take on board exactly what he needs and that starts with the duels and the aggression and the intensity.”
The USMNT will miss a chance to defend their CNL title after winning the past three, but Sunday’s third-place game against a very motivated Canada will be an opportunity to put those lessons into practice.
With Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin available, it seems likely Canada will be more adventurous than Panama in attack. But Pochettino shouldn’t change his entire starting 11. He should continue to establish chemistry. Playing time needs to be earned, as well. But there seems to be some opportunities for players.
Zack Steffen appears to be a clear choice in goal, given Matt Turner‘s suspect positioning on Cecilio Waterman‘s game winner, when he was shaded too close to his near post. Reyna or Luna in taking Tessmann’s place seems another obvious swap. Patrick Agyemang looked active in his 22 minutes against Panama.
At minimum, USMNT fans will want progress. That bar is low after the poor showing against Panama. But with just under 15 months left to the World Cup, the U.S. needs to show signs that it’s moving forward again.
Fighters wanted: USMNT effort called into question after Nations League loss to Panama
After getting easily bounced from the Copa America in the group stage, the USMNT is out of the Nations League in the semifinal with a loss to Panama. Mauricio Pochettino’s hire did not automatically reverse fortunes. Now it’s clear there is a lot of tough work to do with the team.
BY Brian SciarettaPosted March 21, 2025 12:00 PM
SHARE THIS STORY
LAST SUMMER, US Soccer hired Mauricio Pochettino as head coach and following a poor Copa America showing, it was expected that this would advance the national team to be in its best possible position to compete at the 2026 World Cup, which it will cohost. Now, after an embarrassing 1-0 loss to Panama in California in the semifinal of the Nations League, the team and Pochettino face difficult questions and potentially even more difficult answers. With two straight ugly early eliminations in tournaments it hosted inside of a year, alarm bells should be going off. There is always the temptation to be overly harsh following a loss. This is a team sport and upsets frequently happen. But the bigger problem for the USMNT wasn’t the loss. It was the effort. After the game, the comments from Pochettino were revealing because he wasn’t focused on the loss, but the fact that the U.S team was simply out-worked by a very disciplined and well-coached Panama team that deserved to win. “They were hungry for every ball like it as the last one,” Pochettino said of Panama. “You could feel the difference on the field.” He went on.
“We are the USA, but you cannot win with your shirt. You need to come here and be better and suffer and win the duels and work hard. If not, it’s not going to be enough.”“If you don’t have aggression, it’s impossible,” Pochettino said, “because the opponent knows that we are going to play into the feet. You are going to play safe. You are not going to take risk. If you want to play football, you need to take risks, you need to go forward, you need to win duels, sometimes 50-50.”It’s actually easy to envision a scenario way down the line when we look back on this loss and realize it was a good thing. For a long time, the team’s short falls have been blamed on Gregg Berhalter or the series of interim coaches the team had after the World Cup or after the Copa America. Fans and people in the Federation seem to be under the impression that a good coach was what was separating this team from greatness.But now, there is nowhere for the players to hide. The Federation broke the bank and went through extraordinary measures to hire Pochettino. Instead, we got a performance that was either equal or worse than we have gotten in the past with a number of coaches.This does not absolve Pochettino of blame. Sure, there are questions whether he needed more playmakers in the midfield to connect to the attack. Should he have started Joe Scally on the left side? Should he have started Matt Turner in goal with his lack of playing time. Those are fair questions. But they are a drop in the bucket of the real problem in as to why this team was outworked playing at home against Panama a year out from the World Cup? You can point out the talent on this US team, but talent only matters if you have desire when you step foot on the field to begin with. When you don’t, you get France at the 2010 World Cup. At least now, everyone’s eyes (players, coaches, fans, federation officials) should be wide open to the task at hand. The team is much further behind than many expected, maybe even Pochettino himself.
When he was hired, Pochettino spoke about when he played for Argentina. He emphasized that there was no difference between playing for his country in a friendly or in a World Cup – there was always maximum desperation for the shirt. He gave the impression that it was very important to him and, more importantly, it was instinctive to the Argentinian players. The loss against Panama revealed that the US team is missing some very basic requirements Pochettino demands or expects from his teams. There is a lot to break down from this game.
Specifics of the game
The specifics of this game are not nearly as significant as the big picture problems, but they are worth discussing nonetheless because there were some serious tactical problems.The most obvious tactical mistakes was that there was no link between the midfield and the offense. The from line of Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, and Tim Weah were all poor. Despite it having been a front line that has played together for years, including at a World Cup, there was nothing going on with them. Sargent was a bit unlucky and was starved for service (8 touches over 68 minutes and 2 completed passes) but Weah and Pulisic were very ineffective.
Weston McKennie had a decent moment when he set up Sargent in the first half for a shot off the post. Aside from that, McKinney struggled to be that link on a consistent basis.Scally and Musah were the outside backs and were tasked with pressing forward, but the opportunities with them were few and far between.There is some talk about the players who were not here or did not get off the bench. It is fair to note that the US team was missing some key players such as Sergino Dest, Ricardo Pepi, and Antonee Robinson. But any talk of them missing this game is to ignore the bigger problems. The US team had more than enough talent to win this game, and they were outworked across the board.
Now what?
After the team departs from camp next week, there is rightfully going to be a lot of talk about how this team will use this experience as a learning lesson for the future. Pochettino is going to have to strike a fine balance between not blowing everything up, but making a significant number of changes. The challenge Pochettino faces is that you cannot coach desire or passion – that needs to be instinctive for players upon arrival in camp. What is perhaps most disappointing for fans is that after the loss to Panama, Pachino said he wanted to make such passion and hard work part of the US teams DNA. But anyone who has followed this program for a long time will tell you that it used to be the team’s leading hallmark. In the years just before and just after the millennium, that was a key reason how they used to beat teams that were considered superior. It is how they advanced to the quarterfinal of the 2002 World Cup. It’s not that Pochettino has to make this part of the team’s DNA, it’s that it has been lost and he has to reinstall it.
Starting this summer, Pochettino will need to make changes and he will need to hold some of these players accountable. It begins with scouting the entire player pool, both domestically and abroad.
There needs to be fewer lock starters and more of a need for the players to feel they need to continuously prove themselves in order to justify their selection to the team. This summer will be revealing in how Pochettino, after he has time to digest the March disappointment, how he makes changes. It would be very surprising if he makes only limited changes.
The USMNT has the same problems now that it did under Gregg Berhalter and Pochettino’s mere arrival didn’t automatically improve things. He is going to have to take active measures.
Once Pochettino can find players he trusts, then he rectify the tactical shortcomings we saw against Panama – such has better fullback setups, having a true attacking midfielders to bridge the gap between possession and chance creations. But many problems needs to be addressed before he gets to that point.
Third Place Game awaits
Before the players return to their clubs, the USMNT must play the third place game against Canada. It’s a game where participation offers only insult to injury. For Pochettino, this could very well serve as an important test and evaluation tool for players?
Any player wants to get called up for big and prestigious games, but who wants to play in a game that anything but important? The players who do could be the players that Pochettino wants in the future.
Expect Pochettino to make a lot of changes to the starting XI. He should give other players the opportunity to show what they could do. Fortunately for the USMNT, they will be playing a Canadian team that should be motivated to face the USMNT. Canada sees the USMNT as an important measuring stick and there is a growing rivalry between the two neighboring nations. Canada’s American head coach Jesse Marsch would love to kick the USMNT while it is down.
The USMNT needs a test when it is at a low point. A loss to Canada with a poor effort would be a morale killer with just 15 months to go until the World Cup. It should be a gut check moment and you can learn a lot about a team and its players at its low points just as much as the high points.
Same Berhalter-era USMNT woes linger under Pochettino in Nations League debacle
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Two hundred and sixty-two days had passed since the last time the U.S. men’s national team players walked disappointed off of the field after a premature exit from an international ournament on home soil. Four hundred and forty-nine days remain for them to figure out why — and fix it. The USMNT’s stunning 1-0 loss to Panama on Thursday night felt like familiar territory for anyone who has followed this team over the last six years. The U.S. changed coaches after falling in the group stage of the Copa América last summer. Gregg Berhalter was out. Mauricio Pochettino was in. The players, though, remained largely the same. And some of the problems this U.S. team displayed under Berhalter remained the same.It was, perhaps, the biggest benefit of hiring Pochettino, one of the highest-profile coaches in the world, who arrived in the U.S. with a reputation for winning in Europe and coaching some of the world’s biggest clubs and players. The attention, and some of the blame, would have to start shifting onto a player pool whose reputation had been built up but now had to start delivering.The loss to Panama, the same team that sent the U.S. on its way to Copa elimination in Atlanta last summer, had some of the hallmarks and warning signs we have long seen from this team. The players struggle to break down organized teams that play in a low block. They sometimes fail to meet the moment emotionally. They too often lack a killer instinct.Pochettino’s press conference after the loss hit on all of those ideas.
“Did we control the game? Yes. Did we dominate the game? Yes. Did we play in the opposition half? Yes. Did we create some strategy to move the ball quickly and (have) good positional game in the opposite half? Yes. But you need aggression,” Pochettino said. “If you don’t have aggression, it’s impossible. Because the opponent always knows we are going to play into the feet. You are going to play safe. You are not going to take risks. If you want to play football, you need to take risks. You need to go forward. You need to win duels. Sometimes, 50-50, the ball, that is my ball. ….“We need to find a way to compete better. And that’s it. I don’t (want to say) I like this (loss), no. But it’s (worth paying) attention, because, OK, we are (the) USA, but you can’t win with your shirt. Or you cannot win if you play here (at a big club), there, or, I don’t know. You need to show (it). And you need to come here and be better and suffer and win the duels and work hard. If not, it’s not going to be enough.”
It was a stern warning for players with 15 months left until the biggest possible spotlight is on them at a home World Cup. A tournament they’ll open in this same stadium.The Americans had won several trophies in Concacaf in spite of those flaws. They took home all three previous versions of this Nations League tournament. They had a Gold Cup trophy, too. But after losing to the Netherlands in the group stage in Qatar in 2022, the U.S. didn’t seem to be growing. In the end, the federation made a coaching change to address those issues. In his first true test, though, Pochettino failed to equal what his predecessor – and even an interim stopgap – had accomplished.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino endures defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
If the Copa América wasn’t a wake up call on its own, then perhaps this was an even bigger warning shot. Changing the coach isn’t going to fix things on its own. Something else has to change.The U.S. started slowly in the first half. There was an overall lack of energy, and it hardly created much in the way of chances. The second half was slightly better. Second-half substitute Patrick Agyemang had two good looks at goal. But something was missing – bite and aggression. The U.S. didn’t seem ready to assert itself as the better team.“It was a perfect opportunity to start that rebuilding process right now,” U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said. “It’s a bit disappointing in my eyes. I don’t know what we lacked exactly, whether it was that competitive nature, that mentality, but we need to look in the mirror before anything and just realize that when we have these types of games, we can’t wait for something to happen. We need to make things happen, put games on our terms.”Pochettino said this week that he preferred to learn lessons from winning games, but that sometimes the best lessons come in losses. Wins can allow you to paper over flaws. Losses fully expose those issues. They force you, as Adams said, to look in the mirror. Sometimes, they can be a turning point.This U.S. team learned a similar lesson early in the last World Cup cycle. They went on the road to Canada in a Nations League game in 2019 and lost, 2-0, in Toronto. A month later, the U.S. rocked their northern neighbor in the return leg, 4-1. They did so in part because of how they rebuilt the team’s mentality after the loss.“I think the message from that point on was intensity is the starting point,” former U.S. midfielder Sebastian Lletget said of the loss in Canada at the time. “We took a lot of pride in how we wanted to play and how we wanted to do things attacking wise — we felt like we had all the structure all down, but I think the mentality, I think that’s where we were lacking on that day. I think Canada sort of opened up our eyes to that.”Sound familiar?That loss in Toronto pushed the U.S. to a higher level. It showed that international soccer was as much about intensity as it was tactics, that talent or potential wasn’t enough on its own.On Thursday, Panama reminded the U.S. of that.Maybe, in the end, it will be a good thing. The U.S. must find a way to make it a turning point, rather than the continuation of a backslide.
Whenever you watch a game with a group and a commentator claims that a player “wanted it more,” you’re bound to hear a few scoffs.It’s a tried-and-true axiom rolled into a Bull Durham quote. In theory, every player at a sport’s highest level wants to succeed. If one player rises above an opponent to win an aerial duel, they may be able to credit their jumping reach, their strength, their reflexive timing or their raw height before even considering their intrinsic desire.And yet, rare occasions present themselves where passion and drive are at a perceived imbalance akin to a possession battle. Take, for example, Thursday night’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal between Panama and the United States men’s national team. The game was teeming with tension, as the USMNT hoped to exorcise its demons and avenge last summer’s defeat to their regional rival in the Copa América group stage.In the wake of that match, U.S. Soccer’s brass made an expensive bet that hiring Mauricio Pochettino to replace Gregg Berhalter would help get the program back on track to win such contests. The players on the field promised they’d “learn from it” and be better prepared, against Panama and other teams defending grittily in a low block.And yet, 266 days after that shocking defeat in Atlanta, the decisive moment for Panama sure seemed to embody that old cliché: Los Canaleros sure seemed to want it more.
Pochettino was the most obvious change from last summer’s sinking, but Thursday’s lineup presented a few more alterations.
First was the team’s shape, with the USMNT lining up in a 3-4-3 with a midfield box, rather than Berhalter’s preferred base 4-3-3. The emphasis was to retain possession in the middle against Panama’s usual 5-4-1 shape, ceding the wide areas as Tim Weah was asked to patrol in the left half-space.
Another was the personnel. Still without Sergiño Dest as he works back from his torn anterior cruciate ligament, the team saw its other first-choice full back — Fulham ace Antonee Robinson — exit camp before the Panama match with an undisclosed ailment. While Joe Scally struggled throughout his three Copa América games, Pochettino asked him to deputize for Robinson on the left.
It’s a spot Scally has played before, but seldom does these days; only 179 of his 2,017 Bundesliga minutes this year have come there, with the rest spent at right back. Unfortunately, the Borussia Mönchengladbach defender was exploited in the decisive sequence.
Advertisement
The sequence begins with Christian Pulisic winning a header at the edge of the midfield third, hoping to head it down to Jack McGlynn. The ball takes a hop a yard in front of the Houston Dynamo midfielder, leaving him to swing a leg at it in vain.
Instead, it trickles towards Panama forward Cecilio Waterman. Four USMNT players immediately converge, desperate to force the ball off the striker’s foot and back into their own possession. Mark McKenzie unsettles Waterman, who prods the ball back into open terrain rather than ceding to his opponent.
Waterman’s poke rolls right into a patch with an amount of weight that puts the nearby United States players in a precarious spot. Most opt not to leave their posts, watching the loose ball as they follow conservative instincts and don’t open passing lanes. Ultimately, Scally stops his run toward the box and turns, but is beaten to it by one of the game’s final inclusions. Janpol Morales, a 26-year-old winger playing in Ecuador who debuted for Panama this month, is quicker to it and scampers to collect the ball in front of Scally. With one of his mere two pass attempts on the night, Morales gets the ball to his team’s chief string-puller, Adalberto ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla.
The standstill nature of the United States’ defending doesn’t just allow Morales to make a decisive impact. It also leaves Carrasquilla with ample time to survey his options as the game enters its final minute, allowing Waterman to leave the scene of McKenzie’s convergence almost entirely undetected, especially once Scally commits to chase the ball alongside Morales.
Even after Scally has fully committed to Morales’ run, Tim Ream fails to stick with Waterman as he backsteps toward the corner of the box. Usually, this is where Ream would expect to find Robinson, his long-time starting team-mate for the USMNT and Fulham. With Scally already playing out of position and now drawn into the heart of the park, Waterman is some distance from his nearest defender with the game on the line.
Carrasquilla might be surprised by how open Waterman is, as the midfielder decides to recollect his initial windup to ensure he gets the weight right on his pass. That proved wise, as Waterman struggled to trap the ball — although it only served to give his shot some additional momentum given the total lack of defenders nearby.
Advertisement
Waterman’s shot comes in with considerable power and expert angling, spotting goalkeeper Matt Turner hugging his near post and instead opting to send it across goal. Turner’s lack of recent match involvement is perhaps relevant here, given his conservative positioning and inability to force a difficult shooting angle once Carrasquilla had readied his eventual assist.
This was just Panama’s third shot of the match, and its first on frame. Nevertheless, miscommunication, a second-rate effort to collect a loose ball and some tired legs gave Panama all it needed to beat the USMNT in another cagey matchup.
As the Panama players rushed CBS pundit Thierry Henry to celebrate, the United States was left to appreciate the scale of this fresh failure.
Throughout the broadcast, commentators Chris Wittyngham and Tony Meola highlighted this Panama squad’s lack of experience at the highest levels of club soccer. At one point, Wittyngham cited some recent history as defender César Blackman became the first Panamanian to play in a UEFA Champions League game — although it was immediately hedged that his team, Slovan Bratislava, finished second-bottom of the league-phase table.
When compared to the over half-dozen Americans whose teams advanced to the Champions League playoff round, it seemed to suggest a talent imbalance. Of course, that only gets a national team so far.
Pochettino’s gameplan was not enough to overcome Panama’s energy and spirit. (Robin Alam / ISI Photos/Getty Images)
A year ago, there were excuses: playing a man down, alleged second-cycle syndrome causing a downturn in form under Berhalter, and an uncalled foul forcing Turner to exit at halftime.
On Thursday, all three of those factors were answered in full. At few points in the preceding 93 minutes did the hosts play with the confidence and explosiveness that should accompany a tournament’s three-time defending champion. There was little evidence that taking orders from Pochettino helped them improve after the “lessons learned” under Berhalter.
Advertisement
Handed a fresh opportunity to rectify one of the program’s worst results in recent memory, the team instead one-upped that showing with an even poorer showing. Only they can know whether they had wanted to succeed enough in this window. Still in the wake of last summer’s debacle in the Copa América, however, it’s a group running out of opportunities to provide reasons for optimism heading into a World Cup on home soil.
(Top photo: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images) USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino not to blame for Nations League exit, Tyler Adams says
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Tyler Adams refused to blame head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the United States’ devastating 1-0 loss to Panama on Thursday as the squad came to terms with its sudden exit from Concacaf Nations League contention.“I’ve never blamed a coach in my entire career,” midfielder Adams said emphatically after Cecilio Waterman’s injury-time winner spurred Panama to a victory at SoFi Stadium. “I mean, the losses depend on the players unless you go out and try something completely random. … There was not a lack of communication after today. We knew exactly what we needed to do. We knew we needed to be competitive. I don’t think we were as competitive as we needed to be.”The USMNT’s exit dealt a massive blow to Pochettino’s feel-good process heading toward the 2026 World Cup. It will now face Canada in Sunday’s third-place game. The Argentine manager told reporters that the Panamanians were hungrier. At the international level, the consequences are dire.“We feel very disappointed because the way we approached the game wasn’t the right way,” he said. “In the first half, we were too comfortable on the pitch. We didn’t show aggression with the ball. We also didn’t show aggression in a defensive way. The first half was very painful to see.“This is not the way that we want to build this journey together. And moving forward, with the objective to play in the World Cup, the objective is to be competitive by seeing that this — it’s a good point to pay attention to — that this is not enough.”The Americans were sleepwalking in a poorly attended semifinal. Their lack of urgency was evident from the start, and despite perking in the second half and attacking with more purpose, Pochettino’s side always looked more timid. Panama relied on hard tackling and a commitment to defending in the low block and making the field as narrow as possible.
Weston McKennie claimed the USMNT needed more “nastiness” against Panama. (Robin Alam / ISI Photos / Getty Images)
“Knowing him, he brings a bit of that South American vibe into the group and that grittiness and makes it known to us that football isn’t always about being beautiful,” midfielder Weston McKennie said of Pochettino. “It’s always also about the grit, the desire, the nastiness that you put into the game, as well. … So I think it’s about time that our team starts doing that also.”Pochettino refused to blame the tame crowd atmosphere for the lackadaisical effort by his players. For a former player who was known as a cutthroat defender, he was perplexed by his players’ disappointing effort.“(The crowd) cannot be an excuse just because you didn’t have a full stadium with your fans,” he said. “Why weren’t we more aggressive? I think the analysis is simple. If we look at the duels won, it’s clear that we lost those to Panama. When the game is played in tight spaces, when winning duels is important, where recovering possession means you’re in a one-versus-one situation and you’re disorganizing the opponent, when possession is won consistently in the final third, that’s always going to favor a team as organized as Panama. And when you don’t show the best version of yourself, things get complicated.“Every single (duel) was the last one for every single player for Panama. We felt that from the touchline. We’re the USA, but we cannot win just because of the shirt.”
Thursday’s defeat rekindled memories of the Copa América defeat to Panama that ultimately sealed Gregg Berhalter’s fate. (Hector Vivas / Getty Images)
This isn’t a new problem for the USMNT. There were multiple occasions under former head coach Gregg Berhalter when a lack of steel and grit led to subpar performances. Pochettino’s assessment now places the spotlight directly on a group of players who are less than 15 months from taking part in a home World Cup.“It’s disappointing, of course,” winger Christian Pulisic said. “We obviously had the ball most of the game, but we just couldn’t create enough. We weren’t dangerous enough. And yeah, you know, they got one shot at the end, and that was the story.”Panama defeated the U.S. in a penalty shootout in the 2023 Gold Cup semifinals. The Central Americans then recorded a shock win over Berhalter’s side at the Copa América last summer. The defeat in Los Angeles on Thursday marked the third straight loss to Panama in a competitive match. Pochettino won his debut as U.S. head coach over Panama in a friendly last October.When a reporter reminded Pulisic of those facts, the AC Milan winger responded: “What do you want me to say? It’s tough. It’s tough. We want to win.” (Top photo of Tyler Adams: Robin Alam / ISI Photos / Getty Images)
Panama deals USMNT another deflating, exposing defeat in Nations League stunner
The goal came seemingly out of nowhere.The U.S. had actually shown a bit of life in what had been a mostly lifeless Concacaf Nations League semifinal. Patrick Agyemang, the substitute forward, had a couple of good looks at goal. Weston McKennie had just unleashed a shot from the top of the box.But Panama, which had been so disciplined defensively, pushed the ball down the field in stoppage time. On the counter, the ball found its way to the right side of the box to Panamanian forward Cecilio Waterman. He took control and picked out the far post, beating the outstretched hand of Matt Turner in the 94th minute.Waterman ripped off his shirt, jumped the boards and stood in front of Thierry Henry, pointing and screaming, “Eres mi idolo,” — “You are my idol” — into the face of the legendary French forward and CBS pundit before hugging him.A few minutes later the final whistle sounded, and just like that, the three-time defending Concacaf Nations League champions were dethroned. Panama had downed the U.S., 1-0, and secured a place in Sunday’s final against either Mexico or Canada.It was a second consecutive massive disappointment in international competition for the USMNT, which was knocked out of the Copa América last year in the group stage. Once again, Panama played a feature role in the exit. After coming up empty on his first real chance at a trophy as U.S. coach, Mauricio Pochettino now will be left to figure out a tough defeat.And instead of playing for a fourth straight title, the U.S. will play in a third-place game.“This is embarrassing,” legendary U.S. forward Clint Dempsey said in his postmatch comments on CBS’s broadcast. “You look at Copa América — hosting the tournament and not getting out of the group, and now look at this situation here on home soil, have an opportunity to win your fourth Concacaf Nations League — and Panama does it again. They are our bogey team. We weren’t good enough. We had four great chances. Of those chances you think we’d score at least one or two of those. We weren’t able to get it done tonight and it’s an embarrassment.”With just over one year left until it cohosts the 2026 World Cup, the U.S. clearly has much left to sort.Beyond the defeat, here are a couple of other thoughts on the result:
Crowd disappoints
The U.S. kicked off at 4 p.m. on a Thursday in Los Angeles. It was the start of March Madness as the NCAA tournament tipped off. Tickets were sold for the doubleheader, which meant anyone coming to see Mexico-Canada didn’t need to show up for the first game.Still, it was a bit jarring to see the swaths of open seats at SoFi Stadium at kickoff for the U.S.-Panama semifinal.The U.S. will play two of its three World Cup games at the venue in Inglewood. The hope is that they will draw a huge home crowd. And while Thursday’s crowd is likely no indication of what the World Cup atmosphere will look like, the lack of noise and excitement in the stadium contributed to a game that, at times, felt more like a friendly than it did a competitive fixture.
Robinson’s importance underscored by his absence
When left back Antonee Robinson withdrew from U.S. camp earlier this week with an injury, it was immediately clear that it would have a domino effect for the Americans.Robinson is not just the best left back in the U.S. pool, he is also one of the best players on the team — and there is no clear like-for-like replacement. Pochettino acknowledged as much with his lineup choices on Thursday against Panama. Joe Scally moved from right back to left back to replace Robinson, and Yunus Musah slid from a midfield position to right back for the U.S.Beyond the shuffling that had to occur to fill the hole on the left side, the U.S. clearly lacked the verticality and service that Robinson gives them from the left side. Without his runs on the left side, Tim Weah playing inverted was less effective. The U.S. tilted the attack to the right side through Yunus Musah, but Musah’s strength is carrying the ball forward more than looking for the final pass or cross — he ranks in the 99th percentile in progressive carries per 90 minutes and just the 48th percentile in progressive passes, per FBref.As a result, the U.S. struggled to take advantage of some of the space on the wings as Panama denied space centrally to Pulisic, Weah and McKennie.The U.S. seemed to figure it out a bit more in the second half with Weah staying a bit wider on the left side, but it wasn’t enough to find a goal.(Top photo: Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Matt Turner and the challenge of being first-choice goalkeeper for the USMNT but not his club
It is so often the way with goalkeepers — 90 minutes of relative inactivity, one big moment, then a whole lot of judgement.
For Matt Turner, that’s what came deep into added time at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, when Panama took their only shot on target all game — from the right side of the penalty area, drilled to the bottom left corner; Turner, who had taken position to the right of his goal, could not get his gloves to it.
Jack McGlynn and Tim Ream are dejected as Panama celebrate their late winner (Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
That the USMNT won’t now win a fourth consecutive Nations League final is not solely down to Turner. Thursday’s defeat was a collective failure.
And although Panama, who also beat the United States 2-1 in a pivotal Copa America group-stage meeting last summer to set up the host nation’s early exit from that tournament, have now become their bogey team, there will be tougher tests on the horizon for Mauricio Pochettino’s side as they build towards the 2026 World Cup, also largely to be played on American soil.
That is where Turner’s status as second-choice for his club — he has made only four starts this season for Crystal Palace, all in the domestic cup competitions rather than the Premier League — but the USMNT’s No 1 for their biggest games will come under further scrutiny.
It’s something he got asked about by reporters in the build-up to Thursday’s match.
“Obviously, my club situation isn’t ideal right now,” said the 30-year-old, who is on a season-long loan at Palace from rival Premier League club Nottingham Forest. “But I’m giving every opportunity that I have to play the utmost importance and trying to put good performances together, just control what I can right now and then let the chips fall where they may.”
Not ideal then, but neither is it unprecedented.
Sergio Romero was Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper as they got to the final of the 2014 World Cup despite being second-string at Monaco of Ligue 1, the top division of French club football, and continued in his starting role for the national team despite going on to be the backup to David de Gea at Manchester United. Romero later described it as a “difficult situation”.
Former Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey also had spells as No 1 for Wales, despite hardly playing in the Premier League at the back-end of his time at Selhurst Park. Hennessey was then second-choice for Burnley and Forest while still getting games for his country, including at the 2022 World Cup.
Romero reached the 2014 World Cup final despite being second-choice at his club (Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
For the USMNT it is not a new situation, either.
One of Turner’s current understudies, Zack Steffen of MLS side Colorado Rapids, played in the 2021 Nations League finals win against Mexico and in qualifiers for the following year’s World Cup while spending most of his two complete seasons at Manchester City of the Premier League on the bench.
“It’s come full circle,” says Matt Pyzdrowski, a coach and former goalkeeper who played professionally in the U.S. and Sweden, and is now The Athletic’s goalkeeping analyst. “Matt was playing regularly in MLS (for New England Revolution, before a July 2022 move to Europe with Arsenal) and trying to get ahead of Zack, who wasn’t playing as much as he’d like in England. Now they have kind of switched places.”
For large parts of Thursday’s game, Turner was less busy than he had been when playing 45 minutes of Palace’s 1-0 win over Norwegian side Hamarkameratene in a friendly last week.
In that practice game, part of Palace’s warm-weather training camp in Marbella, Spain during a break in their domestic schedule, he made two saves in the second half after replacing first-choice Dean Henderson at the interval. He touched the ball 17 times, only seven fewer times than in the 99 minutes, including added time, against Panama (24).
The questions come from the one decisive moment that did not go his way, meaning the U.S. will not play in Sunday’s final. But despite that setback, Turner has generally played well enough for the national team to retain his place in it, keeping high-profile errors at a bare minimum.
“It’s obviously a problem but, at the moment, I don’t think it’s a big problem because Matt has always performed for the USMNT,” says Pyzdrowski. “That’s the biggest thing you need to consider. If he was making lots of errors and not performing, then of course it would be a more pressing issue. But he has always done pretty well for his country despite not playing regularly at all for his club.”
Henderson, who is in the current England squad, and Turner warm up for Palace (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen whether Turner stays in the team for Sunday’s third-place play-off against Canada.
Patrick Schulte of Columbus Crew was in goal the last time the countries met, a 2-1 win for the Canadians last September in a friendly while the USMNT had Mikey Varas in interim charge. Had it been an important fixture, it is likely Turner would have been in the team that day in Kansas City and not on the bench. That means his performances for the national team are generally buoyed by the feeling of being trusted as a regular, according to Pyzdrowski.
“It doesn’t matter who you are as a player, you just want to feel valued,” he says. “Then you feel more comfortable on the field and it’s important not to overlook it. Matt has built up a lot of credit with the national team.
“In a perfect world, he’d be playing every week, regardless of what that requires — if it’s going back to MLS — because he’d naturally be sharper. But at the moment it hasn’t caused him too many issues.”
Turner has largely been Palace’s cup goalkeeper this season, starting one of the three Carabao Cup matches they played following his late-August arrival and, more significantly, all three FA Cup ties to date. He will hope to retain his place in the quarter-finals on March 29 against USMNT team-mate Antonee Robinson’s Fulham.
The only potential downside to his inactivity in the Premier League, Henderson has been an ever-present for Palace to date and Turner’s last appearance in the competition was for Forest in January last year, is a potential lack of time facing key high-level-game scenarios.
“The biggest issue of not playing regularly is just rustiness,” says Pyzdrowski. “And the relationship with your back line and reading of the play — how deep the balls come, or crosses into the box.
“I wouldn’t say that saving the ball and the speed of the ball is that much of a problem, because you get a lot of that in training. You get a ton of reps (in training) even when you’re on the bench. It’s more situations that can only arise in games.”
Those daily sessions between games are also different as a club’s backup ’keeper, though. “In training, the focus is really on the No 1, so the drills you do are suited to them,” says Pyzdrowski. “A lot of the situations Matt will be in during training won’t be with the guys who play every week (other reserves), so he’s not building those relationships.
“But then that’s the important thing with the national team: that he’s familiar with the setup and the guys there. He built that up over time and really earned his spot.”
Turner during Thursday’s defeat by Panama (Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Veteran goalkeeper Andy Lonergan had spells as a backup, and even third-choice, towards the end of his career with top clubs such as Liverpool and Everton. He feels Turner’s extra physical freshness, in contrast to a ’keeper going through the grind of playing every weekend in the Premier League, should actually be a positive.
“He’s fresh for these games, raring to go and experienced,” says the 41-year-old, now a player/coach at Wigan Athletic in League One, the third tier of English football. “I know Dean Kiely, who works with him at Palace and speaks very highly of him and says how good he is in training.
“He’s got hundreds of games behind him and has been at big teams now, so I don’t think he’ll be too concerned about the situation. He has no niggles, no injuries, and he comes to these USMNT camps champing at the bit. When you’re second-choice (at a club) but have something to work towards, like the cup games and then the international games, you have a good focus.
“Ideally you want to play all the time and keep that rhythm because it isn’t easy coming in every six weeks in the cup, and his last international camp was in November. But from his point of view, I don’t think it’ll be an issue.”
Pyzdrowski points out that, in theory at least, playing a Panama team ranked 36th in the world by FIFA (20 places below the United States) can be less taxing on a goalkeeper’s reflexes than a game in the English top flight. “International football is a little different from the Premier League,” he says. “A game against Panama will be different and have perhaps less intensity than a Premier League game, so that will also help him feel his way into it.”
Lonergan playing for Everton against Western Sydney Wanderers in a 2022 friendly (Brett Hemmings/Getty Images for Bursty)
Like Pyzdrowski, Lonergan’s only concern would be whether players in Turner’s situation can stay sharp for in-game situations.
“Speaking from experience, the only fear when I wasn’t playing (regularly) but was a cup ’keeper with a game in six weeks’ time is that, in training, you’re doing small-side games so your reactions are bang-on,” he says. “But it’s your distances with the back four, balls over the top and through balls where you could be a little bit out of sync.
“That was always my concern, because training and 11-a-side on full pitches are different. In training, you’re on autopilot, flying around, but in games those decisions are vital.
“Through balls, distances and balls over the top are the hardest to practice as a ’keeper. You can do it in training but there are no consequences, whereas in a match if you decide to come (for a ball) and don’t get there, you’re in trouble. In training, you can keep doing it until you get it right.”
With the World Cup 15 months away, it could be that Turner — who made only seven appearances in his year with Arsenal before joining Forest, where he made 17 league starts last season — looks for a new team where he is more likely to be first choice. His loan at Palace expires in June and he has another two years to go on his contract with Forest, where Belgium international Matz Sels has established himself as a key player in goal as they make a surprise push for Champions League qualification.
“It’s not an unworkable situation as it is,” adds Pyzdrowski, who recently started a new role coaching the goalkeepers at Swedish top-flight side Malmo. “But the challenge it creates is because the goalkeeping position is so delicate, with so many small details. You really can only work on a lot of them in games.
