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.
Forward Provided the Setup to Monaco's Opener in Victory Over Rennes
Folarin Balogun played a crucial role in AS Monaco's return to winning ways on Saturday, providing the assist for the opening goal in a commanding 4-0 victory over Stade Rennais at Stade Louis-II, though his evening was cut short due to an apparent injury.
The 24-year-old United States international delivered a well-placed pass in the 33rd minute that allowed Ansu Fati to convert with a clinical, low-angled finish. It marked Balogun's third assist of the Ligue 1 season, and his involvement in the buildup to another goal helped Monaco secure their first victory of 2026 after a difficult start to the calendar year.
Despite playing just 56 minutes before being substituted by Mika Biereth, Balogun's contribution was vital to Monaco's dominant performance. He registered one shot on target from a tight angle late in the first half and completed 80% of his passes, though he struggled in physical duels, winning none of his six contested battles. His brief appearance yielded 10 touches, with two coming inside the opposition's penalty area. Apparently, the early substitution was a precaution for some hamstring tightness.
While questions persist about his league goalscoring form—just four Ligue 1 goals this season isn't sufficient for a striker of his caliber—Balogun's creative contributions demonstrate his value to Sébastien Pocognoli's system. The victory was particularly significant for Monaco, which had secured Champions League playoff qualification against Juventus midweek and needed momentum heading into the competition's knockout stages.
Off the pitch, Balogun joined teammate Timothy Weah in expressing concern about ticket prices for this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. "It is difficult for me to resonate because I'm not buying the tickets, but growing up, I watched the World Cup on TV, and it has a magical effect," Balogun told reporters. "The World Cup is always memorable for people for different reasons. Of course, I'd want it to be affordable."
Midfielder Continues to Progress as Atletico Drew With Levante
Johnny Cardoso endured a challenging evening at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Saturday as Atletico Madrid were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Levante, a result that left Diego Simeone's side nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The 24-year-old American midfielder completed his first full 90 minutes in La Liga this season, having previously only played a complete match against Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey on January 13. His performance was characterized by industry and composure in possession but ultimately reflected Atletico's broader struggles to create meaningful attacking opportunities.
Cardoso completed the most passes of any player on the pitch with 54 successful deliveries from 59 attempts, achieving an impressive 92% accuracy rate. He also led all participants with 81 touches, attempting to dictate tempo from central midfield. His defensive contributions were significant, registering six tackles, two interceptions, two clearances, and five recoveries while winning 64% of his ground duels.
Despite his industrious display, the statistics highlighted Atletico's offensive deficiencies. Cardoso registered zero touches in the opposition penalty area and created no chances, though he did attempt 10 passes into the final third. His lone shot was blocked by Levante's defense, with Nico Gonzalez firing the rebound into the side netting just before halftime in one of Atletico's few threatening moments.
The match represented another difficult away performance for Simeone's side. While Cardoso provided stability and ball retention, Atletico desperately lacked the creative spark needed to unlock a determined Levante backline fighting for survival. With concerns mounting over injuries to Alexander Sorloth and Pablo Barrios from the same fixture, Cardoso's durability offers some consolation.
After a Brace in the Champions League, Midfielder Scored Again Over the Weekend
Malik Tillman's red-hot form continued on Saturday as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1, with the American midfielder netting his third goal in two matches following his brace against Villarreal in the Champions League.
The 23-year-old United States international delivered a composed finish just before halftime, picking out the bottom-right corner from just inside the penalty area to double Leverkusen's advantage after Arthur had opened the scoring in the 26th minute. The strike showcased Tillman's clinical edge, converting his only shot of the match.
"It's about time I scored more often," Tillman said afterward. "We didn't start the year so well, but I think we're slowly finding our feet again. And every win obviously boosts our confidence. Hopefully it continues like this."
Tillman's recent scoring run has been crucial for Leverkusen's resurgence after a difficult start to 2026. The victory at Deutsche Bank Park marked their third consecutive win following three straight defeats to open the calendar year. His six goals this season trail only Alejandro Grimaldo's 11 and Patrik Schick's nine among Leverkusen players in all competitions.
Beyond his goalscoring contribution, Tillman completed 89% of his passes during his 82 minutes on the pitch, winning half of his ground duels and contributing defensively with two tackles. His all-around performance helped Kasper Hjulmand's side maintain control despite Frankfurt's second-half pressure after Robin Koch pulled one back early in the restart before Aleix Garcia sealed the win with a goal in second-half stoppage time.
