Brenden Aaronson broke his goal-scoring drought with a crucial opening strike in Leeds United's resounding 7-0 demolition of Cardiff City at Elland Road Saturday. The 24-year-old American international netted in the sixth minute, setting the tone for Leeds' most comprehensive win of the season.
Supplied by Dan James, Aaronson calmly steadied himself before firing a low right-foot shot past goalkeeper Jak Alnwick. The goal was particularly significant for Aaronson, who had gone five Championship games without directly contributing to a goal.
"Sometimes I have to be more patient between the lines," Aaronson told BBC Radio Leeds. "It's been a bit frustrating recently, I've had a lot of the sixes following me around." His goal marked a return to form after a solid December where he had been involved in four goals in five games.
The victory extended Leeds' unbeaten home run to 14 games, putting them five points ahead of third place. Aaronson's goal was just the beginning of a dominant performance, with Manor Solomon, Dan James, Willy Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, and Joel Piroe scoring.
Beyond his goal, Aaronson quickly praised teammate Mateo Joseph, who ended an 18-game goalless streak. "He's a young kid, and it's tough," Aaronson said. "But he's so hungry and wants to keep working. He's got a huge future ahead of him."
This performance is crucial for Aaronson, who has been a constant in Leeds' lineup with 28 consecutive Championship starts. With the club potentially looking to bring in a new striker, Aaronson's ability to contribute goals and assists remains critical to Leeds' promotion hopes.
Fullback Provides Another Assist as Fulham Came Back to Beat Newcastle
Antonee Robinson continued his remarkable Premier League season with a pivotal performance in Fulham's 2-1 win against Newcastle United. The American left-back delivered his 10th assist of the season, setting up Raúl Jiménez's equalizing goal and cementing his status as one of the league's most productive defenders.
Robinson's contribution places him in elite company. He is only the seventh defender in Premier League history to reach double-digit assists in a single season. His remarkable statistic is second only to Mohamed Salah's 13 assists this season, surpassing established midfield playmakers like Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne.
"In the first half, we were still putting things together," Robinson told BBC Match of the Day. "In the second half, we came out flying and putting pressure on them." This mindset epitomized Fulham's tactical approach, with Robinson playing a crucial role in the team's success.
The 27-year-old has transformed his Premier League trajectory, recording 10 assists this season compared to just seven in his previous 101 appearances. His performances have earned him the trust of manager Marco Silva, who appointed him team captain. He has now tied Fulham's record for assists in a single Premier League season and is eyeing Trent Alexander-Arnold's single-season record of 13 assists for a defender.
With his consistent high-level performances, Robinson has contributed significantly to Fulham's success and established himself as one of the Premier League's standout left-backs. His ability to influence the game from a defensive position makes him a key player in Fulham's campaign.
Mark McKenzie scored his first Ligue 1 goal on Sunday, earning Toulouse a crucial 1-1 draw against Nice. The 25-year-old center-back bundled home a late equalizer after taking advantage of a goalkeeper error by Marcin Bulka.
McKenzie's goal marked a significant milestone in his first season with Toulouse, where he has quickly established himself as a key player. Since joining from Genk in the offseason, he has started 18 of the club's 20 matches.
The New York native's performance was impressive enough to earn him a spot on L'Equipe's team of the week. His emergence has been particularly noteworthy for the U.S. men's national team, providing stability in an inconsistent center-back pool.
McKenzie will shift his focus to the Coupe De France, with Toulouse set to face Guingamp in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.
Winger Continues Impressive Season with Assist in Win Over Empoli
Tim Weah delivered another versatile performance on Sunday as Juventus secured a convincing 4-1 win against Empoli. The 24-year-old American continued to showcase his adaptability, playing as a full-back in the absence of Andrea Cambiaso and Juan Cabal.
"This win is important for us," Weah said after the match. "It was difficult to concede a goal after 4 minutes, but we reacted well. We have to continue like this." His comments reflected the team's resilience after a challenging midweek defeat to Benfica.
Weah's remarkable flexibility has been a hallmark of his season. Originally a winger, he has seamlessly transitioned through multiple positions, including center-forward and now full-back. His willingness to contribute wherever needed has been crucial to Juventus' success.
"I feel comfortable as a full-back," Weah explained. "If I can help the team, I want to do it. I can also be a goalkeeper if the coach asks me to." This team-first attitude has endeared him to both teammates and fans.
The victory was particularly significant for Juventus, which reached fifth place in Serie A with 37 points. For Weah, it represents continued progress after an underwhelming first season in Turin following his summer 2023 transfer from Lille.
Under coach Thiago Motta, Weah has become increasingly productive, demonstrating why he's considered one of the most exciting talents of his generation. His tactical versatility and commitment to the team have been key to Juventus' recent performances.
