Luna Inclusion Warranted

Playmaker Earned Another Call-up Following a Successful January Camp and Start to the MLS Season

Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna has been named to Mauricio Pochettino's 23-player roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Finals. The 21-year-old playmaker will join the U.S. Men's National Team as they pursue an unprecedented fourth consecutive Nations League title.

Luna, who earned MLS Young Player of the Year honors in 2024 after recording eight goals and 12 assists for RSL, is one of six MLS-based players selected from January's camp. He joins Patrick Agyemang and Brian White as one of three players earning their first USMNT call-up during an official FIFA international window.

The Sunnyvale, California native significantly impressed Pochettino during January's friendlies, particularly in a courageous performance against Costa Rica. Despite suffering a broken nose early in the match, Luna refused to leave the field and provided an inch-perfect assist to Brian White for the game-winning goal.

"I think that showed a lot about my mentality and the kind of determination that [Pochettino] likes," Luna said. "I think he saw that I'm not your typical US player or your typical number 10."

Pochettino valued Luna's grit, calling him the following day to check on his condition and later praising his "big balls" refusal to exit the match.

Luna's unconventional path to the national team has been marked by bold decisions and personal growth. He left the San Jose Earthquakes academy at 15 for Barcelona Residency Academy, then developed through the USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive before joining RSL in 2022.

"It's been years of being underestimated," Luna reflected. "I feel very grateful to look back and realize that I've worked hard to be here and that I deserve this opportunity."

Luna will join the squad in Los Angeles on March 16, following RSL's weekend match against Houston.

Balboa's Last International Goal

On This Day in 1998, the Former All-Time US Cap Leader Scored His Final Goal in a Friendly Tune-up

With the World Cup just three months away, the U.S. men's national team searched for answers. A three-game scoring drought had raised serious concerns about the Americans' offensive capabilities as they prepared for their opening match against Germany in Paris. The team hadn't found the net since Preki's stunning winner against Brazil in the Gold Cup on February 10th, and coach Steve Sampson was openly questioning his attacking options. But on a March afternoon in San Diego, it would be a defender who provided the spark – and added another memorable moment to his legendary career.

Marcelo Balboa, the iron man of American soccer who had anchored the national team's defense for a decade, was already making history that day at Qualcomm Stadium. His 126th international appearance moved him past England's Peter Shilton into third place on the all-time international caps list, trailing only Saudi Arabia's Majed Abdullah (147) and Sweden's Thomas Ravelli (143). It was a homecoming for the former San Diego State star that would prove unforgettable.

The March 14 match started ominously for the Americans when Denis Caniza put Paraguay ahead in the 15th minute, taking advantage of some hesitant defending. But the U.S. showed resilience, and Chad Deering – who had defied his German club Wolfsburg's wishes to join the national team – equalized six minutes later with a powerful header from Eric Wynalda's corner kick.

But Balboa's diving header in the 50th minute would steal the headlines in the Americans' 2-2 draw with Paraguay. After fellow defender Alexi Lalas looped a cross from the left flank, Balboa – who had pushed forward into the attack – threw himself horizontally at the ball, making contact just inches above the grass. His improbable effort sailed into the upper corner, stunning Paraguayan goalkeeper Ruben Ruiz Diaz and giving the U.S. a 2-1 lead.

"It was just one of those things," Balboa said afterward. "I think I overran the ball, Alexi kind of played it behind me, and I didn't think I could plant my feet and hit the volley left-footed. So, with the momentum, I just kept on going and dived to see if I could put it on target somewhere. I never thought I'd put it up there, though."

The lead wouldn't hold, as Francisco Arce converted a controversial 75th-minute penalty after a disputed foul by goalkeeper Juergen Sommer. Still, the performance offered hope for a U.S. team preparing for a challenging World Cup group that included Germany, Iran, and Yugoslavia.

However, the draw proved to be one of the final bright spots for Balboa and the U.S. in 1998. With new players added to the fold and a switch to the 3-6-1, the older and "slower" center-back just made the roster. At the World Cup in France, internal discord and tactical changes by coach Steve Sampson led to three straight losses and a quick exit. Balboa, who had been a mainstay of the team through the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups and had earned U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year honors in both 1992 and 1994, saw only eight minutes of action in the team's final match against Yugoslavia.

The San Diego goal would be Balboa's 13th and final strike for the national team, a fitting spectacular finish for a player who had previously scored on a bicycle kick against Trinidad and Tobago in 1991 and had nearly repeated the feat on the world's biggest stage against Colombia in the 1994 World Cup. He would make his final appearance for the U.S. in a friendly against Iran in January 2000, ending his international career with 128 caps – a then-record for American outfield players. Balboa would retire from professional soccer in 2003.

