When Lightning Struck Twice

On This Day in 1998, Americans Shock World Champions 1-0 Behind Keller's Heroics and Another Match-Winner From Distance

The semifinal draw had delivered exactly what Steve Sampson's squad both craved and feared: Brazil.

After defeating Costa Rica 2-1 on Saturday to claim first place in Group C, the Americans knew their reward would be a date with the defending World Cup champions at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Brazilians had stumbled through group play—draws against Jamaica and Guatemala sparked withering criticism back home—but rebounded with a 4-0 demolition of El Salvador to advance as Group A runners-up. Now they stood between the United States and its first Gold Cup final.

The all-time series told a grim tale: eight matches, eight Brazilian victories, a combined score of 19-0 since the teams' last meeting in 1930. More painful still was the recent history—four consecutive tournament eliminations, each by a single goal. Brazil had knocked the Americans out of the 1993 U.S. Cup, the 1994 World Cup round of 16 at Stanford Stadium, the 1995 Copa America semifinals and the 1996 Gold Cup semifinals at this very venue. The pattern was maddeningly consistent: tight matches, resolute American defending, one Brazilian moment of brilliance, elimination.

The Brazilians arrived without roughly half their first-choice squad, including Ronaldo, the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year. But their lineup still featured Romario, the 1994 World Cup Golden Ball winner whose predatory instincts had tormented American defenders for years. Alongside him were Edmundo, the temperamental striker known as "O Animal," and a supporting cast of technical wizards who'd won the ultimate prize just miles away at the Rose Bowl four years earlier.

The Americans would be without Claudio Reyna, sidelined by a groin strain, but gained the crucial return of Kasey Keller. The Leicester City goalkeeper had rejoined the team just two days earlier, fresh off consecutive Premier League shutouts against Leeds, Manchester United, and Liverpool. Brad Friedel, who'd posted back-to-back clean sheets in group play, returned to his backup role at Liverpool. For a match of this magnitude, Sampson wanted his established number one between the posts.

Heavy rain had battered Southern California all week, contributing to a dismal turnout at the cavernous Coliseum. Only 12,298 fans were scattered throughout the stadium on the night of February 10, many wearing Mexican colors in anticipation of Thursday's semifinal. The field, waterlogged and treacherous, looked more suitable for American football than the beautiful game.

The opening 15 minutes were tentative, both teams probing without conviction. Then Romario reminded everyone why he'd been the world's most feared striker just four years prior. In the 11th minute, Eddie Pope's errant pass sent the Brazilian clear. Keller dove to his left, smothering the shot with strong hands.

Two minutes later, the pattern that would define the night began to crystallize. Romario found space again, this time forcing Keller into a reaction save from close range. The goalkeeper, jet-lagged and still adjusting to the Pacific time zone, began to find his rhythm.

The 24th minute brought the save that announced Keller's intentions. Zinho's perfectly weighted pass caught Lalas flat-footed, and Romario surged into the penalty area with only the goalkeeper to beat. The crowd held its breath. Keller held his ground, then dove to his right, clutching the shot at the near post with both hands. Romario, accustomed to such chances finding the net, could only shake his head. Seven minutes later, Edmundo slipped Romario through again. Again, Keller denied him from close range.

At the other end, the Americans struggled to create anything that resembled danger. Brazil's technical superiority and comfort in possession limited the United States to desperate clearances and hopeful long balls. Eric Wynalda managed the only American shot on target in the 15th minute—a tame effort that Claudio Taffarel gathered routinely. Pope's glancing header from a Joe-Max Moore corner sailed well wide.

The 41st minute produced what many considered the save of the match. A pinpoint cross found Romario unmarked just four yards from the goal. His header, perfectly placed and powerfully struck, seemed destined for the net. Keller, reading the flight impossibly well, threw himself upward and clutched the ball from the air. The brilliance of the stop prompted Romario to pause and extend his hand in congratulation—a gesture of professional respect rarely seen on a soccer pitch.

