Richards Powers On

Richards and Palace Keep a Clean Sheet on Monday After European Victory on Thursday

It's been a remarkable stretch for Chris Richards and Crystal Palace, and the American center back is embracing every moment of it.

Last Thursday, Richards helped Palace see off Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinal, holding firm through a nervy second half in Italy after Ismaila Sarr's early away goal had effectively ended the tie as a contest. Despite Fiorentina pulling back to within two goals on the night, Palace defended resolutely to advance 4-2 on aggregate and set up a semifinal clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. Richards spoke openly about the lessons the squad has absorbed throughout the European campaign, noting the adjustments required compared to Premier League football. He also praised young center back partner Jaydee Canvot, who has stepped up impressively since Marc Guehi's winter departure to Manchester City.

On Monday, Richards and Palace returned to league action against a West Ham side fighting for Premier League survival, and the backline was again solid in a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park—Palace's 12th clean sheet of the campaign. Richards made eight clearances, six of them headers, and contributed nine defensive actions across 90 minutes. A potential Palace winner was disallowed late via VAR, but the point keeps their Conference League momentum intact heading into the semifinal.

Scally's Second Goal in 2026

Defender's Strike Not Enough as Mainz Snatch Late Point at Borussia-Park

Joe Scally gave Borussia Mönchengladbach the perfect start on Sunday evening, but a last-gasp penalty denied the Foals all three points in a 1-1 draw against Mainz at Borussia-Park.

The 23-year-old American right wingback opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a composed, well-taken finish—his first goal since netting in the first match back from Winter break against Augsburg back in January. The move was built from a headed flick-on by Haris Tabaković, which found Hugo Bolin in space. Bolin drove at his man before laying the ball off to Scally on the edge of the box, and the USMNT international opened his body and placed a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving goalkeeper Daniel Batz no chance.

It was a clinical finish, but Scally's technique and composure made it look far more routine than the 0.07 xG suggested. He was equally disciplined throughout the 90 minutes at the other end, contributing five clearances, two of them headers, and four recoveries as Gladbach worked hard to protect their lead.

For long stretches, it looked like it might be enough. Mainz pressed continuously, and Gladbach had chances to put the game to bed, most notably when Jens Castrop found himself through on goal but was denied by Batz. Nelson Weiper thought he had equalized late on, only for VAR to rule it out for offside, and it seemed Gladbach would hold on.

But in the 96th minute, a foul in the box handed Mainz a lifeline, and Nadiem Amiri calmly converted the penalty to steal a point. For Scally and Gladbach, it was a deflating end to what had been a strong performance, extending their winless run to four matches.

Balogun Makes History

Forward Scores in Eighth Straight Ligue 1 Match as Monaco Rescue a Point Against Auxerre

Folarin Balogun's remarkable scoring run continued on Sunday, but it wasn't enough to give AS Monaco the result they desperately needed in their pursuit of a Champions League place.

The 24-year-old American striker converted a penalty in the 59th minute to draw Monaco level at 2-2 against AJ Auxerre at Stade Louis-II, scoring in eight consecutive Ligue 1 matches—a feat achieved by only four other players in the French top flight this century. He joins an exclusive list that includes Sonny Anderson, Shabani Nonda, Rony Lopes, and Moussa Dembélé, the latter three all having done it in Monaco colors. It was his 12th league goal of the season and, notably, his tenth in his last ten matches across all competitions.

The context made the comeback all the more impressive. Monaco found themselves two goals down inside 33 minutes, first conceding a superb volley from Kevin Danois and then being punished when goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky let Lassine Sinayoko's shot slip under his body. It looked bleak. But Ansu Fati pulled one back in the 56th minute, and three minutes later, Balogun was brought down in the box, stepped up himself, and coolly converted to level things up.

Balogun's underlying numbers told the story of a man constantly in dangerous areas—nine touches in the opposition box and three shots, all on target. He even thought he had grabbed a second when he lashed a shot into the far corner, only to be flagged for offside.

Six of his last eight goals have come in the second half, underlining his ability to impact matches when it matters most. With Monaco still outside the European places, they'll need more of the same when they travel to Toulouse next weekend.

McKennie Dominates

Midfielder Notched an Assist as Juventus Move Closer to Champions League

Weston McKennie is hitting his stride at exactly the right time, and Juventus is reaping the rewards.

The 27-year-old USMNT midfielder was one of his side's best players on Sunday as Juventus cruised to a 2-0 victory over Bologna at Allianz Stadium, moving five points clear of Como in the race for the final Champions League qualification spot with five games remaining. It was Juventus' seventh Serie A match without a defeat, a run in which they've accumulated more points than any other side in the division over that stretch.

McKennie's influence was total. He completed 88% of his passes, made ten passes into the final third, created two chances, including one big one, and contributed defensively with tackles, blocks, clearances, and four recoveries—covering the pitch from box to box for the full 90 minutes. He was dominant throughout, combining defensive solidity with driving forward runs.

The decisive moment came in the 57th minute. Manuel Locatelli's effort was blocked, and the ball dropped to McKennie, who took a couple of touches to compose himself before delivering a pinpoint cross from the right wing onto the head of substitute Khephren Thuram, who powered his header past Federico Ravaglia to double the lead. It was the kind of intelligent, composed delivery that unlocked a well-organized Bologna defense.

Juventus had actually been in front since the second minute, when Jonathan David glanced Pierre Kalulu's cross into the bottom corner in what was the fastest Juventus goal in a Serie A home match in nearly three years. With the World Cup approaching, McKennie's form couldn't be better timed.