“Goalkeeper training has evolved a lot in the last 10 years, in terms of the different repetitions and exercises you do compared to just lots of shots and volleys.
Turner catches a cross during Palace’s recent FA Cup win against Millwall (Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
“Now it’s more match relevant, but even if you have one or two goalkeeper coaches and they’re taking shots at you, it’s not the same as a top-class striker coming at you, with the speed and accuracy. Yes, you’ll do some exercises with the team, but training just isn’t built around the number two or number three.
“You’re important and you have a role, but the coach needs guys on the team (the starters) working together to build those relationships.”
With the national team, those bonds seem as strong as ever. But to face the game’s very best at a World Cup just over a year away, Turner may decide he needs to increase his weekly workload.
Panama defeat conjures memories of USMNT’s most devastating losses
The U.S. men’s national team’s 1-0 loss to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals was unquestionably a humiliating one. The USMNT, replete with stars playing abroad and coached by the reputable Mauricio Pochettino, looked listless against the Panamanians. Despite the fact that Panama has now beaten the Americans three times in the last 20 months, the result still felt like a gut-punch to the U.S. – the program and its fans.
Advertisement
Not that many of them watched the match in person. Just before the anthems on Thursday, U.S. star Christian Pulisic was spotted grimacing at the large swaths of empty seats around SoFi Stadium. The dour atmosphere – it didn’t help that it was a 4 p.m. local time kickoff outside Los Angeles – only added to the heartburn surrounding the result. A significantly larger crowd turned up for the second match of the day, between Mexico and Canada.
Pochettino spent much of the run-up to the game doing media, offering bold predictions that the USMNT were real contenders to win the World Cup in 2026, which is a little over a year away. In other interviews, he spoke of returning to the EPL some day and yearned for a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Argentine is charming, for certain, but his guile will mean nothing if he can’t accomplish his stated goals. He was brought in in large part to motivate this “golden generation” of U.S. players, but very few of them looked committed or golden on Thursday night.
The loss is unquestionably the poorest result of Pochettino’s seven-match tenure to date, and the U.S. still has a chance to save a bit of face against Canada in the third-place game. A loss in that match, which certainly feels possible, would only add to the misery surrounding the USMNT’s recent performances, and with time running short when it comes to galvanizing the country around the sport and program, results like Thursday’s come with some added layers.
Perspective is important, though, and even a fourth-place finish in a Concacaf Nations League wouldn’t hold a candle to some of the U.S. men’s most devastating previous failures, ones that had massive consequences. If you’re the kind of fan that likes to lean into your grief, then keep reading.
Costa Rica 1, USMNT 0; May 31, 1985
By the time the USMNT’s final qualifier of the 1986 World Cup cycle rolled around, the whole of American soccer was in a tailspin. The North American Soccer League (NASL) — the first real, top-flight league in U.S. history — had closed up shop permanently just two months earlier. The national team was largely made up of players from the Major Indoor Soccer League, and they rarely played the outdoor game, outside of national team call-ups. Some team members even played in semi-professional leagues and held part-time jobs.
Mexico, the dominant team in the region for decades, had already qualified for the 1986 World Cup as the host nation. In an era where only two teams from Concacaf qualified, the USMNT was looked upon as a favorite to advance. It needed only a draw against Costa Rica to advance to the next round of qualifying and take a step closer to a first World Cup berth since 1950.
The NASL’s collapse and public apathy toward the sport put the U.S. Soccer Federation in a bind and made ticket sales an essential revenue stream. Consequential matches in the U.S, even World Cup qualifiers, frequently felt like away games, with crowds full of immigrants from Latin American countries. Such was the case against Costa Rica.
“There was an agent that represented some of the (Costa Rican) players,” remembered USMNT’s Perry Van der Beck. “The federation sold this game to him. The stadium was just full of Costa Ricans — the halftime show, even, was just full of Costa Rican music, all aimed at the Costa Rican fans.”
The U.S. was led by head coach Alkis Panagoulias. Born in Greece, Panagoulias was a “token offering,” remembers former USMNT defender Alan Merrick, “who truly believed that the so-called ‘American spirit’ would carry us alone.” He was short of technical acumen and long on inspirational quotes.
“In this country, somewhere out there, maybe in Harlem or Los Angeles, there is the next Pelé,” Panagoulias once said. “And not just one — maybe 20 or 30.”
None of them was present against Costa Rica. The U.S. had the lion’s share of possession that day and played a bright opening half hour, yet the Costa Ricans pulled ahead on a lucky strike. USMNT forward Ricky Davis, along with fellow upstart Hugo Pérez, had a half-dozen decent chances for the U.S., all of which missed the mark.
Then, in the 73rd minute, a ray of hope: Defender Dan Canter fired in a shot that appeared to go in. The referee signaled for a goal, which was later waved off. It had hit the side netting, and 20 minutes later, the match ended. So did the U.S.’s hopes of qualification.
“I don’t know where we go from there,” Davis told reporters after the match. “There was our best chance to make it to the World Cup. We won’t have another chance until 1990. Who knows where soccer in America will be by then?”
The defeat is among the darkest moments in U.S. soccer history, but it also marks a beginning. Panagoulias and a host of players would be shown the door, replaced by a generation of talent that would eventually lead the U.S. to its first World Cup qualification in 40 years.
Among the only players to survive that transition was Paul Caligiuri. Not only did the USMNT legend take place in one of the program’s darkest moments, he scored the famed “shot heard ‘round the world” against Trinidad and Tobago that qualified the U.S. for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
Iran 2, USMNT 1; June 21, 1998
The USMNT entered the 1998 World Cup in France riding a wave of hype. It followed a respectable showing at the 1994 World Cup on home soil with a series of wonderful results: a shocking run to the semifinals of the 1995 Copa America, the country’s first (and still only) victory over Brazil a few years later and a host of other respectable encounters against legitimately good teams across the globe.
Under the surface, though, cracks had begun to show. Some of the squad’s veterans, many of whom were part of the ‘94 cycle, had butted heads with head coach Steve Sampson over roster decisions and their dwindling roles. Sampson added fuel to the fire when he brought in a series of foreign-born players, much to the chagrin of the team’s veterans.
And infamously, Sampson excluded U.S. legend John Harkes from the final roster after learning that Harkes had been engaged in an affair with the wife of teammate Eric Wynalda. A difficult draw made the U.S.’s task in 1998 even more difficult, and after losing the opening match to Germany and with Yugoslavia looming, the USMNT’s second match against Iran became a must-win.
The game was framed by decades-old turmoil between Iran and the United States, and as matchday approached, things grew tense. SWAT teams and snipers were present in the stadium and FIFA had mandated strict protocols for how both teams interacted before the match. The U.S. and Iran, seeking to make a statement, took a team photograph together, with the Iranians presenting the U.S. players with white flowers.
USMNT and Iran pose together at the 1998 World Cup. (Photo by Nader Davoodi ATPImages/Getty Images)
For his part, Sampson made a half-dozen changes to his starting XI from the Germany loss and altered his formation, as well. The U.S. started the game on the front foot, nearly pulling ahead on a Brian McBride header, which hit the post. But the Iranians were opportunistic, and they grabbed a pair of goals on the counterattack. The 2-1 loss, combined with other results, eliminated the USMNT from the World Cup after two games.
The writing was on the wall for Sampson, who’d be dismissed not long after the tournament’s conclusion. Many of the club’s senior players, most notably veteran defender Alexi Lalas, sealed Sampson’s fate by publicly criticizing him in the press. The 1998 debacle marked the end of an era for U.S. Soccer, with many of the team’s highest-profile players, those who’d taken part in the 1994 World Cup, moving on for good.
Czech Republic 3, USMNT 0; June 12, 2006
It’s nearly impossible to overstate the hype surrounding the USMNT in the run-up to the 2006 World Cup. The U.S. had shocked the world with a deep run in 2002 and stormed through qualifying for the ‘06 tournament, booking a ticket to Germany with three matches remaining. The U.S. roster was a who’s who of American soccer royalty, maybe the most talented collection of American players ever sent to a World Cup.
The qualifying run had pushed the U.S. up to fifth in FIFA’s (deeply flawed) world ranking, which was uncharted territory for the lowly Americans. They’d done something even more improbable — cracked the consciousness of the general public in the U.S., the most elusive of challenges in American soccer. U.S. Soccer and Nike only intensified the buzz, plastering the team all over American airwaves and even deputizing one of the team’s young stars, Clint Dempsey, as U.S. Soccer’s official rapper.
Even a truly difficult draw couldn’t dampen the spirits of the American faithful. Italy and Ghana were both respectable opponents but both seemed beatable. Rounding out the U.S. group was the Czech Republic, then one of the best teams in the world.
Any and all hype surrounding the U.S. evaporated within moments of their group stage opener against the Czechs. It was not the first time the two countries had met in a World Cup. In 1990, the U.S. played their first World Cup match in 40 years against what was then called Czechoslovakia, losing in a 5-1 bloodbath. Many considered it a miracle the U.S. had even qualified for that tournament and few paid the result any mind. Even fewer considered it any form of a humiliation.
But 2006 was a different story. The U.S. was comprehensively dismantled by a Czech side featuring names like Jan Koller, Petr Čech and Tomáš Rosický. After their showing at the ‘02 World Cup and despite the hype surrounding the squad, the USMNT managed just one shot in the drubbing.
Few words in the language of American soccer carry as much weight as “dos a cero.”
The USMNT’s rivalry with Mexico is the stuff of legend, with the Mexicans holding a historical edge on their northern neighbors. Mexico was essentially unbeatable at the Azteca in Mexico City and El Tri often got the better of the U.S. in the states, as well. It wasn’t until the USMNT started playing matches of consequence against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio, that the U.S. had a true home-field advantage.
For a 15-year stretch, the U.S. were undefeated at Crew Stadium, going 8-0-3 and compiling a 6-0-2 in World Cup qualifiers at the venue. The greatest results came against Mexico. The U.S. won every match they played against the Mexicans by that 2-0, dos-a-cero scoreline during that stretch, creating a deeply important psychological edge that grew with every successive result.
By 2016, the thought that the U.S. would lose a match to Mexico in Columbus — even allow a goal there — felt borderline unthinkable. Yet something felt different ahead of the U.S.’s qualifier against the Mexicans that November, in no small part because of the presidential election only days earlier. Trump’s dangerous rhetoric about Mexican immigrants in the United States forced both teams to put sports aside for the moment. By the time the two sides posed together for a team photo as a sign of unity just before the match, the aura surrounding the match changed. By the end of the game, the mystique of Crew Stadium was gone.
Rafa Márquez gave Mexico its first World Cup qualifying win in Columbus in 2016. (Paul Vernon/AFP/Getty Images)
Mexican defender Miguel Layún gave El Tri their first goal in Columbus 20 minutes in before the U.S. equalized early in the second half through Bobby Wood. Mexico did not let up, though, and found the winner just a minute from full time. It came courtesy of a glancing header by Rafa Márquez, perhaps the most villainous player in the history of the rivalry to U.S. fans. It felt fitting. Four days later, the U.S. lost 4-0 in Costa Rica, and five days after that, manager Jurgen Klinsmann was fired, with qualification for the 2018 World Cup put in peril.
By the time the 2022 qualification cycle rolled around, Crew Stadium had been replaced with a gleaming new venue. It probably wouldn’t have mattered anyways — the USMNT chose to play their home qualifier against Mexico in Cincinnati instead, leaving Columbus and all of its accompanying magic in the rearview.
Trinidad and Tobago 2, USMNT 1; October 10, 2017
Few U.S. fans had heard of Couva (population 45,000) before the USMNT played a decisive World Cup qualifier there in the fall of 2017. Now, the little town in Trinidad is seared into the collective consciousness of every USMNT fan. The name alone is a trigger word.
It was there that a shocking result eliminated the U.S. from qualification for the 2018 World Cup, ending a stretch during which the U.S. had played in every World Cup since 1990.
The seeds of the defeat in Couva were planted by Klinsmann, who led the USMNT through a miserable qualification cycle. After losing to Mexico and Costa Rica in the opening matches of the final stage of qualification, Klinsmann was sacked and replaced by Bruce Arena.
Arena, by most metrics the most successful coach in USMNT history, set about trying to repair the damage. The U.S. breezed through a few games but stuttered late in the qualification cycle. Even still, it seemed in excellent shape entering the match in Couva, needing just a draw to book a trip to Russia.
Trinidad and Tobago entered the match with little to play for, having already been eliminated. But games between these two opponents are always tinged with that famous 1989 win, the one where Caligiuri put a dagger in the heart of the Caribbean nation. The U.S. did little to help its cause by posting video on social media of the field conditions in Trinidad, a jab many viewed as belittling and insensitive given the resources available to the tiny nation.
In turn, the Soca Warriors came to play. They scored first through an own goal by U.S. defender Omar Gonzalez. Things went from bad to worse after T&T right back Alvin Jones ripped a 35-yard curler by U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard. Pulisic, then 19, handed his team a lifeline with a goal early in the second half, but the U.S. never found an equalizer. Dempsey, reduced to a substitute, hit the post on the closest call.
Elsewhere in the region, other teams had pulled off their own upsets. Panama and Honduras had beaten Costa Rica and Mexico, respectively. and earned the right to advance. The unthinkable, to many, had happened: the USMNT was eliminated. To this day, the loss remains the worst loss in USMNT history, based on ELO rating.
Arena resigned almost immediately. USMNT fans, who had long grown accustomed to qualifying in every World Cup cycle, called for widespread change. The match marked the end of the line for a generation of U.S. legends — Michael Bradley, Dempsey, Howard and Jozy Altidore among them – and ushered in the new.
(Editor’s note: A portion of this piece was repurposed from a previous Athletic article from this writer detailing past significant USMNT defeats)
Wow what a busy weekend and of course I am on the road so not as much as I would like this week. Lets start by saying Champions League continues to deliver in whatever format its in. Both the Indy 11 & NWSL kick off this weekend (I will be at the Angel City game Sun eve). I don’t have time to give them the full rundown and will try to do season premiers on both next week. Of course the US Men have Nations League Finals on Thurs on Paramount Plus- not real TV?? at 8 pm on Thursday night vs Panama. The Canada vs Mexico game will follow at 10 pm on Para+. Don’t ask me how our US team in playing in Tourney play and the game is not on TV? UNBELIEVABLE. Of course the other factor is these game were set to go head to head with the first weekend of NCAA March Madness. To say the idiots who run soccer in this country are dumb might be the UNDERSTATEMENT of a lifetime.
Champions League I am sad that huge games between Atletico Madrid & Real Madrid and Liverpool & PSG were played in the round of 16 rather than an Elite 8 or deeper in the tourney. Both were classics and spectacular end to end play along with spectacular goalkeeping and both ended in shootouts. Sad to see Liverpool & Atletico out so soon. Big fellow Ref question – Was Atletico Robbed when this crucial 3rd kick in the shootout was ruled as a double touch by VAR? Atletico basically lost the game on that call as they can’t find a way to beat Real Madrid again in Champions League play. Rules changes are being considered because of it – see last story below.
Indy 11
The Boys in Blue open the USL Championship regular season on Saturday, March 15 at Miami FC at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Saturday is the 14th all-time meeting between the two sides, with Miami holding a 6-5-2 edge. The Boys in Blue have won the past four meetings. Coach Sean McAuley enters year two leading the Boys in Blue with 15 players returning from last year’s squad that earned the franchise’s first home playoff game since 2019 after advancing to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Indy Eleven home opener is 2 weeks away. Get the exclusive Home Opener Ticket Pack starting at $29, which includes tickets to the home opener March 29 vs. Colorado Springs (with on-field access), the U.S. Open Cup match on April 15 or 16, and a flex ticket for a match of your choice. Awesome to see Maverick McCoy a former Carmel FC player on the Roster as a 17 year-old academy player. Go Maverick – I know his dad Wade McCoy a former CFC Coach is proud as are we!
Defenders (9): Pat Hogan, ^Maverick McCoy, Finn McRobb, James Musa, Josh O’Brien, Ben Ofeimu, Bruno Rendon, Aedan Stanley, Hayden White
Midfielders (7): Jack Blake, Oliver Brynéus, Cam Lindley, James Murphy, Logan Neidlinger, Aodhan Quinn, Brem Soumaoro
Forwards (5): Elvis Amoh, Elliot Collier, Maalique Foster, Edward Kizza, Romario Williams
^USL Academy Contract
US Men Look to Win 3rd Straight Nations League Title Next Week
So the USMNT and new Manager Poch have a big task ahead as they look to secure their 3rd straight Nations League title starting Thur night vs Panama 8:30 pm on Paramount plus. The winner will face the winner of Canada vs Mexico which is played right after our game. The final is Sunday night at 10 pm on Para+. No real surprises on roster selection – waiting to see who will start in the middle defense will the Celtic duo outperform Richards & McKensie? Who starts along with Adams & Mckinney in the middle? I will have more on this including my line-up choices later in the week.
DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (club/country; caps/goals)
DEFENDERS (8):Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 18/0), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/BEL; 1/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 17/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 67/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 23/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 19/0), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 4/0) MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 42/2), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 58/11), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 31/8), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 6/0) FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 2/2), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 45/1), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 76/32), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 27/5), Timothy Weah (Juventus/ITA; 42/7), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 3/1)
NWSL Season Stars this Weekend
The NWSL kicks off this weekend after an offseason packed with player movement, coaching hires, emerging storylines, and one compelling sneak peek. Orlando enters 2025 as the reigning NWSL Shield and Championship winners while Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga defends her MVP award — but outside contenders are bound to keep 2024’s titans on their toes. Big games to watch this weekend.
Kansas City Current vs Portland Thorns Sat 12:45 pm on ABC. The MVP and Kansas City will host a rebuilding Portland Thorns team on national TV.
Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign, Saturday at 10 PM ET (ION): See how the tension plays out between teams on either side of one of the offseason’s biggest trades, after Gotham sent veteran forward Lynn Biyendolo and goalkeeper Cassie Miller to Seattle while receiving promising young midfielder Jaelin Howell in return. Angel City vs. San Diego, Sunday at 6:50 PM ET (ESPN2): The SoCal rivalry heats back up between two work-in-progress teams, as Angel City begins anew under an interim manager while San Diego charts a new course with both a new coach and some big-name departures.
Champions League Chances to Win as we Enter The Quarter Finals
For Carmel Dad’s Club Refs — and want to be refs — check out the below. New Refs can learn to ref for free – at the new Ref Classes then ref rec games this spring after training with older officials. Its a great way to break into reffing without having to pay quite as much to start.
TV SCHEDULE
US PLAYERS ACROSS THE WORLD Saturday
Werder Bremen v Borussia Mönchengladbach – 10:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally missed Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 3-1 loss to Mainz last weekend due to yellow card accumulation, but should be available and back in the starting lineup on Saturday as they travel to take on Werder Bremen. ‘Gladbach fell to ninth place with the loss, seven points back of Mainz and five points back of fourth place Eintracht Frankfurt. Their opponent this weekend is 12th place Werder Bremen who have won two straight, including a 2-0 win over second place Bayer Leverkusen last weekend.
Augsburg v Wolfsburg – 9:30a on ESPN+
Kevin Paredes has returned to training but remains unavailable for Wolfsburg and Noahkai Banks has seen just 9 minutes in the last four matches for Augsburg (albeit all last weekend) so it seems unlikely that we’ll have an American take the field on Saturday as 11th place Augsburg host 7th place Wolfsburg.
AC Milan v Como – 1p on Paramount+
Christian Pulisic scored two goals last weekend in AC Milan’s 3-2 win over Lecce but the team remains in ninth place heading into their matchup with Como this weekend. Yunus Musah was also once again starting in the midfield for Milan and it will be interesting to see his continued usage for both club and country, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has recently expressed that Musah can really be played all over the right side of the field, from rightback, in the midfield, or on the wing. However, Musah seems to have performed better for his club in the midfield though that is a crowded position for the USMNT.
RB Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund – 1:30p on ESPN+
After two straight league starts Gio Reyna did not make it off the bench last weekend in Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 loss to Augsburg last weekend and just a handful of minutes on Wednesday as they saw out their 2-1 victory over Lille in the second leg of their Champions League matchup. With the win over Lille BVB continue on in this years Champions League competition but they remain in tenth place in Bundesliga play and seem unlikely to qualify for next year’s competition. They have a chance to gain ground this weekend as they face sixth place RB Leipzig who are four points ahead of them in the table. Leipzig have drawn three of their past four league matches.
Bournemouth v Brentford – 1:30p on USA Network
Tyler Adams and Bournemouth drew 2-2 with Tottenham on Sunday to stretch their winless streak to three matches. Bournemouth have fallen to ninth place with the recent rough stretch and are five points out of a top five finish. They host twelfth place Brentford this weekend who are coming off a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.
Sunday
Venezia v Napoli – 7:30a on Paramount+
Gianluca Busio did not appear for Venezia last weekend, the first match since August that he has failed to see minutes in, and just the fourth match that he hasn’t started in that same time. Venezia picked up their third straight draw, against Como, and they remain well within the relegation zone, five points from safety, as they have won just three times in 28 matches this season. They face second place Napoli on Sunday who are just a point back of league leading Inter Milan.
Leganes v Real Betis – 9a on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes
Johnny Cardoso was not included in the squad on Thursday as Real Betis defeated Vitoria Guimaraes 4-0 in UEFA Conference League action, casting some doubt on his availability for the USMNT Nations League camp just around the corner. There is no indication of a major injury but if the club is choosing to rest or be cautious with Johnny then perhaps it could impact his national team opportunities as well. Betis have won four straight league matches, all of which Cardoso started and they are in sixth place, three points back of fifth place Villarreal and eight back of Athletic Club and Champions League qualification. They face a Leagnes side that is just a point ahead of Alaves in the race to avoid relegation.
Fulham v Tottenham – 9:30a on USA Network
Antonee Robinson and Fulham fell to Brighton last weekend and look to bounce back against 13th place Tottenham who are coming off a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. Robinson once again started and was wearing the captains armband last weekend. He did pick up his seventh yellow card of the season but the EPL rules allow for 10 in the first 32 matches before a player faces a two match suspension.
Olympique Lyon v Le Havre – 10a on beIN Sports
Tanner Tessmann has started five straight matches, continuing in the starting lineup after the suspension of his manager, and Lyon have won four of the five matches including last weekends 2-0 win over Nice to move within four points of the third place team and the Champions League qualification position. This weekend they face a Le Havre side that are in the relegation playoff position, a point back of straight safety and a point ahead of Saint-Etienne for straight relegation in a tight relegation playoff race.
Strasbourg v Toulouse – 12:15p on beIN Sports
Mark McKenzie started yet again for Toulouse last weekend and is approaching 2,000 Ligue 1 minutes for the team this season. Toulouse drew 1-1 with high flying Monaco, who had put up nineteen goals in their past six matches. Toulouse are in tenth place and will travel to take on seventh place Strasbourg on Sunday. Strasbourg have won four of their last five, and haven’t given up a goal over that span, their only blemish being a scoreless draw with Brest three weeks ago.
Fiorentina v Juventus – 1p on Paramount+
Juventus lost for just the second time last weekend, fa 4-0 stinker to Atalanta that left Juve in fourth place, six points back of their third place opponent. Tim Weah once again started at rightback but was pulled 54’ minutes in with Juve down 2-0. Weston McKennie also started the match and went the full 90’ playing as an attacking mid. Juventus will face Fiorentina this weekend, on Thursday Fiorentina reversed a 3-2 first leg deficit to Panathinaikos in UEEF Conference League action, winning 3-1 to move on 5-4 on aggregate.
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
Pochettino addresses his inclusions, snubs for USMNT’s Nations League squad
By Paul Tenorio The Atletic ar. 11, 2025Updated Mar. 13, 2025
Several times over the course of his press conference on Tuesday, U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino invoked the idea of “trust” to describe his selection process for the team that will compete for a fourth consecutive Concacaf Nations League trophy next week.
The trust earned by players like forward Patrick Agyemang during January camp. The trust he wanted to return to players like Diego Luna, to build the confidence and belief in a player who showed well in January and now will get his first shot with the full team. The trust and relationship he wanted to build with a player like Gio Reyna, who got his first call-up under Pochettino despite struggling for minutes and form at Borussia Dortmund; and Tyler Adams, who similarly will get his first look after returning from a back injury.
Advertisement
Ultimately, it’s in the trust of communicating what Pochettino and his staff want from the team — and that the players can understand and execute those core tenets.
“It’s clear that many of the players here have won this competition,” Pochettino said. “And you always lose a little bit of hunger when you win, right? In this case we want to keep that hunger and try to instill in the players that you have to keep winning. You have to keep competing and keep winning.”
The U.S. will have two opportunities to compete for trophies between now and next summer’s World Cup. Both are Concacaf competitions: this spring’s Nations League and the summer’s Gold Cup. It put more value on this roster and its coveted roster spots.
A few familiar names were left off the team. Alejandro Zendejas is in top form at Club America in Liga MX, with five goals and five assists in the Clausura so far. He also scored two goals and had two assists in December’s Apertura semis and finals and was probably the biggest surprise snub if only because of his form. Brenden Aaronson, who was part of the 2022 World Cup roster, was also left off. Others on the outside looking in included center back Miles Robinson and midfielder Aidan Morris.
Pochettino said it’s down to the increased competition at each spot. Asked specifically about Aaronson, he shed some light on the depth chart.
“Brenden we know very well, but we decided to bring other players in that place,” Pochettino said. “We have players in that position like Gio Reyna, Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Diego Luna. Too many players for only one position. The (idea) was to provide balance. … We (are talking) about him, but we can talk about many other players that were in the preliminary list.”
The answer reinforced the obvious. For every player who misses out on a team, there’s another player given a chance to prove they belong. Pochettino called six players who were a part of January camp and will now get a chance to validate their place among the senior squad in the biggest international windows.
Advertisement
That includes Luna and Agyemang. “(Diego is) a player we followed from the day we signed with the USA national team,” Pochettino said. “We want to give another possibility. … I think it’s important for him to feel confidence from us, and I think he was good in the January camp and we want to provide the possibility to train with us again.
Patrick Agyemang, center, was a star of January camp for the U.S. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
“Talking about Patrick he’s still a little bit raw, a player that you can feel that he can evolve and learn a lot,” Pochettino continued. “But the potential and the characteristics, if he continues his progression, we can talk about in the future a very good striker. Now it’s up to him. We were so happy about January camp, I think he showed we can trust him. He scored, but not only his scoring, his work ethic in the camp, the way that he can press, he worked for the team. All these things that I think meant we were focused on him, to give the trust and calling him now is to show that we really believe in him.”
The roster also includes a few familiar faces for U.S. fans who haven’t yet had a chance to prove themselves to Pochettino. That includes Adams, whom Pochettino praised but also said would have to “prove that he’s better than” others in a midfield that includes Tanner Tessmann, Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie.
It also includes Reyna, who is still trying to find his way at the club level. He’ll get a chance to set things right in Nations League, a tournament that has been kind to him in the past. Reyna has five goal contributions across three Nations League finals. Despite not being in prime form, Pochettino said it was important to get Reyna in because he wouldn’t be able to participate in the Gold Cup. He’s instead due to be playing for Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup, which will be going on concurrently with the national team’s regional competition.
FIFA ruled that clubs have priority over players in this summer international window as it tries to push its new club competition, meaning Reyna and Juventus players Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are likely to e with their club teams rather than with the U.S.
“Everyone recognizes that his talent (is there),” Pochettino said of Reyna. “Of course, he’s improving, but he needs to improve. And of course he can do better. We need to push him, but we need to understand how he thinks, what he likes, (what) he (doesn’t) like. It’s important to create this relationship for the future if we are going to have the (possibility) again (for him) to join us. We want to win this competition, and I think he can help. That is why he is with us. But at the same time, I think he can do better. We are going to try to create this relationship, to try to discover and how to help.”
It makes this March window important on a number of levels — from team success, to individual performances and enhancing competition ahead of next summer’s all-important World Cup.
(Top photo: Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Five Questions for Week 2 in the USL Championship
We’ve got another 11-game slate of action this weekend in the USL Championship, including Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s home opener and a regional rivalry clash in Northern California.Here are five questions we have ahead of the action.1. Can Colorado Springs get Marco Micaletto and Anthony Fontana more involved?We saw a great example of how Colorado Springs can be an effective attacking force in the opening minutes of its contest in El Paso when Marco Micaletto’s run into space behind Locomotive’s back line resulted in a penalty that Micaletto converted. The challenge? Both Micaletto and Anthony Fontana were limited in their influence overall, combining for only 28 passes overall and one chance created.Both Fontana and Micaletto can be difference-makers, but they’re going to need more opportunity on the ball to do so. At home against a strong Detroit City midfield, they’re going to need to be more active for the defending title-holders to pick up their first win of the season.2. Will Lexington SC maintain its perfect start in Orange County?Lexington SC produced one of the best performances of the opening weekend, becoming the first team to win its inaugural game in the USL Championship since 2018 with a 2-0 win at home to Hartford Athletic. Central to that was a stellar defensive display that didn’t allow a shot on target, providing the foundation for Head Coach Terry Boss’ side.Lexington should get a much sterner test this Saturday when it visits an Orange County SC side that put up a four-spot in its opening night victory against Oakland Roots SC. If the visitors can come away from Championship Soccer Stadium with a result, it’ll add to the belief this side can be an immediate contender.3. Can FC Tulsa break its duck against the Rowdies?When it comes to FC Tulsa, there are some clubs that simply have proven an obstacle too great to overcome. While the history between Tulsa and the Tampa Bay Rowdies is relatively limited – the sides have played five times in league play – the Scissortails have only emerged with one point from those encounters, losing four times.After breaking a seven-year winless streak against Phoenix Rising FC last week with a hard-fought 1-0 win in the desert, however, the hope is the tide is turning under new Head Coach Luke Spencer. It’s early for statements, but Tulsa picking up its first win at home to Tampa Bay in its home opener would be an eye-opener.4. Will Monterey Bay FC or Oakland Roots SC give us something to believe in?It’s fair to say the opening games of the season for both Monterey Bay FC – a 1-0 loss at San Antonio in which the side didn’t officially record a shot on target – and Oakland Roots SC – a 4-2 defeat at Orange County SC in which the side’s defense looked as fallible as a season ago – wasn’t what either club was looking for.The NorCal rivals meet at Cardinale Stadium on Saturday night (10 p.m. ET | CBS Sports Golazo Network) aiming to deliver their first points of the season. Hopefully we’ll be able to walk away with a bit more optimism about at least one of their directions by the end of the night.5. What does Loudoun United’s second act look like?On this week’s USL All Access, our friend Devon Kerr described Loudoun United FC’s performance at Birmingham Legion FC as “awesome,” and we’re in complete concurrence. The combination of Abdellatif Aboukoura and Zach Ryan led the way in the final third, and it was hard to find a weak link in the lineup.There was the mitigation that Birmingham Legion FC looked subpar, however, which means we’re curious as to what United’s second outing of the season looks like against a North Carolina FC side that was solid in its debut against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. If Loudoun comes away with another result and positive performance, we’re in for a re-evaluation of where this club might sit in the East’s hierarchy.
Champions League projections 2024-25: Who will lift the trophy in Munich on May 31?
By The Athletic UK Staff
The Champions League has a new format for 2024-25. Forget group tables, instead we saw a 36-team league stage being contested from September through to January. But now that has been completed, who has the best chance of progressing to the final in May and lifting the trophy? Throughout the season, we will publish projections — powered by Opta data — to show how teams are expected to perform. These will update after each matchday. The competition’s expanded format might take a little time to get used to, but these projections can show you how it might all unfold.
Last updated March 13, 2025 at 8:56 AM
State of the League: Before the NWSL can take on the world, it must find its place in the U.S.
By Meg Linehan The Athletic Mar. 14, 2025Updated 10:49 am PDT
The narrative around women’s sports has changed drastically over the past few years, expedited by the current political climate in the United States.
Right now, the WNBA is out in front in a way the NWSL — on the cusp of its 2025 season — can only dream of.
The NWSL doesn’t have a Caitlin Clark-esque marquee player, but Clark has served as an amplifying factor more than a foundational one. It’s also a transitional time for the NWSL when it comes to minting new stars that can transcend the league or make the cover of Time or Vogue. The leading candidate, Trinity Rodman, discussed her desire to play in Europe at some point in the same week she graced a Times Square billboard for the league.
The NWSL has always talked a big game about being the best in the world. In 2025, it wouldn’t hurt to take a step back and figure out how to truly matter in the U.S. first — though such an undertaking isn’t guaranteed to be fully under its control.
“We’ve talked about becoming really laser focused on our key initiatives. Everything that we’re doing right now from a business perspective is focused on cultural relevance and storytelling,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in her state of the league presser ahead of the Challenge Cup.
In theory, all of this makes sense — the part that worries me is that the scaffolding is being built upon brands rather than the league itself. Berman highlighted two new deals with e.l.f. Cosmetics and Alex Cooper’s Unwell, “both of whom are exactly within the strategy that we deployed for the offseason to really get after our next generation of fans.”
She pointed to “share of mind, share of wallet and cultural relevance” as vehicles for the league’s strategic plan in a meeting with The Athletic on Tuesday, saying the league has key results they monitor to see how much they are moving the needle. The NWSL measures awareness (via brand tracker surveys both aided with leading questions and unaided), how marketable their players are, how the league resonates from a public relations perspective and sentiment on social media.
Worries over player departures, especially center back Naomi Girma, dominated the conversation, but the league also launched its 16th expansion team in Denver with a whopping $110 million fee and plenty of buzz. They released a four-part series, “For the Win,” going behind the scenes of last year’s playoffs with media rights partner Prime Video. The league also settled with three attorneys general regarding past systemic failures to protect its players from abuse, even as it grapples with the present — most recently launching a formal review into Bay FC’s coaching staff.
There’s no such thing as a quiet offseason in the NWSL, but that’s a lot on top of all the usual free agency moves and trades — and the first winter where teams had to sign young players without the mechanism of the NWSL college draft.