By halftime, Brazil had outshot the Americans 13-3. Keller had made seven saves, several bordering on the stunning. The United States, tactically sound but toothless in attack, had survived. Barely. Brazil emerged from the interval with renewed intensity. Flavio da Conceição's effort from inside the penalty area in the 47th minute rolled just wide. The Brazilians sensed blood, pressing higher, committed to breaking through the wall that was Kasey Keller.

John Harkes fashioned the Americans' first second-half chance in the 56th minute, but his shot flew high and wide. Four minutes later, Sampson made the substitution that would alter history. Preki Radosavljevic entered for Roy Wegerle. Five minutes after stepping onto the field, with his very first touch, Preki delivered again. Wynalda drove up the left flank and cut inside, finding the Serbian-born midfielder in the center of the field approximately 22 yards from goal. Preki feinted right, causing Junior—Brazil's experienced defender—to shift his weight. Then he whirled left, took two touches to create separation, and unleashed his left foot.

The shot screamed toward the near post, a missile of precision and power. Taffarel, the 1994 World Cup winner, launched himself through the air. Too late. The ball bulged the net just inside the upright. The American bench erupted, sprinting toward the sideline where Preki disappeared beneath a pile of delirious teammates. The modest crowd found its voice, chanting "USA! USA!" as the impossible suddenly seemed within reach.

"It feels great," Preki said afterward with characteristic understatement. "To come off the bench and score against a team like Brazil is great." He also said, "It was just one of those things. It was my first touch. I had one chance, and I put it away."

For Sampson, the moment vindicated not just a tactical decision but an entire roster philosophy. The 34-year-old who'd become a U.S. citizen 15 months earlier, who'd won MLS MVP honors with Kansas City, who'd scored the winner against Costa Rica three days prior—this was precisely why Preki wore the jersey.

Brazil, stung and desperate, threw everything forward. The final 25 minutes became an extended siege on Keller's goal. Romario, denied repeatedly in the first half, found himself denied again in the 78th minute when Keller made yet another crucial save. Two minutes later came the moment that nearly shattered American hearts. Edmundo delivered a surgical through ball that caught the defense sleeping. Romario, alone with acres of space, charged toward an empty net as Keller rushed out to challenge. The shot rolled wide. The Coliseum exhaled.

Romario shot wide again in the 83rd minute. Three minutes later, Elber de Souza forced Keller into a diving, one-handed save that preserved the lead and the dream.

When Chilean referee Claudio Puga blew the final whistle, the American bench sprinted onto the field to engulf players who'd just made history. The fans who'd weathered the damp conditions stayed in their seats, chanting and applauding as Keller and Preki conducted television interviews before disappearing down the tunnel.

United States 1, Brazil 0. The first victory in nine all-time meetings. The first goal against Brazil in nearly seven decades. The sixth consecutive American win—a national team record. A nine-game unbeaten streak that tied the all-time mark. "This is one of the four top results in U.S. soccer history," Sampson declared. "It couldn't have happened without phenomenal goalkeeping by Keller and a terrific strike by Radosavljevic," the coach said.

Keller, who made 10 saves, deflected credit while acknowledging the magnitude of the achievement. "There's a lot of times when you make one or two saves to keep your team in the game, but to make three or four is rare. We definitely had a little luck," he said. "They weren't the strongest that we've seen them, but that doesn't take away from our performance tonight. It helps give us a lot of respect coming into the World Cup."

The victory propelled the United States into Sunday's Gold Cup final against Mexico. For American soccer, the result resonated far beyond tournament standings. The upset of Colombia at the 1994 World Cup had announced arrival; this confirmed credibility. Four months before returning to the World Cup stage in France, the Americans had beaten the world champions—proof that the foundation built over a decade of investment and development could produce moments that mattered. The euphoria lasted five days.