"We have to continue working together because we're a very young team," Weah noted. With his positive attitude and adaptable play, he's proving to be a crucial component of Juventus' rebuilding efforts.
On This Day in 2022, the Americans Dominant in the Coldest Match in US National Team History
The United States men's national team entered its World Cup qualifier against Honduras, desperately seeking an offensive spark. Just three days earlier, a 2-0 defeat at Canada had raised questions about the team's attacking prowess—they had managed just two goals in their previous three matches. With four games remaining in the qualifying campaign, the Americans sat in second place, but their margin for error had tightened considerably.
The headlines leading into the February 2 clash at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, weren't about tactics or lineups – they were about the thermometer. At kickoff, the temperature read 6 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of minus-9, making it the coldest U.S. home match in program history. By the final whistle, the reading would drop to 3 degrees. While U.S. Soccer's strategy of choosing cold-weather venues to gain an advantage over warm-weather opponents wasn't new – Canada had hosted Mexico in 14-degree weather in Edmonton in November – the decision to push those boundaries against already-eliminated Honduras raised eyebrows.
The frigid conditions forced both teams to adapt. Players wore thermal head coverings, gloves and neck gaiters. U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner attempted to use a quarterback's hand warmer but was told to remove it by the referee just two minutes into the match. The benches were heated from above and below, and hot apple cider and blankets were abundant on the sidelines. For Honduras, the cold proved particularly brutal – goalkeeper Luis López couldn't continue after halftime, requiring IV fluids due to the extreme conditions.
On the field, the Americans finally found their scoring touch and did it through an unexpected source – set pieces. In the 8th minute, Kellyn Acosta – starting with the injured Tyler Adams – delivered a precise free kick that Weston McKennie headed home for the opener. It marked the U.S. team's first set-piece goal of the qualifying campaign and only their third first-half goal in 11 qualifiers.
The Americans doubled their lead in the 37th minute, again from an Acosta free kick. This time, Walker Zimmerman capitalized, turning inside the six-yard box to slot home his first international goal in three years. The biggest surprise of the night came from coach Gregg Berhalter's decision to start the match without Christian Pulisic, but the Chelsea star made his impact felt after entering as a substitute in the 64th minute. Three minutes later, Pulisic knocked in the team's third goal, converting from another set piece – this time an Acosta corner kick that pinballed off Ricardo Pepi and Zimmerman before finding the winger.
"Three points was pretty much a necessity, just with where we are and where we want to go," Zimmerman said afterward. "We really took that upon us." The center back praised the team's most "dynamic performance" of the window, particularly noting how they finally broke through on set pieces.
For Berhalter, the victory kept the U.S. in control of its World Cup destiny. "Our goal in this window was to stay in second or to move to first place and it looks like we'll do that," he said. When pressed about the controversial decision to play in such extreme conditions, Berhalter drew parallels to what his team faces on the road: "When we go down to those countries and it's 90 degrees and 90 percent dew point and it's unbearable humidity and guys are getting dehydrated and cramping up and getting heat exhaustion, that's the nature of our competition."
The 3-0 victory and Mexico's 1-0 win over Panama kept the United States tied for second place in the qualifying standings. With three matches remaining in March – away to Mexico, home against Panama, and away to Costa Rica – the Americans likely need one more victory to secure their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
On This Day in 1998, a Victory to Start the Gold Cup
The United States entered 1998, riding a wave of momentum. Steve Sampson's squad had closed out 1997 by securing their World Cup spot with a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada on November 9, followed by a 4-2 win against El Salvador to wrap up qualifying. The positive trajectory continued into the new year as the Americans opened 1998 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sweden during January camp. With France '98 looming, the U.S. kicked off their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign, a 15-day tournament starting at the beginning of the month.
For Sampson, the tournament represented a crucial opportunity to evaluate his squad just months before the World Cup. On February 1, the Americans would host Cuba at the Oakland Coliseum, marking the first meeting between the two nations in almost 50 years. The two teams held 1-1-1 (WDL) records against each other, with Cuba winning the first in Havana during the 1947 North American Football Confederation Championship. US and Cuba played to a 1-1 draw in the 1949 NAFC Championship before the United States earned a 5-2 win a week later — both in Mexico. That latter victory secured the Americans' spot at the 1950 World Cup.
The US came into this match as heavy favorites against a Cuban side ranked 62 spots below them in the FIFA rankings. Still, the most intriguing storyline was Sampson's decision to move Eric Wynalda, the U.S. all-time leading scorer with 31 goals in 90 appearances, from his natural forward position to left midfield. The move was made partly to accommodate forwards like Roy Wegerle and Roy Lassiter, but it left Wynalda in an unfamiliar role.
"I never put my personal agenda in front of what's best for the team. It's pretty much as simple as that. There's no issue as to any hostility between Steve and me," Wynalda said before the match, though his adjustment to the new position remained a key talking point.