The victory lifted Leverkusen to sixth in the Bundesliga table, just one point behind fifth-placed RB Leipzig with a game in hand. Frankfurt's struggles continued, extending their winless run to six matches and marking their seventh consecutive defeat against Leverkusen. Manager Hjulmand praised his team's first-half performance while acknowledging room for improvement as they prepare for a DFB-Pokal quarter-final against St. Pauli on Tuesday.
Forwards Skied to Score Derby County's Fourth Goal in Big Win Over Bristol City
Derby County's emphatic 5-0 victory over Bristol City on Friday saw American striker Patrick Agyemang continue his impressive debut season in English football, netting his ninth goal of the campaign.
The 25-year-old forward delivered the fourth goal of Derby's dominant display at Ashton Gate in the 66th minute. Rising above Bristol City defender George Tanner, Agyemang powerfully headed home Joe Ward's cross from the right wing, directing the ball back across goal and into the bottom corner. The goal marked his third in four appearances for the Rams.
Despite losing the most duels in the match with 14 unsuccessful challenges and winning just 30% of his aerial battles, Agyemang's clinical finishing proved decisive. His performance included four total shots with one on target, completing 79% of his passes during his 71 minutes on the pitch.
The comprehensive victory propelled Derby from 11th to seventh place in the Championship table, closing in on a coveted play-off spot. John Eustace's side had raced into a commanding 3-0 lead within 36 minutes through Rhian Brewster, Ben Brereton Diaz, and Bobby Clark before Agyemang extended the advantage after the hour mark. Substitute Lars-Jorgen Salvesen completed the rout late on, making it five different scorers.
For Derby, this represented their largest Championship win since March 2019 and their first 5-0 away victory since 1959. The result also marked their fourth victory in six league matches, demonstrating the Rams' strong form heading into crucial home fixtures against Ipswich Town and Swansea City, where Agyemang will look to maintain his scoring momentum.
Defender Makes the Move to Europe After Breakout Year With the National Team
Alex Freeman completed his move to La Liga side Villarreal on Thursday, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract that runs through June 2032 in a transfer worth up to $7 million from Orlando City.
The 21-year-old right-back joins the Spanish club following a breakout 2025 season that saw him transform from reserve player to one of Major League Soccer's premier young talents. Villarreal cited Freeman's physical power, attacking prowess, and impressive athletic qualities as key attributes, noting his versatility to operate in advanced positions from the right flank.
Freeman's remarkable rise included just three MLS appearances before 2025, but he secured Orlando's starting right-back position and never looked back. His stellar performances earned him MLS All-Star selection—becoming the youngest player ever chosen—a spot on the MLS Best XI, and the league's Young Player of the Year award. He finished the campaign with six goals and six assists across all competitions.
Orlando City general manager Ricardo Moreira praised Freeman's development: "He showed maturity and commitment at every level, rising from a young prospect to an MLS All-Star and one of the league's top emerging talents."
The Baltimore native, son of former Green Bay Packers receiver Antonio Freeman, also established himself internationally under manager Mauricio Pochettino. He earned 13 caps for the United States in 2025, highlighted by a brace against Uruguay in November that marked his first senior international goals.
Pochettino expressed confidence in the transfer, saying he had spoken with Freeman beforehand and emphasized supporting players who seek growth opportunities. Freeman appears well-positioned for World Cup selection, though maintaining form at fourth-placed Villarreal will prove crucial with the tournament just months away.
Centerback Scored Again in Europe After a Domestic Red Card at the Weekend
Auston Trusty's crucial header secured Celtic's passage to the Europa League knockout play-offs as they held off a spirited Utrecht comeback to win 4-2 at Parkhead on Thursday.
The 27-year-old American defender delivered the decisive moment in the 66th minute, meeting Arne Engels' delivery with a glancing header that found the top-right corner. The goal restored Celtic's two-goal cushion after Utrecht had threatened to complete an unlikely comeback, having reduced a three-goal deficit to 3-2.
Celtic had raced to a commanding lead within 19 minutes—the third-earliest a Dutch side had trailed 3-0 in European competition history. However, Utrecht struck twice without reply, first through Dani de Wit's curling effort before halftime, then Adrian Blake's counter-attacking finish just after the hour mark, creating genuine anxiety around Celtic Park.
Trusty's intervention proved perfectly timed. Manager Martin O'Neill praised the defender's composure during what had become an increasingly nervy encounter, with Trusty completing the full 90 minutes and registering eight defensive contributions alongside his attacking heroics.