Mexico's 91,225 partisan supporters—plus another 6,942 packed into the adjacent Los Angeles Arena watching on closed-circuit television—turned the Coliseum into a deafening cauldron of green, white, and red on Sunday afternoon. The United States would have to navigate one final hurdle to claim the Gold Cup. Luis Hernández, who'd eliminated Jamaica with a golden goal in the semifinals, delivered the decisive blow late in the first half. The Mexican striker dispossessed Lalas just outside the penalty area in the 43rd minute, played a quick combination through Javier Lozano and Salvador Carmona, then darted in front of his marker to head Carmona's fierce cross past Keller.

The Americans created chances—Pope's headers from corner kicks in the 25th and 33rd minutes nearly leveled the match, the second cleared off the line by German Villa—but Mexico's superior finishing in the final third proved decisive. Preki, inserted at halftime in search of more magic, nearly conjured it when his snap shot in the 54th minute flew inches wide. Moments later, his dipping volley whistled over the crossbar after Cobi Jones and Moore had efforts blocked. But there would be no third consecutive Preki winner, no fairy-tale ending to cap the tournament run.

Mexico claimed its third straight Gold Cup title with the 1-0 victory. The Americans departed Los Angeles with silver medals and something more valuable: momentum. They'd won six of seven matches and—most importantly—beaten the world champions. The loss stung, but France beckoned in four months. Sampson's squad boarded their flights knowing they'd proven something crucial: they belonged. Whatever awaited them at the World Cup, they'd face it with the confidence that comes from beating Brazil when it mattered most. The tournament was over. The real test was just beginning.

Another World Cup Prep Victory

On This Day in 2006, Twellman's World Cup Campaign Continues Against Japan

The question facing Taylor Twellman after his hat-trick heroics against Norway was simple: could he sustain it?

One spectacular performance might be dismissed as an anomaly, a perfect alignment of circumstance and opportunity. But Bruce Arena's World Cup roster decisions wouldn't be made on a single night's work, no matter how dazzling. With European-based stars still occupied with their clubs, Twellman had a narrow window to prove his January explosion wasn't a fluke.

Japan arrived in San Francisco on February 10, representing exactly the test the U.S. needed. Like the Americans, Zico's squad was deep in World Cup preparation, and the legendary Brazilian coach had assembled a hungry group of J-League players fighting for their own spots on the plane to Germany. This wouldn't be another 5-0 romp. Yet before 37,952 fans at SBC Park, Twellman delivered again.

The New England Revolution forward didn't just score—he orchestrated. In the 24th minute, Todd Dunivant launched a long ball from midfield that Twellman nodded down inside the penalty area, and it fell perfectly for Eddie Pope, who finished past goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. 15 minutes later, Twellman was at it again, receiving Josh Wolff's pass at the top of the box and immediately redirecting it to Clint Dempsey, who buried his shot into the right corner.

When Landon Donovan whipped in a corner kick in the 50th minute, Twellman attacked it with a diving header that bulged the net for a 3-0 lead. The assist gave Donovan 22 for his international career, tying Cobi Jones's U.S. record.

After going scoreless in his first 12 caps, Twellman now had five goals in four games. More importantly, he had demonstrated versatility—not just a finisher, but a creator, a target forward who could bring others into play while still finding the net himself.

"He's had two very good games," Arena acknowledged afterward, though he remained cautiously noncommittal. "He's certainly putting himself in a good position. It's going to be competitive right down the stretch for everybody. But Taylor certainly hasn't hurt his cause." Donovan was less restrained. "He should go to Vegas, he's been unbelievable," he said. "He's working hard, doing the right things and getting better every game."

The Americans dominated possession and carved apart Japan's experimental six-man midfield throughout the first half. But Zico's halftime adjustments shifted momentum. Japan pulled one back through substitute Seiichiro Maki in the 60th minute, then added a second deep into stoppage time via Yuji Nakazawa, making the final minutes uncomfortable before the U.S. held on for a 3-2 victory.

Arena noted how the substitutions—both teams rotated heavily—affected the flow. "Their substitutions impacted the game," he said. "They threw us off our game a bit."

Still, the result mattered less than the statement. Twellman had answered the follow-up question emphatically. In back-to-back games against World Cup-bound opponents, he had produced four goals and two assists, transforming himself from a talented but unproven international into someone Arena had to seriously consider.