Before the NWSL can achieve that cultural relevance though, they need eyeballs. Last year, they failed to crack the one million viewer threshold for a game. The championship got close, peaking at 1.1 million viewers up against college football, but averaged 967,900; 1.5 million watched the Skills Challenge, a number helped tremendously by NFL game lead-ins. For comparison, the WNBA regular season averaged 1.2 million viewers across ESPN platforms, up 170 percent from the previous year. Their most-watched game, Indiana Fever at Chicago Sky on June 23, averaged 2.3 million viewers.
This has to be the year the NWSL reaches that 1 million view milestone, and TV numbers for regular season games need to be up, too. This year, much like last year, feels like the NWSL is getting closer to an answer to those big-picture questions.
With the addition of two teams next year, the league has a decent runway to 2026, when it will need to figure out how to insert itself into the conversation of the men’s World Cup on home soil or provide audiences with counter-programming.
The NWSL’s growth and destiny as a professional league are also not immune from the current state of affairs in the United States, especially if a potential economic recession comes into play.
According to a recent report by The New York Times, strategists at Goldman Sachs have increased the chances of a U.S. recession to 20 percent in the next year, and any slowdown here could then raise the risks of a global recession, according to analysts at JPMorgan Chase.
Every domestic professional league is likely watching the economic outlook closely, but historically, all three professional women’s soccer leagues in the U.S. have had to contend with the impacts of a recession. The NWSL has survived a short but steep recession before, getting through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but this is now another time of uncertainty and volatility. While there were many contributing factors to the demise of its predecessor, the WPS, the league was constantly on unsteady footing financially, with an average salary of $25,000 in its final year.
Continued inflation or any meaningful signs of a recession could impact everything from ongoing and potential brand partnerships to fan purchasing power. During the Great Recession in 2009, the WNBA even had to retract a team, the Houston Comets.
The NWSL was one of the first leagues to return to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Jeffrey Swinger / USA TODAY Sports)
Women’s sports, for better or worse, have always been viewed as a more affordable option for a fan compared to men’s sports. While that may still technically be the case, as premium options become the norm and demand rises, the NWSL will have to ask itself who’s attending their games and what the get-in price is. Will it be sustainable in the long run for younger fans — especially the Gen-Z audience the NWSL so desperately craves?
So far, at least, there haven’t been many signs of economic activity negatively impacting the NWSL. For instance, the Washington Spirit just opened up the upper deck due to demand for new season ticket holders, despite the impact of widespread federal worker layoffs across the metro area led by the Department of Government Efficiency.
But couple that volatility with a presidential administration that has made the “protect opportunities for women and girls to compete in safe and fair sports” a focus, and the NWSL — and any other women’s professional league — could suddenly find itself in a very precarious place. One of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders was to ban transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports.
Last year, the league was briefly tested in its response to other bad-faith attacks when author JK Rowling falsely accused Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda of being ineligible to compete in women’s divisions. Her eligibility has never been seriously questioned nor revoked. Banda was being honored as the BBC’s women’s footballer of the year, but the NWSL failed to support her. It’s something the league has since worked to remedy.
Around the NWSL ecosystem, the conversation has already started. Last week, Canada international Vanessa Gilles, on loan to Lyon from Angel City, said she was working on extending her time in France.
Canada defender Vanessa Gilles said she’s unlikely to return to Angel City from Lyon at this time. (Maria Lysaker / USA TODAY Sports)
“I don’t see myself going back to the United States with the current geopolitical situation,” she told Le Progrès. “It’s a bit complicated to go back there as a Canadian.”
It’s an entirely reasonable position, but not one the NWSL has a decent answer to yet.
There’s a bit of a pretense of a business-as-usual approach across the league, but that sentiment could crumble at any moment with little warning.
Sports are an escape, but they cannot be completely divorced from society. The NWSL wants its spotlight in 2025, but that won’t come without the increasing creep of U.S. politics into the league and women’s sports as a whole.
(Top photo: Jaylynn Nash / USA TODAY Sports via Imagn)
NWSL players to watch: Key performers for every team in 2025
By Jeff Rueter Mar. 11, 2025Updated Mar. 14, 2025 11:57 am PDT
For a few more days, all 14 NWSL teams will refine their preseason preparations. Every team can credibly dream of reaching the title game a year after the Orlando Pride went from regularly missing the playoffs to winning it all.
The rising level of talent in the NWSL means every team has more than one player they can hitch their hopes to heading into the 2025 season.
This is not necessarily intended to be a guide to each team’s most important or impactful player — we’re not looking at Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga or Trinity Rodman here — nor is this a speculative guess of which unknown squad members will catch us all by surprise. Instead, the following analysis is a hodgepodge of high-end performers, players looking to bounce back from tough 2024 seasons and invaluable options who often fly under the radar. All are welcome; let’s dive in.
All data was pulled from TruMedia via StatsPerform (Opta).
Angel City: Alyssa Thompson
When a player earns a World Cup roster spot at 18, their careers get judged differently than most of their peers. Thompson struggled at the start of 2024, failing to score before the Olympic break. She broke her scoring slump in the first game back, netting a brace against San Diego Wave to kick off a burst that yielded five goals from five NWSL appearances. Thompson also chipped in with seven assists despite her team missing the postseason.
Thompson has been tricky with the ball at her feet since her debut in 2023 but her confidence grew further last year, seeing her take on more responsibility. She attempted nearly twice as many take-ons (86 in 2024 vs 46 as a rookie), had three game-winning assists and one match-winning goal. She returned to the U.S. women’s national team after the Olympics and will likely remain in head coach Emma Hayes’ plans this year.
Interim coach Sam Laity will lead Angel City until at least June, so the squad’s holdovers will be invaluable amid change and uncertainty to start the season. Although Thompson only turned 20 years old in November, she’s been a regular starter for two seasons and projects to be even more valuable in 2025. With Christen Press and Sydney Leroux continuing to offer help in the attack and veterans’ insight off the pitch, Thompson could hit even greater heights in her third season.
Advertisement
Bay FC: Racheal Kundananji
There have been 10 games when a player has notched double-digit shot attempts since 2021. Nine of the 10 were active members of the USWNT. The only exception, and the sole 10-shot firer of 2024, was Kundananji, as Bay FC closed its regular season by cementing a playoff place against the Houston Dash.
Signed to a then-world-record transfer fee, the Zambia international had an up-and-down debut NWSL season. Kundananji scored in her debut (also against the Dash), then netted just once more before the Olympics. She finished the year in fine form, however, scoring twice and adding two assists in Bay’s final three regular season games to lead the team to the playoffs in their expansion season.
Getting a full preseason with the team, Kundananji has forged better relationships with her returning teammates. She can also play free from certain pressures that come with a record transfer, as Naomi Girma now bears that mantle.
Chicago Stars: Ally Schlegel
This has been another trying offseason for Chicago fans. The team made a few major moves in the middle of 2024, but it doesn’t entirely explain away a mostly dormant offseason. Question marks also surround the availability of the team’s marquee player, Mallory Swanson.
While summer signings Ludmila and Julia Grosso will begin their first full seasons at Chicago, the club put Schlegel front and center for its jersey release. This wasn’t a choice devoid of merit, either. Schlegel quietly tied Swanson with six non-penalty goals to lead Chicago, while her 13 chances created from open play only trailed Swanson on the squad.
It’s difficult to see how the Stars could contend if Swanson isn’t starting. She led the team with 49 shots (no one else took more than 28) and was again top with 31 chances created (more than double her teammates). All of that was symptomatic of a one-note attack in head coach Lorne Donaldson’s first season, but Schlegel, Ludmila and Jenna Bike will be eager to make their impacts in the final third. With her trademark pink headband, Schlegel won’t be hard to spot — especially if she keeps bagging goals.
Advertisement
Gotham FC: Rose Lavelle
Lavelle is the USWNT’s chief facilitator. Her eye for a clever pass is unparalleled, and the team’s chance creation suffers whenever she’s missing. At the NWSL level, however, a different side to Lavelle’s game emerges: a volume shooter who dribbles to get herself into range.
She may need to tap into her international job description in the 2025 season. Gotham said goodbye to its two top run-of-play chance creators this offseason, as Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan are off to revive the Dash. Left back Jenna Nighswonger also left for Arsenal in England, leaving the squad with one less capable crosser.
Gotham has had another free-wheeling offseason, with other key departures including Lynn Biyendolo and Crystal Dunn. The club replaced Biyendolo with center forward Gabi Portilho, which could leave Lavelle playing closer to midfield than the front of the attack. That would put her in a prime position to pull the strings, and it could help catalyze Gotham’s efforts to return to the NWSL championship final. She just needs to get healthy first after offseason ankle surgery.
Houston Dash: Diana Ordóñez
After the 2022 season, Ordóñez was among the most lauded young players in the league. She excelled as a 20-year-old rookie, scoring 11 goals for the North Carolina Courage and bagging a brace in her international debut with Mexico against Anguilla.
Houston pushed hard to bring her into the fold, landing her in a pre-draft trade. While she had a more obvious leading role with her new club, the drop in squad caliber hampered her scoring output.
The graphic above compares her goalscoring output to expected goals (xG) across a rolling 900-minute sample. The blue line is the one that changes scorelines, and the annual swan dives in form are an obvious concern. However, she was hardly equipped to get those kinds of shooting looks, as the Dash’s chance creation across her two seasons has never met the service she enjoyed with the Courage.
With Ryan and Sheehan joining her in Houston, Ordóñez projects to benefit greatly. After scoring just three goals in 2023 and five in 2024, the creative reinforcements could vault her back to double-digit output.
Advertisement
Kansas City Current: Bia
From the first match at CPKC Stadium, the Current was arguably the league’s most watchable team for neutral viewers. The attack whirred from the opening whistle, led by Chawinga. Vanessa DiBernardo put in the best year of her career in midfield. In the season’s first quarter, however, Chawinga shared top billing with her strike partner, Bia.
The Brazilian forward was a handful in the season’s early weeks, tied with Chawinga with four goals in the Current’s first five matches. Her form returned to Earth as May and June progressed, and a stress fracture in her foot ruled her out of Brazil’s Olympics squad in early July.
In the playoffs, with Bia still recovering and Debinha looking less impactful than in past seasons, opponents were happy to pester Chawinga and persistently challenge the Malawian with foul-worthy contact. Having Bia back to her best would give defenders more to worry about in transition and on set plays, and would open up space for Chawinga to wreak more havoc.
North Carolina Courage: Tyler Lussi
Six years removed from winning a second straight NWSL title, the Courage’s path to title contention is going through the field’s central channel. After trading for Ashley Sanchez last winter, the Courage returned to the trade market to bring in USWNT playmaker Jaedyn Shaw from San Diego, offering her a role in a system that caters to the 20-year-old’s game. Even with 2023 MVP Kerolin among the departures, North Carolina should again compete in the upper third of the table.
Sanchez and Shaw want to get on the ball, willing to roam from side to side and drop into midfield to facilitate. The United States internationals are also happy to shoot from outside the box. This often requires a teammate to do more thankless work running off the ball and dribbling down the flank as the central playmakers find their pockets of space.
That job description matches Lussi’s style of play. Her expert reading of a game and dribbling help her teams advance upfield.
The 30-year-old has the kind of downhill compass that is vital to ease the pressure on Sanchez and Shaw, as it’s easier to make a defense backpedal in the less congested wide thirds of the field. Lussi has the potential to set a new career high mark with assists, but her movement should allow her to bag a handful of goals as well.
Advertisement
Orlando Pride: Angelina
Orlando’s emergent 2024 had many headliners. Banda was unstoppable and a worthy MVP finalist. Marta cannon-balled into the fountain of youth to help the Pride win its first NWSL title. Seb Hines was a worthy coach of the year, while defender Emily Sams went from an unsung starter to an Olympic gold medalist.
And yet, the midfield was often overlooked when discussing this team’s greatest strengths. That’s not to criticise Angelina, who was industrious and consistent in the heart of the park. The Jersey City-born midfielder made a defensive impact across the pitch, was a consistent chance-creator and vital line-breaking passer in the team’s build-up.
The 25-year-old Brazil international has already built a winning track record and will expect a similar high standard for herself and her team alike. Banda and Marta will undoubtedly still fill the highlight reels, but much of what they can do depends on players like Angelina.
Portland Thorns: Anyone who’s available for selection
Among the league’s most consistent franchises since debuting, Portland will follow a tumultuous 2024 with even more uncertainty this spring. Christine Sinclair and Becky Sauerbrunn have retired, while the team placed three starters — Morgan Weaver, Marie Müller and Nicole Payne — on the season-ending injury list late in February. As if that wasn’t enough change for one offseason, star striker Sophia Wilson (nee Smith) announced her pregnancy in early March.
That’s an overwhelming amount of attacking quality now missing from last year’s side.
Of the players shown above who helped Portland crash the box, only Canada international Jessie Fleming, United States international Olivia Moultrie and second-year forward Payton Linnehan return. Sam Coffey gives the Thorns arguably the league’s best defensive midfielder. Japan international Hina Sugita may also be relied upon heavily, and Deyna Castellanos has arrived after a frustrating year with Bay. Still, this figures to be another season with plenty of questions to answer for the Thorns.
Racing Louisville: Uchenna Kanu
This season will be Louisville’s fifth in the NWSL. For four years running, Louisville has finished ninth in the standings — a feat that’s increasingly impressive as the league continues to expand, but a place that has never been enough for a playoff berth.
The squad has undeniable quality. The midfield looks especially robust, with Savannah DeMelo and Ary Borges pulling the strings. Taylor Flint is among the league’s best defensive midfielders. Emma Sears has broken through with the USWNT and is among the league’s best players in transition sequences thanks to her considerable speed and dribbling ability. All those skill sets are great for build-up and chance generation, but Louisville has often gone begging for a consistent goalscorer.
While Kanu featured in a few roles last year, most often as a left-sided attacking midfielder, her shifts up front may give head coach Bev Yanez her answer at striker. The Nigeria international converted five of the seven shots she placed on goal, while her goalscoring record with Tigres UANL (20 goals in 30 games) shows what she can do. If she can get closer to that return, Louisville may finally finish in a playoff position.
San Diego Wave: Kailen Sheridan
Not much went to plan for San Diego in its fourth season. As Alex Morgan played the final season of her illustrious career, the 2023 NWSL Shield winner plummeted to the wrong end of the table. The Wave played under three coaches while Morgan and Girma closed their tenures at the club.
The Wave is looking to rebound under former Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall. Adriana Leon is the new projected star striker, but Sheridan represents an invaluable presence in the locker room. Not only is she Leon’s international teammate, which should help as the forward readjusts to the league, but she also has the high-level track record and leadership chops to give Eidevall someone to lean on.
She’s also still among the world’s best goalkeepers. Even as San Diego’s once-stout defense wobbled in 2024, Sheridan performed well above expectations. The 29-year-old is the undisputed most important player at the Wave.
Seattle Reign: Jordyn Huitema
Huitema broke through early, debuting internationally as a 15-year-old and making Canada’s 2019 World Cup squad just after her 18th birthday. The hype machine did its thing and projected her as Canada’s answer up top, but she hasn’t put up the goalscoring numbers that typified her predecessor, Sinclair. Huitema has scored 23 goals in her 88 caps for Canada, but she’s scored just 10 times for Seattle across her first three seasons.
Huitema has expert movement in the final third and consistently gets into good scoring areas, with her average shot distance since joining the Reign ranging from 11.2 yards to 12.8 yards. Her shot placement is the concern.
Most great strikers spray the ball to any area of the goalmouth, high and low, to keep a goalkeeper guessing. Last year, Huitema did the opposite, placing 74 percent of her shots on target low and in the middle of the goal.
With Biyendolo joining Seattle this winter, it could afford Huitema more space to set up her shots. If so, it could lead to the kind of goal return that many expected from the Canada international when she first broke out.
Tanaka could hardly have started 2025 in finer form. The Royal scored four goals in Japan’s first two games of the SheBelieves Cup to tie Swanson’s 2023 record for the three-game tournament. She started in Japan’s 2-1 victory to capture the team’s first SheBelieves trophy.
The forward made her NWSL debut midway through the 2024 season, joining Utah in July. Although she scored just once, it was the second time she had played outside of Japan. With an offseason to acclimate, she should also have a clearer role under head coach Jimmy Coenraets.
Both Tanaka and fellow SheBelieves star Ally Sentnor love a shot from deep, but Tanaka projects to be more willing to play in a more advanced role as a striker. Her deftness on the ball and quick decision-making will make her an exceptional focal point for the Royals in 2025.
Washington Spirit: Hal Hershfelt
While Croix Bethune was a no-brainer to win rookie of the year, she was far from the only first-year player to carry the Spirit to the NWSL championship final. Many were surprised to see Hershfelt among Hayes’ alternates for the 2024 Olympics, but the selection only clued more of us in on how impactful the midfielder already was for her club.
Drafted out of Clemson, Hershfelt was selected using the pick that Washington obtained when they traded Sanchez. In her first professional season, Hershfelt played with tenacity and confidence, getting stuck in across the pitch while playing with positional awareness that rarely left Washington without cover.
Hershfelt was also an aerial threat on set pieces, most memorably saving the Spirit’s season with a late equalizer in the semifinal against Gotham. The mix of high-octane defending and aerial threat in attack begs comparisons to Julie Ertz, and the 23-year-old would be a worthy regular alternative to Coffey for the USWNT.
(Top photo: Imagn Images)
Julian Alvarez penalty decision could spark law change; UEFA to discuss with FIFA, IFAB
The law that saw Julian Alvarez’s penalty controversially ruled out against Real Madrid could be reviewed with UEFA releasing a new video of the spot kick.
The footage of the penalty, posted on the governing body’s website, shows the ball move slightly after being touched by the Atletico Madrid forward’s standing left foot before he strikes it with his right.
Real Madrid went on to advance through to the quarter-finals.
On Thursday, UEFA said Atletico had contacted them about the decision and that they will discuss the law with FIFA, the world governing body, and the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which determines the laws of the game.
UEFA released the video of the penalty on its website on Thursday (UEFA)
In a statement, UEFA said: “Atletico Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.
“Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.
“UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.”
Atletico head coach Diego Simeone was left angered by the decision and claimed there was insufficient evidence for VAR to overturn the on-field referee’s initial call.
“The referee said when Julian got to the penalty spot he touched the ball with his standing foot, but the ball did not move,” he told reporters after the game.
“I’ve never seen a penalty where they’ve called the VAR, but well, they would have seen that he touched it. I want to believe they saw he touched it.
“Did you see him touching the ball twice? Please, whoever was present in the stadium and saw him touching the ball twice, the ball moving, please come forward and raise your hand. I don’t see anybody with their hand raised so that’s all I have to say… next question.”
Advertisement
The IFAB laws of the game prohibit the player taking the penalty kick from playing the ball twice before it has touched another player, the ball stops moving or goes out of play.
Article 14.1 reads: “The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player. The penalty kick is completed when the ball stops moving, goes out of play or the referee stops play for any offence.”
Alvarez’s penalty was ruled out after a VAR intervention (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The law was designed to stop players from dribbling towards goal from a penalty kick and was applied in January 2023 when then-Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic slipped as he went to strike the penalty against Newcastle United and kicked it into his standing leg.
Mitrovic’s penalty goal was disallowed and a free-kick was awarded to Newcastle.
UEFA introduced in-ball technology for Euro 2024 last summer to help improve the accuracy and speed of decision making.
European football’s governing body have confirmed to The Athletic that no in-ball technology was used to assist in overturning the decision to award Alvarez’s penalty with the new system only in place for the men’s and women’s European Championships but not the Champions League.
The decision was made solely using cameras in the stadium. The semi-automated offside system in place also utilises cameras only.
An Atletico statement on Friday detailed the “tremendous frustration” the club feel over the decision and threw their support behind a changing of the law.
A club spokesperson said: “For us there is an error in the use of the VAR that has caused tremendous frustration and damage to our fans and the efforts of our players. We consider that there is no clear movement as indicated in rule 14 and that in 45 seconds you cannot resolve an action that more than a day later is still unclear.
“But we are aware that even if this error is demonstrated in the use of the VAR it will never change the final result of the tie. We believe that the football family must work together to prevent such an error from happening again.”
Real Madrid will now play Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with the fixtures to be played over April 8 and April 16.
So I saw an interview where Don Garber said the Apple TV deal has introduced American’s to soccer. Boy is that guy delusional. That being said I did watch some MLS this weekend – yes a game was on Fox and a few games were also on just normal Apple TV without having to buy the season pass. In fact Sunday nights are gonna have Sunday night futbol with a 7 pm Apple TV MLS game – wish it was on Fox or FS1 but most people have normal Apple TV even if we don’t have the Season pass – so that’s a start. Oh and the games on FS2 during the week with Champions Cup have been worth the watch as well.
Champions League Leg 1 Knock out Round
So the Sweet 16 of Champions League was spectacular for some games and blowout city on others. Benefica gave Barcelona all they could handle at the Camp Nou. Liverpool survived at PSG thanks to these spectacular saves by GK Alisson (who had perhaps his best day ever in goal with 9 saves. Alisson’s Master Class) Not sure anyone expected Bayern Munich to slap down Leverkusen 3-0 or Arsenal to kill an injury plagued PSV 7-1. Of course the game of the week was the Madrid Derby a 2-1 escape at home by the holders Real Madrid over Atletico. Sets up some interesting games in leg 2 of the tourney this week.
Tues, March 11 Champions League
12:45 pm Para+TUDN Benefica 0 vs Barcelona 1
4 pm Para+ Bayer Leverkusen 0 vs Bayern Munich 3
4 pm Para+ Liverpool 1 vs PSG 0
4 pm Para+, CBSSN Ferynoord 0 vs Inter Milan 2
8:30 pm FS2 LAFC vs Columbus Champs Cup
8:30 pm TUDN Cruz Azul vs Seattle Sounders
Weds, Mar 12
1:45 pm Par+, CBSSNLille 1 vs 3 Dortmund (Reyna)
4 pm Para+, TUDN Atletico Madrid 1 vs Real Madrid 2
4 pm Para+ Aston Villa 3 vs Club Brugge 1
4 pm Para+ Arsenal 7 vs PSV (Ledezma) 1
A little warmer for the Boys Showcase last weekend with Thom Parks and Eric & man the food was good again – thanks Nate !!
GAMES ON TV
Fr, Mar 7
8 pm Amazon Prime Orlando Pride (Marta) vs Washington Spirit
Sat, Mar 8
10 am USA Brighton vs Fulham (Robinson)
10 am Peacok,Sirius Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Ipwich
12 noon Para+ Lecce vs AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah)
12:30 pm NBC Brentford vs Aston Villa
2:30 pm Apple TV Columbus vs Houston
3 pm ESPN+ Barcelona vs Osasuna
4:45 pm Fox Seattle Sounders vs LAFC MLS
7:30 pm Apple Dallas vs Chicago
8 pm Univision Cruz Asul vs Monterrey
10:30 pm Apple San Jose vs Minnesota
Sun, March 9
10 am CBSSN Napoli ivs Fiorentina
11”15 am ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Rayo Callencano
12:30 pm NBC Man United vs Arsenal
3:45 pm Para+, Sirius Juventus (Mckinney, Weah) vs Atalanta
7 pm Apple TV LA Galaxy vs St Louis City
Mon, March 10
4 pm USA West Ham United vs New Castle United
Tues, March 11 Champions League
12:45 pm Para+TUDN Benefica 0 vs Barcelona 1
4 pm Para+ Bayer Leverkusen 0 vs Bayern Munich 3
4 pm Para+ Liverpool 1 vs PSG 0
4 pm Para+, CBSSN Ferynoord 0 vs Inter Milan 2
8:30 pm FS2 LAFC vs Columbus Champs Cup
8:30 pm TUDN Cruz Azul vs Seattle Sounders
Weds, Mar 12
1:45 pm Par+, CBSSNLille vs Dortmund (Reyna
4 pm Para+, TUDN Atletico Madrid 1 vs Real Madrid 2
4 pm Para+ Aston Villa 3 vs Club Brugge 1
4 pm Para+ Arsenal 7 vs PSV (Ledezma) 1
8:30 pm FS2 Monterrey vs Vancouver
10:30 pm FS2 LA Galaxy vs Herediano
Thur, Mar 13 Europa League
1:45 pm Para+, CBSSN Roma 2 vs Athletic Club 1
4 pm Para+ Chelsea vs Kobenhavn
4 pm Para+, Fenerbahce 1 vs Rangers 3
4 pm Para+ Sociadad 1 vs Man United 1
8 pm Fox Sports 2 Cavalier 0 vs 2 Inter Miami (Messi)
(American’s in Parenthesis)
Saturday US Players are Playing in these Games
Coventry City v Stoke City – 7:30a on CBSSN
Haji Wright saw his first action since early November with 16’ minutes off the bench in Coventry City’s 3-2 win over Oxford United last weekend. Coventry have won four straight and are in fifth place as they prepare to face 20th place Stoke City who are just five points out of the relegation zone.
Como v Venezia – 9a on Paramount+
Gianluca Busio was back in the starting lineup last weekend after two weeks coming off the bench. Venezia played Atalanta to a scoreless draw, their second straight point against a top five team, excellent results if you are considering them in a bubble but the team is going to need to start finding ways to win matches and pull the three points if they are going to avoid relegation at the end of the season, they remain five points back of Parma in their pursuit of safety. Venezia’s opponent this weekend is 13th place Como who fell to Roma last weekend but also defeated second place Napoli recently.
Borussia Dortmund v Augsburg – 9:30a on ESPN+
Gio Reyna got his second straight league start last weekend as Borussia Dortmund defeated St. Pauli 2-0. Dortmund settled for a home draw with Lille midweek in Champions League play to put themselves into a tight spot heading into Wednesday’s return leg in Lille, Reyna came off the bench for a handful of minutes in the draw though afterwards Niko Kovac praised the midfielders defensive effort (which might be a first). With the quick turnaround it would not be surprising to see Reyne get the start again this weekend as Dortmund face an Augsburg side that sit just back of them in the Bundesliga table. After a run of appearances to start the year Noahkai banks has not seen the field in the past three matches and has just 12’ minutes in the last five so it seems unlikely he would play a significant role this weekend for an Augsburg side that are undefeated in their past eight league matches.
Wolfsburg v St Pauli – 9:30a on ESPN+
Kevin Paredes has also reportedly returned to training though the club describes it as being “partially” reintegrated so he is presumably at least a few weeks from returning to game action for Wolfsburg who are in seventh place, and just a point back from RB Leipzig for qualifying for next seasons European competitions. They face a St. Pauli side that have lost four straight and continue to flirt with relegation.
Brighton and Hove Albion v Fulham – 10a on USA Network
Antonee Robinson and Fulham travel to Brighton on Saturday to face a hot Albion side that have won five straight across all competitions. The streak have the Seagulls a point of ahead of Fulham who defeated Wolves in their last league match and Manchester United last weekend in penalties to advance in the FA Cup. Both teams are within striking distance of the top four spots and this should be a tightly contested match.
Crystal Palace v Ipswich Town – 10a on Peacock
Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Crystal Palace defeated Millwall in FA Cup action last weekend while also neatly avoiding having any teammates killed on the pitch. Turner is presumably back to the bench but Richards is likely to start again this weekend as Palace face an Ipswich side that are facing relegation but took Nottingham Forest to penalties in FA Cup action last weekend.
Lecce v AC Milan – Noon on Paramount+
AC Milan have lost three straight league matches as they have fallen to ninth place in Serie A. Yunus Musah was subbed off in the first half last week and Christian Pulisic hasn’t had a goal contribution in four whole matches, the former of which seems a fair bit more significant than the latter. It’s been a rough few weeks for Milan though as they have been bounced from Champions League play and fallen out of contention for next seasons competition as well.
PSV Eindhoven v Heerenveen – 2p on ESPN+
PSV also had a rough week, suffering a humiliating 7-1 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League round of sixteen matchup. The team also lost again in league play last weekend and haven’t won a league match since January, falling eight points back of league leading Ajax. On the more positive side of things Sergino Dest is reportedly going to be included in this weekend’s matchday squad though presumably he will be reintegrated slowly.
Sunday
Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth – 10a on Peacock
Tyler Adams and Bournemouth travel to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Bournemouth defeated Wolves in FA Cup action last weekend, also in penalties, but fell to Brighton in their last league match and remain in seventh place in the league standings. Tottenham fell to AZ Alkmaar in midweek Europa League action and lost to Manchester City 1-0 last weekend in league play. Tyler Adams started last weekend and played the full match including extra time to put in 120’. Adams did rest two weeks ago but has started 9 of the past ten matches for Bournemouth across all competitions and is approaching 1,400’ minutes on the season.
Real Betis v Las Palmas – 1:30p on ESPN+
Johnny Cardoso went the full 90’ and scored the opener last weekend in Real Betis’ 2-1 win over Real Madrid. The loss dropped Madrid out of a tie for first place and moved Betis into sixth place in the table. Betis will face Las Palmas this weekend who are tied with Valencia on 24 points for the final relegation spot.
Nice v Olympique Lyon – 3:45p on beIN Sports
Tanner Tessmann started again last weekend in Lyon’s 2-1 win over Brest, a match in which manager Paulo Fonseca lost his mind, picking up a red card and later receiving a 30 match suspension meaning Tessmann will certainly be working under yet another manager in the short term and likely on a more permanent basis as well. Tessmann did retain his starting position midweek as Lyon defeated 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa League match. Lyon will now face third place Nice who are holding on to the final Ligue 1 Champions League qualification position by three points.
Juventus v Atalanta – 3:45p on Paramount+
Tim Weah and Weston McKennie continue to start regularly for Juventus who have found a way to start actually winning matches rather than settling for draws, the team has won five straight, suffered just one loss on the season, and have moved into fourth place, just six points back of Inter Milan for the league lead. This weekend they face an Atalanta side that are three points ahead of them in third place and Juventus can pull even with a win. The two teams drew in their previous meeting, which is certainly not shocking given Juventus’ record this season, but it was just six weeks ago and was actually the most recent time that Juve settled for the draw. Atalanta have also been eliminated from Champions League competition and are coming off a scoreless draw with relegation threatened Venezia.
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
USMNT Player Tracker: Reyna misses his chance, Turner seizes his and Wright bolsters Coventry
Gio Reyna’s struggles, Matt Turner’s FA Cup dream and a tough outing for Christian Pulisic all play part of this week’s USMNT Player Tracker.
Throughout the season, we will bring you updates on the USMNT players plying their trade in various leagues around Europe.
With a home-soil World Cup on the horizon, and Mauricio Pochettino preparing to announce his squad for the forthcoming Nations League semi-final against Panama, we’re keeping tabs on how they perform every weekend.
Issue of the weekend
Opportunity has knocked for Gio Reyna lately, but his answer has been less than emphatic.
In truth, it has been more of a whisper than a resounding declaration that he’s ready to revive his prospects at Borussia Dortmund.
With previous first-choice attacking midfielder Julian Brandt injured, Reyna was given a chance to start more games by head coach Niko Kovac. It was needed. Before the last two Bundesliga games, the 22-year-old USMNT international had started only one top-flight game this season, even if that inactivity was largely born of all-too familiar injury misfortune.
It feels like a long time since his name was spoken of in excited terms as a youngster with the potential to follow Christian Pulisic in taking European football by storm.
Last season’s loan to Premier League side Nottingham Forest, where he only made 10 appearances, was unconvincing. That was why the last two games, the club’s welcome wins over Union Berlin and St Pauli, represented a chance for Reyna to show Kovac that he can be counted on to make an impact in the No 10 role behind Serhou Guirassy.
The results have been negligible. On Saturday, in the 2-0 triumph at St Pauli, Reyna mustered an underwhelming 73 minutes. Dortmund won, but he left little impression on the game before being replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka.
Reyna challenges St Pauli’s Siebe Van Der Heyden in the air on Saturday (Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)
“Reyna’s flurry of recent starts is misleading; it’s not indicative of him having found new favour under head coach Kovac,” writes The Athletic’s German football correspondent Seb Stafford-Bloor. “Instead, with Brandt recently returning from injury and Chukwuemeka only fit enough for brief involvement, Reyna finds himself in the team almost by default, with a return to the bench likely for the Champions League game against Lille on Tuesday.
“He took up some good positions against St Pauli, finding space between the lines and dropping off the play to provide a useful receiving option, but he struggled to do anything penetrative or effective with the ball, seeming to want more time than was on offer against a tough, hard-working opponent.”
Perhaps Reyna can find the spark if he is involved for his country against Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final later this month. But he has plenty to do if he is to play a greater part in the rest of Dortmund’s season.
For now, question marks will remain over his future and whether the American requires a move to resurrect his career and find a team where he can become a regular.
Another USMNT star trying to make his mark when the chance comes is Matt Turner. For the goalkeeper’s part, at least, the evidence is a bit more compelling.
Turner is second choice at Crystal Palace, but he is making an impression as the club’s ‘cup keeper’ this season. He played in a Carabao Cup win at Aston Villa back in October, and has started all three of Palace’s FA Cup fixtures to date, keeping two clean sheets. Manager Oliver Glasner clearly trusts him to deputise for Dean Henderson.
On Saturday the 30-year-old helped Palace reach the quarter-final of the competition courtesy of a 3-1 win over local rivals Millwall.
He did not manage to secure a shutout as in the previous two rounds, conceding a goal to the second-tier side when he pushed away a low drive from Femi Azeez and Wes Harding’s follow-up shot deflected off Ben Chilwell and into the net.
But, beyond that, Turner commanded his area well enough, with his distribution largely accurate and assured.
Turner catches a Millwall cross (Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
He is only on loan at the south London club, having moved after losing his place at Nottingham Forest, and he has had to be patient at Palace, too, with no starts in the Premier League to date. Henderson has been outstanding this season, leaving Turner watching on from the bench.
Speaking to the media before the win on Saturday, Glasner reminded everyone that Turner knew his remit when he agreed to join the club in the summer, but said he has been impressed with his contribution when called upon.
“It’s not a gift — he’s just deserving (of his place against Millwall),” Glasner said in the pre-game press conference. “I can see his ambition in training. He’s always giving 100 per cent in every single training (session). He also deserves some games.”
