Pepi's Acrobatic Brilliance

The Striker's Flying Scissor Kick Doubled PSV's Lead in Dominant Win

Ricardo Pepi continued his impressive form for PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, contributing both a goal and an assist in a commanding 3-0 victory over FC Volendam. The American striker's highlight came in the 23rd minute when he produced a stunning acrobatic finish to extend PSV's lead.

Describing the spectacular effort afterward, Pepi explained his quick thinking: "It was just a ball high up in the air, and my back was facing the goal, and I was just like, 'Okay, this is a perfect opportunity to try it.' So, I just tried it, and it worked out." The improvised technique allowed him to work the ball past goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen, effectively sealing the match well before halftime.

Pepi's performance went beyond the eye-catching goal. Despite recording the fewest touches among outfield players who completed the full 90 minutes—just 43—he made them count. His 14 touches in the opposition box and five total shots demonstrated his clinical presence in dangerous areas. He also registered an assist, helping Joey Veerman open the scoring in the sixth minute when the American laid the ball back to the Dutchman near the top of the box.

Fellow USMNT international Sergino Dest provided solid support from right back, completing the whole match with typically efficient distribution. The 25-year-old defender maintained a 94% pass accuracy rate, completing 61-of-65 passes while creating opportunities with eight passes into the final third. Defensively, Dest contributed four tackles and won five of nine ground duels, though his three crossing attempts failed to find teammates.

The victory capped a remarkable week for the reigning Eredivisie champions, who had stunned Liverpool 4-1 in the Champions League just days earlier. With this result, marking their ninth win in 10 matches across all competitions, PSV continue to demonstrate the form that makes them title favorites once again.

Pulisic's Injury Woes Continue

After the Winger's Heroics Against Inter, He Missed Out on Milan's Victory Over Lazio

Christian Pulisic's recurring injury problems resurfaced as AC Milan secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Lazio without their American star, moving to the top of the Serie A table in the process.

The 27-year-old United States international was ruled out of Saturday's clash after withdrawing from training on Wednesday due to minor muscular discomfort. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri expressed doubt about Pulisic's availability during his pre-match press conference, stating the forward was unlikely to feature despite having two days until kickoff.

This latest setback comes just weeks after Pulisic returned from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for four matches. He suffered a low-grade tear in his right hamstring during the USMNT's 2-1 friendly victory over Australia in mid-October, forcing him to miss crucial fixtures for both club and country. After making his return as a substitute against Parma on November 8, Pulisic appeared to have turned a corner when he started and scored the decisive goal in Milan's derby triumph over Inter the following week.

Despite Pulisic's absence, Milan managed to claim all three points thanks to Rafael Leão's second-half strike. The Portuguese forward converted from close range after connecting with Fikayo Tomori's delivery across the penalty area. The victory proved dramatic, with Lazio denied a controversial stoppage-time penalty after VAR review, while Allegri received a red card during the five-minute deliberation.

The result elevated Milan to one point clear atop the Serie A standings, though their American star's ongoing fitness struggles cast doubt on his availability for upcoming fixtures. After enjoying two relatively healthy seasons following his Chelsea departure, Pulisic's injury demons appear to have returned at an inopportune moment.

American Duo Feature in Dramatic Ligue 1 Stalemate

Marseille and Toulouse Played to a Draw, With McKenzie Providing the Late Assist

Two United States internationals played roles as Marseille and Toulouse battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stade Vélodrome on Saturday, with the result preventing Marseille from capitalizing on Paris Saint-Germain's earlier defeat to Monaco.

Marseille's Timothy Weah featured for the full 90 minutes as his side sought to claim top spot in Ligue 1. The 25-year-old winger, playing at right-back, completed 43-of-47 passes and created one scoring opportunity while completing two successful dribbles. Operating primarily on the right flank, Weah recorded six touches in the opposition penalty area and won five of eight ground duels, demonstrating his willingness to engage in physical battles throughout the contest.

On the opposing side, Toulouse defender Mark McKenzie delivered an influential performance that culminated in a crucial assist for Santiago Hidalgo's dramatic injury-time equalizer. The 26-year-old center-back executed a long throw-in from the right byline deep into stoppage time, providing the service that led to Hidalgo's header and secured a vital point for the visitors. McKenzie's defensive work was equally impressive, recording 10 defensive contributions, including five clearances, three blocks and two tackles.