"I just want to be a good target forward and help my teammates out on defense and get in front of the goal," Twellman said, remaining focused on the work ahead.

The team's schedule would only intensify from here. Guatemala awaited on February 19 in Frisco, Texas, followed by two March friendlies in Germany itself—Poland in Kaiserslautern on March 1, then the host nation in Dortmund on March 22, when the European-based players would finally join the squad. Those matches would provide the ultimate measuring stick, the final opportunities for bubble players to separate themselves before Arena's May roster announcement.

For now, though, Twellman had seized his moment. Whether it would be enough remained uncertain, but he had given Arena exactly what any player could: two weeks of undeniable form at precisely the right time.

Freeman Makes Villarreal Debut

Defender Makes La Liga Bow in Villarreal Rout

Alex Freeman took his first steps in European football on Monday, making his Villarreal debut as a second-half substitute in a commanding 4-1 victory over Espanyol. The 21-year-old USMNT defender entered the match in the 73rd minute with his new side already cruising at 4-0, marking the culmination of his move from MLS side Orlando City.

Freeman's January transfer saw Villarreal pay approximately $4 million up front, with the deal potentially rising to over $7 million through performance-based add-ons. The son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, he arrived in Spain as the reigning MLS Defender of the Year, having earned the honor after an outstanding 2025 campaign.

Though limited to just 17 minutes of action, Freeman showed composure in his debut, completing 11 of 12 passes while recording one clearance and winning one of two duels. He replaced Santiago Mourino, who has been Villarreal's first-choice right-back since the turn of the year.

The victory lifted Villarreal level on points with third-placed Atlético Madrid at 45, ending a disappointing run of one point from three matches. Freeman now faces competition for playing time as he settles into life in La Liga, while also keeping one eye on securing a spot in the USMNT's World Cup squad this summer after his breakthrough performances in 2025.

McKennie Keeps Scoring

Midfielder's Hot Streak Continues Amid Inter Milan Interest

Weston McKennie maintained his impressive scoring form on Sunday, netting Juventus' first goal in their dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against Lazio at the Allianz Stadium. The USMNT midfielder has now scored seven times across all competitions since Luciano Spalletti took charge in late October, establishing himself as Serie A's most prolific midfielder during that stretch.

McKennie pulled the Bianconeri back into the contest in the 59th minute, heading home Andrea Cambiaso's cross after Juventus had fallen 2-0 behind. Though he later had another effort ruled out for offside, his goal sparked the comeback that Pierre Kalulu completed with a 96th-minute equalizer.

The 27-year-old's resurgence under Spalletti stands in stark contrast to his struggles earlier in the season, when he managed just one assist in 10 appearances under previous manager Igor Tudor. Now contributing to 11 goals with seven strikes and four assists in 22 matches under the Italian tactician, McKennie has become indispensable to Juventus' setup.

However, his future in Turin remains uncertain. With his contract expiring in June 2026, reports suggest Serie A leaders Inter Milan are monitoring his situation closely, viewing him as a potential free-agent replacement for the aging Henrikh Mkhitaryan. While Juventus and McKennie are reportedly open to negotiating a new deal, his current form has attracted significant attention across Serie A.

Zendejas's Birthday Goal

Winger Celebrates Birthday with Match-Winning Performance

Alejandro Zendejas marked his 28th birthday in perfect fashion on Saturday, scoring the decisive goal in Club América's 1-0 victory over Monterrey at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. Making his first Liga MX Clausura start after missing the opening three matches, the Mexican-American winger delivered a moment of brilliance that highlighted his importance to André Jardine's squad.

After appearing in América's Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Olimpia on Tuesday, Zendejas seized his opportunity in league play. Operating on the right wing, he tormented Monterrey's defense throughout the match, creating two chances and completing all three of his dribble attempts. His persistence paid off in the 65th minute when he received Jonathan dos Santos' delivery into the box and, despite being surrounded by defenders, fired home the game's only goal.