Pressed on how content Turner is with his role as Henderson’s back-up, Glasner added: “He knew it when he arrived. We were always pretty clear. He always knew that Dean is the No 1 because he is doing an amazing job for us.”
Whatever his long-term future holds, in the short term Turner has helped his club earn a quarter-final trip to Fulham, where he will face compatriot Antonee Robinson later this month.
Quote of the weekend
Last week, this column pondered the pressing question of who leads the line for Mauricio Pochettino given Ricardo Pepi’s season has been ended early by injury at PSV and Folarin Balogun is similarly struggling at Monaco.
The latter is at least hoping to return before the Ligue 1 campaign ends, but he will not have recovered from his shoulder problems by the Panama game later this month. Pochettino, therefore, might look instead for options in England’s Championship, their second-tier.
Advertisement
Josh Sargent, who has had his own injury travails this season, is fit and featuring regularly once more for Norwich City. He has scored 11 goals this season, with seven of them coming in the six matches before Saturday’s draw at Blackburn Rovers, where he drew a blank.
Meanwhile, at Coventry City, manager Frank Lampard continues to give positive updates on his U.S. forward Haji Wright.
Wright injured his ankle in the closing stages of a 2-2 draw away to Sunderland in early November having scored earlier in the game. That was back when Coventry were between the sacking of Mark Robins and the appointment of Lampard.
Wright returned at Oxford on Saturday (Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Four months on, he came off the bench in the second half of Saturday’s 3-2 win away to Oxford, a victory which took Coventry up to fifth in the Championship. It was his first appearance since Lampard took over and, the manager was encouraged by the American’s 16-minute cameo, even if Wright was understandably rusty. The 26-year-old only touched the ball five times.
“Haji comes on and we know he’s a big player for us,” Lampard said afterwards. “He needs more minutes to get to that 100 per cent. Getting fit and working in training is one thing, but when you’re coming back into games that are fast, you have to be robust.
“So those will be good minutes for him today and it gives us more power in the squad where we’ve been lacking when players were out.“
More power for Lampard, then, and more much-needed potential options for Pochettino.
Name: Christian Pulisic Club: Milan Position: Forward Appearances (all competitions): 36 Goals: 12
Before starting him for Milan against Lazio in what turned out to be their third consecutive Serie A defeat, head coach Sergio Conceicao revealed that Pulisic had been playing with a slight injury over recent weeks which has limited his game time.
Advertisement
“On the morning of the match against Bologna, the doctor told me he couldn’t play and I had prepared the game with him on the pitch,” he said. “I had to find a solution, but he’s been playing for a month with a small physical problem.”
The issue did not prevent under-pressure Conceicao selecting one of his star men to start against Lazio on Sunday, but Pulisic could not check his side’s alarming slump.
Pulisic attempts to evade Lazio’s Nuno Tavares and Mario Gila Fuentes (Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images)
Now ninth in the table, their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are receding and it would be a blow for Pulisic not to feature in Europe’s elite club competition next term, especially given his exciting displays in Milan’s group stage this time around, when he scored four goals and provided an assist in nine matches.
But those heady days seem a long time ago after Milan were knocked out in the play-off stage by Feyenoord last month.
On Sunday, Conceicao admitted everyone is “feeling the tension” after a section of fans protested by leaving the iconic Curva Sud stand empty for the first 15 minutes of the game. Upon their return some chanted that the players were “shameful” and demanded American owners RedBird sell the club.
Against that tumultuous backdrop, Pulisic endured an underwhelming game by his standards. He was replaced on 70 minutes by Samuel Chukueweze and, prior to that managed, only to steer Joao Felix’s low cross off target and behind for a goal kick as Milan chased a way back into the game.
Name: Johnny Cardoso Club: Real Betis Position: Midfield Appearances: 31 Goals: 2
The 23-year-old was celebrating on Saturday night after he scored in Real Betis’ memorable 2-1 win over La Liga giants Real Madrid at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Cardoso joined an exclusive list along the way. He is now only the second American to score against Real Madrid in 20 years, following Pulisic’s goal in the 2021 Champions League semi-final for Chelsea.
Advertisement
His header on 34 minutes brought the hosts level, and they went on to seize a mammoth scalp when former Madrid man Isco scored a penalty to make it 2-1.
Cardoso had a mightily impressive game and, although he has his work cut-out to break up the USMNT central midfield axis of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, he is helping his chances with a series of assured displays lately.
But speculation remains that he could still be set for a summer move. The Athletic reported in December that, as part of the negotiations with Betis over selling Giovani Lo Celso last summer, Spurs included a clause relating to Cardoso. Spurs had a first refusal option on the central midfielder but this would only become active in the summer.
Betis say that the clause is unaffected by Cardoso’s new terms.
Johnny Cardoso celebrates scoring Real Betis’ equaliser (DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Adams helped Bournemouth into the FA Cup quarter-finals after they beat Wolves on penalties at the Vitality Stadium in the fifth round of the competition on Saturday.
The American didn’t take one of the spot kicks, but he was influential in the preceding 120 minutes as the sides fought out a 1-1 stalemate, maintaining his impressive recent form in the process. Bournemouth must now face Manchester City in the next stage.
Name: Ethan Horvath Club: Cardiff City Position: Goalkeeper Appearances: 8
Horvath was praised as “superb” by Cardiff coach Omer Riza after his display in the Welsh club’s FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Premier League Aston Villa on Friday.
The 29-year-old made seven saves before Villa’s superior firepower eventually broke the deadlock. And even though Cardiff went on to lose 2-0, Riza was impressed by the American keeper’s display.
Advertisement
“He’s (Horvath) had to be really patient,” he told Optus Sport. “Jak’s (Alnwick) been playing a lot this season and Ethan’s had to be really patient and he’s worked really hard, showed great character and attitude constantly.
“His opportunity came around last week and his performance today was superb. Some of the saves he pulled off… the quality with his feet playing around the back. So (I’m) really pleased for him. Really important player for us moving forward in the league.”
Horvath denies Ollie Watkins at Villa Park (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
What’s coming up?
(All Eastern Time)
See if Horvath’s impressive display against Premier League opposition earns him another start in the league for Cardiff on Tuesday when they face U.S.-owned Burnley (Paramount+, 2:45pm).
Burnley, who feature exciting American attacker Luca Koleosho in their ranks, are looking to respond to a 3-0 FA Cup defeat by Preston North End on Saturday, but they still sit third in the table, while Horvath’s Cardiff are 20th and just five points clear of the drop zone.
At 3pm (CBSSN/Paramount+) on the same afternoon, we will see if Reyna gets a chance to build on his recent Bundesliga starts for Dortmund when they take on Lille in the Champions League. His rival for a starting berth, Brandt, appears to have recovered from a muscle problem and is breathing down Reyna’s neck.
With Cardoso still on a high following his exploits against Real Madrid, he is in Europa Conference League action on Thursday when Real Betis take on Vitoria Guimaraes (12:45pm, Paramount+).
(Top photos: Getty Images)
NWSL’s new docuseries focuses on players’ competitiveness and passion on the field
The first docuseries about the NWSL playoffs is here just in time for the 2025 season.
The new four-part series, For the Win: NWSL, green-lit by the league’s organisers in February, was released in full on Amazon’s Prime Video on Thursday. The series promised an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at teams’ playoff runs during the 2024 postseason. The series did exactly what it set out to do. However, it now begs the question: what’s next?
Advertisement
For longtime fans of the NWSL, the series relives some of the most thrilling highlights of the postseason. For new fans, it’s a crash course on some must-know narratives heading into the upcoming campaign. It is especially prevalent on the eve of Friday’s Challenge Cup, a rematch of last year’s championship game between the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit with a trophy on the line.
The series is a promising start but it caters more to the uninitiated.
Following a private viewing of the film at the Paley Center for Media in New York City on Tuesday, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said that reaching new fans will be “the theme of 2025.”
“You’re going to see a lot of initiatives to give not just our current core fans but future fans, too, an opportunity to discover us,” Berman said during a Q&A moderated by former NFL quarterback Eli Manning, a Gotham FC minority owner, with Gotham defender Nealy Martin and the film’s director, Marie Margolius. “That was the whole strategy behind our media deal, and that is going to be what you’re going to see manifest throughout this year, which is to see the NWSL and our players showing up in unsuspecting places.”
One of those initiatives includes the league’s “Just Watch” marketing campaign launching next week.
The idea for the docuseries came together last year, Berman said. At the time, the league was pitched by “all of the top producers and directors” for projects about the NWSL, she said. The league realized the opportunity it had and eventually partnered with the production studio Words + Pictures for the series. Prime Video, one of the league’s media rights holders, later agreed to carry the series.
“Telling (players’) stories, both on and off the pitch, is the best way for us to make sure everybody knows who we are,” Berman said, “and hopefully then drive them towards watching the games, because that’s how we’re going to grow the business and get these players paid what they’re worth.”
The docuseries is just one ingredient in a larger recipe to grow exposure for the NWSL. The hope is that the docuseries will pick up on the successful momentum from the first year of the league’s historic four-year media rights deal, which includes ESPN, CBS, Prime Video and Scripps Sports.
Advertisement
Margolius, the series’ director, was also a producer on Netflix’s Under Pressure docuseries, which followed the U.S. women’s national team during their World Cup run in 2023. In an interview with The Athletic before the premiere, Margolius described the new docuseries as a dream project, especially as someone who played collegiately at Harvard University and later professionally in Sweden.
“I played soccer my whole life. It was and is a huge part of my identity,” Margolius said. “Getting to direct this project was, first of all, in so many ways, like a dream come true, but also really easy, because I’ve been a fan of the NWSL for so long.”
Margolius even played against some of the players highlighted in the film, like Orlando’s co-captain, Kylie Strom. The two crossed paths when Margolius was at Harvard and Strom at Boston University. While Margolius’ background was valuable for the process, her goal was to make the players relatable to a wider audience, so she found ways to connect with them on a more personal level while leading the project.
Marie Margolius, second right, directed the series. (Valerie Terranova / Getty Images)
“The thing that allowed me to lead the storytelling process was the ability to connect with the players on a human level,” Margolius said. “We do a lot of sports storytelling. But we always say, it’s actually not about the sport at all. The sport is the vehicle that moves the thing forward. But the reason these stories are so fun to tell and hear and see is the human stuff.”
The series begins in Orlando five weeks before playoffs and concludes with highlights from this year’s busy offseason and expectations heading into 2025. The series is, essentially, a snapshot of the highs and lows of last year’s postseason, walking through the rivalries that were formed, including the Gotham-Spirit battle at Audi Field during the semifinals, and introducing the audience to a wide range of players, from Spirit’s rising star Trinity Rodman and Orlando defender Strom to then-Gotham forward Lynn Williams, who has since joined Seattle Reign.
Advertisement
The series also explores the many retirements that happened in 2024, as many question who the next faces of the NWSL will be. Rodman was heavily featured throughout the series as one of those fresh faces. There is an awkward moment with Amazon product placement when showing that Rodman was named to the NWSL’s Best XI of the month presented, of course, by Amazon Prime.
Trinity Rodman was heavily featured in the docuseries. (Roger Wimmer / Getty Images)
For fans who followed the playoffs closely, the series can feel repetitive. That’s where the unprecedented access behind the scenes comes into play, offering longtime fans little nuggets to hold onto.
There are the constant jumps to interviews with soccer analyst Heather O’Reilly or Bay FC co-founder Brandi Chastain, who need no introduction. There are also glimpses into private moments, such as when the North Carolina Courage squad watched Orlando topple the Chicago Red Stars (now Chicago Stars), 4-1, in the quarterfinals. A player is overheard jokingly asking, “Did Chicago not scout them?”
There’s also a scene where veteran players O’Reilly and Alex Morgan chat at Kelley O’Hara’s retirement game at Red Bull Arena. Discussing retirement, they declared the eight-hour workday as way too long. (Relatable.)
The series, however, only scratches the surface and leaves out the kind of context fans of the league are drawn to. There is a brief mention of disgraced ex-coach Paul Riley, for example, when the series delves into the Portland Thorns’ historic dominance. While there is mention of the Sally Yates report and images shown from the player protests that followed reports published by The Athletic and Washington Post that exposed widespread abuse in the NWSL in 2021, not much else was mentioned about that period for the league.
It seems that was on purpose, as Margolius said the series’ creators made a conscious effort to keep the narrative strictly focused on the playoffs.
“While I certainly had an urge to be original and make this stand out in some way, I was even more conscientious of making sure that I was not changing the storytelling tactics just because it was women at the center of it,” Margolius said during the Q&A on Tuesday. “So often when we cover women’s sports, we tend to water down the competitiveness or the passion or the failure in lieu of very worthy stories, but stories of advocacy and family and the trials and tribulations of being a female athlete.”
Orlando Pride won the NWSL Championship in 2024, defeating the Washington Spirit. (Bill Barrett / Getty Images)
That’s why, Margolius said, they leaned heavily into the grit and tenacity of the playoffs. That was potentially at the risk of being too linear for some fans.
“In this league, there are stakes and there are heroes and there are underdogs,” Margolius said. “All the things you need for a great story.”
Advertisement
The series will certainly leave the viewers wanting more — either more access, more stories, or more narratives — but it also leaves room for there to be more. It’s an interesting place for the NWSL, as it grapples with what the league’s future will look like as it grows through more media exposure, high-profile investors and expansion.
For Margolius, the hope is more stories will follow.
“Series like this will inspire more of this type of storytelling and in doing so, we’ll grow the sport,” she said. “That’s the beauty of these types of series.”
(Top photo: Valerie Terranova / Getty Images)
What is a ‘smash and grab’ win in soccer – and which ones did our writers most enjoy?
But what precisely is a ‘smash and grab’ and which ones rank as their most memorable? Here, The Athletic‘s Adam Hurrey offers his definition, and our writers choose their favourites — please add your own in the comments below.
[Team X] 0-1 [Team Y]
Now, this smash-and-grab affair may never have happened, but this is how it should happen.
By heavy implication, only away teams are eligible to smash and grab (at a push, we could allow it to happen at a neutral ground, but other cup-final narratives would likely take over in that situation.)
Their goal has to “live a charmed life”, thanks to the woodwork (struck at least once) and/or the relative heroics of their goalkeeper (the more saves they make, the more straightforward they are allowed to be, history won’t remember them individually). It is mandatory for media reports to observe that the smash-and-grabbers “rode their luck” (ideally “at times”, a clarification that serves very little purpose other than, if anything, to dilute the smash-and-grab credentials) and there is an option to retrospectively declare their display as some sort of “gameplan”, no matter their manager’s tactical ethos.
Smashing and grabbing, in football terms, should be as concise an act as possible, which is why 1-0 wins are the most common result (although a second goal, scored as the other team desperately try to salvage a situation they shouldn’t be in, can be accommodated quite comfortably, although does run a slight risk of the game being framed as the counter-attackers having “picked off” their opponents, which implies a far higher level of tactical shrewdness over sheer, in-the-moment opportunism.)
The goal itself should be scored on the counter-attack (set-piece goals are still eligible to be called “a sucker punch”), a scenario which accentuates the one-sidedness of the game up to that crucial moment. This provides the bonus flourish of a gathering sense of dread amongst the home fans as the attack develops.
The finish shouldn’t be too sumptuous — ideally slid home beyond a full-stretch goalkeeper, not unlike Harvey Elliott’s in Paris.
Late goals are best, but not compulsory, and should ideally leave at least three opposition players prone on the turf in shattered resignation.
Adam Hurrey
May 2012: Bayern Munich 1 Chelsea 1 (AET, Chelsea win 4-3 on pens)
One of the greatest nights in Chelsea’s history was also one of their greatest rearguard displays, perhaps only rivalled by the two legs in the semi-final against Barcelona which preceded it.
Being outplayed by Bayern was inevitable. Chelsea were facing the Bundesliga side on their own pitch and without key players John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles through suspension. Centre-back duo David Luiz and Gary Cahill had been rushed back from hamstring injuries to start their first game in weeks, while academy graduate Ryan Bertrand made his Champions League debut in the final.
Bayern dominated the shot count 23-6, with a further 11 efforts blocked by the desperate actions of Chelsea’s back line. The corner count read 20-1 and yet it was from that solitary Chelsea corner, won in the 88th minute, that Didier Drogba headed the crucial equaliser to take the tie into extra time.
Drogba scored Chelsea’s equaliser against Bayern in 2012 (Patrik Stollarz/AFP/GettyImages)
Then it was all about goalkeeper Petr Cech. He saved an extra-time penalty from Arjen Robben before stopping another two in the shootout, ensuring Chelsea triumphed despite Juan Mata’s early miss.
No one connected to the club cared that they rode their luck to win the European Cup for the first time.
Simon Johnson
May 2001: Arsenal 1 Liverpool 2
Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, the first FA Cup final while Wembley Stadium was being redeveloped, and a dominant Arsenal threatened to run riot against Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool.
Stephane Henchoz somehow escaped conceding an early penalty, and a red card, after blocking a goal-bound Thierry Henry shot with his left arm (a happy knack of his at the time). The referee ignored the block entirely and gave a goal kick.
Unperturbed, Arsenal poured forward. Sami Hyypia was forced into a flurry of last-ditch clearances, while Sander Westerveld excelled. Yes, really. Freddie Ljungberg eventually forced Arsene Wenger’s team ahead 19 minutes from time, but Westerveld thwarted their attempts to add a second for reassurance. And how they regretted that.
Liverpool, one Emile Heskey header aside, had offered precious little. Then, eight minutes from the end, Arsenal laboured to clear a Gary McAllister free kick and watched aghast as Michael Owen converted beyond David Seaman. The England striker ensured there was no need for extra time, too, by scuttling on to a Patrik Berger pass to pilfer a winner in what little time remained.
“When you’ve got Michael Owen in your team,” offered McAllister, “that’s what can happen.”
Dominic Fifield
Michael Owen was the difference for Liverpool against Arsenal (Ben Radford/ALLSPORT)
August 2017: Billericay 0 Kingstonian 1
When Essex millionaire Glenn Tamplin bought Isthmian Premier League side Billericay Town in 2017, he did precisely what you’d expect. He sacked experienced manager Craig Edwards, appointed himself the manager, and spent big money on former Premier League stars Jermaine Pennant, Jamie O’Hara and Paul Konchesky.
This benefited my team, Kingstonian, who picked up Edwards as their manager. And, football being football, the opening fixture of the following season was inevitably Billericay against Kingstonian. The owner-manager against the manager he’d sacked. And an England international (Konchesky) and a Champions League finalist (Pennant) against, for example, a bloke who had done the roofing on my house a couple of years beforehand.
This played out exactly as you’d expect. Billericay had all the pressure, all the ball, all the shots… and absolutely nothing to show for it.
And then, after a previous Kingstonian counter-attack had got a Billericay defender sent off, Ks midfielder Lewis Taylor drove through midfield, got a lucky bounce, found himself through on goal and blasted home with the clock showing 89:58. 0-1.
If you watch the video carefully, you can see me behind the goal, running the wrong way in celebration having momentarily lost the plot.
Michael Cox
May 2014: Derby County 0 QPR 1
Harry Redknapp had lost faith.
“I’d be a liar if I said I could see us scoring. We were hanging on.”
To say Redknapp’s Queens Park Rangers team didn’t have the best of the 2014 Championship play-off final against Derby is to offer one of the great understatements. Midfielder Gary O’Neil had been sent off just after the hour mark, but even before that Derby were the better team. They ended the game with 68 per cent possession and as the clock ticked into the 90th minute, QPR hadn’t managed a shot on target. What’s more, their ’keeper Rob Green had dislocated his thumb. Things looked bleak.
The game looked like such a foregone conclusion that Redknapp had already decided he was going to retire, unable to muster the enthusiasm for another season in the Championship. “With 10 minutes to go, I was thinking, ‘Which golf club should I join this year?’” he said later that summer. “Then, suddenly, Bobby ruined it all.”
‘Bobby’ was Bobby Zamora. In the 90th minute, QPR made a rare foray into the Derby half, winger Junior Hoilett put a cross into the box, Richard Keogh scuffed a clearance and Zamora lashed an instinctive finish into the corner of the net.
There was neither enough time, nor emotional energy after such a crushing moment, for Derby to respond.
“It was the cruellest game ever,” Derby manager Steve McClaren told the BBC afterwards. It’s tricky to disagree.
Nick Miller
June 1988: England 0 Republic of Ireland 1
Was this game quite as one-sided as legend — or at least my memory — suggests? Probably not. But I remember watching as a 13-year-old and finding it truly unbelievable that England had so many chances but Ireland won it 1-0.
England went into Euro 88 as one of the favourites — almost justifiable for once, after a highly impressive qualifying campaign — and Ireland, having qualified for their first major tournament, were perceived as plucky underdogs who were just there to enjoy the ride.
But what transpired in Stuttgart was one of the greatest days in Irish football history as Ray Houghton’s sixth-minute goal was followed by an astonishing rearguard action from Jack Charlton’s team.
Ireland celebrate Ray Houghton’s goal (Peter Robinson – PA Images via Getty Images)
It is best remembered for the performance of Ireland goalkeeper Pat Bonner, who made a series of brilliant saves to deny Gary Lineker and his much-vaunted England team-mates. English TV commentators inevitably talked about “the luck of the Irish” but Bonner was outstanding that day.
Incidentally, I did debate whether the term “smash and grab” can apply when the only goal of the game comes early, rather than late. Adam Hurrey, of the Football Cliches podcast, says it can. And Adam’s word on such matters is final.
Oliver Kay
February 2021: Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Crystal Palace 2
Sometimes a commentator just captures the moment.
“They couldn’t, could they?” intoned Sky Sports’ Bill Leslie, after Crystal Palace engineered the ball down their left wing and Andros Townsend slung over a hopeful ball towards the back post.
Some context. To say that Palace had been second-best in this Premier League game against Brighton, the club’s greatest rivals, would be to underplay their inadequacy to an almost criminal degree. Brighton had enjoyed 75 per cent of possession; they had fired off 25 shots to Palace’s two; and had taken 52 touches in their opponents’ area. Yet somehow the score was tied at 1-1.
Hence Leslie’s incredulity when, in the fifth minute of added time, Townsend’s pass looped towards Christian Benteke at the back post. But this is where things got silly: Benteke, keeping his eye fixed on the cross, peeled off Dan Burn and swung his right boot at the dropping ball. The connection was clean and his shot found the far corner of Robert Sanchez’s net.
Look away now Brighton fans…! 🙈#OnThisDay last year, Christian Benteke struck this superb volley in the dying minutes to win the M23 derby! 💥 pic.twitter.com/JIUNoU8YL8
It was the second time that Palace had touched the ball in the Brighton box — the first had been Jean-Philippe Mateta’s ridiculous back-heeled opening goal, at a time when Mateta was very much not the Mohamed Salah-esque attacker of 2025 — and completed the single most outrageous piece of footballing larceny I have ever witnessed. It was also probably the funniest.
Its status in Palace folklore even prompted the club’s website to ask Leslie about his commentary three months later. “It was impossible that they didn’t lose that game,” he reflected.
And yet they won it.
Andrew Fifield
March 1996: Newcastle United 0 Manchester United 1
It’s hard to remember, so many years and disappointments later, what optimism felt like. Kevin Keegan had been stoking it on Tyneside for a while by then, giving a city that had lost its way something it hadn’t felt for years: belief.
Newcastle were top of the league, four points ahead of Manchester United with a game in hand. The title, incredibly, was a possibility, if they could just keep Alex Ferguson’s team at bay, if they could just keep notching up points, if they could just win this next match… against Manchester United.
It was at St James’ Park and Keegan’s ‘entertainers’ – Ginola, Beardsley, Asprilla, Ferdinand – were at their peak. For 45 minutes Newcastle battered their guests, a word Ferguson later used himself. Except for one thing. Newcastle were unable to do what they were known for: score.
At half-time it was still 0-0, Peter Schmeichel having kept his team in it with some astonishing saves. Ferguson got the hairdryer out and Keegan told his players they were fantastic, but they weren’t fantastic enough. In the 51st minute, Eric Cantona scored a volley to make it 1-0. Dreams crushed.
That season scarred a generation of Newcastle fans. We really started to think we could be somebody, but reality returned with that 1-0 loss and the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool shortly afterward.
Sadly, that season calcified in many of us, such that young fans who, for example, think we could win at Wembley in 11 days’ time, seem almost alien in their hope.
Andrew Hankinson
April 2021: Manchester City 1 Leeds United 2
Manchester City, en route to being crowned Premier League champions, had won 27 of their 28 previous fixtures, in all competitions, when Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United arrived in town. Pep Guardiola’s side had lost only three of their previous 48 games, running back to the start of that season.
Leeds started well, opening the scoring through Stuart Dallas before half-time, but that was swiftly undone by his best friend, Liam Cooper, getting sent off moments later.
Everyone justifiably expected a second-half rout: Leeds had barely created a chance with 11 players, let alone 10, but they somehow held on until the 76th minute when Ferran Torres broke through to equalise.
Dallas played his part in what became a rearguard action, but then arguably his crowning moment as a Leeds footballer arrived. Exhausted by the mental toil of keeping this elite team out at the other end, Dallas, as he always did, found it within himself to dig out one last raid.
He would outrun both John Stones and Fernandinho, hold off the former and then stick the ball through Ederson’s legs in injury time to seal one of the unlikeliest results of that, or any other, season.
Beren Cross
Stuart Dallas was Leeds’ unlikely hero at Manchester City (Michael Regan/AFP via Getty Images)
December 2019: Wolves 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2
It was the first month of Jose Mourinho’s time at Tottenham Hotspur. He had taken over an experienced squad, but one that had run out of physical and mental energy and needed a lift. They needed to find a new way to win. Especially away from home.
On a rainy Sunday in December, they went to Molineux to face a Wolverhampton Wanderers side unbeaten in 11 in the league. Lucas Moura put Spurs ahead but Wolves dominated the whole game. Every time Adama Traore ran at Tottenham, he had them panicking. He scored the equaliser and Wolves looked like the only team who could win. Even Spurs’ tactical fouling struggled to stop him.
But in added time, Christian Eriksen curled a corner kick towards the penalty spot and Jan Vertonghen was unmarked to head past Rui Patricio. Vertonghen, like the whole Spurs team, had had a very difficult afternoon. But he ended up a winner in the end.
Jack Pitt-Brooke
(Top photo: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images
U.S. Soccer president Parlow Cone seeks another term with more backing than ever
When Cindy Parlow Cone took over as president of U.S. Soccer in 2020, the federation and the sport in the country felt as fractured as it ever had.
The next five years under Parlow Cone’s leadership — which included a tight re-election campaign in 2022 — presented numerous challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic, an equal pay lawsuit, two collective bargaining agreement negotiations and the Sally Yates report. Somehow, U.S. Soccer emerged from it all looking like a more united organization, and one with real momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup.
For Parlow Cone, who has spent her life in the sport, the work started with one idea: building trust.
“You can’t build it overnight,” Cone told The Athletic in a phone interview from Atlanta, where U.S. Soccer held its annual general meeting this week. “When I won the last election, there were many who still didn’t really know me, didn’t know what I was all about. And I’ve been trying to be as transparent as I can be and as consistent, and I think we’ve built trust through saying what we’re going to do and then actually following through on that. It sounds simple, but it’s really important. If you want to build trust, you have to build it slowly. I couldn’t change everything overnight. I had to share my vision and share what we were as a federation at the time, what we were capable of doing, and (saying) ‘this is the vision of where we’re trying to go.’ And so I think just setting the expectations and then following through on the things that I said we were going to do has really helped to build the trust.”
Parlow Cone, the first woman to win a full U.S. Soccer presidential election since the federation’s founding in 1913, told The Athletic she will seek re-election for a second full term as U.S. Soccer president.
She does so with the endorsement of numerous stakeholders in the game that backed her bid in 2022, including prominent members of the pro and athlete’s council like MLS commissioner Don Garber, USL CEO Alec Papadakis and former USWNT player Danielle Slaton.
She also goes into this re-election bid with verbal commitments of support from other key constituents, including the NWSL, as well as several youth and adult amateur organizations and state associations that did not necessarily support her in 2022, when her margin of victory—52.9% to 47.1% in a weighted vote—was the smallest in a contested election since at least 1990, according to Soccer America.
She came into the role in 2020, rising from her position as vice president upon former president Carlos Cordeiro’s resignation amid the fallout of a misogynistic legal filing in a gender discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. women’s national team. She finished out Cordeiro’s term, then fended him off to remain president in 2022.
Whether she will face another challenge in 2026 remains to be seen, but Parlow Cone seems to have high levels of support to continue on in her role. Her ability to win over grassroots stakeholders over the course of this term makes the path for a challenger more difficult.
“I am happy to endorse Cindy Cone for re-election for the Presidency of U.S. Soccer,” said John Motta, president of the United States Adult Soccer Association in a statement. “Having been on the board for many years, I have seen Cindy bring U.S. Soccer to levels that we could not have imagined 10 years ago. Her vision to bring in the right people to lead U.S. Soccer has shown great results. We are on the right path, and I support her bid for re-election to bring U.S. Soccer to its greater potential.”
Said Garber in a statement: “I am proud to support Cindy Parlow Cone’s re-election as US Soccer president. Over the last five years, Cindy has been an excellent leader for the organization, helping revitalize the Federation, expand the game at every skill level, and excite even more Americans about the beautiful game. With the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of us, her work isn’t finished, and I can’t think of a better person to grow the game and partner with every stakeholder in the U.S. Soccer family.”
U.S. Soccer’s accomplishments and successes under Parlow Cone are numerous. She guided the federation through the equal pay lawsuit and a $24 million settlement. She successfully negotiated CBAs that included equalizing pay and World Cup prize money. She committed to transparency around the Yates report, which investigated allegations of abuse and misconduct in women’s soccer, and published it in full. She also spearheaded efforts for a national training center outside of Atlanta and helped to negotiate record sponsorship and media rights deals.
Parlow Cone, 46, said she takes pride in how she has challenged the federation to accomplish things beyond what was previously thought possible, pointing to skepticism about equal pay and equal CBAs that included shared World Cup prize money.
“The thing that I love the most is being in a position to impact change,” Parlow Cone said. “And also just being able to bring a different perspective of what is possible versus what we’ve all always done, and really challenging our organization and our ecosystem to think bigger and think about what is possible. Let’s take away all the barriers that we all have to doing one thing or another. If we just think big and think about what is possible in this country for us to do — and then how do we create a timeline to go and do it.”
Parlow Cone said when she started the job, it took her time to gain confidence in the role. She questioned her own credentials and compared herself to her predecessors.
“It was really easy to kind of go into that hole and think about everything I wasn’t,” she said.
Parlow Cone likened it to her days on the national team, when she would compare herself to Mia Hamm and Michelle Akers, arguably the two greatest players in women’s national team history. It took time for her to learn that she brought value to the team, and to lean into those qualities. Similarly, Parlow Cone said she committed as president to building out a team that included experts in fields where she lacked experience. As she put it, she is happy to not be front and center and is “big on enabling people and empowering people to go and do their jobs.”
Parlow Cone oversaw the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT manager in 2024. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)
Under Parlow Cone’s leadership, U.S. Soccer hired J.T. Batson as CEO and secretary general, and also brought in sporting director Matt Crocker and senior national team coaches Emma Hayes and Mauricio Pochettino. The federation moved sponsorships in-house and increased revenues from $97 million in 2024 to a projected $112 million in 2025 and an expected $141 million in the 2026 budget. U.S. Soccer’s operating revenues are also expected to increase from $192.19 million in 2024 to $294.01 million in 2026.
Mike Cullina, CEO of U.S. Club Soccer and a youth council rep on U.S. Soccer’s board, called Parlow Cone’s leadership style, “flexible,” adjusting from a “de-facto CEO” role she first stepped into to a more traditional role now in supporting U.S. Soccer staff and leadership. Along the way, Cullina said Parlow Cone got to know membership better and built relationships. He praised her process for hiring the CEO position and said her work with Batson has helped to move the organization forward.
“Now as a team they’ve transformed the organization,” Cullina said. “And her role in that was no longer as an operational leader or as a de-facto CEO, it was as a true president, as ‘How do we support you in this way?’ How do we remove barriers to let the staff hire the best people and build this organization in a way that she didn’t need to be — and was more than happy, by the way — to take a step back and allow the staff to do that work. … I hope she’s extremely proud of what she’s done and how she’s leaned into getting it done and adjusted her involvement along the way to be what was needed in the moment.”
It has not always been an easy path. The early days of Parlow Cone’s time as president were hugely tumultuous. The federation’s move from Chicago to Atlanta has meant layoffs and staff turnover. But Parlow Cone said she is motivated to continue as president because of how much more work there is to be done ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Olympics and a bid to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
“These tournaments just present a massive opportunity to grow the game at every single level and increase investment in the game at every level,” Parlow Cone said. “So my dream is that the legacy of 2026 is that every kid can walk, ride their bike or take public transportation to a safe place to play soccer, which is not true today. How do we transform our landscape to make sure that every kid has the same opportunity that I did as a child? And then, from the youth level to the professional levels, this moment will bring millions more Americans into the fold, but we can’t just sit by and watch it happen. We have to be proactive and strategic and leverage these moments, which our team is working really hard on.
“I do believe that we are a soccer country already, but I also believe that we have a lot of work to do in terms of making sure everyone feels that the sport is for them and there’s a place for them to play.”
The Athletic senior writer Felipe Cardenas contributed to this report.
A youthful US ladies squad lost the She Believes Cup to Japan Thur night in San Diego as the experienced Japan squad simply had too much for the US ladies. Japan became the only team to score within 1 minute of kickoff as they a 1-0 lead less than 1 minute in when Campbell and young centerback ____ miss-communicated giving up an easy goal early. Honestly I thought Campbell was somewhat at fault on both goals as the GK position looks to be one of concern moving forward. The US answered back quickly behind the foot of left winger Ally Sentnor with this masterful strike-her second tournament goal, of the tourney. But Japan scored on a tap in off a free kick drop by Campbell to win it for Japan in the 2nd half.