The goal marked a welcome moment of redemption for Trusty following a difficult week. He had faced criticism after receiving a controversial red card during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Hearts—a VAR-upgraded dismissal that Celtic unsuccessfully appealed—and had endured defensive struggles in the previous match against Bologna, where Celtic played over an hour with ten men, and Trusty notched his first goal of the season.
Celtic finished 21st in the 36-team standings, securing their knockout stage berth and setting up a play-off tie against either Ferencvaros or Stuttgart, with the first leg scheduled for Glasgow on February 19.
Midfielder Scored Two Goals of Different Qualities in Victory Over Villarreal
Malik Tillman delivered a standout performance on Wednesday as Bayer Leverkusen secured its Champions League knockout stage berth with a commanding 3-0 victory over Villarreal. The 23-year-old United States midfielder netted twice, demonstrating both opportunism and technical prowess.
Tillman's opening goal came through clever anticipation in the 12th minute. Villarreal goalkeeper Arnau Tenas hesitated while attempting to clear a back pass, giving Tillman time to charge down and block the clearance. The ball deflected into the empty net as Tillman, mostly facing away from the goal while maintaining his balance, watched it cross the line. "In this situation, he's very clever," said Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand. "He reads the game very well. Malik's cleverness and intensity are something he's been working on."
His second goal showcased entirely different qualities. In the 35th minute, Tillman received a headed knockdown from Patrik Schick at the penalty area's edge and unleashed a fierce half-volley that thundered into the bottom-right corner, giving Tenas no chance.
The brace marked Tillman's second in Champions League competition, having previously achieved the feat for PSV against Shakhtar Donetsk last season. Remarkably, no other American player has scored multiple goals more than once in the tournament's history. Tillman's impressive display helped Leverkusen finish 16th in the standings, securing seeding for their playoff matchup against either Borussia Dortmund or Olympiakos. The performance bodes well for his expected role with the United States at this summer's World Cup.
On This Day in 2025, the Striker Scored Against Liverpool in the Champions League Before Injury Ended His Breakthrough Season
The 2024-25 campaign had been a revelation for Ricardo Pepi. After years of searching for his footing in Europe—bouncing from Augsburg to Groningen—the El Paso native had finally found his rhythm at PSV Eindhoven. Under Peter Bosz, the 22-year-old striker was flourishing in a way few had anticipated when he arrived in the Netherlands.
By late January, Pepi had netted 16 goals across all competitions, most coming off the bench. His clinical finishing and tireless movement had made him an invaluable weapon for the Eredivisie champions, even if veteran Luuk de Jong remained the traditional starter. The goals kept flowing—in the league, in cup competitions, in the Champions League—and suddenly, the forward who had struggled to find minutes in Germany was making himself indispensable to one of Europe's most historic clubs.
PSV's season had been a study in contrasts. They dominated domestically through autumn, dropping just six points in their first 17 league matches while maintaining a comfortable lead at the top of the Eredivisie. But the new year brought turbulence. A draw with AZ Alkmaar, a shock loss at Zwolle, and a nerve-wracking extra-time escape against second-tier Excelsior had revealed cracks in their armor. Still, they sat top of the table with Ajax lurking just four points behind, and their Champions League campaign had secured passage to the knockout rounds.
On January 29, PSV would host Liverpool at the Philips Stadion in the final matchday of the league phase. For Liverpool, the fixture carried little weight—Arne Slot's side had already won their first seven matches and secured a top-two finish, guaranteeing passage straight to the Round of 16. The Dutchman, making his first return to the Netherlands since leaving Feyenoord, rested virtually his entire first team. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold watched from the stands as a lineup featuring teenagers and reserves took the field.
For PSV, the stakes were different but equally manageable. 14th place and a playoff berth were all but assured, yet pride demanded a performance. Playing against a Liverpool side that had steamrolled through Europe with ruthless efficiency—even in weakened form—represented an opportunity to make a statement before the knockout rounds began.
The match exploded into life immediately. Cody Gakpo, the former PSV star, gave Liverpool the lead from the penalty spot after Joey Veerman's clumsy challenge on Federico Chiesa. The goal stung, but PSV responded with purpose. In the 35th minute, Pepi orchestrated the equalizer. Receiving the ball in the attacking third, the American chested a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Johan Bakayoko, who turned Jarell Quansah and Robertson inside out before curling an unstoppable finish past Caoimhín Kelleher. The Philips Stadion erupted. Pepi's vision and composure had unlocked the defense, his assist a reminder of the complete forward he was becoming.
