A Thanksgiving Reflection: Gratitude for the USMNT Journey

A List of USMNT Moments That Make Me Thankful for this Roller Coaster of a Team

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, there's plenty to be thankful for as a United States men's national team supporter, both from the storied past and the promising present.

I'm forever grateful for that magical moment in 2010 when Landon Donovan tapped in a rebound in stoppage time against Algeria, securing our advancement and marking the first time we topped a World Cup group since 1930. I was 19 years old and shared that moment with my late father—a memory etched in my brain forever.

Looking further back, the 1950 victory over England stands as one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, when Joe Gaetjens' header shocked the football world. It's a reminder that American soccer has always been capable of the improbable. Paul Caligiuri's goal against Trinidad and Tobago in 1989 ended a 40-year World Cup drought, opening the door to the modern era of American soccer. Without that moment, who knows where we'd be today?

I'm thankful for the World Cup run in 2002, when the U.S. was a missed handball away from potentially reaching the semifinals. I was 11 years old, and I remember waking up in the early hours to watch a couple of the matches and not understanding the magnitude of what this run meant. Defeating top-ranked Spain 2-0 in the 2009 Confederations Cup semifinals, which I watched in my childhood living room, showed we could compete with anyone.

More recently, I'm thankful for the personal memories. First, making the road trip to Kansas City with two of my buddies for the final Gold Cup group stage match in 2019. Next, attending the 2021 Nations League final victory over Mexico in Denver. Along with the semifinal win over Honduras, those were my fourth and fifth U.S. matches, and the first time I was flying to see this team play, and I did it solo. I also attended two qualifiers later that year and early in 2022—the draw with Canada in Nashville and the win over El Salvador in Columbus.

For the 2024 Nations League finals in Arlington, with the travel and tickets secured, I proposed to my future wife on that Tuesday, turning it into an engagement trip we would never forget. The own goal to force overtime against Jamaica before the dominant win over Mexico in the final made for an eventful week. I am thankful for the trips she has made with me, to Chicago for the Gold Cup and to Atlanta and Kansas City for Copa America, plus the handful of matches here in St. Louis, most recently the 2-1 win over Guatemala—our first together as a married couple.

For the present, I'm grateful for Mauricio Pochettino's arrival and the renewed energy he's brought, though it started with plenty of question marks. Christian Pulisic is flourishing in his prime at AC Milan, while talents like Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Sergiño Dest star at Europe's biggest clubs. Folarin Balogun's commitment to our program gives us a true number nine.

Most importantly, hosting the 2026 World Cup on home soil provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The future has never looked brighter for American soccer, and for that, I'm truly thankful.

Freese Stands Between Miami and MLS Cup Final

American Goalkeeper Has Been a Standout for New York Heading into the Conference Finals

When New York City FC travels to Chase Stadium on Saturday for the Eastern Conference Final, their greatest hope of containing Lionel Messi's record-breaking playoff performance may rest on the shoulders of goalkeeper Matt Freese.

The 27-year-old USMNT goalkeeper has been nothing short of sensational throughout the postseason, recording three clean sheets in four playoff matches. His most impressive display came in last weekend's 1-0 upset victory over top-seeded Philadelphia Union, where he made five crucial saves to eliminate the Supporters' Shield winners at Subaru Park.

Freese's performance against his former club was particularly poignant. Having appeared as a substitute for Philadelphia in the 2021 Eastern Conference Final—ironically losing to NYCFC before they captured MLS Cup—he returned to exact revenge. Despite Philadelphia dominating possession and outshooting the visitors 20-6, Freese remained unflappable throughout the 90 minutes.

His highlight-reel moment arrived in the 74th minute when he somehow managed to kick out his boot and deny USMNT youth international Frankie Westfield's point-blank volley, preserving NYCFC's slender advantage. He also produced critical stops on Jakob Glesnes' dangerous attempt just before halftime and Milan Iloski's late-game effort in the 92nd minute.

Now Freese faces his ultimate test: stopping an Inter Miami attack that has been virtually unstoppable. Messi has already shattered playoff records with six goals and six assists this postseason, complementing his 29-goal Golden Boot campaign. Supporting cast members Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti have combined for six goals and five assists in the playoffs, creating a multidimensional offensive threat.

NYCFC has embraced its underdog status throughout the postseason, winning consecutive road matches to reach this stage. For the Cityzens to shock Miami and advance to their second MLS Cup Final since 2021, Freese will need to deliver another masterclass performance against the most prolific attacking force in MLS history.