Bottom line much like Manager Emma Hayes said after – the World Cup is a long way away – and its time to see if the kids can handle the top teams in the world. Of course most of Japan’s players play in Europe which is in midseason while the US NWSL starts in 3 weeks (and was missing Triple Expresso & Girma). The combo of a top 3 team in Japan vs a youthful US team was too much on this night – leading to Hayes’ first loss as US Manager. Still all in all – I think the Cup was a good tool in giving the youngsters time to improve and impress. No doubt wingers Ally Sentnor & Alyssa Thompson are ready to join the A team moving forward. Next up is Gold Medal foe Brazil in early April.
Liverpool coasted through the league phase, finding no issue winning every game except for their essentially dead-rubber game on Matchday 8. The last couple of months have not exactly been smooth sailing for the Reds, though – fatigue has set in a little bit, They have not dropped a ton of games and managed to book a spot in the EFL Cup final along the way, but the restrained control that was once the trademark of Arne Slot’s team has given way for some hard-fought results.
As long as Mohamed Salah is around, though, they will be hard to count out. The Egypt international is up to 30 goals and 22 assists across all competitions, putting himself not only in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or but perhaps putting together the greatest-ever season from a Premier League attacker. It will not be an easy feat against Paris Saint-Germain, but the French champions have been vulnerable over the course of the Champions League season – and that might be the perfect set-up for Salah.
2. Madrid derby, Champions League edition
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will have to go through each other for a spot in the last eight, which is intriguing in its own right. The current state of both teams makes this a very fascinating tie, though.
The reigning champions can take some positives from ousting Manchester City in the knockout phase playoffs, but this season has not exactly been straightforward for the star-studded Real Madrid. Look no further than Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Real Betis in La Liga play, a game in which they were not only outshot 18-9 but fully outplayed by the opposition. That loss came after a handful of key defenders returned from injury, signaling that the imbalance that has plagued Los Blancos for a year and change could linger for a little while longer.
On the flip side, Atletico Madrid have been a surprise contender in both La Liga and the Champions League. They were inside the top eight during the league phase and are currently just one point behind Barcelona in La Liga, finding new life in Diego Simeone’s tried-and-true system. It helps that their goalscorers have been in fine form all season long, with each of Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth scoring 13 or more goals this season. They present a formidable challenge to Real Madrid, who have not beat them yet this season.
3. Are Bayern Munich in good shape?
Bayern Munich may have advanced out of the knockout phase playoffs, but a narrow win over a competitive Celtic side is not exactly the vote of confidence manager Vincent Kompany might be looking for in his first season in charge. The challenge of staying in the Champions League will get harder this week when they take on the team that beat them to the Bundesliga title last season – Bayer Leverkusen.
These two faced each other in league play just a few weeks ago, a game in which Bayern were lucky to leave 0-0. Leverkusen generated 2.16 expected goals but somehow managed not to score, while Bayern took just two shots and were unable to put a single one on frame. The eight-point deficit in the Bundesliga may be too much for them to overcome at this rate, but Leverkusen’s steady form in the league phase teases that they may have the goods to get one over on Bayern.
As a result, Kompany’s side have a lot to prove in this tie. There’s a lot of discussion out there that they can hang in the Bundesliga just fine, but they have not exactly stacked up well against European competitions. The round of 16 offers a chance to correct course – or demonstrate that they are a step behind.
Mike A, T Ray and Shane Reffing the Girls Showcase at Grand Park last weekend. Happy to be back on the fields – even it was cold as heck – Boys Showcase this weekend !! Mohamed, T Ray and me first tourney of the season at the Girls Showcase at Grand Park last weekend
GAMES ON TV
Tues, March 4 Champions League
12:45 pm Par+, Club Brugge vs Aston Villa
3 pm Para+, CBSSN Dortmund (Reyna) vs Lille
3 pm Para+ Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
3 pm Para+ PSV (Ledezma) vs Arsenal
6 pm Fox Sport 2 Cincy vs Tigres UANL Champs Cup
8:30 pm FS2 Pumas vs Alajuelense
Weds, Mar 5
12:45 pm Para+CBSSN Feyenord vs Inter
3 pm Para+ Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
3 pm Para+ PSG vs Liverpool
3 pm Para + Benefica vs Barcelona
8:30 pm FS2 Herediano vs LA Galaxy Champs Cup
10:30 pm FS2 Seattle Sounders vs Cruz Azul
Thur, Mar 6 Europa League
12:45 pm Para+ Tottenham vs AZ
12:45 pm Para+ Kobenhavn vs Chelsea
12:45 pm Para+, CBSSN Fenerbahce vs Rangers
12:45 pm Para+ FSCB vs Olympique Lyonnais
12:45 pm Para+ Sociadad vs Man United
3 pm CBSSN Roma vs Athletic Club
8 pm Fox Sports 2 Inter Miami (Messi) vs Cavalier
Fr, Mar 7
2:30 pm ESPN+ Borussia MGladbach (Scally) vs Mainz
(American’s in Parenthesis)
last Saturday
Crystal Palace v Millwall – 7:15a on ESPN+
Matt Turner has started both Crystal Palace’s FA Cup matches this season as has Chris Richards so we may again see both American’s in action this weekend as Crystal Palace host Millwall in Cup action on Saturday.
Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion 8 am ESPN+
Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host fifth place West Brom looking to extend their five point lead for first place in the Championship. Aaronson has cooled off a bit with just one goal contribution in the teams past ten matches but continues to start regularly, including last weeks win over second place Sheffield United.
Atalanta v Venezia – 9a on Paramount+
Gianluca Busio and Venezia visit Atalanta this weekend. Busio has started the last two matches on the bench though come in for solid playing time in both. Last weekend Venezia played fifth place Lazio to a scoreless draw.
Heidenheim v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally and Borussia Monchengladbach travel to Heidenheim on Saturday looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Augsburg. Gladbach are in ninth place and still within striking distance of the top four.
St. Pauli v Borussia Dortmund – 9:30a on ESPN+
Gio Reyna saw a rare start last weekend in Borussia Dortmund’s 6-0 shellacking of Union Berlin, though four of those goals came after Reyna had been subbed off in the 70th minute. Dortmund will place St. Pauli this weekend who have lost three straight but still have a six point cushion between themselves and relegation.
AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers – 10a on ESPN+
Tyler Adams and Bournemouth host Wolverhampton on Saturday in a cup match between the two Premier League sides. Adams has been starting pretty regularly, including Bournemouth’s last two FA cup matches but he was used as a sub last weekend as his team fell to Wolves 1-0 in league play.
Real Betis v Real Madrid – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis will host Real Madrid on Saturday. Cardoso has started nine straight but he did come off the bench early this season as Betis fell to Madrid 2-0.
Go Ahead Eagles v PSV – 12:45p on ESPN+
Perhaps we shouldn’t be tracking PSV at this point as the only healthy American is Richard Ledezma, who reportedly did not make the 60 man provisional roster for the March USMNT camp. However, the team does play on Saturday and need to get back on track after a four match winless streak that has them in second place, five points back of league leading Ajax.
Sunday
Olympique Lyon v Brest – 9a on beIN Sports
Tanner Tessmann has started three straight and played the full ninety last weekend as Lyon fell to PSG 3-2. The team will host Brest on Sunday.
Manchester United v Fulham – 11:30a on ESPN+
Antonee Robinson and Fulham will travel to Manchester to face a Man U side that defeated Ipswich Town last weekend but remain in fourteenth place in the EPL. Fulham fell to United in their season opener 1-0 but since then have pretty easily looked the better side and are coming off a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton.
Augsburg v Freiburg – 11:30a on ESPN+
Noahkai Banks has not seen the field the last couple of weeks for Augsburg who will host Freiburg on Sunday.
AC Milan v Lazio – 2:45p on Paramount+
Yunus Musah started and Christian Pulisic came off the bench mid-week as Milan fell 2-1 for the second straight match and dropped back to eighth place in the Serie A table. Milan are now eight points back of Juventus for fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying spot.
Monday
Juventus v Verona – 2:45p on Paramount+
Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus will look to tighten their grip on Champions League qualification when they host fourteenth place Verona on Monday afternoon.
FA Cup Schedule this Weekend
Champions League
What to know about the Champions League round of 16
When this is offside — we have gone way to far with VAR !!
=======RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ===
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
Japan snaps USWNT unbeaten streak
Last night’s 2-1 USWNT loss is their first under manager Emma Hayes. (Ben Nichols/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The USWNT suffered their first loss under head coach Emma Hayes on Wednesday, falling 2-1 to Japan and ceding the SheBelieves Cup title for the first time in five years.
In her post-game remarks, Hayes called the tournament winners “without question one of the best teams in the world, with players that are extremely well played-in together.”Top scorer Mina Tanaka took home the Best Player award, after leading Japan to their first-ever SheBelieves Cup title.
How it happened: Needing only a draw to lift the trophy thanks to goal differential, Japan’s Yūka Momiki opened scoring almost immediately, putting the Nadeshiko up 1-0 in the second minute after a scramble in the USWNT’s penalty area.
The USWNT drew level in the 14th minute behind Ally Sentnor’s second tournament goal, before second-half sub Tōko Koga slotted in game-winner shortly after taking the pitch.
Big picture: While the US walked away defeated, Hayes remained adamant that prioritizing player pool evaluation and showcasing less experienced players over winning at all costs will pay off in the long run.
“You’re comparing Hasegawa to a 17-year-old for us,” Hayes told TBS, referencing 28-year-old world-renown Japan and Man City defensive midfielder Yui Hasegawa. “Let’s have some perspective. I think it’s important to be calm in this moment.”“It’s okay to be disappointed — I told the players that,” she added. “It’s really important to remember moments like this and the learnings that we take from it… [You] learn the most important things when you play a top-class opponent. I’d rather do that now than much later.”
Takeaway: Any loss stings for the world’s No. 1 team, but Hayes’s outspoken commitment to developing young players as the USWNT starts down the long road to the next major tournament leaves fans no option but to trust the process.
Why USWNT’s loss to Japan in SheBelieves Cup could be a ‘good thing’ for Emma Hayes’ team
Melanie Anzidei The Athletic Thu, February 27, 2025 at 8:31 AM EST·
Why USWNT’s loss to Japan in SheBelieves Cup could be a ‘good thing’ for Emma Hayes’ team
SAN DIEGO—The U.S. women’s national team has ended its five-year run as the reigning champions of the SheBelieves Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Japan.
It is a disappointing result for U.S. fans, marking Emma Hayes’ first loss in 15 matches since becoming head coach, but Wednesday’s game against a more experienced rival was a humbling and necessary step for the Americans as they focus on developing a new generation of players.
“I always go back to what our objectives were in the first place,” Hayes calmly told reporters after the game, “and that was to deepen our playing pool with opportunities in high-pressure situations against top opponents, and that’s what tonight (Wednesday), especially, is about.”
It’s no secret this latest camp was designed for Hayes and her coaching staff to observe seasoned U.S. players in a tournament setting. The goal was to determine where players were in their development, and whether they are ready for a regular spot on the senior team, or would be a better fit among Hayes’ burgeoning Under-23 project.
“We have to look at which players are ready for now, which players are ready for later, and which ones will go with the under-23s and which ones will develop with us,” Hayes said. “So, from that perspective, it was mission accomplished.”
Hayes experimented heavily with the SheBelieves line-up, even changing the team’s starting XI entirely from their opening game against Colombia to their second match with Australia, which ended in victory.
There were four senior debuts over three games, and a handful of breakout moments for young players such as 21-year-old Ally Sentnor and 17-year-old Lily Yohannes. Cat Macario, a familiar face in the national team circuit, also had a stellar comeback to the international stage after being sidelined for years because of a knee injury. She even scored for the U.S. for the first time in three years, finding the net in the 2-0 win over Colombia.
“We could look at the progress of Ally Sentnor, a young player coming into the senior camp, scoring a couple of goals, Lily Yohannes, getting her first two starts at senior level,” Hayes said. “There are plenty of new combinations and new connections, which throw up several challenges when you play a well-polished team.”
Those challenges are exactly why Hayes tapered expectations heading into the SheBelieves finale. Japan were dominant in the tournament, scoring 10 goals across three wins. They only needed a draw against the U.S. to lift their first SheBelieves title, but they quickly set the pace with an opening goal from Yuka Momiki in the second minute.
“I completely understood the quality of the opponent we would face,” Hayes said. “They, without question, (are) one of the best teams in the world, with players that are extremely well played-in together, while probably the vast majority of them being in the middle of their season (the NWSL resumes in March). That showed in the game, and it’s OK to be disappointed.”
Both goals in the 2-1 loss came following errors in front of goal. While the U.S. could respond to Japan’s first goal with an equalizer in the 14th minute through Sentnor, they failed to respond to Toko Koga’s strike in the 50th minute.
“Every cycle, there’s always a little upset like this — and it’s a really good thing for this team. No one likes losing. But there’s a lot of progress in our development and how we’re playing, our style, our identity, and really honing in on the details,” U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps said after the game. “We faced a really good team, they made it so difficult on us.
“It’s a hard loss, but we keep moving and we stay positive.”
There were glimpses of brilliance in their performance against Japan. The U.S. kept possession even and had more shots on target, with Heaps nearly scoring off several diving headers. The team was tapping on Japan’s door, but it proved too little too late by full time. As Hayes said, the only way the U.S. would improve against Japan and other top-level teams was to play against them and make those mistakes in real-time. The preference, of course, is to do that during an international friendly.
“This is a big learning opportunity. We’re a young team. We all haven’t played together for very long,” said 20-year-old Jaedyn Shaw, who began her NWSL career in San Diego at 17 before being traded to the North Carolina Courage last month. “It just gives us something to go and work for and really dive deep into when we go back to our clubs, and continue to evolve as a team.”
Sentnor had a breakout tournament, scoring her first two international goals and netting an assist over three games to make her the sixth player to contribute in all three matches in a single edition of this tournament, following other U.S. standouts Tobin Heath (2019), Christen Press (2020), Heaps (2021), Alex Morgan (2023) and Mallory Swanson (2023), according to OptaJack.
“The young players, including myself, are just gonna learn a ton from playing against really tough opponents that are super technical,” said Sentnor. “I would have never believed I’d be in this position this early in my career, and the players around me have just helped me so much, so I’m hoping for more caps with this team and more opportunities, but I’m just so grateful for the ones I got this tournament.”
“You need moments to give you a sense of where you are in that path, but our future is exciting, regardless of the result,” Hayes said. “We played one of the best teams in the world, whose nucleus have played together for a long time, and it showed.
“We need to build the group and the larger pool that we think are going to progress us to the World Cup (in 2027), and now we have to develop our game model so that it plays out in with the qualities that we know you need to have to beat the very, very best teams at the top level.”
USWNT player review: Who stood out, stepped back or made a case for the future?
Meg Linehan and Jeff Rueter Fri, February 28, 2025 at 7:01 AM EST·
USWNT player review: Who stood out, stepped back or made a case for the future?
The 2025 SheBelieves Cup is in the rearview. For the first time in six years, the tournament trophy did not end up in the United States’ possession. Instead, Japan took top honors after a 2-1 win over the USWNT on Wednesday in San Diego.
However, this wasn’t the type of U.S. camp that would be deemed a failure or success by results alone. Head coach Emma Hayes selected plenty of her player pool’s more untested members to size up their readiness for her best possible squad.
“I always go back to what our objectives were in the first place — and that was to deepen our playing pool with opportunities in high-pressure situations against top opponents, and that’s what tonight especially was about,” Hayes said after the match. “From that perspective, it was mission accomplished.”
With 270 minutes of evidence to study, here are the players who stepped up, those who left us wanting more and those still waiting to strengthen their cases.
Who impressed?
Ally Sentnor
While Japan’s Mina Tanaka had the SheBelieves Cup MVP on lock for much of the tournament, forward Sentnor may have been the USWNT’s leading candidate for the award — and it wouldn’t have been down to just her incredible golazo against Colombia, either.
The challenge for Sentnor is the crowded forward pool. Despite adding a second goal against Japan, a class finish off a feed from Cat Macario, Sentnor’s really going to have to fight to stay in the mix among Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson. Sentnor likely did enough to book a trip to California in April for the Brazil friendlies, but if the starting forward line is back, her mission becomes ensuring she capitalizes on her chances as a second-half substitute.
“Ally has demonstrated in her rise through the youth national teams and in her first pro year (with the Royals) that she’s got qualities that can decide a game,” Hayes said after the loss to Japan. “She certainly finishes the very minimal chances she might get, and that’s what top players possess. I think she’s got that, and it will build her confidence to have had this tournament and be given a couple of starts.”
Tara McKeown
While Naomi Girma and Tierna Davidson established themselves as a strong partnership in the Olympics, there is still space for newcomers to work into Hayes’ plans at center back. McKeown earned her first appearance with the team this tournament. While both Colombia and Japan seemed eager to attack her side of the back line in their first halves, McKeown largely looked the part. She also played a line-breaking assist to Sentnor for the forward’s unforgettable first international goal — a reminder of her ability to help in possession.
McKeown rejoins the Washington Spirit ready to further her case for USWNT inclusion.
“I’m sure she will have learned a lot about anything from her build-up angles and how you break pressure against the best opponents, to recognizing at the top, top level, games are usually decided by very marginal moments,” Hayes said Wednesday — stressing that it was a learning moment not just for McKeown but for the whole team.
Catarina Macario
At long last, the Chelsea forward reunited with her old club coach. Injuries kept Macario off of the USWNT’s squads for the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, but the 25-year-old figures to be a major part of Hayes’ plans moving forward. She showcased how she can change a game across her two appearances, capping a great team sequence in the opener for her first international goal since April 12, 2022.
She later played a crisp assist to Sentnor against Japan that resulted in the USWNT’s lone goal.
Hayes said after the tournament that Macario had shown “moments of brilliance,” but still was not at full fitness. Opponents, be warned.
Lily Yohannes
The hype train for Yohannes was full steam ahead after the USWNT’s opening match against Colombia, even as Hayes urged everyone to give the 17-year-old time and space to develop. Yohannes got the start against Japan — a sign of Hayes’s trust in the biggest game of the tournament — but they were far more effective at containing Yohannes, especially when it came to mid- and long-range passing.
As Hayes said, despite her talent, Yohannes is still developing. Wednesday night showed that there’s still plenty of room for progress against a top team, even with the statement game she had in the USWNT opener against Colombia.
“(Yui) Hasegawa in the middle of the park is probably the best pivot in the world at both the domestic and international level,” Hayes said. “And our pivot is 17 years of age and has played in three caps. So we have to be patient too, in our expectations.”
Yazmeen Ryan
Ryan played more of a supporting role when she was with Gotham FC. She’ll get that leading woman opportunity in her first season with the Houston Dash, but the selfless elements that made her invaluable with Gotham also put her in good stead for this USWNT camp.
Ryan was a proactive carrier upfield to help the United States progress. Her interplay with Macario and Sentnor was especially sharp against Colombia.
Hayes also thought Ryan had her share of moments, both in terms of her passing and distribution and her ability to carry the ball upfield. But Hayes focused primarily on how to develop Ryan to unlock her next level, which included her defensive play, figuring out when to press and when to hold her position.
“I think there’s another layer of learning for her,” Hayes concluded, “but she’s shown some really good signs and shown, once again, the quality in her execution.”
Who missed the moment?
Goalkeepers
It’s never easy to follow up a program legend, and it’s clear that the current pool of USWNT goalkeeping options have big gloves to fill after Alyssa Naeher’s retirement. Jane Campbell and Mandy McGlynn were given the first opportunities in net after Naeher’s exit, and neither made an emphatic case to keep a hold of the No. 1 jersey for the foreseeable future.
Campbell misread the run-up to Japan’s early opener and took herself out of the play by running into teammate Emily Sonnett. On the second goal, her brilliant save on a free kick put the ball directly back into an opponent’s path, making it all too easy on the eventual tournament winner.
McGlynn conceded just once against Australia, but her positioning was clumsy as she was in two minds about whether to close down the shooter or get a strong positioning for a reflex save.
“Our job is to keep pushing and developing,” Hayes said of her goalkeepers after the Japan match, “and time will reveal where they both are. But I know I’ve been in this situation a lot of times in my career. I value patience in development, and I know that we have a plan, and it’s important for us to keep developing — as we are.”
The mainstays from the 2019 squad
With so many new faces in camp, Hayes was careful to balance their inexperience with some USWNT regulars to maintain continuity as they acclimated. These veterans were expected to put in consistent shifts to account for varying forms among their less-tested teammates. Unfortunately, the old guard also struggled in some crucial areas, especially those who remain from the 2019 world champions.
Lindsey Heaps looked especially frustrated in her games against Colombia and Japan. Playing as a No. 10, the Lyon midfielder sometimes gummed up the United States’ sequences as they entered the final third, getting in the way of her midfield’s progressive passing and trying to run into the same spaces as her center forward. The United States captain tried to make an impact aerially and by being in the position to play the final ball, but these were far from her best shifts to date.
Sonnett’s poorly timed slip helped gift Japan a clear shot for the opening goal, but the all-time SheBelieves minutes leader was otherwise her usually dependable self most often. The same can’t be said for Crystal Dunn, whose lack of playing time since the Paris Olympics was evident as she made unusual mistakes by her standard.
Despite her 157 caps, this felt like a camp in which Dunn was fighting for her spot in Hayes’ plans for the 2027 World Cup cycle. Dunn will likely stay part of the mix in this time of transition, but she’ll need to make more of an impact in future camps.
Ones for the future
Hal Hershfelt
Thanks to a stellar rookie year for the Spirit, Hershfelt had pried open a path into the USWNT midfield. Despite making the roster for the January training camp, Hershfelt didn’t get the nod for SheBelieves Cup. That may have been in part due to the return of multiple European-based players, but Hayes also opted to take a look at Claire Hutton this go-round.
Hershfelt still offers the USWNT real bite in the midfield and a knack for winning aerial duels all over the pitch, including on set pieces. While it feels unlikely that the window has been shut on future call-ups, this felt like the exact type of camp for a player like Hershfelt to shine.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Hayes opted for two goalkeepers on her squad in exchange for an additional field player, keeping Tullis-Joyce in camp as a training option. It was unfortunate that we weren’t able to see how the Manchester United netminder could have fared in tandem with the new wave of defenders, as her form in the Women’s Super League has been among the best of any player at her position.
Still, Hayes assured that Tullis-Joyce would eventually get a shot in goal for her team.
“This is just her second camp, she’s still getting to know people,” Hayes said, noting they’ve been keeping tabs on her performances with Manchester United and the areas they’d like to see improvement. “I’m sure Phallon will get her opportunities with us, but the other two (Campbell and McGlynn) have been around the group a little bit longer and built those connections and those relationships. Phallon will get her turn.”
More new kids
Hutton, Gisele Thompson and Emma Sears all got limited opportunities through these three matches, though all three started against Australia. With massive rotation from Hayes in that match, changing all 11 players from the tournament opener (just the sixth time it’s ever happened in program history), cohesion was always going to be a tall ask.
The USWNT will at least have some individual tape for these players, and more for Sears, but Hutton probably came the closest to standing out in the Australia match. Former USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has relied on the 19-year-old defensive midfielder as the backbone of the Kansas City Current’s success, but much as Hayes has preached patience across the board, a solid performance against the current iteration of the Matildas isn’t the same level as a solid performance against Japan or Colombia.None of them should be worried about their standing with the USWNT, but all three are still in the early stages of being dropped into this environment and tested at the highest level.This article originally appeared in The Athletic.US Women’s national team, Soccer, NWSL
US Ladies Win 2-0 over Colombia, Play Australia Sun 5 pm on TBS, Wed 10:30 pm vs Japan It was nice to see the US look good vs Colombia with a whole lot of new faces on the field. A 2-0 SheBelieves Cup win over Colombia in Houston on Thursday night. Chelsea midfielder Cat Macario (back after 3 years from a torn MCL) and Utah Royals’ Ally Sentnor were the difference for the U.S., the latter scoring in her first start with the senior national team. US vs Colombia Highlights. I thought the whole team looked good – hard getting used to Captain Lindsay Horan being called her new married name of Heaps. The US really dominated play – Gothem’s Ashley Ryan had a couple of nice shots and an assist on the night playing in Rose’s role. Playing as the chief line-breaker behind Sentnor, Lindsey Heaps, and Ryan, 17 year old Lilly Yohannes continually slotted the ball between Colombian midfielders and defenders leading to the first goal. The D lead by Sonnet, Nighswonger were solid and Campbell was really not tested in goal. The US next plays Sunday at 5 pm with a match against Australia in Glendale on TBS. The final day of the competition is Wed vs Japan at 10:30 pm on TBS @ Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif.
Champions League see’s Most American’s Eliminated First it was AC Milan with Pulisic and Musah with a devastating loss at home to Feynord 2-1 knocking them out before the round of 16. Then Celtic with American centerbacks Cameron Carter Vickers and Aaron Trusty showing their quality but still barely losing at Bayern in the closing seconds. And of course the final had my precious Juventus losing a heartbreaking game at home to PSV 3-1 despite a goal from American Tim Weah and a full 120 for McKinney. Of course PSV has 4 American’s but only 1 is playing in RB Ledezma as the others are lost for the season (although Dest might return soon). Either way it was a heartbreaking 2 days leading into the Round of 16 as their were more Americans in the knock-out stages than ever before. As many as 9 American’s started in the knockout rounds and only a couple are moving thru.. 😦
MLS Season Kicks off 30th Season Friday night on Apple
So MLS is back underway in what is Messi’s 3rd year of a 3 yr contract with Inter-Miami. While Messi has sold out stadiums nationwide – MLS refusal to allow his games to be played on normal TV – in my opinion has drastically limited his impact. Yes you still need Apple TV and a $100 MLS Season pass to see MLS regular season games — and most of them are all played at the same time on Saturday nights. Absolutely clueless! I can’t say I am excited for the season — as honestly I watch about 1/10th the # of games I used to watch before Apple. I still love Seattle and try to follow Cincy, Miami and Atlanta United – but its so much easier to watch EPL – lets be honest. Anyway I have included a bunch of stories about MLS, season predictions and more. I will say Champions Cup games are on weeknights on Fox Sports 2 which many people have-I have included them on the TV schedule. Also rumor has it the Sunday night Games might be Free on Apple TV – trying to establish Sunday night Futbol by MLS.
Big Games this Weekend Liverpool @ Man City on Sun 11:30 am leads the big games this weekend, along with New Castle vs Forest on USA at 9 am. American’s will face off Sat at 10 am on Peacock as Fulham & Robinson hosts Crystal Palace and Chris Richards. AC Milan w/Pulisic & Musah travel to Torino at Sat at 12 on Para+ in a must win, while Juve with Weah/Mckinney play Cagliari on CBS Golazo/Para+ at 2:45 pm on Sunday. MLS has LA vs Minn United on Fox at 4:30 pm Sat along with Miami vs NYCFC at 7:30 pm free on Apple TV.
Here’s a bullet-point rundown of the USMNT players whose clubs were in action this week (Monday through Thursday). Well, there were 13 Americans alive in Champions League on Monday, and now it’s down to just 6 (Dest, Tillman, Pepi, Ledezma, Reyna, and Cole Campbell). And of those six, Dest, Tillman, and Pepi are out injured, and Campbell hasn’t been involved with Dortmund’s first team squad in a while. So, it’s basically Reyna and Ledezma now.
I divided players by position groups (for me personally, that helps my depth-chart-oriented brain to process this information most usefully). Within position groups, players are listed in order of when their games took place.
Strikers
19-year-old Kristian Fletcher is on loan at Nottingham Forest from DC United. Fletcher scored for Forest’s U21s on Monday, making it three straight games with a goal.
Kristian Fletcher’s goal for Nottingham Forest’s U21s on Monday. Would prove to be the winner in a 1-0 win over Stoke.
Brenden Aaronson started and played 78 minutes for Leeds United in a 2-1 win over Sunderland at Elland Park on Monday. The game was 1-1 when Brenden came off the field, Leeds got the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Christian Pulisic started for AC Milan and played 63 minutes in their 1-1 draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday. Pulisic sent in a near-perfect cross to set up Milan’s only goal. Milan lost 1-2 on aggregate, and are eliminated from Champions League.
DREAM START AT THE SAN SIRO!
Santi Giménez stays hot for Milan with a scrappy goal inside the first minute against his former club pic.twitter.com/q2tzmpq9go— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 18, 2025
Djordje Mihailovic played the full 90 in the Colorado Rapids’ 2-1 Concacaf Champions Cup win over LAFC on Tuesday, scoring both Colorado goals. First, a penalty, to open the scoring, and then an 80th-minute free kick that curled into the top corner to give the Rapids a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg (highlights).
Gio Reyna played 21 minutes off the bench for Borussia Dortmund in a 0-0 draw with Sporting CP on Wednesday. BVB advanced 3-0 on aggregate, and will continue their Champions League journey.
Cole Campbell was an unused sub for Dortmund against Sporting CP on Wednesday.
Tim Weah played all 120 minutes for Juventus in the 1-3 loss to PSV on Wednesday. Weah scored Juve’s only goal. The goal was initially ruled offside before eventually being given.
Taylor Booth subbed on in the 106th minute to play 15 minutes for Twente in a 2-5 loss to Bodø/Glimt on Thursday. Twente lost 4-6 on aggregate, and are out of Europa League.
Center mids
Gianluca Busio played 33 minutes off the bench for Venezia in their 0-2 loss at Genoa on Monday.
Yunus Musah started and played 83 minutes for AC Milan in their 1-1 draw with Feyenoord on Tuesday. Milan lost 1-2 on aggregate, and are knocked out of Champions League.
Weston McKennie played the full 120 minutes for Juventus in the 1-3 loss to PSV on Wednesday, as Juve bowed out of Champions League.
Benja Cremaschi played 11 minutes off the bench for Inter Miami in a 1-0 win over Sporting on Wednesday.
Johnny Cardoso played 31 minutes off the bench for Real Betis in a 0-1 loss to Gent. Betis won the tie 3-1 on aggregate, and are moving on to the next round of Conference League.
Fullbacks
Reggie Cannon started for the Colorado Rapids and was subbed out in the 90th minute of their 2-1 win over LAFC in Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday (highlights).
Sergiño Dest was not in PSV’s squad for their 3-1 win over Juventus on Wednesday, but he is back in training!
Richy Ledezma started for PSV and played 78 minutes in the 3-1 win over Juve on Wednesday. A report on X claimed that USMNT staff was at the match, primarily to scout Ledezma.
Center-backs
Cameron Carter-Vickers played the full 90 for Celtic in their 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich. Alphonso Davies’ goal in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time was enough to eke out a 3-2 aggregate win for Bayern, knocking Celtic out of Champions League.
Auston Trusty also played the full 90 for Celtic in the 1-1 draw with Bayern.
Jackson Ragen played the full 90 for the Seattle Sounders in the 3-1 away win over Antigua GFC on Wednesday.
Miles Robinson played the full 90 for FC Cincinnati in a 4-1 win over Motagua on Wednesday in Concacaf Champions Cup.
Matt Miazga tore his ACL in October, he missed the Motagua game. FotMob lists him as expected to return in late June.
Goalkeepers
Diego Kochen was an unused sub for FC Barcelona in their 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at home on Monday.
Drake Callender was not in Inter Miami’s squad for their 1-0 win over Sporting KC on Wednesday. The club stated that he wasn’t 100% fit, making him unavailable for this match, but he appeared to be fully participating in training. Miami signed 38-year-old Argentine ‘keeper Oscar Ustari in September; Ustari got the start against SKC and kept a clean sheet.
Roman Celentano played the full 90 for FC Cincinnati in the 4-1 win over Motagua on Wednesday, making 4 saves (and conceding the one goal, obviously).
What were your takeaways from this weekend? What changes would you make to the format of these articles? Hit the comments to discuss.
MLS Predictions from Around the Web
American’s Tim Weah (who scored) and Weston McKinney were rated the best players in Juve’s loss.
Promising Champions League for USMNT stars turns dire in a flash
A once-promising UEFA Champions League campaign for Americans took a gruesome turn in the playoff knockout phase of the new-look competition after AC Milan, Juventus and Celtic’s eliminations took out a half dozen U.S. internationals in the process.
Although Borussia Dortmund have two U.S. players on their squad and PSV have four, both Dortmund players are late-game options at best, while PSV’s three-high profile Americans are all injured. The fourth at PSV, Richy Ledezma, started again at right back in Wednesday’s extra-time ouster of Juventus, but the 24-year-old earned his only call-up to the senior national team in 2020 and maintains eligibility for Mexico.In the meantime, high-profile core stars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Tim Weah and Weston McKennie are done with European competition this season, while Celtic center backs and U.S. hopefuls Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty also won’t be tested by the continent’s finest anymore following last-gasp elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich (and Canadian goal-scoring hero Alphonso Davies).The final blow came Wednesday, when PSV outlasted Juventus, 4-3 on aggregate. This was the second consecutive day in which an Eredivisie side knocked off a team from Serie A in dramatic fashion, following Feyenoord’s surprising triumph over Milan.
It appeared Juventus were on their way through in the 63rd minute, when Weah, playing as a right back as he often does for the club, ran onto a cleared corner kick and connected with power and precision from 25 yards out. The linesman initially called the sequence off, spotting an offside Juventus teammate on the initial corner kick, but VAR intervened and left the center official to deem that Kelly did not influence the play in any phase. The awarded goal allowed Weah to become the fifth USMNT player to score in this season’s Champions League.
Weah was impactful throughout his shift, but a 74th-minute goal from Ismael Saibari forced extra time, while Ryan Flamingo put the tie away in the 98th minute on a scramble in front of goal following a well-executed free kick. The result sees PSV through to the round of 16 instead of Juve and another abrupt ending for Americans in Europe following a largely prolific run through the league phase.
With comparatively little laying ahead for marquee USMNT members in the Champions League now – Dortmund’s Gio Reyna and Cole Campbell join the PSV quartet in the last 16 – it’s worth examining how the full contingent fared up until the playoff round, digging into the numbers and finding a relative standing.