Liverpool struck back through Harvey Elliott, capitalizing on Walter Benítez's parry to restore the visitors' advantage. But PSV refused to retreat. Ismael Saibari lashed home a powerful equalizer after Liverpool failed to deal with Tygo Land's dispossession of Wataru Endo, and suddenly the momentum belonged entirely to the hosts.
Then came Pepi's moment. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Mauro Júnior drove into the Liverpool area and whipped a low cross toward the penalty spot. The delivery deflected off Conor Bradley, changing direction and sailing toward the far post. Pepi reacted instantly, stretching to get the faintest touch on the ball. It was enough. The ball diverted into the net, and PSV led 3-2. The Philips Stadion shook with noise as Pepi wheeled away in celebration, his teammates mobbing him near the corner flag.
The goal—his 17th of the season—had been the product of pure instinct, the kind of striker's anticipation that separates good forwards from great ones. Liverpool threatened in the second half, but PSV defended resolutely, content to protect their advantage against a makeshift opponent. When substitute Amara Nallo received a straight red card in the 87th minute for denying Bakayoko a clear scoring chance, any remaining tension evaporated. PSV held on. Final score: PSV Eindhoven 3, Liverpool 2.
For Liverpool, defeat mattered little. Barcelona's draw with Atalanta confirmed Slot's side as the league phase table's top team, setting up a Round of 16 clash with whichever team emerged from the playoffs. For PSV, it was validation—proof they belonged among Europe's elite, even if the playoff round awaited.
For Pepi, it should have been the launching pad for something greater. Instead, it became an ending.
In the 76th minute, before Liverpool's late red card, Pepi had been forced off with a knee injury. The initial diagnosis brought relief—no ACL damage—but further tests revealed meniscus damage severe enough to require surgery. The recovery timeline ranged from one to three months, potentially longer. PSV's knockout tie against Juventus or Feyenoord would proceed without him. The United States' Concacaf Nations League semifinals in March would go on without their hottest striker.
The injury ended Pepi's season. 17 goals in all competitions—one fewer than team captain Luuk de Jong, despite playing significantly fewer minutes—represented his best professional campaign by far. The forward who had arrived in Eindhoven seeking confidence had become one of the Eredivisie's most dangerous attackers, a player clubs across Europe were beginning to monitor closely. West Ham submitted an official bid hours after the Liverpool match; PSV rejected it immediately.
By July, Pepi was nearing full fitness, the long months of rehabilitation nearly complete. He had taken over de Jong's vacant No. 9 shirt, a symbolic passing of the torch that carried expectations he welcomed. "No one has more expectations on me than myself," he told reporters, his focus already fixed on the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
That night against Liverpool—a goal, an assist, a statement performance on the Champions League stage before 35,000 roaring fans—would stand as both a peak and a pause. The Texas-born striker had shown he could deliver in the moments that mattered most, against opposition of the highest caliber, with everything on the line. The injury may have stolen the rest of his season, but it couldn't erase what he had proven: Pepi belonged at this level, and American soccer had another player ready to compete with Europe's best.
On This Day in 2022, Robinson's Acrobatic Finish Keeps US World Cup Dream Alive in Columbus Deep Freeze
The United States men's national team faced a critical juncture in 2022 World Cup qualifying as they prepared to host El Salvador on January 27. After eight matches in the grueling CONCACAF campaign, the Americans sat in second place with 15 points, just one behind surprising group leaders Canada and one ahead of archrival Mexico. With six matches remaining, the margin for error had evaporated—anything less than victory against the Salvadorans would put Qatar 2022 in serious jeopardy.
The Americans had managed just four wins through their first eight qualifiers, and their offense had sputtered at crucial moments. They'd been held to a scoreless draw by El Salvador in the tournament's opening match back in September, and that memory lingered. El Salvador arrived in Columbus mathematically alive but desperate—sitting in seventh place with only six points, they needed a miracle run to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1982.
The venue selection told its own story. Rather than choosing a neutral-weather site or a stadium closer to El Salvador's diaspora communities, U.S. Soccer opted for Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio—a city with a proven track record as a fortress for the national team and a place where winter could be weaponized. The forecast called for 30 degrees at kickoff, with snow flurries, making it the second-coldest qualifier the U.S. had hosted this century. Coach Gregg Berhalter made no apologies for the strategy, drawing parallels to the sweltering humidity and altitude his team routinely faced on Central American road trips.
