USMNT Completes Pre-World Cup Friendly Schedule with Match Against Senegal
The United States men's national team has finalized its pre-World Cup friendly schedule, announcing Thursday that it will face Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match at Bank of America Stadium, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET, completes a challenging four-game slate designed to prepare Mauricio Pochettino's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The meeting with the 19th-ranked African nation marks the first-ever encounter between the two countries at senior international level. Senegal, led by former Liverpool star Sadio Mané, went unbeaten through African qualifying with seven wins and three draws while conceding just three goals across 10 matches.
"We are so happy to have such a great team in Senegal as our fourth opponent in the matches leading up into the tournament," Pochettino said. "In the year leading up to the World Cup, we will have played at least one team from five different confederations which is incredibly valuable for our preparations."
The Senegal fixture represents the penultimate match before the Americans' World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12. The U.S. will first face Belgium on March 28 in Atlanta, followed by Portugal three days later at the same venue. After the Senegal contest, the Americans close their preparations against Germany on June 6 in Chicago. This strategic scheduling ensures the USMNT faces elite competition from multiple confederations. Since the conclusion of last summer's Gold Cup, the Americans have exclusively played World Cup-qualified opponents, including victories over Paraguay, Uruguay, Australia, and Japan.
The Senegal match should feature Pochettino's final 26-man World Cup roster, as the Argentine has indicated he plans to finalize his squad before the camp rather than conducting last-minute tryouts. The coach expressed his preference for bringing only the final roster to avoid difficult late cuts. Interestingly, the two nations could potentially meet in the round of 32 at the World Cup depending on group standings, adding extra intrigue to this pre-tournament matchup. Senegal will compete in Group I against France, Norway, and a playoff qualifier.
The Midfielder Scored His Second Goal in the Champions League This Season
Weston McKennie delivered a crucial goal on Wednesday night, helping Juventus overcome a sluggish first-half performance to defeat Pafos FC 2-0 in Champions League action. The American midfielder's 67th-minute strike broke the deadlock and propelled the Bianconeri toward a more comfortable position in the competition's league phase standings.
Juventus endured a frustrating opening period at home, with the Cypriot underdogs creating multiple dangerous chances. Pafos struck the goalpost and forced goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio into several impressive saves, leaving the home crowd jeering their team as they headed to the locker room at halftime. Whatever adjustments were made during the break proved effective, as Juventus emerged with renewed purpose.
The breakthrough arrived when Andrea Cambiaso found McKennie inside the penalty area following a corner kick sequence. The Texas native displayed excellent composure, maneuvering between two defenders with his initial touch before unleashing a powerful strike into the near top corner. The goal marked McKennie's second in consecutive Champions League appearances, having also scored against FK Bodø/Glimt in November. Just six minutes later, Jonathan David sealed the victory with a textbook counterattacking finish, converting after receiving a first-time pass from Kenan Yildiz. David's goal was his 12th in Champions League competition, making him Canada's all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
The victory represents Juventus' first winning streak in the Champions League since the opening two matches of last season. More importantly, it positions them just one point away from securing a seeded playoff spot in the knockout phase, which would grant them home advantage for the second leg of their playoff matchup. McKennie's consistent performances under manager Luciano Spalletti have sparked renewed contract discussions, despite previous negotiations stalling earlier in the campaign. The 27-year-old has started every match since Spalletti took charge on November 1st, making him an increasingly vital component of the squad's plans heading into 2026. Juventus returns to Serie A action Sunday against Bologna, currently sitting seventh in the domestic table.
Striker Scored His in Third in Three Matches Across All Competitions Despite PSV Defeat in the Champions League
Ricardo Pepi maintained his impressive goal-scoring form on Tuesday, netting his third Champions League goal of the season in PSV Eindhoven's 3-2 home defeat to Atletico Madrid. The American striker came off the bench to provide a late spark, though it ultimately proved insufficient to salvage a result for the reigning Eredivisie champions.
PSV started brightly at Philips Stadion when Guus Til opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing easily after a precise setup from Couhaib Driouech. However, Atletico Madrid responded with characteristic resilience, equalizing through Julian Alvarez after 22 minutes when he capitalized on a defensive mistake to intercept a misplaced goal-kick. The Spanish side seized control after halftime, with David Hancko converting from close range following a save from Nahuel Molina's initial attempt. Alexander Sorloth extended the advantage by heading home Pablo Barrios' cross, putting Atletico up 3-1 before the hour mark.
Pepi entered the match in the 73rd minute and wasted little time making an impact. With five minutes remaining, the former FC Dallas product arrived perfectly at the back post to hammer home Ivan Perisic's flicked header after a corner kick, briefly reigniting PSV's hopes. Despite mounting pressure and a squandered close-range opportunity from defender Armando Obispo, PSV couldn't find the equalizer. The goal marked Pepi's third consecutive match finding the net across all competitions, adding to his weekend strike against Heerenveen that brought his Eredivisie tally to five goals in just 511 minutes. His consistent production—now seven goals overall this season—continues to create a difficult selection dilemma for PSV manager Peter Bosz.