Through Wednesday’s knockout playoff second legs, USMNT-eligible players have logged 5,009 minutes across 82 games, with 53 of those shifts coming as starts. When they played, every American player had a record of at least .500 – meaning their teams won at least as many games as they lost when they were involved.Entering the round of 16, USMNT-eligible players’ involvement ranged from Trusty, who logged 815 minutes with Celtic, to Dortmund’s latest Yankee youngster, Cole Campbell, who made one 13-minute cameo. Extra time in Eindhoven helped the group exceed 5,000 minutes of play, comfortably eclipsing the previous high of 3,985 minutes logged in 2021-22. A year earlier, Pulisic became the first American man to play in a Champions League final, helping Chelsea beat Manchester City in Porto. Barring a surprising run to the final by either PSV or Dortmund, he’s likely to retain that distinction into 2025-26.
Understandably, an uptick in playing time helped the group set another record for goals scored in the Champions League by Americans (13; Pulisic led all U.S. scorers with four), an impressive feat reached well before the competition’s final four rounds. For context, American players scored 12 Champions League goals in the previous four editions – combined.
This season’s efforts ehaven’t been garbage-time scoreline-padders, either. Three goals proved to be game-winners, with Pepi swinging matches for PSV with both of his successful strikes and McKennie making the difference for Juventus on one occasion. Tillman, who keyed a comeback vs. Shakhtar Donetsk that Pepi finished off, also swung a result, playing a needed assist to Flamingo during the league phase. Weah’s strike on Wednesday was undoubtedly meaningful, even if its impact was short-lived.
So where does that baker’s dozen place the U.S. in the national golden boot race? Unfortunately, quite far from the podium places — but in impressive standing when given proper context.
Through the tournament’s playoff round, players from the U.S. are tied for the 13th-highest goal return, at level standing with Norway. Ten contingents above them are UEFA-affiliated nations, while the other two (Brazil and Argentina) have long been assimilated into the European game’s highest levels. As such, the U.S. has provided the third-most goals to this year’s Champions League of any non-UEFA nation, while they’ve chipped in more than any country outside of Europe and South America. Japan is next with 12 goals, while Guinea, Nigeria and Morocco are tied at 10.The fellow 2026 World Cup cohosts are a little further down the hierarchy. Canada is tied for 22nd with nine, most recently Davies’ late decider against Celtic, while all six of Mexico’s goals came from Santiago Giménez. The only other goal scored by a Concacaf player came from César Blackman, with the Panama right back scoring once for ŠK Slovan Bratislava.Some rationale for the Americans’ success this year is the inevitable result of the game’s globalization – an increase in opportunities from players who hail from beyond UEFA’s nations.
The new Champions League format also increases the number of paths into the competition. Teams operating a rung below their nation’s title favorites can still claim one of a healthy number of berths into the tournament field — teams of Dortmund, Juventus and Milan’s caliber at present. There is also more consistent access to the tournament for the best teams of perceived second-tier competitions, like the ones often dominated by Celtic and PSV. Any team that reaches the league phase is guaranteed more games than they enjoyed in the old group-stage format, with every participant playing eight games before the first wave of elimination.Still, none of this makes this week’s trio of eliminations any easier to digest. Milan will feel especially disappointed, having nearly finished high enough in the league phase standings to skip the playoff altogether. Ultimately, a tumultuous season that necessitated a December coaching change extended into Europe. Juventus will also rue its missed chances on Wednesday, having been just over a quarter of an hour away from reaching the round of 16. And while Celtic was a mighty underdog in its clash with Bayern, the Scottish giant performed admirably and nearly forced extra time at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.As such, the USMNT’s best player (Pulisic), one of its most consistent attackers (Weah), two vital midfielders (McKennie and Musah) and two World Cup hopefuls at center back (Carter-Vickers and Trusty) are all left to watch the knockout bracket transpire like the rest of us.Perhaps Reyna has one last star contribution to make for Dortmund. Maybe Ledezma’s shifts at right back will work him into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. After a week like this, however, those silver linings are hard to spot. The U.S.’s best chances to have another prominent player reach the Champions League final have all failed to materialize.(Top photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
USMNT’s Christian Pulisic denies rift with Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao
Christian Pulisic has denied any fallout with Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao and described such suggestions as “unacceptable lies”.Conceicao replaced Paulo Fonseca as Milan head coach on December 30 and oversaw a busy January transfer window, when five players — including Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez and loan arrivals of Joao Felix and Kyle Walker — joined the club.
USMNT captain Pulisic has not started the club’s last two Serie A games against Hellas Verona and Empoli, but did play from the start in both of the side’s Champions League play-off games against Feyenoord — which the Italian side lost 2-1 on aggregate.Following suggestions in the Italian media that he had asked to leave the club at the end of the season after a supposed rift with the 50-year-old head coach after last month’s Champions League loss at Dinamo Zagreb, Pulisic has responded via Milan’s social media.“I have never argued with the coach and I have never asked to leave,” Pulisic, 26, said.“I am very happy at Milan and I want to continue wearing this shirt. Reading these lies is unacceptable, but let’s all continue to remain united and fight together on the pitch, for the club and for our fans.”Pulisic has made 33 appearances in total in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and adding nine assists.Milan, who are seventh in Serie A, are back in action on Saturday with a league match away at Torino (Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
USWNT 2, Colombia 0: Macario scores in her return, Sentnor stuns with first goal
The U.S. women’s national team’s 2025 opened up with a 2-0 SheBelieves Cup win over Colombia in Houston on Thursday night. Chelsea midfielder Cat Macario and Utah Royals’ Ally Sentnor were the difference for the U.S., the latter scoring in her first start with the senior national team. With plenty of rotation and debuts expected across the friendly tournament from head coach Emma Hayes, and a starting XI that was missing some of the team’s biggest names, the victory was a promising start to what should prove to be a year of evaluation.
Advertisement
Beyond the two goalscorers, midfielder Lily Yohannes had a statement performance, making her first start for the team. Her passing game out of the midfield directly led to Macario’s opening goal, and she proved her mettle defensively against a tough Colombia team. In the waning moments of stoppage time, she nearly connected with Lynn Biyendolo with a pass off the outside of her foot that had a solid chance of being the third goal.
While Hayes has promised that she will allow Yohannes to develop on her own schedule, the 17-year-old’s performance showed she’s perfectly capable of fighting for a more consistent starting role on the USWNT.
Catarina Macario marks her return to the USWNT with a goal against Colombia. (Jack Gorman / Getty Images)
Welcome back Catarina Macario
This has been Macario’s third reintroduction to the USWNT pool, and she took full advantage of the moment. It wasn’t a shock that the European-based players looked a little sharper from the jump on Thursday, but Macario’s connection with Yohannes was immediately promising for the U.S.Her first-half goal was the final touch on a well-worked sequence that started with Yohannes, who sent a ball to Yazmeen Ryan. Streaking in off the right wing to a more central position, Ryan only needed to square it to Macario, who smashed it home from close range. The goal was her first with the national team since April 12, 2022, a whopping 1,045 days.“I just felt like it was a big weight off my shoulders,” Macario told the TBS broadcast after the game. “Just so happy, so thrilled to be scoring for the national team again, to be playing again. … It means the whole world.”It was Macario’s first goal in three years. She missed the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics recovering from an ACL tear.
Macario offers so much more than goal scoring though. Colombia’s physicality didn’t throw her — a promising sign for Macario, who has grappled with injuries for so long — but it did limit her ability to create with the ball at her feet. As Just Women’s Sports reporter Claire Watkins pointed out during the game, Macario’s service on set pieces and corner kicks is something the USWNT could certainly benefit from. It could also potentially free up someone like Mal Swanson. With Megan Rapinoe’s retirement, the team could use a new dedicated set piece maestro, and Macario makes a compelling case.Macario exited in the 64th minute as Hayes continues to evaluate her pool of players. Is the Chelsea midfielder set for a repeat of her 2022 SheBelieves MVP performance? It’s probably going to come down to how many minutes she gets over the next week — but Thursday was a solid start for her 2025 campaign.
— Meg Linehan
Ally Sentnor celebrates scoring her first goal for the U.S. women’s national team. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
Who is Ally Sentnor?
In a camp full of players looking to work into Hayes’ plans for the coming years, it’s important to make a lasting impression. Sentnor, 21, certainly made her mark on Tuesday, scoring a golazo early in the second half to put the U.S. ahead 2-0.
This year has hardly started, but she arguably submitted the highlight of her budding career in the 60th minute against Colombia on Thursday. Collecting a pass through the midfield from Tara McKeown, Sentnor beat one opponent on her dribble, then a second, as she cut from the left half-space into the central channel. From there, she looked up and saw an opening, uncorking a knuckling shot from over 25 yards out that caught Colombia goalkeeper Katherine Tapia flat-footed as it curled into the far upper corner.
The versatile attacking midfielder, who was Sports Illustrated’s SportsKid of the Year in 2019, a year before USC basketball star JuJu Watkins, played collegiately with the vaunted North Carolina Tar Heels, overcoming a torn ACL in her freshman year to earn first-team All-ACC honors in her two seasons before going pro. She became the final player taken first overall in the NWSL’s draft before it was eliminated in the most recent collective bargaining agreement, landing with the Utah Royals.In 2024, Sentnor kept on shooting. Utah needed her to step up from the opening whistle of its first match, as the club thrust her into a starring role. She relished the responsibility, tapping into the bag of tricks she worked to refine as a youth player. As she told the TBS broadcast, her diminutive size forced her to hone in on her technique, both in terms of dribbling and shooting quickly with power before her opposing mark could contain her.Sentnor kept busy as a rookie, finishing ninth among all NWSL players by attempting 68 shots in 1,866 minutes. She also played a key role for the United States at the U-20 World Cup, scoring three goals en route to a bronze medal finish last year, the nation’s best showing at the tournament since 2012. She was a deserving winner of U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year award and earned two senior team appearances late in the year to cap a memorable year.
It was only her first start for Hayes’ side, but with her unpredictable ingenuity, Sentnor is bound to get a few more looks in this tournament and beyond. Two days after celebrating her birthday, it was a performance she and fans won’t soon forget.
— Jeff Rueter
Lily Yohannes earns her first start for the U.S. against Colombia. (Alex Slitz / Getty Images)
The Lily Yohannes era begins
Last year, Yohannes made history, becoming the third-youngest goalscorer in USWNT history. The then-16-year-old midfielder, playing against South Korea in a June friendly, calmly slotted the ball through a congested penalty box and into the net at Allianz Field. Although she didn’t score again on Thursday, her composure on the ball made her an undeniable standout.
The Ajax midfielder made her first start for Hayes in the SheBelieves Cup, donning the number 11 shirt in Sophia Wilson’s absence. It was Yohannes who sparked the sequence leading to Macario’s opening goal, spraying an inch-perfect lobbed pass into Ryan’s path.
Throughout the rest of her shift, she played with control and poise beyond her 17 years. Playing as the chief line-breaker behind Sentnor, Lindsey Heaps, and Ryan, Yohannes continually slotted the ball between Colombian midfielders and defenders. It wasn’t a case of an opponent being oblivious to one repeated trick, either. There were more lobbed balls over the back line and into the wings, as well as through balls rolling up the half-space hit with the outside of her foot and swift first-touch passes to pry the ball off an opponent’s boot.
For the fans who toughed out a brisk night in Houston, it was a display that radiated plenty of promise.
— Rueter
Tara McKeown makes her USWNT debut against Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup. (Maria Lysaker / Getty Images)
Trying out new players
Center backs aren’t often expected to rack up assists from the run of play. Their passing is often limited to short-range circulation, while a healthy portion of their passes are speculative launches that, statistically more often than not, miss their intended target.
As one veteran defender told me years ago: “I’m well aware I’m the last player fans pay to see on the ball.” Making her USWNT debut, Tara McKeown provided a compelling counterargument to that point.
Advertisement
Earning her first senior cap as part of the starting lineup, McKeown played the ball that let Sentnor wreak havoc through Colombia’s midfield en route to her long-range goal. In the hour preceding that sequence, the Washington Spirit defender was tested often by Colombia, with Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramirez looking particularly eager to test the 25-year-old. The United States’ clean sheet speaks for itself, with McKeown and center back partner Emily Sonnett also keeping possession moving whenever the ball went their way. It was a fine showing that warrants subsequent looks.
Also making her debut, Gisele Thompson came on in the 76th minute. The Angel City left back made her club debut last year, joining her older sister (United States winger Alyssa) to kick off her professional career. By the time she joined the action, the scoreline was already 2-0 with neither team showing the same attacking verve that typified the game’s middle half-hour. With new Arsenal signing Jenna Nighswonger getting the start, we could see Thompson make one of Hayes’ two remaining starting lineups at the SheBelieves Cup.
— Rueter
What’s next?
In the first match of the SheBelieves Cup, Japan throttled Australia with a 4-0 victory. Royals forward Mina Tanaka was a standout, scoring a brace and adding an assist in the win. Thanks to the goal differential, Japan is currently atop the table for the tournament, followed by the U.S.
HOUSTON—For Catarina Macario, the euphoria she felt makes the moment hard to remember.Seventeen-year-old Lily Yohannes had just floated the ball to fellow striker Yazmeen Ryan, who only needed a simple touch to put the ball exactly where Macario knew she needed to be. In one swift motion, Macario shot the ball past Colombia’s goalkeeper, finding the back of the net like she’d done countless times before. This time, though, was special.Macario’s return to the pitch is, of course, a significant milestone. The team’s overall performance against Colombia is also another, as Hayes continues to emphasize player development and experimenting with their roster.The sequence between Yohannes, Ryan and Macario was the first time the trio had played together in a competitive setting. Despite their limited experiences during practice, their chemistry offered a promising glimpse into the possibilities that lay ahead for the national team and its growing player pipeline.“That’s what I was most proud of tonight,” Hayes said. “The team kept really good structure considering they haven’t played together before. What I’ve learned from coaching is, the better structured your teams are, especially at the higher level, the better they feel about expressing themselves within it – but you have to give them that foundation.”
Hayes was happy with the performance (Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
That foundation appears to be bubbling.
Macario’s goal in the 33rd minute came just as the U.S. was finding its footing on the pitch against Colombia. This momentum continued into the second half, punctuated by Ally Sentnor scoring the team’s second goal in the 60th minute. This marked her first international goal, from an assist by Tara McKeown, who also enjoyed her national team debut that night.
“I felt it was a really important goal to really help us finish off the game,” said captain Emily Sonnett, who was honored for her 100th cap ahead of the game. “But I think that just really speaks to the younger players who are coming in, coming off the bench, but also how deep the pool is right now.”
Advertisement
When Sentnor scored from outside the box, universal joy was evident on the players’ faces. The stadium erupted as players embraced the 21-year-old. Macario’s smile was so wide it was as if she had just scored another goal, too.
“That’s such a big moment,” Macario said. “Whenever anyone scores the first goal for the national team, that’s unforgettable.”
Macario exited the match four minutes later, with an emotional Hayes embracing her for her own unforgettable moment.
Hayes recalled telling her: “Everybody is super happy, super proud, and I’m sure everybody back in Chelsea is, too.”
Champions League was up and down for the American’s McKinney scored a Wonder goal from midfield to help Juventus carry a 2-1 lead back home over PSV and fellow American. While Pulisic was ineffective in just 55 minutes before being pulled in a 0-1 loss. I’m ticked off that Pulisic was the 1st of the strikers taken off – he’s Milan’s top player and not getting the respect he should by this new manager. Nice to see the CB pairing of Trusty and CVB hold up pretty well in a 2-1 loss at home for Celtic to Bayern. Don’t see them advancing but hope for another good showing. Reyna DNP for Dortmund as he continues his slide. Wow on Real Madrid scoring in extra time over Man City to take a 3-2 lead back home this Wed. Huge games this week especially for AC Milan !!
Tues Feb 18 Champions League
12:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) 0 vs 1 Feyenoord
Crazy Scenes from Goodison Park in the final derby played there – as Everton tied Liverpool In Extra Time Amazing stuff. Here’s a Shot of Roger Bennet from Men in Blazer’s. I got a chance to visit the old ballpark a couple of years back cool place. Cool spot after the superbowl MLS Returns Feb 22.
Huge Congrats to Head Coach John Simmonds and longtime Carmel FC Coach Carla Baker (Asst) who will be taking over the Carmel High School Girls Program from illustrious coach Frank Dixon.
She Believes Cup USWNT– Thur vs Col 8 pm, Sun vs Aus 5 pm TBS, Wed 2/26 10:30 pm vs Japan TBS
The U.S. women’s national team, ranked No. 1 in FIFA’s women’s soccer rankings, will host eighth-ranked Japan, 15th-ranked Australia and Colombia, ranked 21st. The roster has a youthful look, and includes 12 players from the 22-player squad that won the 2024 Olympics but just 4 players who started 5 or more games in the tournament. Ten players on the current roster have four or fewer caps & Triple Expresso will be missing along with Girma who just transferred to Europe, and midfield standouts Horan and Rose. The excitement is Catarina Macario is expected to play for the first time in over a year. The USWNT will open the competition this Thurs, Feb. 20 8 pm on TBS against Colombia in Houston, followed on Sunday at 5 pm later with a match against Australia in Glendale on TBS. The final day of the competition is Wed Feb. 26 vs Japan at 10:30 pm on TBS @ Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif.
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals) – 2025 SheBelieves Cup
Interesting news that United Soccer Leagues announced they would launch first tier division in 2027 – I assume that would include the Indy 11. Not 100% sure that this makes sense quite yet – but if USL were to go to Promotion/Relegation – perhaps. I still think this push for MLS or any US Soccer league to match the world schedule is instant death. No one will watch soccer head to head with football. NO ONE. Plus games here Dec-March in the Northeast or midwest? Heck no one watches MLS on APPLE TV now.
Good luck to our GK’s heading to ODP for Indiana at Memphis this weekend Timmy Paciorec (above), and Levi Simpson and all of our field players too of course. Good luck all and go Indiana !!
GAMES ON TV
Sat, Feb 15
7:30 am USA Leicester City vs Arsenal
9:30 am ESPN+ Bochum vs Dortmund (Reyna)
10 am USA Fulham (Robinson) vs Nottingham Forest
10 am Peacock Man City vs New Castle United
12:30 ESPN+ Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich
2:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) vs Verona
3 pm ESPN+ Villarreal vs Valencia
Sun, Feb 6
9 am CBSSN Empoli vs Udinese
9 am USA Liverpool vs Wolverhampton
11:30 pm PK Tottenham vs Man United
2:45 pm CBSSN Juventus (Weah, McKinney) vs Inter Milan
3 pm ESPN+ Sevilla vs Barcelona
Tues Feb 18 Champions League
12:45 pm Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic, Musah) 0 vs 1 Feyenoord
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% =============
Emma Hayes names USWNT squad for SheBelieves Cup: Triple Espresso remains out of action
Emma Hayes named her 23-player roster for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup on Tuesday and once again she emphasized opportunities across the depth of the playing pool.Hayes named four uncapped players to this roster, with three of those players earning the senior team nod through the January Futures camp for under-23 players.Once again, it is a roster shaped by injuries and the Triple Espresso forward line remains out of action for another camp. The release states that Trinity Rodman is still regaining fitness while rehabbing her back injury, Mallory Swanson has personal commitments (she is also yet to report to NWSL preseason for the Chicago Stars) and Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith) is “not physically ready for national team competition.”Those three are not the only ones hurt, with midfielder Rose Lavelle recovering from ankle surgery, and centerback Naomi Girma is in the process of regaining fitness after a calf injury that also kept her out of January camp.
Rodman, Swanson and Wilson have not been selected (Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)
In better news, the USWNT is finally getting a long-awaited return from injury from one of its players. Cat Macario was forced to withdraw from the 2024 Olympics roster due to irritation in her knee from an injury after being named to Hayes’s first major tournament roster. She has not appeared for the U.S. since June 2024 — but she has been a more consistent starter with Chelsea since returning. She has scored five goals in 13 appearances this season.
The roster also has a decidedly more European presence compared to January’s training camp, thanks to the games falling in a FIFA window and following the winter off-season of the NWSL. Seven players of the 23 play in Europe, eight if you count Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce who will be attending as a training player.
“With many players at the beginning of their club preseasons, we’ll be patient with them but at the same time, we’re going to maximize the time we have together,” Hayes said in the USWNT press release. “We are facing three excellent teams with three very different styles and the tournament will be a great test to see who can perform against world-class players, but to see that, we need to give them opportunities. We have put in a lot of thought on how best to accomplish that while continuing to evolve and putting out a team that can win, so every game should be a lot of fun for the staff, the players and the fans.”
Forwards (7): Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC)*, Michelle Cooper (KC Current), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC).
*Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams) and Lindsey Heaps (formerly Horan) will be playing under their married names for the first time with the USWNT.
Hayes has also named three training players, all of whom are uncapped, goalkeeper Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), defender Savy King (Angel City FC) and midfielder Hannah Bebar (Bay FC). They will train with the team for the duration of the camp and friendly tournament.
2025 remains an evaluation year
Just like January’s training camp, Hayes is using the SheBelieves Cup to figure out her pool as the team inches closer to World Cup qualifiers in 2026 and the 2027 World Cup. Ten players on this roster have four or fewer caps.
While injuries have continued to force her hand in some areas, especially the forward line, Hayes has continued to embrace those opportunities to bring new players in — or provide additional call-ups to those that might have otherwise been on the outside looking in of the depth chart.
Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn is the only holdover from January’s camp from her positional group, this time with Jane Campbell of the Houston Dash back into camp. Combined, the two have nine caps between them. While McGlynn is the holder of only a single USWNT appearance, she has been making rosters pretty consistently and SheBelieves Cup will provide a higher-level test than a 3-0 victory against Argentina.As expected, there was turnover in the roster from the more exploratory January senior team camp, with only 12 players returning from that roster. Three players impressed at the concurrent Futures camp (for under-23 players) to get the nod for SheBelieves Cup, though none of the three names are particularly surprising considering their NWSL performances: defender Gisele Thompson of Angel City and defensive midfielder Claire Hutton and forward Michelle Cooper of the KC Current.
Looking ahead to SheBelieves Cup
The SheBelieves Cup turns 10 this year. Emily Sonnett is the only player remaining on the roster who has played all 10 editions (she has won seven). On the other end of the spectrum, 10 USWNT players will be making their SheBelieves Cup debuts in 2025.The tournament format goes back to its normal, more extended form this year. Last year, U.S. Soccer had to settle for only four games across two game days due to a more limited window with the 2024 Olympics; this year it returns to six total matches across three game days. The winner will be determined by total points, with goal differential being the first tie-breaker.
All the opponents are familiar ones: Japan (no. 8 in the FIFA rankings) on February 20, Australia (no. 15) on February 23 and Colombia (no. 21) on February 26.
AC Milan’s mixed bag of a winter continued on Wednesday, with the club suffering a 1-0 defeat at Feyenoord in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff tie. An exit prior to the round of 16 would mark a disappointingly abrupt end to Milan’s continental campaign, having entered the final day of the league phase with the chance to skip this initial round altogether before losing to Dinamo Zagreb and tumbling into the playoff.The Dutch hosts scored early Wednesday, with Brazilian winger Igor Paixão tucking a shot past Mike Maignan at the near point in the game’s third minute.Feyenoord did well to contain Christian Pulisic, who came off the bench on Saturday to provide two assists against Empoli. The U.S. international was industrious in his attempts to impact the game, but saw his teammates’ passing lanes toward him cut down quickly to limit his touches. Pulisic exited the match in the 60th minute, having completed 18 of 22 passes and failed to attempt a single shot. He did manage to create one chance in the third minute, mere seconds before Paixão’s goal.
While Pulisic was neutralized, his Concacaf-rival-turned-club-teammate Santiago Giménez struggled mightily in his first appearance against his former club. The Mexico international, who joined Milan from Feyenoord just nine days ago, took 24 touches — just seven in Feyenoord’s box — and failed to convert any of his five dribbles. His sole attempted shot was blocked, while he drew two whistles for running into offside positions. Giménez exited in the 83rd minute to little noteworthy ovation or jeers.
The defeat continues a difficult stretch for Milan, which replaced manager Paulo Fonseca with Sérgio Conceição in late December. Now three years removed from their last Scudetto, Milan sits seventh in the Serie A table, four points behind Fiorentina for the final European position but having played one fewer game than all teams above them. Pulisic has remained arguably their most impactful attacker in his second season, but has scored twice in his eight most recent appearances across all competitions.
The tie will conclude on Tuesday in the early Champions League time slot (12:45 pm Eastern) at the San Siro. Milan will see another U.S. international, Yunus Musah, return from his one-match suspension, as the midfielder drew a red card in the club’s league phase finale against Dinamo Zagreb.With fellow esteemed Americans Weston McKennie and Tim Weah (Juventus, up 2-1 on PSV Eindhoven) and Gio Reyna (Dortmund, up 3-0 on Sporting CP) having their clubs in the driver’s seat after their respective knockout playoff first legs, Pulisic and Musah will have work to do to get a leg up on the hurdle standing between them and a last-16 date against either Inter Milan or Arsenal.
(Top photo: Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Weston McKennie hands Juventus Champions League advantage with spectacular strike
Weston McKennie’s spectacular first-half strike helped Juventus clinch a crucial 2-1 victory in the first leg of its Champions League playoff against PSV on Tuesday.
The USMNT midfielder smashed the ball home from the edge of the penalty area in the 34th minute to put his team in front as it bids to reach the round of 16 for the first time in three seasons.
Advertisement
The goal was McKennie’s third in his last eight games, as well as his seventh career goal in the Champions League (six with Juventus, one with Schalke). It was also his third goal of the current competition, having previously scored in the league phase against PSV in September and, memorably, against Manchester City in December.
McKennie made a late run onto a headed cross at the top of the box, connecting with a crisp low volley that sent the ball rising all the way into the net.
UK readers can see it here:
U.S. readers can see it here:
Ivan Perisic drew things level 10 minutes into the second half, nestling a low strike under Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Juventus substitute Samuel Mbangula put the game away in the 82nd minute to give the hosts a narrow advantage ahead of next week’s conclusion.
McKennie exited the match after 68 minutes, likely for a rest ahead of a crucial visit from Inter in Serie A on Sunday.
Two other players in Tuesday’s first leg are USMNT eligible and each started for their team at right-back. Tim Weah got the nod for Juventus, threatening the PSV defense with frequent crosses and capable dribbling up the flank. Weah made the game’s first real scoring threat in the opening minutes, forcing PSV goalkeeper Walter Benítez to parry the ball away.
Weah also provided the first clear chance of the second half, eluding multiple PSV defenders as he dribbled through the attacking half and looped a cross to Mbangula that forced Benítez into a save. Weah took a speculative strike of his own a few minutes later, nestling an attempt between a couple of PSV defenders but hardly making Benítez work.
Advertisement
His opposite number, Richy Ledezma, made his third start of PSV’s Champions League campaign, having also been in the lineup when these two sides kicked off their league phase against one another. Both teams prioritized operating down the opposite flank from Ledezma, leaving the once-capped United States international to put together a more nondescript shift.
Still, both men’s continued run-out at right-back could give Mauricio Pochettino alternatives to consider as the USMNT and PSV await the return of Sergiño Dest. The 24-year-old hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in April 2024, leaving the United States particularly thin in that position. Weah has customarily started for the USMNT at right wing, but he could be a timely alternative if Dest cannot play in March’s resumption of the Concacaf Nations League.
PSV was also without two of its other star Americans. Malik Tillman (ankle) and Ricardo Pepi (knee) are both out long-term, with the latter recently ruled out for the remainder of the season amid a scorching run of form.
(Top photo: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The spats, the scraps, the bedlam at Goodison Park: This is what we want to see, right?
Celebrate, but don’t celebrate too much. Enjoy the moment, but enjoy it in the way we tell you to.
The celebration police exist and they are coming for our game. They even have a name; Tony Scholes, the Premier League’s chief football officer, who last week reiterated the body’s stance on celebrations, which currently approves pretending to fire a gun into the crowd (Phil Foden) but condemns seagull impersonations (Iliman Ndiaye).Yep, no idea.To be fair, Scholes was helpful when he said: “I think we all like to see celebrations.” Good to clear that up.Essentially, he outlined that anything that “crosses over into mockery or criticism” would cause the league to “deal with it”, which sounded pretty ominous in a George Orwell kinda way.To Goodison Park yesterday, then, and Abdoulaye Doucoure sparking a melee (well, flicking a switch in Curtis Jones’ head) by celebrating Everton’s last-gasp equaliser against Liverpool in front of the away fans, shushing them and stuff.Doucoure was booked and sent off. So was Jones. So was Arne Slot, Liverpool’s head coach, and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff. And the whole spectacle was absolutely glorious.
The bedlam after the final whistle on Wednesday night (Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
In this correspondent’s home, a housemate came literally running with news of the ongoing feral scenes. He was wide-eyed and giddy, and he had no skin in that game whatsoever, being a fan of a lower-league club.
This is football. The whole point of the damn sport is that one team competes against another to win — and with that comes, well, competitiveness.
Throw in a local rivalry that dates back to the Victorian age, it being the final-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, a stoppage-time equaliser for the home side and a ridiculously highly-charged atmosphere and, yes, you are going to get rowdy.
That’s why it was disappointing to see both players sent off: given the off-the-chart emotions at that precise moment, and the fact no punches were thrown (Jones pushed Doucoure in the back, then grabbed him by the shirt) or faces touched.
It was also a little perplexing to hear former Manchester United and England international Rio Ferdinand, on UK broadcaster TNT Sports’ coverage of the match, chastise some of what we all revelled in watching at home.
“You don’t want to see that,” Ferdinand said of Jones piling in, to which everyone collectively replied, “Yes, we do.”
Advertisement
Ferdinand then regaled his colleagues and the audience at home with an anecdote of him doing exactly the same thing once when Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli celebrated in front of United supporters, before adding: “I can understand Curtis Jones there, you don’t want to see anyone creating a storm like that… but I understand his feelings.”
Understands it completely? Check. Doesn’t want to see it? Check.
Ferdinand was pitchside at Goodison Park last night (MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ferdinand doubled down when joining fellow former pros Phil Jagielka and Steve McManaman and presenter Lynsey Hipgrave pitchside some 30 minutes after the end of the game, this time criticising Doucoure.
“I think going against the opposition fans, I don’t think it’s wrong,” he said. “The difference is, when it’s a local derby… you don’t like them (the opposition), I get that, but there’s a respect, almost, there and you know you’re lighting the touchpaper if you go over near them, and that’s what happened today.
“That’s where I think you draw the line. Other games you can do that, because it’s a bit of banter.”
McManaman echoed Ferdinand’s opinion, saying Doucoure should have celebrated in front of his own team’s fans instead of antagonising Liverpool’s. This was despite McManaman earlier appearing to fully endorse Doucoure’s actions as part of what was the perfect end to the final derby at Goodison.
“Wow, did it have passion, did it have fight, did it have energy,” McManaman said of the incredible climax. “The fact that there’s a number of sendings-off… people want to fight each other and people trying to antagonise the crowd… I think it was fitting that it’s ended like this — in absolute chaos.”
Absolute chaos was fitting? Check. But make sure you say later that Doucoure shouldn’t have antagonised the Liverpool fans? Check.
James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time equaliser sparks chaos (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Look, pulling apart every sentence the TNT Sports panel said in their assessment of those full-time scenes is a futile exercise, but there is a wider point about broadcasters or law-makers having little sense of what fans do and don’t want from their sport (with an emphasis on the word their) — and what we should deem acceptable or not.
When the league (via their social-media channels) or the broadcasters encourage the madness and ramp up and revel in the intensity, it’s a bit rich to then go all Neil Warnock and expect players and fans to only enjoy it by being disciplined.
As an example, before the game, the Premier League itself posted a 23-minute video titled ‘Iconic Merseyside derby moments that get more and more intense!’ (that’s its exclamation mark, not ours). It was an enjoyable compilation of classic derby goals and dramatic winners, but also scuffles, scraps, yellow cards and red ones. Duncan Ferguson featured prominently.
And then after the match, TNT posted all the drama in full with a video titled ‘CRAZY FULL TIME SCENES at Goodison Park’ (its capital letters, not oursAt the time of writing, that video had 2.6million views. By way of comparison, the channel’s post-match interview with Everton manager David Moyes had garnered 71,000.So yes, people want to see the crazy. Whether Doucoure, Jones or anyone crossed a line or not, whether they deserved to be sent off or not, we want it to happen and we want to watch it when it does.
With the greatest respect, if broadcasters knew what viewers wanted to see, their coverage of football would be markedly different.
In other words, we would have watched the scenes of Everton fans celebrating on the pitch and lighting blue flares after James Tarkowski’s thundering equaliser instead of switching to the VAR feed for two minutes and 20 seconds just as commentator Darren ‘Fletch’ Fletcher ironically exclaimed: “Look at the scenes at Goodison Park!”
Yep, the final Merseyside derby goal ever scored at Goodison, and we weren’t allowed to watch the aftermath because running on the pitch is evil.
There would also be a wildly different roster of pundits, commentators and co-commentators. There is no need to name individuals, but there are certain personnel, especially at TNT Sports, who could be described as less popular than a large, greasy spot/pimple that appears on your nose just before a first date.
Goodison Park burns blue (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“This place could be about to go bananas,” Ferdinand said before Tarkowski’s equaliser was confirmed by VAR. “Oh my gosh, listen to this place.”
Fletcher chimed in: “Listen to the roar! Unless you’re here right now, you can’t understand the sense of feeling here on all four sides.”
“The passion in this stadium is at absolute fever pitch,” co-commentator Ally McCoist added.
Oh, but hang on there, Abdoulaye. This situation is absolutely incredible but don’t shush the away fans! Oh, and Curtis, don’t push him in the back! Oh, this is absolutely scandalous.
Doesn’t quite tally, does it? Sadly, the urge and rush to condemn and take the moral high ground is just too strong for some to resist.
We hate it when footballers become robots and give bland, media-trained post-match interviews about taking each game as it comes. We hate it when a free-spirited street footballer such as Jack Grealish or Wayne Rooney is tamed.
So when it comes to celebrating a last-gasp derby draw, or being annoyed with a rival player, let’s just leave them to it and enjoy the CRAZY scenes.
