McKennie's First Schalke Goal

On This Day in 2018, the Young American Announced Himself on European Football's Biggest Stage

The early weeks of the 2018-19 season had been brutal for Schalke 04. Five consecutive Bundesliga defeats had plunged the club into crisis, their promising previous campaign—a second-place finish—already feeling like a distant memory. For Weston McKennie, however, the turbulence represented opportunity.

The 20-year-old Texan had spent the previous season cementing his place in Domenico Tedesco's plans, showcasing the versatility that made him invaluable to the team. 21 Bundesliga appearances at age 19, playing across midfield and defense with equal comfort, had transformed the former FC Dallas academy product into a Bundesliga regular. Now, as Schalke stumbled through their worst start in years, McKennie was being asked to help drag them from the depths.

His journey to this moment had been unconventional. Born in Fort Lewis, Washington, McKennie had lived in Kaiserslautern from the age of six to nine while his father, a U.S. Air Force officer, was stationed at Ramstein. Those formative years playing for FC Phönix Otterbach planted the seeds of a future in Germany. After returning to Texas and spending seven years in FC Dallas's youth system, he'd made the bold choice to decline a Homegrown contract and chase his dream across the Atlantic. By May 2017, barely a year after arriving at Schalke's academy, he'd made his professional debut.

The Champions League represented new territory. After a spirited 1-1 draw against Porto in their group opener—where McKennie had provided the cross for Breel Embolo's goal—Schalke traveled to Moscow desperately seeking points and confidence. A domestic win against Mainz had finally ended their miserable Bundesliga run, but this was different. This was the Champions League, European football's grandest stage, and Lokomotiv Moscow hadn't hosted a group stage match in 15 years.

Click above for the video

The Lokomotiya Stadium on that rainy October 3 night offered little comfort. Lokomotiv, defending Russian champions playing their first home Champions League group game since 2003, dominated the opening exchanges. Their finishing, mercifully for Schalke, was woeful. Ralf Fährmann made a crucial save from Dmitry Barinov's shot in the 27th minute—Lokomotiv's only effort on target all evening. Still, chances were squandered at both ends as the match threatened to peter into frustration.

Tedesco had made six changes from the weekend, including handing Omar Mascarell his first start and continuing to back McKennie's growing influence. At halftime, dissatisfied with the midfield's rhythm, the coach replaced Mascarell and Sebastian Rudy with Suat Serdar and Nabil Bentaleb. As the second half progressed, Schalke began to assert control, pinning Lokomotiv back while a thousand traveling supporters urged them forward through the Moscow rain.

Mark Uth fired wide in the closing stages, Schalke's best chance yet, and it seemed destiny would deny them. Then came the 88th minute. Yevhen Konoplyanka swung in a corner from the right. In the six-yard box, McKennie—who had specifically requested permission to attack the set piece—timed his leap to perfection. Rising unmarked at the far post, he met the delivery with a firm header that nestled into the net before the exhausted Lokomotiv defenders could react.

"I asked the coaches if I could go in the box because I know I can jump," McKennie would later explain. "Not many people know that, because of my size, and most people rule me out because of my size. I asked if I could go in because I wanted to try to have an opportunity to help the team or to score."

It was McKennie's first professional club goal, and it arrived on the stage he'd been building toward since those childhood years in Germany. At 20 years and 53 days old, he'd delivered Schalke their first Champions League victory since 2015, keeping them undefeated in Group D with four points from two matches.

The significance extended far beyond the result. For a club mired in crisis, McKennie's late heroics offered validation that their young core could deliver in pressure moments. Lokomotiv coach Yuri Syomin would attribute the goal to his team's fatigue, but McKennie had earned his moment through persistence and self-belief.

"This important win should change the direction our season is going," McKennie said afterward. "We haven't had the best start and will definitely do better."

The momentum carried into the weekend. Just three days later, McKennie struck again, scoring his first Bundesliga goal in the 47th minute against Fortuna Düsseldorf to give Schalke a 1-0 lead. At 20 years and 56 days, he became the second-youngest American (at the time) to score in Germany's top flight, trailing only Christian Pulisic. Though an injury forced him off in the 79th minute and ruled him out of October's U.S. national team friendlies against Colombia and Peru, the breakthrough was complete.

McKennie would finish the season with 33 appearances and two goals across all competitions, starting 25 matches in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League. Though Schalke's campaign would ultimately unravel—Tedesco was sacked in March as they limped to 14th place—McKennie's emergence as a Champions League-level midfielder was undeniable.