Tillman Nears Return

Midfielder Could be Available After the International Break

Malik Tillman is on the verge of returning to action for PSV Eindhoven after a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury that required surgery in January. The 22-year-old has officially rejoined training sessions with the Dutch club, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.

Tillman participated in Thursday's training following PSV's Champions League match against Arsenal Wednesday, making what sources described as a "good impression" during the session. While he's unlikely to feature in this weekend's fixture, the club hasn't ruled out his potential involvement in the crucial upcoming match against Ajax later this month.

The American midfielder's return represents a remarkable recovery timeline, considering the severity of his injury. After suffering a serious ankle injury in mid-January during PSV's 5-4 KNVB Cup victory over Excelsior, Tillman underwent surgery in Dubai before continuing his rehabilitation in Germany. Initial reports suggested a prolonged absence that could have entirely ended his 2024-25 campaign.

PSV manager Peter Bosz provided a positive update in late February, indicating Tillman might return sooner than expected. The rehabilitation process has progressed steadily, with Tillman working through a carefully structured program to strengthen his ankle and gradually resume football activities.

In early February, the midfielder expressed optimism about his recovery from injury. Tillman was enjoying a stellar season with PSV, contributing 11 goals and four assists across all competitions. His absence coincided with several key fixtures, including PSV's Champions League Round of 16 tie against Arsenal and important league matches as the Eredivisie title race intensified.

The midfielder expressed optimism during his recovery, stating in early February: "Right now, I don't have much pain. So yeah, I'm feeling positive." Though acknowledging the unfortunate timing of his injury, Tillman maintained a professional outlook, noting: "It's bad timing, but it's part of football. So I work hard to come back even better than I was before."

His return significantly boosts PSV's squad depth as they continue to compete on multiple fronts in the final months of the season. Their last Eredivisie fixture is scheduled for May 18.

Celtic Duo to Play in Derby Before Break

Defenders Called Up Before Facing Club's Rival on Sunday

Celtic's formidable defensive duo of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty will make the 22-hour round trip to America next week after being named in Mauricio Pochettino's USA squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Panama.

Their call-up is no surprise given their outstanding performances for the Scottish champions. Celtic currently sits 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and concedes less than a goal per game on average. The pair's defensive prowess has been instrumental in Celtic's pursuit of a domestic treble. They already secured the Scottish League Cup with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rangers before winning on penalties.

Carter-Vickers and Trusty built their chemistry at the under-20 World Cup in 2017 under coach Tab Ramos. Still, their partnership at the senior level for the USA has yet to blossom—the duo has yet to play with each other.

Since Trusty's £5 million move from Sheffield United in August, the pair have established themselves as one of the league's most dominant defensive partnerships. Their success has not gone unnoticed, with Carter-Vickers reportedly attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Brighton, Everton, and Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old defender, who initially joined Celtic on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 before making a permanent £6 million move, has reportedly had a £20 million price tag placed on him by manager Brendan Rodgers.

Before departing for international duty, the American duo will face a crucial test this weekend as Celtic take on Rangers in what could be a pivotal match in the title race. A victory would move Celtic closer to clinching yet another Scottish Premiership crown and further cement the reputation of Carter-Vickers and Trusty as one of the most effective defensive partnerships in Europe.

Nations League Roster Released

Manager Pochettino Names 23-Man Roster Ready for Four-peat

U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled his 23-player roster for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League finals. The squad will compete to claim the CNL trophy for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time.

The USMNT will face Panama in the semifinal on March 20 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The winner will advance to face either Mexico or Canada in the championship match on March 23.

"This is a massive opportunity to win a trophy, and that is our clear objective," Pochettino stated. "We must continue to show our quality, our bravery, and our commitment to each other."

Several key players return to the national team fold, including midfielder Tyler Adams, who makes his first appearance since Copa América 2024. Adams has been in excellent form for Bournemouth in the Premier League. Gio Reyna also received his first call-up under Pochettino despite limited playing time with Borussia Dortmund.

MLS players feature prominently in the selection, with six domestic-based players making the cut. Patrick Agyemang, Diego Luna, and Brian White—all standouts from January's camp—earned their first call-ups for an official competition. Luna particularly impressed Pochettino, who noted: "It's important for him to feel the confidence from us."

The roster balances experienced veterans and emerging talent. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, key contributors in previous Nations League triumphs, headline the attacking options. Currently in outstanding form with Norwich City, Josh Sargent leads the forward line alongside Agyemang and White, who help compensate for Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun's injury absences. Haji Wright, last year's Nations League hero, missed out after just returning for Coventry City from injury.

Pochettino emphasized the importance of maintaining hunger despite past success in the competition. "Many players have already won this competition and always the hunger is lost a little when you win; we want to continue with that hunger," he said.

DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 49/0)

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)