Pulisic, Musah and AC Milan will travel to @ Empoli Sat 12 noon on para+. Milan did win on Wed and can move up to 7th with a win on Saturday though I am not thrilled about AC Milan adding Joao Felix and Sottil -as both players are basically Pulisic’s position on the field. Felix is basically the same player as Pulisic – thankfully he’s just on loan. But this is sad to see as Pulisic – it could be argued has been Milan’s best player this year. Hopefully Pulisic will hold his spot. He’s still starting – expect him to be on the field Sat at 12 noon and for Champions League Wed @ 3 pm @ Feynord. Dortmund will host 3rd place Stuttgart on Sat at 9:30 am on ESPN+ as Reyna has been getting more time under the new coach. Of course lots of games on ESPN+ all weekend long for Round 4 of the FA Cup with lots of small clubs hosting EPL teams – always fun to watch (full schedule below) – the biggest is Aston Villa hosting Tottenham Sun at 12:35 pm. The Biggest game of the weekend has to be the Madrid Derby with Real Madrid hosting Atletico Madrid at 3 pm on ESPN+ in a battle of the top 2 teams in La Liga.
Champions League Knock-out Round Tues/Thurs
Man City vs Real Madrid leads off the first round of huge games for the knock out rounds over the next 2 weeks. Of course the most American’s ever have advanced to the knockout rounds as no fewer than 9 American’s should play and that’s with 3 American’s on PSV out with injury. Hopefully they will show one of the US player games on CBS Sports Network – I will update if they do. I still miss Fox when all 3 games were on different stations and they played them all night long. Oh well. Pay up if want to watch soccer I guess.
Tues, Feb 11 Champions League
12:45 pm Par+ Brest vs PSG
3 pm Para+ Man City vs Real Madrid
3 pm Para+ Juventus (Weah, McKinney) vs PSV (Ledezma)
I guess I need to thank both of my kids for putting up with an over talkative coach for over 20 years of coaching. Thanks youth coaches !
GAMES ON TV
Sat, Feb 8
7:30 am ESPN+ Leeds United (Aronson) vs Plymouth
9:30 am ESPN+ Dortmund (Reyna) vs Stuttgart
9:30 am ESPN+ Wolfsburg vs Levekusen
12 pm Para+ Empoli vsAC Milan (Pulisic, Musah)
3 pm ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Sun, Feb 9
9:30 am CBSSN Valencia vs Roma
10 am ESPN+ Plymouth Argyle vs Liverpool FA Cup
12:30 pm ESPN+ Aston Villa vs Tottenham FA Cup
2:45 pm CBSSN Napoli vs Udenese
3 pm ESPN+ Sevilla vs Barcelona
Tues, Feb 11 Champions League
12:45 pm Par+ Brest vs PSG
3 pm Para+ Man City vs Real Madrid
3 pm Para+ Juventus (Weah, McKinney) vs PSV (Ledezma)
3 pm Para+ Sporting vs Dortmund (Reyna)
Weds, Feb 12
12:45 pm Para+ Club Brugge vs Atalanta
3 pm Para+ Bayern Munich vs Celtic (CCV + Trusty)
3 pm Para+ Feyenoord vsAC Milan (Pulisic, Musah)
3 pm Para + Monaco vs Benefica
Thurs – 2/13 Europa League
12 noon CBSSN Midtylland vs Real Sociedad
3 pm CBSSN FC Porto vs AS Roma
FA Cup 4th Round Play
=======RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ===
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
Nice to See an American on this list – unfortunately Tillman and all his US teammates on PSV will miss the Wed game vs Juve. Would have been a huge US reunion with 2 US on Juve (Mckinney, Weah) and 4 on PSV. (Dest, Pepi, Tillman)
Josh Sargent played a total of 117 minutes in World Cup qualifying for the United States ahead of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, all of them in the first window in September 2021, including his lone start in the opening qualifier against El Salvador. Fourteen months after that start in El Salvador, Sargent was in the starting lineup when the U.S. kicked off its World Cup campaign in Doha against Wales. Form and fitness can be a funny thing in international soccer. A red-hot striker can suddenly be out for the wrong two weeks of the wrong month and miss out on a window. An ill-timed absence can also open an opportunity for a compatriot who seizes the moment. Sargent was back in form at the right moment, grabbed hold of the job and helped to set up the USMNT’s first goal at the World Cup.As Mauricio Pochettino looks to pick his roster for the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Panama on Mar. 20 and (hopefully) the final three days later against Canada or Mexico, Sargent once more could have a shot to claim his on-again, off-again starting spot. The reason? The USMNT has an injury problem in attack.
Josh Sargent has a chance to boost his USMNT starting prospects. (Stephen Pond / Getty Images)
Ricardo Pepi, who was in such strong form at PSV that West Ham bid $25million (£20.1m) for him, is out for “a very long time” with a knee injury, according to PSV boss Peter Bosz.Folarin Balogun was the starter for the U.S. at the Copa America, but he has not played since December, when he underwent shoulder surgery, and is unavailable.That leaves Sargent sitting atop the striker depth chart with a real chance to show himself to Pochettino in competitive games at the Nations League.Sargent started Pochettino’s first two games in charge last October, but missed the November window with a groin injury. He returned for Norwich earlier this month and has three goals in his last two games. His ability in and around the box has been a lift for the Canaries.“Josh is a quality striker and we have obviously missed him, you could see what a difference he made today,” Norwich coach Johannes Hoff Thorup said after Sargent’s two-goal performance against Swansea City on Jan. 25. “He is a big voice in the dressing room and a big player on the pitch. They were two quality finishes and he also showed how good he is running behind defenders and finding space.”Sargent’s competition for the starting job is a bigger question.Haji Wright, who has played more as a winger with the U.S. in his recent call-ups, seems to be nearing a return for Coventry after 10 games out with an ankle ligament injury. Wright could be an easy call for Pochettino to provide depth at multiple positions.Pochettino has also had a good look at two domestic options. Austin FC’s Brandon Vazquez, who recently moved back to MLS from Liga MX, had solid showings for the U.S. in the fall. Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang scored twice in two games during January camp, pushing himself into any striker conversation. The 6ft 4ins (193cm) 24-year-old from East Hartford, Conn., has a different profile for the U.S., and if he is able to carry over his form into the start of the MLS season it wouldn’t be a shock to see Pochettino bring him back in.
Patrick Agyemang was the big winner from the USMNT’s January camp. (John Dorton /ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images for USSF)
It’s worth noting that 30 players who have debuted or earned their second cap during the USMNT’s first camp of a calendar year have gone on to make a FIFA World Cup roster, including the likes of Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.“He has a really good profile (as) a striker, and for us, I think can be very, very, very useful,” Pochettino said of Agyemang during the January camp. “So happy, because he’s still young, still has room to improve, but his attitude and his condition are great. I am so happy with him, with the performance, attitude and everything, and his performance was really, really good.“I think he’s capable to add a different condition to the team that sometimes we were missing a little bit. Yes, I think it’s a very good alternative on the front for us.”
The striker position has been very much in flux over the last two cycles. It opened the door for the recruitment of a player like Balogun to commit to the U.S., which he did in 2023. The strong play of the Monaco striker, and the continued improvement and maturation of Pepi, the biggest 2022 World Cup snub, buffered the top end of the position. Now, the depth will be tested once more.The hope is that Sargent, Agyemang, Vazquez and others will seize the opportunity in March and make the most of it.(Top photo: Agustin Cuevas Cornejo / USSF / Getty Images for USSF)
President Trump has the FIFA World Cup trophy in the Oval Office. Or does he?
Since taking office, a recurring image of President Donald Trump seated at his desk inside the Oval Office has flooded American television screens. With each new executive order signed comes another image of Trump with a black permanent marker in hand.It didn’t take long for eagle-eyed viewers to notice the shiny object behind him: a replica of the World Cup trophy. He is expected to hand the real thing to the tournament’s winner next summer.It’s no secret Trump is an ardent supporter of FIFA, soccer’s world governing body. Trump is considered a close friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose fervor for him has been in the public eye since Trump won the United States presidential election in November. Infantino was one of the first to congratulate Trump on social media.However, that closeness does not extend to the original trophy finding an unexpected new home, with a FIFA spokesman confirming that what rests in Trump’s office is not the real World Cup. Zoomed-in images of the trophy have popped up on social media, restarting a conversation that began during Trump’s first term, when the trophy first appeared behind him among his other prized possessions, like photos of his parents. Displaying the hardware inside his office is not new and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, either. On the day of Trump’s inauguration, FIFA issued a press release mentioning how Infantino “thanked” the billionaire for referencing FIFA and Infantino “by name” during a victory rally the night before. The two have “a great friendship,” Infantino has said.
President Trump welcomed the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, to the White House during his first term, in 2018. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
FIFA’s statement linked to Infantino’s Instagram account, which showed one image of Trump and Infantino smiling side-by-side with their thumbs up, as well as other releases tied to Trump over the years. Infantino wrote on Instagram how he was “honoured” to meet Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida before his inauguration. Days later, Infantino was among Trump’s invitees at the U.S. Capitol, sandwiched between the families of billionaires as Trump was sworn in as the country’s 47th president.It’s unclear whether the replica trophy seen inside the Oval Office this week and still on display on Tuesday is the same one that surfaced on social media in 2018. In photos, the current trophy seems larger than the one seen there years prior. It is also unclear if the trophy was a gift, or if Trump acquired it on his own. FIFA declined to comment further on Tuesday. Some have speculated the trophy is a subtle message for those watching — a reminder that the world’s largest sporting event is coming to the U.S. next year. While the tournament is being co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, the U.S. will host a majority of the tournament’s 104 games. Eleven of the 16 host cities are in the U.S.
Trump’s replica trophy resurfaced online just as trade wars between the co-hosts began. Over the weekend, Trump had directed 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, with another 10 percent tariff on Canadian oil, natural, gas and electricity. But he agreed to a 30-day pause on the tariffs after meeting with leaders from both nations. Though Trump’s ties to FIFA seem more pronounced these days, his relationship with Infantino has existed for years. Trump played a pivotal role in support of the United States’ World Cup bid for 2026, even writing convincing letters to Infantino directly. Trump’s family, particularly Jared Kushner, also played a key role last year in securing the tournament’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.It remains to be seen how the trade wars between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, or how Trump’s immigration policies, will affect the 2026 World Cup. So far, FIFA has not publicly commented on the political issues between the 2026 co-hosts.It’s certainly a unique position for FIFA to be in. The World Cup had more than one host only once before when Japan and South Korea shared duties in 2002. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted across six nations, from three continents.
USMNT Player Tracker: Robinson irrepressible, Pepi extends and Pochettino to lean on Celtic duo?
In this week’s USMNT tracker, the sport’s load management movement strikes… Greg O’Keeffe! Our usual writer is away on holiday, being rotated out to keep him fresh for the season’s business end. I’m here instead to help guide you through a busy weekend that saw more than 20 Americans ply their trades in Europe’s top leagues. Among the topics this week: Milan is unable to make up for a well-contained Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson racks up more superlatives, a couple of Championship goalscorers, and much more. Tracker? I hardly know her!
Issue of the weekend
Given how little wiggle room Celtic affords opponents in the Scottish Premiership, any mistake made by one of Scotland’s giants is a rare gift indeed. Motherwell thought they’d done just enough in the 23rd minute as they welcomed Celtic to Fir Park. Trailing from the first minute, Motherwell worked up the field and sent a cross into the heart of the box. Auston Trusty was well-positioned to clear it, but a scuffed first touch fell right to Luke Armstrong, who smashed the second chance past Kasper Schmeichel to level the score.Celtic had an answer, as they so often do. The visitors regained the lead seven minutes later, protected that one-goal lead valiantly before adding a third for good measure deep into second-half stoppage time. The 3-1 win left them 10 points clear of second-placed Rangers despite having played one game fewer.“I liked how we controlled it at 2-1, because sometimes at 2-1 it only takes a long throw or a corner, but we controlled all those moments really well,” Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said after the game. “So (I’m) really pleased with everything that gave to the game.”
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty (Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
While Trusty’s inability to quickly clear that cross cost his team a clean sheet, it was another otherwise dominant showing for Celtic. Motherwell managed just one additional shot across the match, making this the fifth league game where Celtic’s opponent offered only two attempts or fewer. It was also their 11th game (from 24) allowing five shots or fewer across two halves.
In the first year of this all-American partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Trusty serves as the primary point-person in possession as Rodgers’ attack skews to the left through Daizen Maeda and Greg Taylor.
Trusty led all players on Sunday with 144 touches. Carter-Vickers was fourth with “just” 124 touches. The duo completed 210 of 225 pass attempts, while Trusty was also more proactive in defending on the front foot.
While the inability to find a consistent striker plagued the USMNT throughout the 2022 World Cup cycle, the run-up to next year’s version sees the anxiety shift to the opposite end of the field. At present, there is no clear pecking order at center-back. Chris Richards is back in Crystal Palace’s line-up, while Tim Ream, Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson are all nearing the start of the season in MLS.When Celtic signed Trusty this summer, USMNT fans had ample reason for optimism about his consistent partnership with Carter-Vickers. While individual talent is obviously of paramount importance, having a well-established duo can help a national team navigate a tournament with some vital continuity in the back. The question is whether or not this pair is getting enough of a test at Celtic, where only a few games of the league season pose a serious test.Combine that with Matt Turner’s inability to secure action this season — he is Dean Henderson’s backup at Palace — and three vital roles at the back of Mauricio Pochettino’s team are entirely up for grabs with just 16 months remaining before the World Cup. Time will tell if the pair will get a runout in tandem under Pochettino when the Nations League resumes in March.
Antonee Robinson, the best left-back in the Premier League, was his typically impactful self on Saturday as Fulham visited Newcastle. Donning the captain’s armband, as is increasingly common for him these days, Robinson logged an assist with a deft lobbed first touch in a transition sequence to bring the game level in the 61st minute. Fulham completed their comeback win 21 minutes later, leaving St James’ Park with all three points and finishing the weekend ninth in the Premier League. Robinson has accrued quite the list of superlatives in recent months, from his top-tier status in the league to being U.S. Soccer’s male player of the year for 2024. His helper on Raul Jimenez’s equalizer carved him a place in Fulham history, too. That was his 10th league assist, tying Steed Malbranque’s club record set back in 2003-04 with 14 games still to play, and left him trailing only Mohamed Salah (13) in the current season’s assist leaderboard.
Coming into January, Robinson seemed like an obvious target for a mid-season transfer as multiple clubs in and about the European places needed an upgrade at left-back. But with the deadline set to pass in the hours following this piece’s publication, it’s looking increasingly likely that Fulham will keep their main man through the end of the season, which would only bolster their hopes of a top-half finish.It would hardly be a bad thing for Robinson’s career on the surface, though his window for playing in continental competition would diminish as a result.
Quote of the weekend
Not too long ago, it seemed inevitable that the last week of January 2025 would be eventful for Ricardo Pepi.At the time, that was due to the open transfer window, with Pepi filling a need for several clubs lacking quality and depth at striker. Instead, it was notable for a host of different reasons, but none that’ll see Pepi packing his bags and leaving Eindhoven — not this week, nor any time soon.Pepi scored in PSV’s 3-2 win over a heavily-rotated Liverpool side as the Champions League’s league phase closed, but then left the game late with an injury. The club ultimately announced it was a knee problem that will require surgery. His status will be closely monitored, and he could now miss March’s Nations League semifinal against Panama.
Pepi has made a real impact at PSV this season (Maurice van Steen/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
There was one more bright spot to sandwich that injury setback, however, as PSV signed 22-year-old Pepi to an extension that could keep him at the Dutch club through 2030.“Thanks to the enormous amount of love and opportunities PSV gives me and the special club that PSV is, I had no doubts about extending my contract,” Pepi said in the club’s announcement. “We have already experienced many unforgettable moments together and hopefully many special milestones will follow.”PSV is playing the long game here, and the market for young backup strikers has never been hotter. Pepi’s path to his present standing is very similar to that of Jhon Duran, as both left MLS and became a super-sub in a bigger league, but have yet to be the main man for a European club. With Aston Villa now having sold Duran, 21, to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr for nearly $80 million, PSV tacking years onto Pepi’s deal is smart business.It’s also a vote of confidence that someday, maybe, Pepi will regularly lead the line at the Philips Stadion.
How did other U.S. players get on?
Name: Christian Pulisic Club: Milan Position: Right-winger Appearances (all competitions): 28 Goals: 12
After scoring the sole goal in Milan’s midweek 2-1 Champions League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb, Pulisic logged 86 minutes in his club’s fiercely contested Derby della Madonnina. Milan tied 1-1 with their San Siro co-tenants, with a late Inter equalizer coming after Pulisic exited the match late in the second half.
Pulisic created three chances and had his sole shot blocked.
Milan’s Pulisic endured a frustrating derby against Inter (Luca Rossini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Name: Yunus Musah Club: Milan Position: Central midfielder Appearances: 26 Goals: 0
It was Musah who was sent off midweek against Dinamo Zagreb after drawing a costly second yellow card in the 39th minute. He was back in the line-up for Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina, completing 26 of 27 pass attempts in a 78-minute shift.
The draw saw Milan fall to eighth in Serie A — four points behind sixth-ranked Lazio for the final European place.
The Philadelphia Union homegrown scored his first goal for Toulouse on Sunday, helping his club notch a useful 1-1 draw against OGC Nice. It’s just deserts for over half a year of dependable play in Ligue 1, where he’s now started 18 league games for the 10th-ranked side.
That groin injury which forced Sargent to miss 14 Championship matches sure seems to have healed well.
The Missourian is up to three goals in his first two starts post-recovery, rippling the net with a classic poacher’s tap-in to give the Canaries a 1-0 win at Watford. The result sent Norwich above Watford and two other teams in the standings in the English second tier, now perched in eighth place through 30 matches.
Richards went a full 90 in a terrific 2-0 victory at Old Trafford. He did well to contain Alejandro Garnacho out wide, while his four aerial duel wins (from six attempts) tied him for the team lead.
Perhaps most encouraging for his hopes of staying in the line-up, Palace has won four times in Richards’ current run of six consecutive starts along the back.
Richards holds off Garnacho (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The 18-year-old made a second consecutive start in the Bundesliga, lasting 79 minutes in a 1-1 draw at St Pauli. Unfortunately, Banks swung the result against his side’s interests as a sliding effort to clear a bouncing ball from the goal line instead pushed it into the goalmouth to open the scoring.Consider it a tough lesson for a young defender who still showed plenty of promise across the rest of his shift.
Name: James Sands Club: St Pauli Position: Central midfielder Appearances: 5 Goals: 0
On the reverse side of the fixture, Sands played in a slightly more advanced role of St Pauli’s midfield. While his 64 per cent pass accuracy is concerningly low, he did complete three of his four attempts in the final third. Sands has yet to log a minute at center-back during his loan spell.
U.S. Soccer’s newly minted Young Player of the Year came off the bench in the 86th minute of Lyon’s 3-2 defeat at Marseille, with the club falling to seventh in Ligue 1. Worryingly, Lyon is winless in its last six matches across all competitions, with Tessmann logging just 135 minutes across those fixtures.
Aaronson scored the opener in Leeds’ 7-0 thrashing of poor Cardiff City, hustling to reward Daniel James’ rounding of the goalkeeper by meeting his cutback cross for a tap-in.
Aaronson celebrates his opener (Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Weah assisted in a 4-1 comeback victory against Empoli. His defensive positioning was also sound, playing as the more withdrawn full-back compared to left-sided counterpart Nicolo Savona.
Mere days after captaining Juventus for the first time, McKennie was in the starting line-up again against Empoli.He saw a dramatic change in deployment, however, going from a left-back on Wednesday to logging 85 minutes as a central attacking midfielder. His versatility continues to be invaluable for Juventus, who now sits 4th in Serie A having lost just once.
McKennie played as a left-back against Empoli (Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Name: Jordan Pefok Club: Union Berlin Position: Striker Appearances: 20 Goals: 0, still
A quick follow-up from last week’s section on poor Pefok, who was unable to end his scoring slump from the bench in a scoreless draw against RB Leipzig.
The striker did take one shot, having been fed a chance in the 95th minute with a sizable 0.36 xG, but Peter Gulacsi did well to see out a clean sheet for the visitors.
What’s coming up?
(All times ET)
If Robinson stays with Fulham on deadline day, as expected, his next game will be against his previous club, Wigan Athletic, in the FA Cup’s fourth round on Saturday (10am, ESPN+). It would be a bit of poetic justice, as the left-back rebuilt his stock with the EFL side from the outskirts of Manchester, currently 16th out of 24 in the third tier, before moving to Fulham in summer 2020.
Aidan Morris remains a fixture of Middlesbrough’s lineup as north-east neighbours Sunderland visit later today in a Monday special (3pm, Paramount+). Middlesbrough has won just one of its last five games in all competitions, and is outside of the Championship’s promotion play-off places on goal difference entering this fixture.
Pulisic and Musah will hope to stay in the Milan team for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Roma (3pm, Paramount+). McKennie and Weah will be spared a midweek fixture as Juventus’ quarterfinal meeting with Empoli isn’t for three weeks, but return to action on Friday with a Serie A trip to Como (2:45pm, Paramount+).
Tyler Adams and Bournemouth will hope to bounce back after their 11-game winless run got snapped by Liverpool this past weekend. They’ll head to Goodison Park to face a revived Everton on Saturday (10am, ESPN+), also in the FA Cup’s fourth round. And while League One is seldom spotlighted in these articles, Leyton Orient will likely have their 23-year-old American striker Charlie Kelman leading the line that same day as Premier League champions Manchester City visit the east Londoners in round four of the cup (7:15am, ESPN+).
Emma Hayes’ plan for USWNT looks to reframe approach through lens of women and girls
U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has finally had some time to think about the bigger picture.With the gold-medal win at the Olympics and her whirlwind 2024 behind her, Hayes was able to firm up and present her strategic vision for U.S. Soccer during the team’s January camp. She calls it “The WNT Way,” a plan that builds on technical director Matt Crocker’s vision for the program to grow the sport as a whole in the United States.The short version? Reframe everything through the lens of girls and women in the sport, rather than relying on what has previously been built for men.Hayes gave an overview in a presentation during a virtual round table on Monday. Viewed in its totality, it’s a complete reshaping of how U.S. Soccer has viewed the sport. Previously, the federation operated the women’s game as either an extension or copy of the men’s one, despite the standard of excellence set by the USWNT with its four World Cup final wins and five Olympic titles (the men have got to one World Cup quarterfinal, in 2002, and their only Olympic medals came in 1904).“Fundamentally, everything within our game has been centered through a male bias and a male lens,” Hayes said. “So I’ve challenged everybody across the federation internally to look at how they’ve been viewing the women’s game.”This exercise was for everyone, from the technical staff to marketing to human resources. Throughout the conversation, Hayes pointed to things like women playing in white shorts, the impact of a poorly-taken photograph on self-esteem and even more insidious issues such as body image and weight disorders.Hayes has big goals associated with the WNT way: becoming a global leader in this approach, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration from the technical staff to the marketing department to scientific studies and beyond, pushing boundaries through innovation, and creating inclusive environments where people and players are developed and valued.She has geared the work toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the Los Angeles-hosted 2028 Olympics, but there are also immediate priorities.First and foremost, though, she has to get people on board with her vision.
Hayes’ plan looks ahead to the 2027 and 2031 World Cups and 2028 Olympics. (Stephen McCarthy / Getty Images)
Hayes wants to set up an advisory board with representatives from the NWSL, the top club league in the U.S., and the smaller USL Super League, and possibly the NCAA (college) and youth soccer systems.“We want to put together a group that is talking at a high level, and advising around the most important things that will be required within our game,” she said. There are already research projects underway concerning performance, technical and medical analysis.In addition to domestic leagues and youth systems, Hayes wants to align the senior and youth women’s national team programs. This work has already started, with the return of the January camp for the national team and a Futures Camp running simultaneously in the same location. That integration goes beyond those get-togethers to the entire methodology of how the federation approaches women’s soccer. Standards will have to be created to raise the bar and keep people accountable for this vision.The planning also includes looking beyond the immediate international competitions to 2031. U.S. Soccer and Mexico withdrew their joint bid to host the 2027 World Cup, and have planned to bid for the next edition four years later. “I can’t control that,” Hayes said, “but we want to work to influence that.”Such a bid may be heavily complicated by the political relationship between the United States and Mexico under President Donald Trump, with ongoing political discussions over trade and the shared border. However, neither federation has made any official statements concerning potential impacts on the 2027 World Cup or any 2031 bid.
But it wasn’t all about the players. Coaching education was a clear sticking point for Hayes.
Priorities are still being worked out, but the double FIFA Best Coach of the Year (in 2021 with English club Chelsea and last year combining her work in London and with the USWNT) said she wants a coaching education director dedicated to the women’s game. That way, course content from the B license through the pro license can be cohesively linked, “whether it’s physiologically, anatomically, technically, tactically, psychologically, socially, emotionally”.
Hayes won the FIFA Best Coach of the Year award in 2024 for the second time in four years. (Claudio Villa / Getty Images)
The education of coaches is especially key for Hayes because it’s a direct reflection of having different, specific standards for the women’s game.
“We always do this constant comparing to the men’s game,” she said. “I really don’t care what they’re doing, what works for us? It’s about creating that more than anything else, and becoming more armed with the knowledge and having the right research.”
Advertisement
All of these things combined allow Hayes and U.S. Soccer to think about how to influence the global ecosystem of the sport, beyond the USWNT and NWSL.
“We have to impact FIFA (the game’s global governing body). We have to impact UEFA (the European federation). We have to impact the government level across the world, which isn’t going to be easy,” she said.
Hayes still has her responsibilities to the senior national team.
The SheBelieves Cup starts in a couple of weeks, with the team’s first games of the year against Colombia, Australia and Japan. Hayes said she wants to focus on developing the team over the next two and a half years to prepare for that World Cup in Brazil, but she’s spent the past six months working in the background to get these new systems built and ready to go.
While Hayes doesn’t think this massive project will happen quickly, she is confident it will get done. She said she was “poking the bear” to make it happen. “I’ve had to put the framework in place, and now it’s the work of a lot of people within the federation to hold each and every one accountable to those steps,” she said.
And at the end of the day, Hayes thinks all of this work will help the United States to keep winning in women’s soccer, though it was not a word that came up until near the end of her presentation, during the question and answer portion.
“If we keep more girls in the game at the highest possible level, and we create the best possible environments for us, then the U.S. will win anyway,” she said.
“If we create the best environments for (players) in everything that we’re doing, how we support them, how we coach them, then we’re winning.”
(Top photo: Hayes and USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino; Brad Smith / Getty Images for USSF)
The revamped Champions League: A success or a Super League devoid of jeopardy?
At a time when some events are banning phones to ensure the audience is properly engaged in the experience, the perceived success of the new Champions League format was instead captured by the image of Aston Villa and Club Brugge players huddled around various devices anxiously checking the scores in Barcelona and Zagreb to see if they’d made the top eight and play-offs respectively.Wednesday’s scenes at Villa Park and the Etihad Stadium had a palpable charm to them. Here was a modern twist on transistor radios being held to one ear, game-states being passed by word of mouth followed by cheers or curses, progress or elimination. This was presented as a welcome novelty, something that didn’t used to happen in the group stage the league phase has replaced. All hail the league phase!The broadly positive reception to the new formula called to mind Harry Lime’s immortal line in The Third Man. “In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” Lime perhaps wouldn’t have been so disdainful if he’d known about the Swiss model, as the new Champions League format is known.But aside from delivering more money to the clubs, more games to the broadcasters and more revenue to itself, did UEFA’s overhaul work?There were some great stories during the league phase, from Lille and Brest over-performing to Manchester City’s unexpected psychodrama. Lille, for instance, lost their coach Paulo Fonseca to Milan in the summer and sold their best young player, Leny Yoro, to Manchester United. They needed to go through two preliminary rounds, where they eliminated Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, just to make the league phase.
When Ruben Amorim’s Sporting beat them on the Swiss model’s opening night, most people would have tipped the Lisbon side, not Lille to be the gatecrashers into the top eight. But, no. Lille bounced back to beat champions Real Madrid, then neighbours Atletico. They drew with Juventus and only lost to Liverpool after going down to 10 men.
Remy Cabella celebrates with Ngal’ayel Mukau as Lille thump Feyenoord 6-1 on Wednesday (Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
But past editions of the Champions League did not lack storylines like Lille’s, so it is hard to attribute theirs to the new format.
Brest, perhaps, benefited from playing eight games and eight different opponents instead of six against three other clubs, as was the case in previous seasons. It feels a long time ago now but the momentum for their qualification to the upcoming play-off round came from a light introduction to Europe’s elite club competition.To the neutral, their fixtures felt less Champions League and more Austrian Bundesliga or Mitropa Cup in the early months as they beat Sturm Graz and RB Salzburg, then creditably held Bayer Leverkusen to a draw before overcoming Sparta in Prague. It was a heartwarming tale, even if Brest’s Cinderella story was a bit like giving Cinders a dating app with the best possible algorithm to help her find her happy-ever-after.
They were trumpeted as the second-best new addition to the Champions League. The other was the buzzword of the final night simulcast.As the competition clashed for the first time with the winter transfer window, the notion of jeopardy was roundly heralded as the Champions League’s best new signing, hyped as a prospect capable of drawing more attention than the usual cast of stars. But, make no mistake, a lot of smoke and mirrors were in use here.Part of the jeopardy came from missing out on the top eight.Atalanta and Milan fell out of it on Wednesday. Their punishment? Two more games on their schedule in the play-offs. Is that a penalty? Fans of clubs tend to want to see them in action as much as possible, particularly in the Champions League, so this did not seem much of a penalty. On the contrary, it could be interpreted as a bonus by anyone apart from the coach and the players who have to factor in more effort, preparation and fixture congestion.
Yunus Musah sees red in Zagreb and Milan are beaten – and condemned to play two more games (Marko Lukunic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)
At one end of the standings, Liverpool could send the kids to play PSV in Eindhoven. At the other, nine teams had already been eliminated before the final gameweek. The bulk of the remainder were either sure of qualification or almost sure of it, which meant the jeopardy was jostling for position in a table so large it felt like watching midfield overtakes in the Indy 500.
As a viewer, it was hard to keep up and stay on track.
The real drama came from the random coincidence of the new format’s introduction with the one season in Pep Guardiola’s 17-year coaching career when his team are spluttering. In the end, though, the extension of the opening phase from six games to eight allowed big clubs like City, who left it last-minute compared with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, enough rope to pull themselves out of trouble.
It used to be that 10 or 11 points was the benchmark for qualification from a six-game group. Though in 2013, 12 points weren’t enough for Napoli. This time round, in the inaugural league phase, City, Sporting and Club Brugge reached the play-offs with 11 points from two extra matches. Less from more somehow represented progress.
City diced with disaster, left it late, and still reached the play-offs (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
The tie-breakers were unsatisfactory, too.While Brugge celebrated in defeat in Manchester, Dinamo Zagreb were downcast in victory at the Maksimir. They had beaten Milan but missed the play-offs on goal difference. It raised the question: is goal difference a fair differentiator when you’ve played a different set of fixtures to, in Dinamo’s case, City, Sporting and Brugge?Away goals would not represent a perfect solution either, as you don’t play every team home and away.
By playing eight different teams, there is more variety, more curiosity and less sameness. However, the new format throws up another conundrum: when is a league not a league? By not playing everyone, your club’s fixtures can feel abstract and that abstraction could be like lifting the lid on Pandora’s box. Because if home and away isn’t a thing, does it matter where these games are played? Might it open the door to UEFA Champions League fixtures in New York and Riyadh?
We should never forget the original sin of this format change was the challenge posed to UEFA by a Super League. The Swiss model is an open model. It isn’t closed to entry. But it does secure clubs more revenue — albeit not as much as some think they would make in a new competition — and the 16-team play-off round works like a safety net from elimination that keeps the under-performing elite in the competition instead of sending them down to the less lucrative, more tiring Europa League as in previous years.So as with the illusion of jeopardy, the other trick here — a compromise, really — is that this is a Super League approximating format under UEFA branding.“Are you not entertained?”I’ll leave you with the image of Aleksander Ceferin, bloodied by the Super League insurrectionists, throwing his sword onto the Colosseum gravel.Is it a thumb-up, a thumb-down, or is your fist still hovering uncertainly in the air?
Inside Naomi Girma’s move to Chelsea: From early success to breaking transfer records
Meg Linehan an 31, 2025 Shortly after Naomi Girma’s first links to Chelsea appeared, a video from the match between the United States and England resurfaced. Following the final whistle of a scoreless draw at Wembley Stadium last November, cameras caught Chelsea defenders Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze wrapping Girma up in hugs, Bright prodding playfully at the U.S. badge on Girma’s jersey, covering her mouth as she talked. Months later, while officially wearing Chelsea blue, Girma laughed when shown the video, admitting the two had been asking if she was coming to London. Calling the moment intriguing or even an inflection point is a bit of a reach, but it helped rev up speculation over Girma’s future in the NWSL and her eventual destination in the transfer window. However, her journey to a record-breaking $1.1million (£890,000) transfer started nearly a year earlier when Girma requested to go on loan from the San Diego Wave in January 2024. She was ready for Europe.
Girma joined the NWSL as the No. 1 draft pick in the 2022 entry draft, selected by the expansion team in San Diego ahead of their inaugural season. Most NWSL expansion teams don’t immediately make a significant play for the postseason, but the Wave finished in third place that first year and Girma was voted both the league rookie of the year and defender of the year. She would go back-to-back as the league’s top defender in 2023 when the Wave won the NWSL shield as the top team of the regular season.At the same time, Girma was making a name for herself with the U.S. women’s national team, earning her first cap in 2022 under former head coach Vlatko Andonovski. Ahead of the 2023 World Cup, Megan Rapinoe provided her assessment of Girma’s instant-starter status. “I don’t think you can leave her off the field,” Rapinoe told a handful of reporters ahead of a SheBelieves Cup match. “Calm, extremely smart. I don’t think her physicality gets talked about enough, deceptively quick. If you have any kind of quickness and brain, then that’s a wrap. She can play any kind of ball. She’s a great leader. She’s just f***ing good.”