The defeat dropped PSV to 19th in the Champions League standings, representing their first loss since mid-September. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid climbed to seventh position, strengthening their quarterfinal aspirations. Pepi's well-rounded skill set and ability to score in various ways, including aerial prowess, keeps him firmly in contention for both club playing time and a potential starting role with the USMNT. PSV will look to rebound Saturday against Heracles Almelo in Eredivisie action.
Forward Scored a Goal in Three Straight Champions League Matches
Folarin Balogun delivered another crucial performance for AS Monaco on Tuesday, netting the decisive goal in a tense 1-0 triumph over Galatasaray in the Champions League. The American striker's persistence paid off in the 68th minute, securing three vital points for his side despite a match filled with squandered opportunities from both teams.
The encounter proved frustrating for much of the evening, with clear-cut chances going begging at both ends. Galatasaray's Ilkay Gundogan blazed over from close range early on, while Baris Alper Yilmaz hit the woodwork after breaking free. Monaco struggled similarly, with captain Denis Zakaria seeing his penalty attempt easily saved by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir after Takumi Minamino was fouled in the box.
Balogun himself endured a challenging night before his breakthrough moment. The 24-year-old missed free header and several other promising chances, leaving his team desperately searching for the opener. However, his determination never wavered, and when Thilo Kehrer flicked on a corner delivery, Balogun reacted quickest to bundle the ball home with his knee from close range. The goal carried significant historical weight, making Balogun the first United States men's national team player to score in three consecutive Champions League matches. It also saw him join elite Monaco company, matching a feat last achieved by legendary striker Radamel Falcao back in 2017.
Beyond his goal-scoring contribution, Balogun impressed with his all-around play, winning five duels including three aerial battles, making three ball recoveries, and consistently pressuring defenders. His tireless effort earned recognition from teammates and supporters alike, with Monaco fans voting him man of the match with 54% of the vote. Monaco manager Sébastien Pocognoli praised his striker's mental fortitude, highlighting the off-ball work that makes Balogun invaluable to the team's system. The victory lifted Monaco level with Galatasaray on nine points in the league phase standings.
On This Day in 2024, the American Midfielder Delivered a Masterclass Strike in Juventus' Champions League Victory
Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah entered December 2024 as key figures in Juventus' resurgence under manager Thiago Motta. After extending his contract through 2026 in August, McKennie had quickly become indispensable in the Bianconeri midfield, contributing both defensively and in attack. The Texas native opened his Champions League account with a goal against PSV in September and provided two assists in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Inter Milan in late October.
Weah, meanwhile, had overcome early-season injury troubles to establish himself as a dynamic attacking option, scoring in the season opener against Como and finding the net in both the Inter clash and a 2-2 draw with Parma on October 30. That Parma match saw both Americans on the scoresheet, with McKennie netting and Weah adding a goal and assist—a preview of the connection that would define their biggest moment together.
Juventus had endured a frustrating domestic campaign, drawing an alarming number of matches in Serie A while remaining unbeaten. But in Europe, the Old Lady was finding her stride. Their December 11 clash with Manchester City at the Allianz Stadium represented a golden opportunity against an opponent mired in crisis, having won just once in their previous ten matches across all competitions.
The match itself was a tense, tactical battle befitting Italian football. City dominated possession and pushed forward desperately, particularly after Dusan Vlahovic broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half with a close-range header that barely crossed the line. Pep Guardiola's side had squandered chances throughout—most notably when Erling Haaland attempted a delicate chip over Michele Di Gregorio in the first half, only to see the Italian goalkeeper deny him with an outstretched arm. As City threw numbers forward in search of an equalizer, they left themselves vulnerable on the counter.
In the 75th minute, Juventus capitalized brilliantly. Weah, who had entered as a substitute, received the ball wide and whipped in a cross. McKennie, arriving at pace, met the delivery with perfect technique and unleashed a spectacular volley past Ederson to seal the 2-0 victory. The goal marked the first time in Champions League history that an American had assisted another American—a moment of pride crafted in New York and finished in Texas.
The significance of McKennie's strike extended far beyond the scoreline. For Juventus, sitting 14th in the Champions League table with two matches remaining, the three points were crucial in their pursuit of a top-eight finish and automatic advancement to the knockout rounds. For Manchester City, the defeat dropped them to a perilous 22nd position, just three places above elimination from the competition entirely. Since early November, Guardiola's team had conceded more goals than any side in Europe's top five leagues—a stunning collapse for the reigning champions.
"The whole team played an excellent match, we prepared well and did everything what we had to do," Vlahovic said afterward. "The result is amazing and can give us a great boost for the rest of the season." For the USMNT contingent, the victory represented another step forward in what was shaping up to be a record-breaking Champions League campaign. American players had already made 51 appearances in the competition that season—the most ever in a single campaign—and with the knockout rounds still to come, the momentum was building toward the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
McKennie and Weah would have little time to celebrate their all-American moment. Juventus faced a crucial Serie A fixture against Bologna just four days later, as they sought to turn their draw-heavy domestic form into victories and close a seven-point gap to league leaders Napoli. In the Champions League, their next test would come on January 21 with a trip to Brugge, where they hoped to secure their place in the knockout stages. For two Americans who had grown up dreaming of European glory, the path forward was clear: keep scoring, keep creating, and keep proving that USMNT players belong among the continent's elite.