The Americans came out aggressive from the opening whistle, with Frankie Hejduk leading several early attacking moves. Wynalda thought he had given the U.S. the lead in just the 5th minute. Still, his goal was controversially ruled offside by Trinidadian linesman Merere Louis Gonzalez – a decision that brought Sampson furiously off the bench. He even mentioned it at halftime during the full match broadcast. The disallowed goal seemed to affect the U.S. team's rhythm, as they struggled to convert their chances despite dominating possession. The teams went into halftime scoreless, with some frustrated boos emanating from the 11,234 fans in attendance.
The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute through Roy Wegerle, who continued his hot streak with his fourth goal in three matches. The play started with Wynalda, who delivered an excellent flick to put Wegerle one-on-one with Cuban goalkeeper Alexi Reve-Aviles. The Americans nearly saw their lead evaporate three minutes later when Eduardo Cebranco hammered a shot against the right post – inches away from changing the match's complexion.
Instead, Wynalda doubled the lead in the 59th minute. The play developed when Cobi Jones pressured Reve-Aviles, forcing a loose ball that fell perfectly for an unmarked Wynalda to slam into the empty net. Joe-Max Moore, who had been everywhere on the field all afternoon, capped the scoring in the 76th minute with a confident penalty kick after Preki was brought down in the box.
Moore's performance was particularly noteworthy, as the 27-year-old from Irvine showed his versatility by tracking back on defense, creating chances in midfield, and joining the attack when needed. Having spent the MLS offseason in Ecuador rather than taking a break, Moore's fitness was evident throughout the match. "I feel great, I feel real sharp," Moore said afterward. "There's positions I prefer, but I really feel at this point that I'm fit enough to play wherever Steve puts me. I'm willing to do the work every game."
The 3-0 victory gave the U.S. a strong start to their Gold Cup campaign, though Sampson acknowledged room for improvement. "It wasn't until the second half, when things opened up a bit, that we were able to capitalize," he said, lamenting the "20 or 30 very clear opportunities" his team created but couldn't finish. The win set up a crucial group match against Costa Rica the following Saturday in Oakland, with the Americans needing a result to advance to the semifinals, which would come as a 2-1 American victory.
For Cuba, despite the loss, the tournament represented a chance to showcase their progress in a sport traditionally overshadowed by baseball in their country. "Our main goal in this tournament is to show just how much Cuban soccer has improved in the past few years," Cuban coach William Bennett said through an interpreter. "This is a very important step for us."
Striker Was Key in Win Over Liverpool in the Champions League but Sustained a Knee Injury
In what proved to be a bittersweet Champions League night for Ricardo Pepi, the American striker delivered a crucial performance in PSV's 3-2 victory over Liverpool before suffering a significant knee injury. Pepi netted the winning goal in the historic result, which secured PSV's place in the Champions League Round of 16. However, his evening was cut short in the 76th minute when he had to leave the field due to a knee injury.
While initial fears of an ACL tear have been alleviated, the news remains concerning for club and country. PSV manager Peter Bosz confirmed that Pepi will be sidelined for "a very long time," though he declined to specify the exact nature of the injury. Sources indicate the 22-year-old could miss anywhere from one to three months of action, dealing a significant blow to PSV's campaign and potentially his international duties.
The timing of the injury is miserable, given Pepi's exceptional form this season. The El Paso native has been prolific for PSV, scoring 18 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. However, many of these contributions have come as a substitute behind regular starter Luuk de Jong. His performances had even attracted interest from the Premier League, with West Ham United reportedly making a $25 million bid that PSV rejected, underlining his importance to the Dutch club.
The injury also raises questions about Pepi's availability for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, where the United States is scheduled to face Panama on March 20. Having scored in both quarterfinal legs against Jamaica, Pepi's potential absence would be a significant loss for the national team, especially considering his impressive international record of 13 goals in 33 appearances. With fellow striker Folarin Balogun also sidelined and Haji Wright just returning from injury, Josh Sargent's recent return to form for Norwich City could prove timely for the USMNT's upcoming fixtures.
Despite the setback, Pepi has maintained a positive outlook. "I'm extremely sad, but I'm a positive person. We will go for the best possible treatment and the best possible recovery, so hopefully, I will come out of it stronger. The club and I will make a decision together to achieve this," he stated, emphasizing his determination to return stronger from this obstacle in what has otherwise been a breakthrough season for the young American striker.
On This Day in 2016, the Center-Back Heads Home Late Winner in a Friendly Victory over Iceland
The call came suddenly for Steve Birnbaum. After just one national team appearance in January 2015, the D.C. United defender had spent nearly a year away from the U.S. setup before Jurgen Klinsmann found himself short on defenders ahead of the 2016 January camp.
