Robinson Seals Shootout Victory

The Fullback Converted the Final Fulham Penalty Before in the FA Cup Win

In a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round clash at Old Trafford, Antonee Robinson showcased his leadership qualities as he captained Fulham to a memorable penalty shootout victory over Manchester United, booking the Cottagers' place in the quarter-finals.

The left-back, who has become one of Marco Silva's most trusted lieutenants at Craven Cottage, was restored to the starting lineup after being rested against Wolves in a tactical decision that proved masterful. Robinson's energy and composure were evident throughout the tense encounter as he consistently troubled United's Noussair Mazraoui down the flank.

Calvin Bassey broke the deadlock with a tidy header just before halftime, giving Fulham a well-deserved lead. However, Bruno Fernandes eventually equalized in the 71st minute with a stunning strike from outside the box. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the match remained deadlocked at 1-1 through extra time, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

It was here that Robinson truly stepped up. After Bernd Leno saved Victor Lindelof's penalty attempt, the American defender calmly approached the spot and coolly sent André Onana the wrong way, putting Fulham on the brink of victory. Subsequently, Leno denied Joshua Zirkzee, securing Fulham's progression. Robinson was the first to hug Leno after the save.

Robinson's stellar performance highlights the American players in the FA Cup this weekend. Alongside three other USMNT stars still in the competition—Matt Turner, Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), and Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)—Robinson will now prepare for a quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace as Fulham chase FA Cup glory.

Johnny Equalizes Against Madrid

Midfielder Heads Home Equalizer for First La Liga Goal of the Season in a Victory over Real Madrid

Johnny Cardoso chose the perfect moment to open his La Liga scoring account for the season, netting a crucial equalizer in Real Betis' impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Real Madrid on Saturday. The 23-year-old powered home a 34th-minute header from an Isco corner to cancel out Brahim Diaz's early opener for the visitors.

The goal showcased Cardoso's growing influence at Betis. He took advantage of slack marking in the Madrid box to meet Isco's delivery with a decisive header. Former Madrid star Isco would later complete the comeback, converting a 54th-minute penalty after Antonio Rudiger fouled Jesus Rodriguez in the box.

"I am very happy here, I feel very comfortable with the city, the team, and the people around me," Cardoso stated after the match, addressing rumors linking him with Tottenham Hotspur, who reportedly hold a preferential option to sign him for 25 million euros next summer.

The New Jersey-born midfielder has become a mainstay since joining Manuel Pellegrini's side in January 2024. He has started 25 games this season, including 10 consecutive league matches. His performance against Madrid demonstrated why he's become such a valued presence at the Benito Villamarín, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking threat.

Beyond his goal, Cardoso even produced a highlight moment when he outmaneuvered Madrid's veteran midfielder Luka Modric with a clever piece of skill during the match. The victory was significant for Betis, lifting them to sixth place in the La Liga standings and boosting their hopes for European qualification. However, Madrid's defeat proved costly in the title race, leaving them level on points with Barcelona, who now have a game in hand.

Cardoso's goal marked a rare achievement for American players. He became the second USMNT player to score against Real Madrid in the past 20 years, following Christian Pulisic's goal for Chelsea in the 2020-21 Champions League semifinals.

Under contract with Betis until 2030, Cardoso's commitment to the club appears strong despite interest from the Premier League. His integration into Pellegrini's system and the warm reception from Betis supporters have cemented his desire to continue his development in Seville rather than pursue a move elsewhere.

Murray's Last International Goal

 On This Day in 1993, Converting a Penalty to Tie the Match, Murray Set the Early US Record

By the spring of 1993, Bruce Murray found himself in an unfamiliar position with the U.S. Men's National Team - fighting to maintain his place in a rapidly evolving squad. Three years earlier, he had been an integral part of the 1990 World Cup team, even scoring against Austria in the Americans' return to soccer's biggest stage. Entering the year, his record 19 international goals and 74 caps had made him the face of American soccer throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

But under coach Bora Milutinovic's new system emphasizing speed and a single-forward formation, Murray increasingly found himself pushed to the margins. He found the net in the 2-2 draw with Denmark to start the year, but a severe lower back strain had kept him out of the following three matches, watching from afar as the team struggled to find its identity in the build-up to the 1994 World Cup on home soil.

Murray would write the final chapter of his remarkable international scoring career on a cool March 3 evening at Orange Coast College's LeBard Stadium. The U.S. entered the match against Canada winless in 1993, desperately seeking momentum with World Cup qualifying on the horizon. In front of 5,743 fans, the Americans quickly grabbed the lead through Dominic Kinnear but found themselves trailing 2-1 at halftime after defensive lapses led to Steve McDonald's and John Catliff's goals.

The defining moment came in the 64th minute when Canadian defender Mark Watson brought down Jean Harbor in the penalty area. What followed was a brief but telling exchange that epitomized Murray's veteran status and determination to reassert his leadership:

"Let me take it," called out young forward Joe-Max Moore.

"No," Murray replied firmly.

"Are you serious?"

Murray was indeed serious. With the confidence that had produced so many crucial goals over his eight-year international career, he stepped up to the spot. He converted his 21st and final international goal - extending his American record that had defined an era of U.S. soccer.

"I think I need to be more vocal on this team," Murray reflected afterward. "I need to get in the best shape of my life and set an example. I'm very thankful that I came back from this injury. Quite frankly, I thought I'd never play again."

But the goal would be Murray's last hurrah in a U.S. shirt. He played just one match in the US Cup in early June, and by July, after an unimpressive Copa America, his US Soccer contract expired. With Milutinovic's tactical evolution favoring faster players, the federation announced Murray's release on July 30. The 27-year-old midfielder who had led Clemson to the 1987 NCAA title and been the cornerstone of American soccer's revival was free to pursue opportunities in Europe.