On This Day in 2021, the Bayern Munich Loanee Delivered a Stoppage-Time Header to Secure a Victory for Hoffenheim
Chris Richards arrived at Bayern Munich in January 2019 as a 19-year-old prospect from FC Dallas, where he'd come through the academy system. The Alabama native was immediately assigned to Bayern Munich II in Germany's third tier, and he took to the challenge with determination. In his first full season, Richards appeared in 30 matches for the reserves, scoring four goals and helping the team capture the 3. Liga title and earn promotion to the 2. Bundesliga.
His path to first-team minutes at Bayern proved steep. Despite praise from head coach Hansi Flick and regular training sessions with the senior squad, Richards managed only sporadic appearances—a substitute debut against Freiburg in June 2020, a Champions League cameo in November, and a first start against Hertha Berlin in October, where he notched an assist in a 4-3 victory. The physical demands of German football presented challenges, and minor injuries to his ankle and calf disrupted his momentum.
Seeking regular playing time, Richards joined TSG Hoffenheim on loan in February 2021, making 11 Bundesliga appearances before returning to Bayern that summer. But the path forward was clear: Richards needed consistent minutes. On August 31, 2021, Bayern extended his contract through 2025 and loaned him back to Hoffenheim for the entire 2021-22 season, reuniting him with Sebastian Hoeneß, who had coached him at Bayern's reserves.
The timing couldn't have been better for Richards' international career. The young center-back had broken through with the U.S. Men's National Team during crucial World Cup qualifying matches that fall. He started in a vital 2-1 victory over Costa Rica on October 13, came off the bench in the statement 2-0 win over Mexico on November 12, and started again in a 1-1 draw with Jamaica on November 16. Richards was establishing himself as a reliable presence in the American defensive spine heading toward Qatar 2022.
Back at Hoffenheim, Richards quickly became a fixture in the starting lineup. He made his first appearance on September 11 in a 2-0 home loss to Mainz, but soon found his rhythm in Hoeneß's system. By December, Hoffenheim had climbed to the cusp of Champions League qualification, riding a three-match winning streak as they traveled to face Freiburg on December 11.
The match at Europa-Park Stadion started perfectly for the visitors. David Raum needed just three minutes to beat Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken from a tight angle after slipping past Lukas Kübler. But Freiburg responded through their own set-piece prowess. In the 21st minute, Nico Schlotterbeck rose to meet Vincenzo Grifo's corner and powered a header past Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann to level the score.
The match turned tense in the second half. Freiburg earned a penalty in the 56th minute when Christian Günter drew a foul from Kevin Akpoguma. Grifo stepped up, but Baumann dove to his right and pushed the spot kick away—Kevin Schade sent the rebound wide, and Hoffenheim had survived. As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, both teams pushed desperately for a winner. Hoffenheim substitutes Christoph Baumgartner and Pavel Kaderábek created chances, with Baumgartner's fierce strikes repeatedly forcing saves from Flekken. At the other end, Baumann made a crucial stop on Lukas Kübler in the 85th minute, deflecting his shot over the bar.
Then came the controversy and the heroics. Deep into stoppage time, Hoffenheim won a free kick that Freiburg's bench and the 750 permitted spectators vehemently disputed. The set piece led to a corner. Raum delivered an in-swinging ball toward the near post, and there was Richards, timing his run perfectly. The 21-year-old defender rose above the crowd and hammered his header into the top-left corner, beating Flekken at his near post. Richards wheeled away in celebration, engulfed by his teammates as the significance of the moment sank in. His first-ever senior goal—in his 36th career appearance between Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim—had come in the 94th minute to complete a comeback victory and vault Hoffenheim into fourth place, just one point behind third-place Bayer Leverkusen.
The dramatic winner extended Hoffenheim's winning streak to four matches and positioned them firmly in the race for European qualification. Richards had started his fourth consecutive match and his 15th of the season—a dramatic increase from his limited opportunities at Bayern. But the fairytale would have its limits. Richards continued as a regular starter through the holidays, playing in the draw with Leverkusen and the win over Augsburg to close out 2021. Yet a foot injury in late January and a hamstring issue in April ended his campaign prematurely. He finished the season with 20 Bundesliga appearances and 1,302 minutes played—a significant step forward in his development, even if the lone goal remained his only strike.
Hoffenheim finished ninth in the table, missing out on European qualification despite their promising position in December. The club opted not to exercise its purchase option, and Richards returned to Bayern Munich at the end of June 2022. Still, that December night in Freiburg represented something essential for Richards: proof that an American defender could deliver in Germany's top flight when it mattered most. In stoppage time, with Champions League hopes on the line, Richards had risen to meet the moment—literally—and given Hoffenheim three precious points they desperately needed. For one magical December evening, the kid from Birmingham, Alabama, was the hero of the Bundesliga.