The birthday boy's influence extended beyond his strike, as he registered two shots on target from two attempts and took four of América's six corners. However, the celebration turned to concern when Zendejas departed in the 75th minute with an injury, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming Clásico Nacional against Chivas.

His performance demonstrated the quality América had been missing during their slow start to the campaign, offering hope that the Tricampeones are finally finding their rhythm.

Defensive Grit Meets Decisive Brilliance

On This Day in 1998, U.S. Edges Costa Rica to Reach Semifinals, Thanks to Preki's Goal From Distance

The Americans' comfortable 3-0 victory over Cuba had set up exactly what they didn't want: a must-win situation. Costa Rica's stunning 7-2 demolition of that same Cuban side three days later meant goal differential had swung decisively in the Ticos' favor. A draw would send Costa Rica through to the semifinals. For the United States, anything less than victory would end their Gold Cup campaign in humiliating fashion just months before France '98.

"We certainly should have scored more against Cuba," forward Eric Wynalda admitted in the days leading up to the February 7 clash at the Oakland Coliseum. "Now it's a situation where we have to win."

The matchup carried recent history with considerable bite. Costa Rica had handed Steve Sampson's squad their only loss in the final round of World Cup qualifying—a painful 3-2 defeat the previous March in San Jose. Though the Americans had evened the score with a 1-0 win in Portland five months later, the Ticos held a slight 7-3-6 (WDL) edge since the first meeting in 1975. "They were one of the few teams that gave us problems in qualifying," defender Alexi Lalas said before the match. "We know we have to be on top of our own game when we play them."

Costa Rica's firepower was undeniable. Forward Paulo Wanchope had torched Cuba for four goals on five shots on target, showcasing the speed and strength that made him one of CONCACAF's most dangerous attackers. But Lalas knew better than to focus solely on neutralizing one threat. "We've found that if we concentrate too much on one person, someone else will come forward," he cautioned. "Costa Rica has other gifted players. We just have to concentrate on how we attack; we have to concentrate on having a good overall performance, both offensively and defensively."

The Oakland Coliseum would host a doubleheader—Mexico facing Honduras in the second match—and despite torrential rains that had battered California all week, 36,240 fans turned out, many wearing Mexican colors but prepared to cheer good soccer regardless of nationality.

The sun broke through shortly after the national anthem, and the American offense broke through just moments later. The United States scored on its first shot on goal in the seventh minute when Joe-Max Moore delivered a perfectly placed corner kick. Defender Eddie Pope, timing his run to perfection, charged into the box and powered a header past goalkeeper Erick Lonnis into the net. The early strike was precisely the start Sampson's side needed.

The Americans continued pressing, with Wynalda nearly doubling the lead when his audacious bicycle kick from inside the penalty area rattled off the crossbar. But as the first half wore on, Costa Rica found their rhythm. The Ticos, who had struggled to adjust to the Americans' aggressive opening, gradually began asserting themselves in attack. Lonnis remained untested until the 45th minute, when Brad Friedel—who had gone 467 minutes without conceding—made an acrobatic save on Harold Wallace's point-blank effort.

In central defense, the veteran pairing of Lalas and Marcelo Balboa—playing their first match together since November's World Cup qualifying finale—worked to neutralize Costa Rica's counterattack, consistently clearing crossing balls and blanking Wanchope. Lalas drew a yellow card in the 45th minute for a hard foul on the dangerous forward, a tactical sacrifice to prevent a dangerous attack.

The Ticos drew level in the 56th minute. Mauricio Wright threaded a pass through a confused cluster of American defenders to an unmarked Allan Oviedo on the left side of the box. Holding off Balboa's challenge, Oviedo fired a left-footed shot into the far corner past Friedel's desperate dive. The goal snapped the American goalkeeper's shutout streak and shifted the momentum squarely onto Costa Rica's side.

