Fullback, Who Missed Nations League Finals, Not on Injury Report Ahead of FA Cup Clash
Antonee Robinson is experiencing the best season of his career, emerging as a standout left-back for Fulham with 10 Premier League assists – second only to Mohamed Salah. At 27, Robinson has become a pivotal player both for his club and the United States Men's National Team, with his performances attracting interest from UEFA Champions League clubs.
Robinson has recently revealed he's been battling tendinopathy throughout the season, which led to his withdrawal from the USMNT's recent CONCACAF Nations League camp. Despite this challenge, he's remained remarkably consistent, making 30 appearances across all competitions and not missing a single Premier League match this season.
The left-back has been integral to Fulham's European qualification push and continues to be a key player for the national team. He's earned 50 caps for the USMNT since his debut in 2019, maintaining his position in the squad through multiple coaching changes and tournament campaigns.
Under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, Robinson has been versatile, playing as a left winger and even in central midfield during recent international matches. It was clear the US missed his steady presence on the left side of the defense during the Nations League failure.
Robinson is candid about the team's need to develop more grit, citing Pochettino's example of how Argentina combines skill with a fighting spirit. He acknowledges the differences between structured European leagues and the more physical CONCACAF competitions.
For the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, Robinson looks set to return to the lineup. Fulham manager Marco Silva is optimistic about the team's cup run, viewing it as an opportunity to create history, particularly as the club approaches its 50th year since last reaching a major domestic final.
After a Tough International Window, Winger Ready to Continue Strong Season at Milan
Christian Pulisic finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. He faces intense scrutiny following the USMNT's disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals while simultaneously maintaining his crucial role at AC Milan.
The 26-year-old captain's recent international tournament was marked by criticism, with performances that left fans and pundits questioning his impact. Against Canada, Pulisic managed just 21 touches in 69 minutes, registering zero shots on goal and creating no significant chances. These statistics sparked a broader conversation about his effectiveness in this national team setup.
However, Pulisic has been resolute in his response. "This team is everything to me," he emphasized, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the national team. Renowned football pundit Thierry Henry has been particularly supportive, cautioning against unfair expectations and arguing that Pulisic should be appreciated for his unique leadership style.
"Stop forcing him to be something he's not," Henry argued, highlighting Pulisic's strengths as a technical player rather than an aggressive, vocal leader.
Despite the international disappointment, Milan continues to view Pulisic as an indispensable player. Heading into their crucial match against Napoli, the Italian club will rely heavily on the American star as Pulisic is Milan's second-top scorer this season, with 15 goals across all competitions.
Coach Sergio Conceiçao sees Pulisic as critical to the team's tactical approach, expecting significant offensive contributions in terms of both goals and assists. His ability to provide defensive balance and challenge opponents is a key element of Milan's strategy.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Pulisic remains a pivotal figure for both Milan and the USMNT, with the potential to silence critics and redefine expectations through his performance through the end of the club campaign and the Gold Cup this summer.
Tottenham Transfer Speculation Fuels Midfielder's Confidence
Johnny Cardoso is embracing the transfer speculation surrounding his future. Tottenham Hotspur holds a £21 million option to sign the 23-year-old United States international this summer. The player, who joined Betis in January 2024, has quickly become a key figure in Manuel Pellegrini's side and is approaching the potential move with excitement and professionalism.
In an interview with Diario de Sevilla, Cardoso candidly addressed the transfer rumors: "I can't lie, and it's true that it's something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I'm doing a good job." However, he remains committed to his current team, adding, "But I always try to improve and do my best for the benefit of the group and grow as a person on and off the field. Right now, my focus is only on Betis."
The transfer option emerged from last summer's negotiations involving Giovani Lo Celso's move to Betis, giving Tottenham a two-week window to secure Cardoso's signature in the upcoming transfer window. Despite the potential move, the midfielder is laser-focused on Betis' immediate objectives, particularly their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Currently eight points behind Athletic Club for the final Champions League spot, Betis has been in impressive form, winning their last five league matches. Cardoso is optimistic about the team's chances, stating, "With each passing game, we're growing more ambitious. We believe in the group and in our work, and if we continue like this, why not dream?"
His commitment to the club is evident. Cardoso responded emphatically when asked about potentially playing in the Champions League with Betis: "Of course. It's a team that's been my home since I arrived, and I feel very good here."
The midfielder has been a standout performer this season, making 33 appearances and catching the eye of both club and national team management. He was forced to withdraw from the recent USMNT CONCACAF Nations League Finals due to a muscular strain and never made the trip to the United States. He has been spotted in training this week and could be available for Betis as the club hosts Sevilla on Sunday.
World Cup Captain Demonstrated Leadership in the Face of Defeats
Tyler Adams emerged as a voice of measured leadership and accountability following the United States Men's National Team's devastating CONCACAF Nations League Finals showing. Despite the tough defeats, Adams demonstrated his maturity by refusing to blame head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the team's performance.
"I've never blamed a coach in my entire career," Adams stated emphatically after Cecilio Waterman's injury-time winner for Panama eliminated the US from the tournament. He emphasized that the loss ultimately rests on the players' shoulders, acknowledging that while they knew their strategic objectives, they failed to execute with the necessary competitiveness.
The matches at SoFi Stadium were a stark reminder of the challenges facing the US National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As a midfield leader, Adams recognized the critical nature of the moment. His comments reflected a nuanced understanding that tactical instructions are only as good as their implementation on the field.