Girma quickly earned her spot with the U.S. women’s national team in 2023. (Brad Smith / Getty Images for USSF)
By the time the 2023 World Cup rolled around, Girma was a locked starter — though alongside Julie Ertz who had unexpectedly returned to the team in time for the tournament, and not Becky Sauerbrunn (who wasn’t selected due to a foot injury). For as much as the USWNT’s earliest exit in a World Cup has been dissected, Girma and Ertz were the clear bright spot, only allowing two shots on goal through the four matches played.Last summer at the Olympics, Girma once again played every minute of a major tournament for the team. This time, it was her coronation, ending with a gold medal.
“She’s the best defender I’ve ever seen,” head coach Emma Hayes said after the shutout semifinal victory against Germany. “Ever.”As Girma’s profile rose in the United States and the international game (Ballon d’Or snub aside), the Wave’s technical staff realized they would struggle to afford her. In June 2023, the club signed Girma to a new deal through the 2026 season, the maximum contract length at the time.By the start of 2024, however, Girma had asked the team to consider an overseas loan. Sources briefed on these conversations did not specify which team — only that, because of the short turnaround time, the Wave were unable to honor that request.During the season, the coaching staff and front office (and eventually, ownership) were going through changes of their own. General manager Molly Downtain announced her departure in February, though her final day with the Wave happened in April. By June, the team hired Camille Ashton to serve as the club’s new sporting director and general manager. Head coach Casey Stoney was fired later that month after a seven-game winless streak.
Naomi Girma won rookie and defender of the year in 2022. (Lyndsay Radnedge / Getty Images)
It would fall to Ashton to determine if Girma was still set on Europe. The 2024 summer window was still a theoretical possibility, though at this point — based on the NWSL club’s understanding of the situation — Girma had not yet determined what her preferred destination was.Through the fall and into the winter transfer window, Girma was linked to three of the top European clubs: Arsenal, Lyon, and Chelsea. Arsenal was the first of those clubs to truly fall out of the running, though sources briefed on the team’s conversations with Girma and her agent did say that former Arsenal defender Alex Scott had an “informal” discussion with her over a potential move.
Lyon, as things inched closer to a final deal, was the main challenger to Chelsea, providing the Wave with a $1million offer for a transfer fee of their own. There was no shortage of American teammates to talk to there about their experiences in France, with USWNT captain Lindsey Horan and defender Sofia Huerta, currently on loan from Reign FC, both on the roster.Chelsea, in many ways though, was always the frontrunner, and not just because of their willingness to be aggressive in their transfer window spending.Naomi Girma had always been on Chelsea’s radar and scouts had previously filed reports on her over the past couple of years as Girma settled into the NWSL. Their hand was forced, however, last November after center back Kadeisha Buchanan tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). One source familiar with the deal confirmed that Girma became a primary target that month — and head coach Sonia Bompastor had been pretty clear on the need for depth at center-back across multiple press conferences this winter.
Naomi Girma joins a Chelsea team needing to add depth. (Harriet Lander / Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
The goal for Chelsea remains to win the Champions League, and the team did not feel it could do that with Millie Bright and Nathalie Bjorn alone.
Back in San Diego, the club had to balance two priorities: helping Girma play where she wanted to play, but also ensuring the Wave got a fair shake on the final deal.
At first, there were exploratory conversations about Chelsea sending a player to California along with a transfer fee, but that turned too complicated and the final discussions were solely about the right dollar amount. Sources briefed on these conversations also said that San Diego wasn’t entirely sure it would be wrapped up in time for the window closing on January 30, but they also understood it wouldn’t be beneficial for them or Girma if she didn’t make the move this winter.The Wave had already begun preparing for her absence on the 2025 roster, most crucially signing 17-year-old Trinity Armstrong, convincing her to make the leap to the pros after a successful freshman year at the University of North Carolina which culminated in an NCAA national championship — and a summer with the U.S. under-17s at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in which the team won bronze. Armstrong, not unlike Girma, had played every minute of that tournament for the youth national team.Armstrong may be poised to follow in the footsteps of Girma both in San Diego and her progression to the senior national team, but the Wave also knew that there was no way to replace Girma with a single player. She has always been one of one. Rather than focus on a big signing to compensate, the Wave have opted to focus on the team’s depth and chemistry as a whole under new head coach Jonas Eidevall.
By January 21, the Wave and Chelsea had agreed to the terms of the transfer: a $1.1million fee, which sources said would be split across three years. It was also the first day of San Diego’s preseason — which Girma reported to — and a few days after the U.S. women’s national team announced Girma would miss the January camp due to a minor calf injury.By that Sunday, all the trappings of her announcement were in place, including the hype video, promotional photos, and the customized ‘Girma 16′ jerseys prominently featured on the team’s store website.The moment had finally arrived, and no cold London drizzle could dampen the moment of Girma stepping out from the tunnel at Stamford Bridge in blue, her hand raised in a wave, as the stadium blared the chorus of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication.”
Champions League Drama on Final Group Day Gives us Interesting Knockout Round Match-ups
Not sure these were the match-ups that UEFA was imagining when they laid out this new Champions League format. Sure Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Leverkusen are all automatic qualifiers in the top 8 but just look at the huge teams having to battle just to get to the final 16? Real Madrid vs Man City in the Knockout Stage ?? Are you kidding? Of course some would argue how could City even make this stage after only winning 2 games in the first 7? Knockout rounds start the 2nd week of Feb while the top 8 wait around till March to play.
Why Don’t The Soccer Gods Get it ?
It certainly was an exciting Champions League Final Group stage day with all the games being played at the same time – serious drama as Man City stayed alive, & AC Milan fell out of the top 8. Too bad you could only watch a couple of them (seriously I had 3 TVs with 2 games with American’s and the Golazo show on). Man you futball/Soccer IDIOTS sure could learn a lesson about actually putting on a tournament. You can’t play all the games at one time – people can’t watch them. Its STUPID!) Imagine starting the games at say 4 pm in Europe, then 6:30, then 8:30, then 10 pm? That’s 4 primetime slots – where the entire world could try to watch say 3 or 4 games at a time. Hey Para+ maybe a 4 way split screen like the NCAAs? You could show 4 games at a time per time slot. European Futbol is so far behind the NFL in this sense – its laughable.
Big TV Games this Weekend
Lets Start with Arsenal vs Man City Sun 11:30 am – of course its on Peacock not USA – thanks NBC – NOT. Anyway can Arsenal keep their hold on 2nd in the table or will they let Man City climb back in the race?
At the same time on Sunday we get the Milan Derby – as Inter and AC Milan face off in the San Siro at 12 noon on CBS Golazo and Para+ – AC Milan fell from 6 to 13th in the Champ League table with their horrific loss Wed despite Christian Pulisic’s 4th Champion’s League goal this campaign (an American record). AC seems to be reeling under new coach Canseco – as most of the players are complaining he’s too mean and has lost the lockerroom? Of course AC was in disarray the last time two faced each other in the Cup when Pulisic saved the day and they won 3-2. Full layout of Americans overseas in games below including Tyler Adams & Bournemouth playing Liverpool Sat at 10 am on USA Network. Bournemouth stands in a tie for 6th with Chelsea and is playing some of the best ball in the EPL now that a healthy Tyler Adams at Dmid. He’s honestly one of the top #6s in the league when healthy. Dortmund and Gio Reyna travel to Heidenheim needing a win Sat at 9:30 on ESPN+. Gio got 26’ off the bench midweek against Shaktar Donetsk and contributed a lovely Backheel assist as BVB went on to win the Champions League match 3-1.
Huge Congrats toFormer Carmel FC Player Maverick McCoy son of former CFC Coach Wade McCoy for signing a USL Academy contract with Indy 11. In fact he started in the preseason friendly yesterday.
GAMES ON TV
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Leading the way
USMNT players aren’t just making the squad, they’re being recognized as leaders
Saturday
Watford v Norwich City – 7:30a on Paramount+
Josh Sargent scored two goals last weekend in his first start since returning from injury two weeks ago. The USMNT needs Sargent to stay healthy and regain his scoring form as they are likely to be down a couple of options for the Nations League competition in the March window.
Udinese v Venezia – 9a on CBSSN and Paramount+
Gianluca Busio and Venezia played Hellas Verona to a draw last weekend and remain four points back of them for safety. Venezia have just sixteen points through twenty-two matches and look likely to head back to Serie B next Fall. They will be facing eleventh place Udinese on Saturday who are looking to snap a five match winless streak.
Stuttgart v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN+
Joe Scally was back in the starting lineup, one week after getting a rare day off. Borussia Monchengladbach won the match 2-0 to move to eighth in the table and they will now travel to fourth place Stuttgart looking to string together some wins.
Bayern Munich v Holstein Kiel – 9:30a on ESPN+
John Tolkin saw his first Bundesliga minutes last weekend in a substitute appearance for Holstein Kiel who held Wolfsburg to a 2-2 draw. Kiel remain two points back of Heidenheim for the relegation playoff position and will face a stiff challenge this weekend as they face league leading Bayern Munich.
Heidenheim v Borussia Dortmund – 9:30a on ESPN+
Gio Reyna was an unused substitute last weekend in his first match under new management but got 26’ off the bench midweek against Shaktar Donetsk and contributed a lovely Backheel assist as BVB went on to win the Champions League match 3-1. Dortmund have just one win in their last eight league matches and currently sit in eleventh place though just six points back of fourth place Stuttgart. They face a Heidenheim side that are flirting with the relegation zone with just fourteen points through nineteen matches.
St. Pauli v Augsburg – 9:30a on ESPN+
James Sands has started the past two matches for St. Pauli, both wins, and the six points have pulled the club up to thirteenth place, six points clear of the relegation playoff position. They will face Augsburg who are one spot, but five points, ahead of them in the Bundesliga standings. It has been a quick transition for Sands who joined St. Pauli in January
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool – 10a on USA Network
Tyler Adams notched two more assists last weekend in Bournemouth’s 5-0 thrashing of third place Nottingham Forest last weekend. The Cherries are now in seventh place and will face league leading Liverpool on Saturday morning. Adams has started three straight for Bournemouth who are undefeated in their last eleven matches. Liverpool won the first match between the two sides, 3-0 back in September before Adams had returned from his offseason injury.
Newcastle United v Fulham – 10a on Peacock
Fulham and Antonee Robinson fell to Manchester United 1-0 last weekend with Robinson once again wearing the captains armband for the Cottagers. Despite the loss Fulham remain in tenth place, they are eight points back of this weekends opponent, Newcastle United, who are in fifth place following their win over Southampton last weekend.
Leeds United v Cardiff City – 10a on Paramount+
Brenden Aaronson started and went the full 90’ yet again for Leeds United last weekend in their scoreless draw with third place Burnley. Aaronson has started every match since Leeds’s third game of the season and is already over 2,300 minutes in league play. Leeds remain in first place, with a two point advantage over Sheffield United, heading into their matchup this weekend against eighteenth place Cardiff City who defeated Derby County last weekend and are undefeated in their past seven league matches.
Union Berlin v RB Leipzig – 12:30p on ESPN+
Jordan Pefok started yet again last weekend for Union Berlin but has yet to find the back of the next this season. Berlin fell to St Pauli 3-0 and they have suffered defeat in seven of their last nine matches, with just one win in that period. Berlin face fifth place RB Leipzig who are tied on points with Stuttgart.
NEC v PSV – 3p on ESPN+
Ricardo Pepi started for PSV on Wednesday scoring a goal and adding an assist in a 3-2 victory over Liverpool in Champions League play. Unfortunately Pepi was injured before coming off and is now set to miss the next 1-3 months, likely knocking him out of Nations League action. The Pepi injured, combined with Malik Tillman already missing out may mean that Richard Ledezma is the lone American suiting up for PSV as they take on NEC in league play, looking to maintain their five point advantage over second place Ajax.
Sunday
Juventus v Empoli – 6:30a on Paramount+
Weston McKennie wore the captains armband for Juventus midweek and Tim Weah played the full 90’ at rightback as the team fell to Benfica 2-0 but still qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League. Juventus fell to first place Napoli last weekend 2-1, suffering their first Serie A defeat of the season.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace – 9a on Peacock
Crystal Palace fell to Brentford 2-1 last weekend though Chris Richards did get his fifth straight start. Palace are eleven points clear of the relegation scrap and two points behind this weekends opponent, Manchester United who are coming off a 1-0 win over Fulham.
AC Milan v Inter Milan – Noon on Paramount+
Christian Pulisic scored yet another goal, his twelfth across all competitions this season, on Wednesday. Unfortunately, Yunus Musah received his second yellow of the match less than forty minutes in and Milan would fall 2-1 playing down a man the rest of the way to Dinamo Zagreb. Pulisic also scored last weekend in Milan’s 3-2 win over Parma. They will now host Inter Milan who are in second place, three points back of Napoli. AC Milan has defeated Inter twice this season, once in league play as well as in the Supercoppa Italiana final with Pulisic scoring in both matches.
Olympique Marseille v Olympique Lyon – 2:45p on beIN Sports
Tanner Tessmann has not made it off the bench in Lyon’s past two league matches but did get the start on Thursday as they face Ludogorets Razgrad in Europa League action. Lyon are in sixth place and taking on second place Marseille this weekend.
Real Betis v Atheltic Club – 3p on ESPN+
Real Betis defeated Mallorca 1-0 last weekend with Johnny Cardoso getting his fifth straight start and once again playing the full 90’. Betis pulled into tenth place with the victory and will now host fourth place Athletic Club.
=======RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ===
Looking for a good summer meal? Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
Save 20% on your order
(mention the ole ballcoach)
Check out the BarBQ Ribs, pulled Pork and Chicken, Brisket and more. Sweet, Tangy or Spicy sauce. Mention you heard about it from the Ole Ballcoach — and Ryan will give you 20% off your next meal. https://www.rackzbbqindy.com/Call ahead at 317-688-7290 M-Th 11-8 pm, 11-9 Fri/Sat, 12-8 pm on Sunday. Pick some up after practice – Its good eatin! You won’t be disappointed and tell ’em the Ole Ballcoach Sent You!
Save 20% on these Succulent Ribs at Rackz BarBQ when you mention the Ole Ballcoach – Corner of 131 & Hazelldell. – Call 317-688-7290.
======================RackZ BAR BQ ====Save 20% ======================
It has been a Champions League semi-final three times over the past decade and a quarter-final once, but this time Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the competition’s new play-offs round — with the winners over two legs next month advancing to the last 16 in March.That blockbuster tie coming at such an early stage of the competition is surely not what UEFA envisaged when it revamped the tournament’s structure this year, meaning only the top eight sides from the 36-team opening phase qualified automatically for the last 16.But City and Madrid have paid for their poor performances in Europe this season, with the English champions particularly close to going out altogether as they trailed in the last of their eight games.Now, both have the chance to make amends by knocking out opponents they will see as major rivals in their bid to go on and win the competition.Elsewhere among the eight ties, Celtic meet Bayern Munich and there is an all-French contest between minnows Brest and serial domestic champions Paris Saint-Germain.The first legs of the play-off matches will take place on February 11 and 12, with the returns a week later.Sam Lee, Rory Smith, Oliver Kay, Seb Stafford-Bloor and Dermot Corrigan analyse the key talking points from today’s draw.
City in rare position of being underdogs
Real Madrid will hardly be relishing a tie against Pep Guardiola’s men, given how dangerous they can still be, but it is a very different Manchester City this season, one ravaged by basically all of the half-decent teams they have played in the past three months — apart from the Chelsea game last week, when they ruthlessly exploited the spaces afforded to them by their visitors’ high press.
Madrid are unlikely to do that, because they have generally sat back and waited for City and tried to hit them on the break in their recent meetings.
With the remarkable exception of a 4-0 semi-final second leg defeat in Manchester to a side on their way to the treble in 2023, that approach has been enough to undo even City at their top level. This is an “old” City team, in Guardiola’s own words, and they really struggle against counter-attacks.
Guardiola is praying that many of his injured players return between now and the first leg in about 10 days. City can also register three new signings to play in the tie, although as it stands only Omar Marmoush is likely to contribute.
Madrid are favourites, then — overwhelmingly so if those injured City players do not come back to fitness quickly.
Sam Lee
Real Madrid will hope pace gives them the edge
The stark look on the face of Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno when the draw was made said it all.
Madrid were facing Manchester City yet again — for the fifth time in the past six seasons in this competition — in a play-off round they know they should not really be part of. But Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions are paying the price for losing three of their eight league-phase games, with the slips away at Lille and at home to Milan now especially damaging.
Ancelotti’s big-name attackers Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe could do a lot of damage to a City defence which has suffered against counter-attacks all year but he said outright this week that he did not want another meeting with City, aware that, whatever happens, they will be two physically and emotionally draining games. Especially with all the focus that ex-Barcelona player and manager Guardiola coming back to the Bernabeu always brings.
Vinicius Jr will be a huge threat to a City defence that has been unusually vulnerable this season (Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
There is also an awareness at Madrid that, should they progress past City, they will either play neighbours Atletico or Bernabeu old boy Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 — another super high-profile tie which they would rather have avoided at that stage of the competition.
Dermot Corrigan
Bayern avoid City and a nightmare week
Given how Bayern Munich stumbled through the league phase, this could have been a lot tougher.
There is healthy respect for Celtic and their place in the game — RB Leipzig were soundly beaten in Glasgow in November, so nobody will underestimate the challenge ahead — but the two legs of this tie occur either side of a critical Bundesliga game away to champions Leverkusen, and so being drawn against Manchester City really would have made that a nightmarish week. It would also have been appropriate punishment for a sloppy start in this competition. October’s loss to Barcelona was very ugly. The defeat at Feyenoord last week was arguably worse.
The other German side involved in this draw, Borussia Dortmund, are now under new management, with Niko Kovac appointed this week to succeed Nuri Sahin. They will see their draw as favourable, too, given that Sporting CP are still suffering in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s November departure to take the Manchester United job. Expect to see a more cautious and resilient Dortmund emerge by the first leg.
Two weeks ago, Sporting would rightly have fancied their chances — particularly for the opening game in Lisbon — but with that coaching change and the potential for some new-manager bounce, that is now a much tougher proposition. One caveat, though, is that Kovac won’t have Felix Nmecha. The influential midfielder is out for the rest of the season through injury and, barring some dramatic transfer activity in the coming days, his orchestrating will be extremely difficult to replace.
Still, a very good draw for the German clubs. The two extra games are a burden, but they could have been far more attritional.
That sound you can hear is a sigh of relief: relief for Juventus and Milan that they will not have to face each other in the Champions League play-offs; relief for Thiago Motta and Sergio Conceicao, the respective managers, that their team will not have to risk the humiliation of being eliminated by Italian rivals; relief from everyone who sat through the dreadful 2003 final between those two at Old Trafford and is still triggered by the experience.
Neither Milan nor Juventus needed that sort of strain at what has become a distinctly delicate point in their seasons. For the first time since he took charge in the summer, there is a scintilla of pressure on Motta, the man tasked with restoring Juventus to some sort of primacy at home and abroad.
His unbeaten domestic record fell at the weekend, as Juventus surrendered a lead at Napoli; all of a sudden, the 13 — yes, 13 — draws his team have registered in 22 Serie A matches look less like a platform for an imminent recovery and more like a sign of ongoing decay. Remaining in the Champions League for as long as possible is vital not just for the financial rewards, but for morale. A free-running PSV pose a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.
Milan, too, will see Feyenoord as the least worst option. Conceicao has only recently been installed as manager, replacing Paulo Fonseca at the turn of the year, and results so far have been mixed. Not as mixed as Feyenoord’s, though: Brian Priske’s side beat Bayern Munich 3-0 last week, then collapsed to a 6-1 loss at Lille. The chances are Priske will not still be in charge by the time Milan travel to Rotterdam for the first leg.
In truth, though, neither of these two looks likely to be the last Italian side standing in the 2024-25 Champions League.
Atalanta, having missed out on automatic qualification for the last 16 only by a point, would have been confident of beating either of their potential opponents Club Brugge and Sporting. Although the Belgians are probably the more exacting of the two, Gianpiero Gasperini’s team stand as overwhelming favourites to go through.
If they do get through to play Aston Villa or Lille in the round of 16, it’s fair to say nobody left in the competition will want to face them.
Rory Smith
Liverpool, Barcelona and plotting a path to the final
There are still a lot of either/ors, but at this stage it feels like the potential benefits of finishing first and second in the league phase are becoming clearer for Liverpool and Barcelona.
Another draw on February 21, after the play-off round is completed, will determine which of those two will play the winners of the Brest-PSG tie and which will meet either Monaco or Benfica. Beyond that, one of them could potentially face Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, Lille or Sporting in the quarter-finals, while the other could potentially be up against Villa, Dortmund, Atalanta or Club Brugge.
Nobody will want to play PSG in the next round — and Liverpool know from bitter experience in the Europa League last season what difficult opponents Atalanta can be — but it feels like finishing in the top two has brought a slightly easier-looking passage to the semi-finals.
By contrast, whoever gets through that Manchester City vs Real Madrid tie will face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 and then, if they progress again, one of Juventus, PSV, Arsenal and Inter in the quarter-finals.
Christian Pulisic’s spot-kick composure, Tyler Adam’s unstoppable momentum and Josh Sargent’s sparky revival all play a part in this week’s USMNT player tracker.
Throughout the season, we will bring you updates on the USMNT players plying their trade in various leagues around Europe.
With a home-soil World Cup on the horizon, we’re keeping tabs on how they perform every weekend.
Issue of the weekend
Cometh the hour, as usual, cometh the man.
Pulisic was a game-changer yet again for Milan in their important win on Sunday. The USMNT star became his club’s joint top goalscorer in the league as he whipped in the penalty that got them back on level terms with Parma in a close contest they eventually won 3-2 in added time.
It was proof that Milan can count on him to lead by example when the chips are down.
“It is our job to score, we want to help the team in any way, through goals or assists,” he told broadcaster DAZN afterwards. “We have to keep going like this.”
Pulisic places the ball on the spot before equalising for Milan against Parma (Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old’s display was not perfect. He was guilty of a few overhit crosses (unusually, none of his five deliveries found their target) and had a complete air swipe when Alvaro Morata’s ball found him in the area early on.
But the man who has never missed a penalty in his senior career had the guts to make the difference when it counted and the example set with his nerveless sixth Serie A goal of the campaign inspired the team.
Pulisic wasn’t the only American making the difference as Milan gave their top-four hopes a boost at San Siro. It was Yunus Musah’s cute pass in the 92nd minute that slipped through the Parma defence to allow Tijjani Reijnders to make it 2-2 before Samuel Chukwueze secured the dramatic winner three minutes later.
Musah’s pass carving through the Parma back line was his second assist of the season. Milan are now only five points behind Lazio, who are fourth with a game in hand on the Roman club.
Musah provided an assist (Nicolo Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
His two assists in their emphatic 5-1 thrashing of title dark horses Nottingham Forest on Saturday made him the first American to create three goals across successive Premier League games.
Adams has spoken about thriving within coach Andoni Iraola’s controlled chaos and he is a key part of the surging momentum that is currently overwhelming opponents.
Adams celebrates with Justin Kluivert (Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)
His tigerish display at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, as compelling defensively as it was creatively, wrote his name into most pundits’ teams of the weekend.
It is perhaps no coincidence that Bournemouth’s impressive run of form, which has them seventh in the table and in contention to qualify for European competition, stems from his return from injury in November.
“If you could see his eyes looking at me when we’re about to replace him after that second goal, he was not satisfied with that,” said Norwich’s Danish head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup. “That was not what he wanted.
“But we had a plan beforehand that it was a maximum 65 minutes with him, no matter what, because we cannot take any risk. The last thing we need is to have another injury with him. We need to still be careful, but 65 minutes, two goals, that’s a step in the right direction.
“He’s a quality player. It’s not even up for discussion. So of course when we lose him and he’s not available, it will mean a difference to the team. Simple as that. He’s quality and he’s also quality for the players.
“He’s a big voice in the dressing room and he always responds well to the way that we prepare the game. He’s able to suggest some adjustments or small details that we can correct when he’s in the game. To have him around the team means so much to the group.”
Thorup explained to local news outlet The Pink ’Un why he was willing to upset USMNT striker Josh Sargent to ensure the club carefully managed his return to full fitness after the 24-year-old’s brace in Norwich’s 5-1 Championship win over Swansea City.
Sargent scored a brace against Swansea (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
The cutoff was 22 shots, a figure reached by an unfortunate Bundesliga defender. On Saturday, another player in Germany’s top flight upped his “shots in vain” tally to 22 attempts and has a pedigree that really makes us all expect a better return.
Jordan Pefok was a shrewd dual-national commitment during Gregg Berhalter’s time as USMNT manager. Before Folarin Balogun made his decision between the USMNT, England and Nigeria, it was Pefok who gave the strike corps fresh reinforcements ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
He was in form with Swiss giant Young Boys and a move to Union Berlin in the months preceding the Qatar tournament was supposed to, if nothing else, see another U.S.-eligible forward in good standing to challenge.
As it was, he didn’t make the World Cup squad and has scored just four goals in 48 appearances with Union. This year, he hasn’t rippled the net in 889 minutes of league action.
Poor Pefok. His latest blank came in his team’s 3-0 reverse at St. Pauli on Sunday. He is getting in dangerous areas — an average shot distance of 11.5 yards is peak centre forward behavior — and only four of his 22 attempts have been blocked. That 0.13 xG per attempt rate is nothing to scoff at either. Among the Bundesliga forwards who average a lower xG per shot than Pefok are Harry Kane (0.12), Lois Openda (0.12) and new Manchester City signing Omar Marmoush (0.09).
Granted, all three of those men have been more accurate than Pefok’s 31.2 per cent on-target rate.
At 28, Pefok is unlikely to have a better chance to make a World Cup squad than next summer. Form like this will hardly keep him in the conversation given a deep pool of strikers.
The USMNT defender created a chance and won both of his tackles, according to Fotmob, against Manchester United, but the captain could not inspire Fulham to victory at Craven Cottage, as they lost 1-0 on Sunday.
Name: James Sands Club: St. Pauli Position: Midfielder Appearances: 4
The American stood out on only his second start for St. Pauli, writesSeb Stafford-Bloor.
He played 90 minutes against Union Berlin on Sunday evening as his new club won only their second home game of the season. Sands spent the first half in a midfield two with Jackson Irvine, before dropping into the centre of a back three in the second half after an injury in defence.
His big plus so far has been his versatility, particularly with St. Pauli battling injuries in midfield and defence.
Sands (right) leaps into an aerial challenge with Union Berlin’s Andras Schafer (Christian Charisius/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Against Union Berlin, they were missing probably their most influential player, Eric Smith, who usually plays in the middle of the back three and is charged with carrying and distributing the ball. Sands can do much of what Smith does, in both parts of the pitch, and it’s quite a compliment that Smith was not badly missed.
The variation in Sands’ passing was invaluable. The 24-year-old can play short up the pitch and out to the touchline but also possesses the ability to deliver a long diagonal pass to provide a nice switch of play. It was not a coincidence that this was probably St. Pauli’s slickest passing performance of the season and the most balanced attacking I’ve seen from them at Bundesliga level.
By full time, the industrious Sands had also run 11.5km.
The 23-year-old helped Real Betis put a three-game losing run behind them as he impressed in the 1-0 win at Mallorca on Saturday. He won eight duels and made four passes into the final third.
The 18-year-old dual German and U.S. national was excellent on his full debut for the Bundesliga outfit. According to Fotmob, Banks was the most accurate passer (98 per cent accuracy) to play 45 minutes or more in the 2-1 victory against Heidenheim.
Pepi came on from the bench once again to score an important goal as defending champions PSV beat NEC Breda 3-2.
According to Opta, his 1.45 goals per 90 minutes this season (11 goals in 683 Eredivisie minutes) is the second-highest among players to play at least 500 minutes in the top 10 European leagues this season, behind Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick (1.50).
Pepi (left) celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal against Breda (Jeroen Putmans/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Lily Yohannes celebrates scoring in her debut for the U.S. against South Korea last June. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
Lily Yohannes and Catarina Macario have bonded in their short time together on the national team. (Ary Frank / Getty Images for USSF)
Defender Casey Krueger said last month that she thinks the U.S. is moving forward without her. (Elsa / Getty Images for USSF)
Christian Pulisic didn’t have his finest performances for the U.S. during the Nations League Finals. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The USMNT needs to huddle up and iron out some issues before cohosting the 2026 World Cup (Alex Gallardo/Imagn Images)
A pair of defeats on home soil was a disappointing twist for Mauricio Pochettino. (Alexis Quiroz/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Landon Donovan sees the USMNT getting further away from its identity. (Photo by Rob Kinnan/Imagn Images)
Tab Ramos doesn’t like what he sees from the current U.S. men’s national team players. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper Matt Turner endured another disappointing afternoon. (Alexis Quiroz / Jam Media / Getty Images)
Jesee Marsch was infuriated by two refereeing decisions. (Eliecer Aizprua Banfield / Jam Media / Getty Images)
The Nations League semifinals made for a night of long faces for Christian Pulisic and the U.S. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
Canada was left to grimace after a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the Nations League semifinals. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino endures defeat to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
Pochettino’s gameplan was not enough to overcome Panama’s energy and spirit. (Robin Alam / ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Weston McKennie claimed the USMNT needed more “nastiness” against Panama. (Robin Alam / ISI Photos / Getty Images)
Thursday’s defeat rekindled memories of the Copa América defeat to Panama that ultimately sealed Gregg Berhalter’s fate. (Hector Vivas / Getty Images)
Jack McGlynn and Tim Ream are dejected as Panama celebrate their late winner (Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Romero reached the 2014 World Cup final despite being second-choice at his club (Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Henderson, who is in the current England squad, and Turner warm up for Palace (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Turner during Thursday’s defeat by Panama (Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Lonergan playing for Everton against Western Sydney Wanderers in a 2022 friendly (Brett Hemmings/Getty Images for Bursty)
Turner catches a cross during Palace’s recent FA Cup win against Millwall (Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
USMNT and Iran pose together at the 1998 World Cup. (Photo by Nader Davoodi ATPImages/Getty Images)
Rafa Márquez gave Mexico its first World Cup qualifying win in Columbus in 2016. (Paul Vernon/AFP/Getty Images)
Patrick Agyemang, center, was a star of January camp for the U.S. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
The NWSL was one of the first leagues to return to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Jeffrey Swinger / USA TODAY Sports)
Canada defender Vanessa Gilles said she’s unlikely to return to Angel City from Lyon at this time. (Maria Lysaker / USA TODAY Sports)
UEFA released the video of the penalty on its website on Thursday (UEFA)
Alvarez’s penalty was ruled out after a VAR intervention (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Reyna challenges St Pauli’s Siebe Van Der Heyden in the air on Saturday (Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)
Wright returned at Oxford on Saturday (Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Pulisic attempts to evade Lazio’s Nuno Tavares and Mario Gila Fuentes (Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images)
Johnny Cardoso celebrates scoring Real Betis’ equaliser (DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Horvath denies Ollie Watkins at Villa Park (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Marie Margolius, second right, directed the series. (Valerie Terranova / Getty Images)
Trinity Rodman was heavily featured in the docuseries. (Roger Wimmer / Getty Images)
Orlando Pride won the NWSL Championship in 2024, defeating the Washington Spirit. (Bill Barrett / Getty Images)
Drogba scored Chelsea’s equaliser against Bayern in 2012 (Patrik Stollarz/AFP/GettyImages)
Michael Owen was the difference for Liverpool against Arsenal (Ben Radford/ALLSPORT)
Ireland celebrate Ray Houghton’s goal (Peter Robinson – PA Images via Getty Images)
Stuart Dallas was Leeds’ unlikely hero at Manchester City (Michael Regan/AFP via Getty Images)
Parlow Cone oversaw the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT manager in 2024. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73919005/2200441148.0.jpg)
Catarina Macario marks her return to the USWNT with a goal against Colombia. (Jack Gorman / Getty Images)
Ally Sentnor celebrates scoring her first goal for the U.S. women’s national team. (Brad Smith / Getty Images)
Lily Yohannes earns her first start for the U.S. against Colombia. (Alex Slitz / Getty Images)
Tara McKeown makes her USWNT debut against Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup. (Maria Lysaker / Getty Images)
Hayes was happy with the performance (Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
Rodman, Swanson and Wilson have not been selected (Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)
Weston McKennie’s 
The bedlam after the final whistle on Wednesday night (Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Ferdinand was pitchside at Goodison Park last night (MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time equaliser sparks chaos (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Goodison Park burns blue (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Josh Sargent has a chance to boost his USMNT starting prospects. (Stephen Pond / Getty Images)
President Trump welcomed the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, to the White House during his first term, in 2018. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty (Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Pepi has made a real impact at PSV this season (Maurice van Steen/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Milan’s Pulisic endured a frustrating derby against Inter (Luca Rossini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Richards holds off Garnacho (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Aaronson celebrates his opener (Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
McKennie played as a left-back against Empoli (Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Hayes’ plan looks ahead to the 2027 and 2031 World Cups and 2028 Olympics. (Stephen McCarthy / Getty Images)
Hayes won the FIFA Best Coach of the Year award in 2024 for the second time in four years. (Claudio Villa / Getty Images)
Remy Cabella celebrates with Ngal’ayel Mukau as Lille thump Feyenoord 6-1 on Wednesday (Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Yunus Musah sees red in Zagreb and Milan are beaten – and condemned to play two more games (Marko Lukunic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)
City diced with disaster, left it late, and still reached the play-offs (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Girma quickly earned her spot with the U.S. women’s national team in 2023. (Brad Smith / Getty Images for USSF)
Naomi Girma won rookie and defender of the year in 2022. (Lyndsay Radnedge / Getty Images)
Naomi Girma joins a Chelsea team needing to add depth. (Harriet Lander / Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Vinicius Jr will be a huge threat to a City defence that has been unusually vulnerable this season (Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Pulisic places the ball on the spot before equalising for Milan against Parma (Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Musah provided an assist (Nicolo Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Adams celebrates with Justin Kluivert (Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)
Sargent scored a brace against Swansea (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Sands (right) leaps into an aerial challenge with Union Berlin’s Andras Schafer (Christian Charisius/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Pepi (left) celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal against Breda (Jeroen Putmans/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
The Ole BallCoach 