With Costa Rica content to protect the draw that would advance them, Sampson made critical adjustments. He had already inserted defender Mike Burns at halftime. In the 63rd minute, he replaced Roy Wegerle with forward Brian McBride. Six minutes later, he made the substitution that would define the match—Preki Radosavljevic for Balboa.

The 34-year-old midfielder, born in Belgrade and granted U.S. citizenship just 15 months earlier on October 25, 1996, had made his international debut at age 33. His left foot had bedeviled defenders for 15 years across indoor leagues, European clubs, and now Major League Soccer, where he'd won the 1997 MVP award with the Kansas City Wizards. Sampson brought him on for precisely moments like this—to create something out of nothing.

Nine minutes after entering, Preki did exactly that. Taking a pass from Jeff Agoos on the right side around the 25-yard mark, he cut inside as Costa Rican defenders backed away, perhaps unaware of the reputation attached to his left foot. His shot from distance zoomed into the upper left corner of the net, past Lonnis's flailing hands. The rain-soaked crowd erupted in celebration.

"I had some space, and I just cracked it in," Preki said afterward, characteristically understated. "All the goals I've scored are great. I will remember this one. It's great to score such a significant goal in this tournament," he said.

For Sampson, the substitution and subsequent goal validated not just a tactical decision but a roster selection. "There was just total elation on my part," the coach said. Sampson followed up by saying, "to be able to make changes in the last 15-20 minutes of the game, and for Preki to score—this is exactly why he's on this team, to do exactly what he did today. I don't have high expectations of him defensively, but he's even defending. I'm elated for Preki, and he certainly earned his spot today."

The 2-1 victory extended the Americans' winning streak to five matches and their unbeaten run to eight games—one shy of the all-time U.S. record. More importantly, it secured first place in Group 3 and a semifinal berth. "I'm most pleased with how we played tactically," Sampson said. "We kept our heads about us. No one stopped working."

Lalas acknowledged the defensive partnership with Balboa wasn't flawless—the two had even collided while trying to cover their zone at one point—but given their lack of recent minutes together, he was satisfied. "I wouldn't package this as a how-to video," Lalas said with characteristic humor. "But we won, and that was important."

The victory improved the United States to 3-0-0 in 1998, their best start in the 85-year history of American soccer. The semifinal would take place Tuesday night at the Los Angeles Coliseum against the runner-up from Group 1, though that opponent remained to be determined—Friday night's scheduled match between El Salvador and Jamaica had been postponed to Monday due to the same heavy rains that had nearly drowned the Gold Cup.

As the Americans prepared to leave Oakland, they did so knowing that the real tests—and the real prize—still lay ahead. France beckoned in four months. First, they'd need to navigate Tuesday's semifinal against Brazil, then potentially a Gold Cup final. But with Preki's left foot in their arsenal and momentum building with each match, confidence was growing that this team could handle whatever came next.

Americans Face-Off in Germany

Tillman and Leverkusen Travel to Scally and Gladbach in the Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach meet Saturday at Borussia-Park in a Bundesliga clash featuring American talent on both sides, with Malik Tillman lining up for the visitors and Joe Scally expected to start for the hosts.

Tillman arrives in red-hot form, having scored three goals in his last three matches. The 23-year-old midfielder netted a brace against Villarreal in the Champions League before adding another in Leverkusen's 3-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. His clinical finish from inside the penalty area doubled Leverkusen's lead just before halftime, showcasing the composure that has made him instrumental to their recent resurgence.

"It's about time I scored more often," Tillman said following the Frankfurt victory. "We didn't start the year so well, but I think we're slowly finding our feet again."

Indeed, Leverkusen have won four consecutive matches after opening 2026 with three straight defeats. They currently sit sixth with 35 points, just four behind fourth-placed Stuttgart.

Scally's Gladbach, meanwhile, are struggling in 12th place with 21 points and winless in four matches. Fellow American Gio Reyna remains doubtful after missing their last fixture with muscular problems, leaving Scally as the lone U.S. representative for the hosts. Gladbach will hope to snap their poor run against a Leverkusen side unbeaten in 12 consecutive meetings.