That rainy night in Moscow, leaping above a marker who'd lost concentration for just a split second, McKennie had announced himself on European football's biggest stage. The versatile midfielder who'd spent his childhood in Germany had returned to claim his place in its elite, and American soccer had another star shining in the Bundesliga firmament.

Pulisic Versus McKennie on Sunday

USMNT Mainstays Will Face Off in Final Match Before the International Break

Two of Italy's most storied clubs clash Sunday when league-leading AC Milan travels to face fourth-placed Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. The fixture carries added intrigue as U.S. national team stars Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie face off against each other on opposite sides.

Pulisic has been exceptional for Milan this season, contributing six goals and two assists across seven matches in all competitions. His stellar form helped propel the Rossoneri to the top of the Serie A table, including a decisive performance in their recent victory over defending champions Napoli. The American forward has thrived under manager Massimiliano Allegri's system, which gives him freedom to operate across the attacking line.

McKennie, meanwhile, has dealt with inconsistent playing time at Juventus but delivered an encouraging performance in their midweek Champions League draw with Villarreal. The midfielder showed his value with strong defensive contributions and passing, hoping to secure more regular minutes as Juve navigates injury concerns.

Despite their success with their respective clubs, neither player has captured a Serie A title. This season presents a genuine opportunity for either American to claim that honor, making Sunday's encounter particularly significant. Juventus has historically dominated this rivalry, with 94 wins to Milan's 74, although the Bianconeri have struggled defensively recently. Milan, conversely, has found excellent form after an opening-day stumble.

U20s Rolling at the World Cup

Back-to-Back Victories Over New Caledonia and France Cemented Spot in the Round of 16

The U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team has made an impressive start at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, sitting atop their group after two dominant performances. Following a historic 9-1 victory over New Caledonia in their opener, the young Americans delivered a dramatic 3-0 triumph against France.

The match against France appeared headed for a stalemate until the Americans exploded in the final moments. Substitute Zavier Gozo broke the deadlock in the 85th minute, heading home a precise cross from Luke Brennan. Just three minutes later, Brooklyn Raines capitalized on aggressive pressing at midfield, eventually receiving a return pass from Gozo and finishing past the French goalkeeper to double the advantage.

Marcos Zambrano sealed the victory in stoppage time, converting a rebound after Gozo's close-range attempt struck the crossbar. The Americans' defensive discipline was crucial, as it limited France to just two shots on target throughout the contest.

Head coach Marko Mitrovic's tactical substitutions proved decisive, with Gozo, Zambrano, and Brennan all entering as second-half replacements and making direct contributions to the breakthrough. The team has now featured nine different goal scorers across two matches, establishing a new tournament record for the program. With six points secured, the U.S. faces South Africa on Sunday, needing only a draw to clinch top spot in Group E.

Poch Names October Roster

Manager Names Strong Roster For Friendlies Against Ecuador and Australia

The U.S. Men's National Team will face Ecuador and Australia in October friendlies as the team continues preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has selected a 26-player squad that many consider his strongest roster yet.

The team features veteran leadership from Christian Pulisic, who leads with 80 caps, alongside experienced players like Tim Ream, Weston McKennie, and Matt Turner. Notably, 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year Antonee Robinson returns after missing all matches this year due to injury.

Several players bring excellent club form into camp. Pulisic has been outstanding for AC Milan with six goals and two assists in seven matches, while Alex Zendejas has five goals for Club América. Haji Wright recently scored twice for Coventry City, bringing his total to seven goals in eight league games.

The roster includes some fresh faces and returning players. Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady earns his first call-up, while James Sands returns to the national team picture. Cameron Carter-Vickers could feature prominently as Pochettino experiments with a three-man defensive formation.

Both opponents have already qualified for the World Cup, providing valuable competition as the U.S. continues building toward hosting the tournament. The matches take place in Austin and Colorado, with expectations high for improved performances.

When Confidence Crumbles

On This Day in 1997, America's Sobering Draw with Jamaica in World Cup Qualifying

The victory over Costa Rica had solved everything, or so it seemed. Tab Ramos was back, healthy and scoring crucial goals. The path to France appeared clear—three home matches in the final four qualifiers, favorable scheduling, momentum building. Coach Steve Sampson spoke confidently about returning to the attacking style that had defined the team's golden summer of 1995.

"We have to impose our game," Sampson declared. "We have the responsibility of attacking and getting the victory."