Pochettino and the team leadership, including Adams, seem acutely aware that performances like these are unacceptable, especially with a home World Cup on the horizon.
As the US reflects on their Nations League disappointment, Tyler Adams turns his attention to an exciting FA Cup quarter-final challenge. Bournemouth will host Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium, hoping to repeat their surprise 2-1 league victory from November. Manager Andoni Iraola sees this as a historic opportunity, acknowledging the massive task of defeating the Premier League giants. "Anyone who steps on the pitch has to be ready to give everything, and even that might not be enough to beat City," Iraola said.
For Adams, this match represents another chance to showcase his competitive spirit and leadership after the national team's recent setback. Bournemouth aims to reach their first-ever FA Cup semi-final, with the midfielder likely to play a crucial role in what promises to be a passionate and challenging encounter against one of the world's top teams.
On This Day in 2009, Altidore and Hejduk Inspired a Late Comeback in San Salvador
The road to the 2010 World Cup is rarely smooth, and on a humid night in El Salvador, the United States Men's National Team discovered just how treacherous that path could be. Just weeks after Michael Bradley's heroic performance against Mexico in Columbus, the Americans faced an entirely different challenge in the cauldron of Estadio Cuscatlan.
DaMarcus Beasley's memories of El Salvador stretch back to 1999, when he was a young under-17 player experiencing Central American soccer's raw, unfiltered passion. During a corner kick, he vividly recalled a fan throwing a dead chicken head at his feet, the crowd erupting in laughter. "It was pretty crazy," Beasley would later remember, "but it's something you experience when you play in those countries."
The March 28 match against El Salvador was more than another qualifying game. It was a test of character, a moment to prove the team's mettle under extreme pressure. The US lineup looked vulnerable with key players missing—Tim Howard was suspended, and Steve Cherundolo was injured. Brad Guzan, stepping into the goalkeeper's role, carried the weight of unexpected responsibility.
The match unfolded like a nightmare for the visiting Americans from the opening whistle. Eliseo Quintanilla struck first in the 15th minute, exploiting a costly Beasley giveaway. The goal sent the 30,500 fans into a frenzy, their voices rising like a thunderous wave across the stadium. In the 72nd, Cristian Castillo doubled El Salvador's lead, seemingly confirming the home team's dominance.
"El Salvador played with a tremendous amount of energy," US coach Bob Bradley said. "We found ourselves behind by two goals, and that wasn't part of the plan."
The statistics seemed grim. El Salvador, ranked 106th in the world, was dismantling the 17th-ranked United States. The Americans had not fallen behind El Salvador in a match for 16 years, and now they were staring at a potentially embarrassing defeat.
But this US team was built of sterner stuff. In the 77th minute, Jozy Altidore—a young striker with a growing international reputation—provided a lifeline. Receiving a perfectly weighted cross from Frankie Hejduk, he powered a header past the goalkeeper, injecting hope into the American effort.
Then, with just minutes remaining, Hejduk himself became the hero. Off a Landon Donovan corner kick that deflected off a defender, he rose unmarked and headed home the equalizer. The 2-2 draw was more than just a point - it was a statement of resilience.
"To come back with 30 minutes left and get a point is a positive," Guzan said, relief evident in his voice. "It shows just how good this team is."
The draw kept the US atop the CONCACAF qualifying group, maintaining their trajectory toward South Africa. The next challenge awaited in Nashville, where an electric atmosphere was already building for the match against Trinidad and Tobago. The excitement was palpable, with ticket sales already surpassing 18,000 and fans from across the country preparing to pack LP Field. Adding an intriguing subplot to the unfolding World Cup narrative, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had just joined the US World Cup bid committee a couple of days after the El Salvador victory. While he viewed the 2018 tournament as a long shot for the United States, he remained optimistic about future opportunities.
"I don't think we have a huge chance in 2018," Kissinger admitted. "I think it will probably go to Europe. But just as our 1986 bid set us up for 1994, I believe our bid for 2018 will position us perfectly for 2022."
For the players on the field in El Salvador, such long-term strategies meant little. Their focus was singular: qualification, one hard-fought point at a time. And on this night, against all odds, they had secured just that. The road to the World Cup continued, as unpredictable and exciting as ever.
After Netting a Hat-Trick in a Monaco Youth Match, the Forward Could Feature This Weekend
Folarin Balogun has overcome a challenging shoulder injury that sidelined him since December, and he will be available for Monaco in the club's match against Nice on Saturday.
The injury saga began in October during a match against Stade Rennais, where Balogun suffered a dislocated shoulder. A brief return in late November proved premature, as the shoulder issue flared up again during a match against Olympique de Marseille. Medical experts ultimately recommended surgery to fully resolve the persistent problem.
Balogun's path to recovery took a significant turn this week with a remarkable comeback performance. In a friendly match against Brighton's U23s at La Turbie, he scored a stunning 16-minute hat-trick. The youth side secured a 3-2 victory, with Balogun playing the first half before being substituted under the watchful eye of AS Monaco manager Adi Hütter.
The Austrian manager's confidence in Balogun's recovery is palpable. Hütter confirmed the forward's availability for the upcoming Derby de la Côte d'Azur against OGC Nice, stating, "He is back and available. He played a really good game for the Groupe Élite. He is ready to play."
This comeback is more than just a return to the pitch for Balogun. Fans and teammates alike will eagerly anticipate his return to competitive match action, hoping his goal-scoring prowess will continue to shine for AS Monaco.