The match saw Marseille twice take the lead through Igor Paixão and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, building on Emersonn's early opener for Toulouse. Højbjerg's 74th-minute header appeared to have secured three points for the hosts, but McKenzie's creative contribution in the dying moments ensured Toulouse wouldn't leave empty-handed.

The result proved costly for Marseille's title aspirations. While PSG remained one point clear despite their loss, Lens's subsequent victory over Angers saw them leapfrog both clubs to claim top spot in the Ligue 1 standings. Marseille dropped to third place, their failure to convert dominance into victory highlighting the unforgiving nature of the title race. McKenzie's late intervention ultimately dealt a significant blow to Marseille's championship ambitions.

Zendejas's Crucial Strike

Winger Opened the Scoring for Club America Before Their Heartbreaking Exit in Apertura 2025 Playoffs

Alejandro Zendejas delivered a moment of individual brilliance for Club America during their dramatic 2-1 victory over Monterrey, though it ultimately wasn't enough to prevent their elimination from the 2025 Apertura quarterfinals. The 27-year-old winger's opening goal gave Las Aguilas hope in their quest to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.

Zendejas's strike arrived in the 29th minute at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, showcasing his technical ability and composure under immense pressure. The United States international collected the ball outside the penalty area, skillfully shifted it onto his left foot, and unleashed a low-driven shot that beat Monterrey goalkeeper Luis Cardenas. The goal ignited the home crowd and gave America the lifeline they desperately needed.

The winger's influence extended far beyond his goal. Zendejas was instrumental throughout the contest, creating two scoring chances and delivering dangerous service into the box. His two accurate crosses proved vital to America's attacking efforts, including a delivery late in the first half that nearly led to a second goal when it found Rodrigo Aguirre, whose header struck the crossbar.

Zendejas's tireless work rate was evident in the match statistics—he won 11 duels, the most of any player on the pitch—and he was fouled six times as Monterrey struggled to contain his attacking threat. His defensive contributions included five tackles and seven recoveries, demonstrating his commitment to the team's cause during the high-stakes encounter.

Despite Jose Zuniga's second-half goal, German Berterame's stoppage-time header crushed their dreams. The 3-2 aggregate defeat ended America's hopes of reaching the semifinals for an eighth consecutive occasion, leaving Zendejas and his teammates to rue what might have been in a thrilling quarterfinal clash filled with controversy.

Adams' Spectacular Strike

Midfielder Scored From Inside the Center Circle in Defeat to Sunderland

Tyler Adams produced a moment of brilliance during Bournemouth's eventual 3-2 defeat to Sunderland, scoring what many are calling a goal of the season contender. The United States international spotted goalkeeper Robin Roefs off his line and executed a perfect lob from 47.4 yards—officially the longest goal of the Premier League season, surpassing Richarlison's recent 38.6-yard effort against Arsenal.

The spectacular strike came on Adams' 50th appearance for Bournemouth, giving the Cherries a commanding 2-0 lead less than 15 minutes into the match at the Stadium of Light. Following a Sunderland corner, Bournemouth turned possession over, and Adams demonstrated remarkable awareness and technique to capitalize on Roefs' positioning. The goalkeeper was left helpless as the ball sailed gracefully over his head and into the net.

For Adams, this goal represented his second Premier League strike this season, following his maiden goal against Manchester City earlier in the month. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder hadn't scored for any club since the 2020-21 season with RB Leipzig, making his recent goalscoring form particularly remarkable.

Despite the stunning goal and Bournemouth's bright start—Amine Adli had opened the scoring earlier—the Cherries couldn't maintain their advantage. Sunderland mounted a dramatic comeback, with Enzo Le Fee converting a penalty before halftime. The Black Cats completed their turnaround after the break, through goals from Bertrand Traore and Brian Brobbey, condemning Bournemouth to their fourth consecutive match without victory.

The defeat was particularly costly for Andoni Iraola's side, who finished the match with 10 men after Lewis Cook's red card and will have three players suspended for their next fixture.