His players echoed that certainty with even less restraint. Forward Roy Wegerle dismissed Jamaica's threat entirely: "I don't feel they feel they can beat us." Eric Wynalda was more blunt: "If we do the things we are used to doing, it shouldn't be a contest." Midfielder Mike Sorber articulated what seemed like conventional wisdom: "Small countries are mentally weak. They lack discipline, organization, tactical awareness."

But this confidence overlooked two inconvenient truths. Jamaica was no longer disorganized—coach Rene Simoes had imported four English-based players of Jamaican descent who had transformed the Reggae Boyz into legitimate contenders. And the United States hadn't received a goal from a starting forward in four matches.

October 3 arrived with Washington transformed into a Caribbean carnival. They came roaring down Interstate 95—an armored division of cars and vans bearing Jamaica's green and yellow, filling parking lots with reggae music and Bob Marley banners. The 51,528-person sellout at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium split almost evenly between red-and-white and green-and-yellow, with the Jamaican contingent matching the home supporters in volume and exceeding them in intensity.

Sampson's tactical gamble became apparent from the opening whistle: an aggressive 3-5-2 formation designed to overwhelm Jamaica with attacking numbers. The strategy assumed the Reggae Boyz would sit deep and absorb pressure. They had other plans. Their defenders pressed forward with purposeful intensity, refusing to be pushed back. The Americans, caught flat-footed, struggled to cope. Within 37 minutes, Sampson was forced to abandon his attacking blueprint, pulling midfielder Mike Sorber for Jeff Agoos as a fourth defender. The team that had promised to impose its game was instead reacting, adjusting, surviving.

The tactical retreat slowed Jamaica's momentum, but couldn't disguise the Americans' offensive impotence. Earnie Stewart whiffed on an inviting chance from 14 yards. Claudio Reyna's threatening shot near halftime forced a diving save. The Americans controlled possession without creating quality chances, passing sloppily and failing to maintain rhythm.

The second half opened with both sides pressing. Then, in the 49th minute, fortune smiled on the Americans. Wynalda sent a cross from the right flank, where Jamaican defender Ian Goodison raised his arm to block it. The contact occurred just outside the box, but the referee pointed to the penalty spot—a generous call. Wynalda drilled the ball low into the right corner. One-nil United States.

They couldn't protect the lead for two minutes. Deep in United States territory, Agoos received the ball under pressure from Jamaica's Paul Hall. The veteran defender made a casual pass inside his own penalty area, apparently unaware that Hall was sprinting to close him down. Hall stuck his shin out and deflected Agoos's pass directly toward the goal. Deon Burton—the striker who had scored winning goals against Canada and Costa Rica—raced onto the loose ball and calmly finished from eight yards.

The Jamaican sections exploded in delirium. Jamaica's first goal against the United States had come at the perfect moment. "It was my mistake," Agoos said afterward. "I take full responsibility."

The Americans pushed desperately in the final minutes, but Jamaica had settled into a defensive shape. The closest they came to a winner arrived in stoppage time when Wynalda's close-range shot was blocked by Goodison. The final whistle brought something closer to disbelief for the United States. The Reggae Boyz, written off as mentally weak and tactically naive, had matched the supposed powerhouse on American soil, vaulting to the top of the standings with 12 points while the Americans sat uncomfortably in third with 10.

The mathematics had shifted dramatically. The Americans would likely need four points from their final three matches—and those included a trip to Mexico City's hostile Estadio Azteca, where Sampson had already conceded he didn't expect a result.

"That game in Mexico City, when you look at all the games, you write that one down as a loss," Ramos acknowledged. "The key for us is going to be that game in Canada and obviously the last game against El Salvador."

Hank Steinbrecher, executive director of U.S. Soccer, summarized the frustration: "It is always good to get your 3 points at home." The subtext was unmistakable. This was a match the Americans were supposed to win. Instead, they had delivered their second 1-1 draw in three matches in a competition that offered no margin for mediocrity. Reyna's yellow card—his second of the competition—meant he would miss the Mexico match, further complicating matters.

The Americans had talked about imposing their game, about proving they were for real. They had done none of those things. They had been outplayed for stretches, outfought throughout, and ultimately matched by a team they had dismissed as mentally fragile. Three matches remained. Mexico in the cauldron of the Azteca on November 2. Canada in Vancouver on November 9. Finally, El Salvador at Foxboro on November 16, where salvation or catastrophe awaited.

The path to France, once seemingly clear after that euphoric night in Portland, had become a tightrope stretched over an abyss. The Americans had promised to swing for the fences. Instead, they had struck out looking, watching as their supposedly inferior opponent seized the moment they had let slip away.