For the first time since March 2019, Berhalter could field his preferred trio of Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie together. The wait had been forced by injuries, pandemic disruptions, and in McKennie's case, a brief banishment for violating team protocols. But the reunion didn't immediately produce magic. The first half unfolded as a frustrating affair, with the Americans controlling possession but struggling to find the cutting edge. Jesús Ferreira, earning a surprise start over Ricardo Pepi, squandered two excellent chances in the opening 20 minutes.
El Salvador, unbothered by conditions meant to neutralize them, grew more confident as the scoreless match wore on. In the 28th minute, they nearly shocked the sellout crowd of 20,000 when Alex Roldan found himself unmarked on the right side, his 18-yard shot narrowly missing the far post. The halftime whistle brought a mixture of relief and anxiety—the Americans had dominated territorially but had nothing to show for it.
The breakthrough arrived seven minutes into the second half, a chaotic sequence that mixed skill with fortune. McKennie launched a long diagonal ball down the right flank to Tim Weah, whose pace carried him past two defenders into the penalty area. Goalkeeper Mario González made a spectacular sliding save on Weah's close-range shot, but the rebound bounced high into the air. Ferreira got his head to it, nodding the ball back across the goalmouth, where Weah tried an overhead kick, and Pulisic let it pass through. There, trailing the play, was left back Antonee Robinson, who buried a left-footed volley from eight yards out.
What happened next became the match's most memorable moment. Robinson celebrated with a cartwheel, followed immediately by a backflip on the frigid turf, then briefly mimicked a hamstring injury before strutting off in celebration—a joke borrowed from a Kenyan player he'd once faced in African youth tournaments. "My friend's been on me for weeks to do that celebration, so I had to pull it out," Robinson explained afterward. "I didn't tell anyone, so there were a few people scared. But it's all part of the fun of enjoying the game for me."
For Robinson, the goal carried particular significance. The 24-year-old left back, born in England to American parents, had experienced a career marked by both promise and setbacks. His journey through Everton's academy to Bolton, Wigan, and finally Fulham had been anything but smooth. With the national team, he'd endured his share of disappointments before finding his rhythm during this qualifying cycle. His first international goal had come in September—a second-half equalizer against Honduras that sparked a 4-1 comeback victory.
"I feel weird being called Antonee," Robinson confessed to reporters. "I prefer being called Jedi." The nickname, earned at age five from his love of Star Wars, seemed fitting for someone who'd navigated so many obstacles. "I've been dealing with highs and lows with the national team," he said. "I've been dealing with highs and lows in football ever since I first got on scholarship with Everton when I was 15, 16 years old. I feel like I'm someone who bounces back from low points."
The Americans controlled the remainder of the match, though they never added insurance. Pulisic departed in the 65th minute—presumably rested for the crucial showdown with Canada three days later—and the intensity dropped as Berhalter managed his squad through a congested schedule. Matt Turner, starting in goal due to Zack Steffen's back injury, didn't face a single shot on target all night. El Salvador, shut out in five of their nine qualifiers, couldn't muster the energy for a late push in the cold.
The final whistle sent the 1-0 victory into the record books and the Americans scrambling for warmth. The win improved the U.S. to 5-3-1 (WDL) with 18 points, maintaining their second-place standing one point behind Canada and one ahead of Mexico. More importantly, it kept their World Cup destiny firmly in their own hands.
"We're one step closer to our goal of qualifying for the World Cup," Robinson said. Berhalter acknowledged the performance hadn't been spectacular—the rust from a two-month break between qualifying windows was evident—but three points at home were non-negotiable. "We're still in very good position," the coach noted. "Three points were vital at home."
The Americans had now won nine of ten qualifiers in Columbus and extended their perfect home record against El Salvador to 15 straight victories. But there would be no time to savor the moment. On Sunday, they would travel to Hamilton, Ontario, to face group-leading Canada—unbeaten through nine matches and riding the momentum of a 2-0 victory over Honduras earlier that same Thursday evening. The forecast for Hamilton called for temperatures in the low 20s, another frozen battleground where the Americans would need to prove their mettle.
The path to Qatar remained clear but treacherous. Four or six points from the Canada and Honduras matches would leave the U.S. in a prime position entering the final three-game window in March. Anything less, and the mathematical cushion would evaporate. Robinson's acrobatic celebration might have been the night's most joyful moment, but the real gymnastics—navigating the final weeks of qualifying—were just beginning.