"We appreciate the efforts Bruce Murray has made on behalf of U.S. Soccer over the years and his contribution to the game in the United States," said U.S. national team general manager Bill Nuttall in the announcement.

By August 9, Millwall had signed Murray on a free transfer, where he would join fellow Americans Kasey Keller and John Kerr in the Football League First Division, today's EFL Championship. On August 14, the 'all-American' striker notched his first English goal, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the season opener. He scored another goal against Nottingham Forest in November and finished his time at Millwall with 13 league appearances before being loaned out to Stockport County in March.

Murray was left off the World Cup roster, and his last appearance for the national team came in the 1993 Copa America. But that night in Costa Mesa, while securing a 2-2 draw against regional rivals Canada, Murray had one final moment to add to his legacy as America's most prolific scorer of his generation. His penalty kick, for the then-record 21st of his international career, not only saved the U.S. from defeat but served as a fitting bookend to a career that helped lay the foundation for American soccer's modern era.

Tillman Back "Sooner than Expected"

 Midfielder Hopes to Play by the End of the Season

Positive news has emerged for U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Malik Tillman as he progresses in his recovery from a serious ankle injury. The 22-year-old PSV star, who has been sidelined since mid-January, appears ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation process.

According to recent updates from PSV head coach Peter Bosz, Tillman is expected to return to Eindhoven this week to begin individual training. This development comes after he underwent surgery in Dubai and continued his recovery in Germany. The accelerated timeline offers hope that the attacking midfielder could return before the Eredivisie season ends, which concludes on May 18.

This represents a significant boost for both Tillman and PSV, as initial projections following his injury during a 5-4 KNVB Cup victory over Excelsior had been less optimistic. Tillman himself had previously stated he would "be out for a few months" but remained hopeful of making a comeback before the season's end.

Unfortunately, Tillman will miss PSV's crucial Champions League Round of 16 matches against Arsenal in March. However, his potential return for the final stretch of the Eredivisie campaign would be valuable for the Dutch club. PSV is currently leading the league standings, and Tillma contributed 11 goals in 26 appearances before his injury.

The faster-than-expected recovery also has implications for Tillman's international prospects. Though he was predictably left off the USMNT roster for the upcoming March Nations League fixtures, returning to fitness before the season's end could put him in contention for selection to the Gold Cup squad this summer.

Tillman's focus remains on successfully completing his rehabilitation. "I'm feeling positive. No pain, that's important," he previously stated, demonstrating the optimistic mindset that may be contributing to his faster-than-anticipated recovery.

Haji Finally Back

Forward Subbed On For His First Minutes Since November

Haji Wright made his long-awaited return to action as Coventry City continued their remarkable Championship resurgence with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Oxford United. The American striker's comeback from a lengthy injury layoff significantly boosted Frank Lampard's in-form squad as they climbed into the playoff positions for the first time this season.

Wright, who had been sidelined since November 9 with an ankle injury, entered the fray for the final 16 minutes of Saturday's contest. His introduction added fresh attacking impetus as the Sky Blues secured a hard-fought win that propelled them to fifth place in the table – an astonishing turnaround for a team that sat just two points above the relegation zone when Lampard took charge three months ago.

The 26-year-old American's return is perfect for Coventry, who have won an impressive eight of their last nine league matches. Wright had been in excellent form before his injury, netting seven Championship goals in the first part of the season. His availability provides Lampard with another potent offensive option as the Sky Blues push for promotion.

“You understand what it takes to make the playoffs, and when you have got ground to make up, you have got to probably average two points a game and needs a run like we have been on,” Lampard said.

Saturday's victory was secured by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto's 71st-minute winner after a see-saw battle that saw Oxford twice fight back to level terms. Wright's introduction in the latter stages helped Coventry maintain their advantage and see out another crucial victory.

The Sky Blues' transformation under Lampard has been nothing short of remarkable. From relegation candidates to genuine playoff contenders, Coventry now looks well-positioned to challenge for Premier League promotion with just 11 games remaining. Wright's return from injury could be the final piece of the puzzle as Lampard's men continue their charge up the Championship table. Coventry will look to extend its impressive run when it hosts Stoke City on March 8. As he builds back to full match fitness, Wright will likely see increased playing time.

Trusty's Head Scare

Defender Subbed Out Early, Required Stitches

During the team's recent 5-2 victory over St Mirren, Celtic defender Auston Trusty suffered a concerning head injury. The injury required medical attention and forced him off the pitch in the first half. The American center-back, who has established himself as a key starter alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers since his summer move from Sheffield United, sustained a nasty head clash that required five stitches.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the injury in his post-match comments, providing a cautiously optimistic update: "Auston got a bang in the head and had to get five stitches. He should recover." The injury came during an otherwise successful outing for the Hoops, who secured a commanding three-goal victory, thanks mainly to a standout performance from Hyunjun Yang.

Trusty's replacement, Liam Scales, stepped in admirably, according to Rodgers, who noted, "Scales came in and did really well." This is particularly noteworthy as Scales has seen limited game time this season compared to his more regular appearances last term, which has caused some rust in his performance.

The timing of Trusty's injury could be problematic as Celtic prepares to face an in-form Hibernian side in the Scottish Cup this Sunday. Hibs arrive at Celtic Park on an impressive fifteen-game unbeaten run, with their last defeat ironically coming against the Hoops in December.

Despite initial concerns, the prognosis appears favorable. Rodgers' comments suggest Trusty should be available for selection soon, which will come as welcome news to Celtic supporters who have witnessed the defender's growth since his somewhat unsteady start at the club.