Dest and Pepi Shine

American Duo Had an Impact in PSV's Champions League Victory Over Liverpool

Two United States internationals played pivotal roles as PSV Eindhoven stunned Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield on Wednesday, delivering one of the most impressive Champions League performances by a Dutch side in recent memory.

Sergino Dest started and played the complete 90 minutes, providing the defensive stability and attacking threat that helped PSV weather Liverpool's first-half pressure before dominating the second period. The versatile defender completed an impressive 28-of-31 passes while creating three chances throughout the match. His most significant contribution came in the closing stages when he combined brilliantly with Ismael Saibari on the right flank before delivering a precise assist to Couhaib Driouech for PSV's fourth goal, sealing the memorable victory.

Ricardo Pepi entered the match in the 69th minute and immediately made his presence felt. The young striker, who had previously scored the winner when these teams met in Eindhoven last January before suffering an injury, was hungry to make an impact. Just minutes after coming on, Pepi cut inside from the left wing and unleashed a powerful shot that struck the base of the post. The rebound fell perfectly for Driouech, who converted PSV's third goal and effectively ended Liverpool's hopes of a comeback.

The Americans were part of a fearless PSV performance that saw the Dutch champions take an early penalty lead through Ivan Perisic before weathering intense Liverpool pressure. After Dominik Szoboszlai equalized, PSV regrouped and dominated the second half, with Guus Til restoring their advantage before the American duo helped put the game beyond reach.

The victory moved PSV to 15th place in the Champions League standings with eight points, marking a significant achievement for both the club and Dutch football's European reputation. For Dest and Pepi, the performance demonstrated their growing importance to PSV's campaign and provided valuable momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun's Fine Form

Forward Scores Second Goal in as Many Champions League Matches

Folarin Balogun is experiencing a remarkable resurgence at AS Monaco, arriving at a crucial moment both for his club and the United States national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The American striker continued his impressive scoring streak with a goal in Monaco's 2-2 Champions League draw against Pafos on Wednesday, marking his fifth consecutive start with a goal for club and country.

The 24-year-old's strike in Cyprus demonstrated both his defensive awareness and clinical finishing ability. After intercepting possession, Balogun wasted no time, unleashing a first-time finish past goalkeeper Neophytos Michael in the 26th minute to restore Monaco's lead. It was the type of confident, instinctive finish that defines strikers in peak form.

This goal represents more than just another tally for Balogun—it symbolizes his complete recovery from a difficult second season at Monaco. After arriving from Reims with high expectations following a 22-goal campaign, he managed eight goals and five assists in his debut season. However, shoulder and ankle injuries derailed his progress last year, significantly limiting his impact with just four goals in 16 appearances.

Now in his third season, Balogun has already surpassed his previous campaign's total output with six goals and an assist across all competitions. The timing of Balogun's renaissance couldn't be better, with the 2026 World Cup on home soil just under 200 days away. The striker position has been a persistent question mark for the USMNT over the last two cycles, but Balogun is providing legitimate answers.

McKennie's Champions League Header

Midfielder Scores First Champions League Goal of the Season in Juventus Win

Weston McKennie spectacularly broke his goal drought during Juventus' dramatic 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in Norway on Tuesday, scoring what proved to be a pivotal goal in the Italian club's challenging Champions League campaign.

The American midfielder, who had struggled to find the net throughout the 2024-25 season, rose magnificently to meet Fabio Miretti's cross in the 59th minute, powering a header past the goalkeeper from six yards out. The goal gave Juventus a 2-1 lead after they had fallen behind early in the match on the artificial pitch in frigid Norwegian conditions.

McKennie's eighth career Champions League goal came at a critical juncture for the Bianconeri, who desperately needed their first win after managing only three draws and suffering a defeat to Real Madrid in their opening fixtures. The timing couldn't have been better for the Texas native, who has faced uncertainty about his place in both club and country.

The header showcased McKennie's aerial prowess as he outjumped his marker to convert the service from Miretti, who had benefited from the inspired play of substitute Kenan Yildiz. The Turkish teenager had entered at halftime and immediately transformed the match, playing a role in all three Juventus goals. While Bodo/Glimt equalized late through a penalty, Jonathan David's stoppage-time winner secured the crucial three points. The victory lifted Juventus to 22nd place in the expanded 36-team Champions League table with six points, keeping their hopes alive of reaching the knockout rounds.

For McKennie, the goal marked a significant milestone—his first of the campaign after a difficult period that saw managerial changes at Juventus and inconsistent call-ups to Mauricio Pochettino's United States national team. Among Americans in Champions League history, he now trails only Christian Pulisic, who leads with 12 goals in the competition.