"I got the call Friday morning, and they said, can you be in on Monday," Birnbaum recalled. "I said, 'Yeah. I'm in Irvine. I'll just drive up.'"
The timing was critical. After a difficult 2015 that saw the U.S. fail to reach the Gold Cup final for the first time in 12 years and lose a Confederations Cup playoff to Mexico, Klinsmann entered 2016 facing mounting pressure. With World Cup qualifying, Olympic qualifying against Colombia, and the Copa America ahead, the German coach needed fresh energy in his aging squad.
That short drive to Carson would prove momentous. When Brad Evans departed at halftime with a hamstring injury during the January 31 friendly against Iceland, Birnbaum seized his opportunity. Early in the second half, he rose above two defenders to head Jozy Altidore's cross to Michael Orozco, who nodded home to make it 2-2.
But Birnbaum wasn't finished. In the final minute of regulation, after substitute Jerome Kiesewetter's pace drew a free kick in a dangerous position, Michael Bradley delivered a curling ball toward the far post. Birnbaum met it perfectly, powering home a header for his first international goal to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The win helped kickstart Klinsmann's youth movement, as seven players under 26 featured that day. "Our intention is to transition to the next generation," Klinsmann said after the match. "And give them as much support and as much patience and time as we can."
For the 25-year-old Birnbaum, who considered himself "a middle guy" despite just his second cap, the winner offered hope of a permanent place in the squad. Yet the path forward remained challenging. When World Cup qualifying resumed in March, Klinsmann would have four World Cup veterans and two Premier League center-backs available. His versatility on the wing could prove crucial.
"I wanted to improve and to be in the mix for the national team constantly. I wanted to prove something to them, that I should be here," Birnbaum said. "And hopefully, I'm going to keep doing that."
That determination earned him another chance days later against Canada, as Birnbaum started the match and went the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win. Birnbaum had made his case, turning an emergency call-up into a moment of magic that would help earn him a spot on the 2016 Copa America Centenario roster and in World Cup qualifying matches later that year before earning his final US caps in the January camp in 2017.
Midfielder Donned the Captain's Armband in the Champions League Defeat
On Wednesday, Weston McKennie reached a significant milestone in his Juventus career. In his 159th appearance for the Italian giants, he wore the captain's armband for the first time. The honor came in Juventus's Champions League group stage finale against Benfica, though the occasion was somewhat dampened by a 2-0 home defeat. McKennie, who has previously captained the U.S. men's national team three times, was deployed at left-back due to the defensive selection crisis.
The captaincy represents a remarkable turnaround for McKennie, who has repeatedly fought his way back from the brink at Juventus. Over the past two seasons, he was seemingly surplus to requirements under both Max Allegri and current manager Thiago Motta. Last year, the club went as far as to give away his locker and parking spot, yet McKennie responded by leading the team in assists and becoming one of their most-used players. This season began similarly, with Motta publicly suggesting McKennie should find a new club, only for the American to earn a contract extension and become an integral part of the squad, making 24 appearances and scoring four goals while displaying his versatility across multiple positions.
Despite the disappointing result against Benfica, Juventus's Champions League journey will continue in the knockout stages, where they face an intriguing matchup against PSV Eindhoven. The tie will be a rematch of their September encounter, which saw McKennie score in a 3-1 Juventus victory. The two-legged series is scheduled for February, with McKennie hoping to lead his team to the quarter-finals while continuing his remarkable renaissance in Turin.
Midfielder Notched his First Assist of the Season in Champions League Victory
Gio Reyna impacted Borussia Dortmund's 3-1 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, providing a moment of brilliance with his fifth career Champions League assist. Coming off the bench in the 64th minute to replace Julian Brandt, the 22-year-old American midfielder helped secure Dortmund's victory with an ingenious piece of skill in the 79th minute.
The highlight came when Reyna connected with Ramy Bensebaini in a clever give-and-go sequence. Despite being pressured by two Shakhtar defenders, Reyna showed exceptional composure. He used his first touch to create space before delivering a perfectly weighted back-heel pass that found Bensebaini's continued run into the box. The defender finished the move to seal the victory and secure Dortmund's position as the 10th seed in the Champions League's new format.
This performance comes at a conflicting time in Reyna's career at Dortmund. After missing the early part of the season with a groin strain, he has gradually worked his way back into the team's plans, appearing in 12 of their last 13 matches. However, with only three starts this season and 351 minutes of total playing time, questions remain about his role at the club. While transfer rumors linking him to AC Milan have cooled, the appointment of new manager Niko Kovac, who will take charge after Sunday's Bundesliga match against Heidenheim, could represent a fresh opportunity for Reyna to establish himself as a regular starter. The immediate future holds a Champions League playoff matchup against either Sporting CP or Club Brugge, where Reyna hopes to continue making an impact and proving his worth to the new manager.