Weah's Coupe De France Assist

Winger Delivered Early Assist in Marseille's Victory Over Rennes

Tim Weah delivered a crucial performance for Marseille on Tuesday, providing an assist in their commanding 3-0 Coupe de France Round of 16 victory over Rennes. The U.S. men's national team versatile winger helped Roberto De Zerbi's side bounce back from consecutive disappointing results.

Weah's tenacity was evident from the opening whistle. Just two minutes into the match, his relentless work rate paid dividends when he won possession back deep in the Rennes penalty area. The American then set up Amine Gouiri for a close-range finish that gave Marseille an early 1-0 advantage they would never surrender.

The assist marked Weah's second in his last four appearances across all competitions, showcasing his growing influence at the Orange Velodrome. Beyond the goal contribution, his all-around effort was impressive—he completed three tackles, won four duels, and recorded six defensive recoveries throughout the contest.

Mason Greenwood doubled the lead early in the second half, netting his 21st goal of the season, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed the victory with seven minutes remaining. The clean sheet victory was particularly welcome for Marseille after their Champions League elimination at Club Brugge and a frustrating 2-2 draw against Paris FC. Weah now faces his biggest test yet this season—Le Classique against league leaders Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

Pepi's Transfer Saga

Striker Remains With PSV After Fulham Move Fell Through

Ricardo Pepi's high-profile transfer to Fulham collapsed on deadline day, but the Premier League club hasn't given up hope. The 23-year-old U.S. international was poised to leave PSV Eindhoven after Fulham submitted a €32 million bid, yet the deal unraveled when the Dutch giants couldn't secure a replacement in time.

Currently sidelined until March with a broken forearm, Pepi has nonetheless been impressive this season, netting 11 goals with three assists across 22 appearances. His strong form for the Eredivisie leaders has attracted widespread interest from clubs across England, Germany, and Italy, though his injury further complicated negotiations.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fulham manager Marco Silva remains determined to bring Pepi to Craven Cottage and plans to revive talks during the summer window. The west London side is actively seeking a long-term replacement for 34-year-old Raúl Jiménez, whose contract expires in June, and views the American striker as an ideal solution.

PSV acquired Pepi from Augsburg for €11 million in 2023, and he's since proven his worth with 37 goals in 90 career appearances. With his contract running until 2030, the Dutch club is positioned to demand maximum value. For now, Pepi will focus on recovery and finishing the season strong with PSV before potentially making his Premier League move.

McKennie's Acrobatic Goal

Midfielder Continued His Stellar Start to 2026 With Scissor-Kick Goal

Weston McKennie delivered a standout performance on Sunday as Juventus dismantled Parma 4-1 at Stadio Ennio Tardini, with the 27-year-old American scoring a spectacular goal and playing a key role in one of the Bianconeri's best displays of the season.

McKennie made his 23rd consecutive start for Luciano Spalletti's side, and his goal came just before halftime when Pierre Kalulu's right-wing cross found the midfielder in space. McKennie executed an acrobatic scissor kick volley that flew into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi, doubling Juventus' advantage after Gleison Bremer had opened the scoring from a corner in the 15th minute.

The goal marked McKennie's fourth of 2026 and his sixth of the overall season, placing him among the most productive midfielders in Serie A. He completed 83% of his 59 passes, registered nine touches inside the opposition box, and created two chances for teammates. Defensively, he contributed three tackles, three clearances, and four recoveries while winning 71% of his ground duels.

Beyond the goal itself, McKennie was also involved in the buildup to Juventus' third strike. His headed effort from a short free kick struck the crossbar, but the rebound fell to Jonathan David, with Bremer ensuring the ball crossed the line to restore Juventus' two-goal cushion after Parma had pulled one back through an own goal.

The victory propelled Juventus into fourth place in Serie A with 45 points, 10 behind league leaders Inter Milan. McKennie played 74 minutes before being substituted as Spalletti rotated ahead of a congested schedule that includes a Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Atalanta on Thursday and a two-legged Champions League playoff tie against Galatasaray later in the month.