Defender Subbed Out at Halftime Last Weekend and In Doubt for This Weekend
Mark McKenzie is doubtful to feature in Toulouse's upcoming high-profile match against Paris Saint-Germain after suffering an adductor injury in the club's 2-2 draw with Auxerre. The center back, who has been a consistent presence in Toulouse's defense this season, was forced to exit the game at halftime due to the injury.
The setback is unfortunate for McKenzie, who had been enjoying an impressive first season in French football. Before this injury, the 25-year-old had started 18 of Toulouse's 20 league matches since his summer transfer from Genk, establishing himself as a key figure in the team's backline. His recent form has been particularly noteworthy. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw against Nice, which earned him a spot in L'Equipe's team of the week.
According to the latest training ground reports, McKenzie was limited to individual training on Thursday, working separately from the main group as he deals with the adductor problem. His status for Saturday's match against PSG remains uncertain, adding to Toulouse's defensive concerns as they prepare to face one of France's most potent attacking forces.
The timing is particularly challenging for Toulouse, who are already dealing with several injury issues across their squad. McKenzie's potential absence would be significant, as he has been one of the team's most reliable defenders this season, ranking fourth in total league minutes played. Should he be unavailable for the PSG match, it would mark a notable setback for both the player and the team, especially given his strong adaptation to French football since his arrival.
Haji Wright is finally making progress in his recovery from a lengthy ankle ligament injury that has kept him sidelined since November. The Coventry City forward, who last featured against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, has begun his gradual return to training activities at the club's Ryton facility.
After being limited to cardio work and individual training for several months, Wright has now taken his first steps back onto the grass, participating in portions of team training sessions. However, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has urged fans to temper their expectations despite photos emerging of Wright's return to outdoor work.
"Don't get too excited, everybody," Lampard cautionedwhen discussing Wright's recovery. "He's back on the pitch with us, taking part in training and coming out of parts of training to get fitness, but he's been out a relatively long time now."
The striker's rehabilitation program currently involves warm-ups, small possession drills, and box exercises, with the training staff carefully managing his workload. Lampard estimates it will take another two to three weeks before Wright can be considered for selection, emphasizing the importance of ensuring he returns "right and ready and firing."
Wright's return will be a significant boost for Coventry City. Before his injury in November, he had scored seven goals. His absence has spanned nearly the entire tenure of Lampard, who took over as manager in December. The injury also forced Wright to miss out on U.S. Men's National Team duty during this period.
Wright's rehabilitation is being carefully managed, reflecting the club's determination to avoid setbacks. Lampard and his staff, including fitness coach Chris, are closely monitoring his progress as they work toward making him match-ready.
World Cup Qualifying Started with a Record Win Before Victory in the Second Match
The U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team has spectacularly started their World Cup qualifying campaign, breaking records in their opening matches. The tournament began with a historic 22-0 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands, setting a new record for the largest margin of victory in any U.S. World Cup qualifier across all age groups and genders. Forward Chase Adams stole the show with an unprecedented 10-goal performance, the most goals ever scored by a U.S. player in a World Cup qualifying match. Captain Maximo Carrizo added four goals, while Chance Cowell and Jude Terry each contributed braces in the dominant display.
The team maintained momentum in their second match, defeating St. Kitts and Nevis 7-0 with a primarily rotated squad. Head coach Gonzalo Segares made nine changes to the starting lineup, demonstrating the squad's depth. New York Red Bulls forward Tanner Rosborough led the attack with four goals, while Axel Uriostegui, Cristiano Oliveira, and Enrique Martinez also found the back of the net. Despite facing a more defensive-minded opponent who sat in a low block, the U.S. controlled 76% of possession and outshot their opponents 42-4.
The final group match against Cuba on Saturday will determine who advances to Qatar's expanded 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup. The U.S. currently sits atop Group F with six points and an impressive +29 goal differential, while Cuba holds second place after defeating the U.S. Virgin Islands 6-3. The Americans need only a draw to secure qualification, but they'll face their toughest test against a Cuban side that has also shown scoring prowess. With Cuba's +5 goal differential significantly behind the USA's +29, the Americans enter the match in a strong position to claim the group's sole World Cup spot.
Midfielder Unleashed a Rope to Open the Scoring in the Champions League
Weston McKennie continues to shine for Juventus, scoring a crucial goal in their 2-1 Champions League playoff victory against PSV Eindhoven. The USMNT midfielder broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a powerful strike into the top right corner from inside the penalty area, following a scrambled sequence. While McKennie modestly claimed his 2020 goal against Barcelona was better, his latest effort proved decisive in securing a European win.
The goal marks McKennie's third Champions League strike this season, all coming with his right foot and all in victories, including previous goals against Manchester City and PSV in the group stage. His seventh career Champions League goal puts him in elite company among CONCACAF players, trailing only Javier Hernández (14), Christian Pulisic (12), Dwight Yorke (11), and Jonathan David (9) in the competition's history.
Juventus head coach Thiago Motta has praised McKennie's versatility and team-first attitude. He highlighted the American's ability to excel in multiple positions. "Weston is special," Motta said. He has played fullback, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger. He's a top-level player." This adaptability has made McKennie nearly indispensable to the team, with Motta admitting it's "difficult to put him on the bench."
The 26-year-old's excellent form is also paying off beyond the pitch. Last August, he signed an extension through 2026, but reports suggest Juventus plans to offer him a new deal to keep him at the club until 2028. With five goals in 28 appearances this season and increasingly influential performances, McKennie has established himself as a key figure in Juventus's pursuit of Champions League success.
On This Day 2023, Forward Nets His 11th of the Season
Josh Sargent came into the 2022 World Cup in solid goal-scoring form. He scored nine EFL Championship goals and earned a selection to Qatar. He played in all three group-stage matches but failed to make an impact at the tournament and was injured in the 1-0 victory over Iran.
When he returned Norwich City, he was thrust back into the first team action, but struggled to regain that form from earlier in the season. He finally found the net in the 4-2 win over Coventry City to close out January. The Canaries would be held goalless over their next two matches before a February 14 clash with Hull City.
A late-game flourish helped Norwich City end their home struggles emphatically, as the American striker netted his 11th goal of the Championship campaign in the 3-1 victory over Hull City at Carrow Road.
The 22-year-old forward, who hadn't found back of the next in little under a month, picked the perfect moment to rediscover his scoring touch. With Norwich already leading 2-1 in the 89th minute, Sargent combined with Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara before slotting a precise right-footed finish inside the far post, beyond Hull goalkeeper Matt Ingram's reach.
It was a fitting end to an active night for Sargent, who had seen both a deflected shot and a header sail over the crossbar. The U.S. international remained persistent throughout, registering three shots on target while contributing to the defensive effort with four ball recoveries.
"From my point of view it was one of our best, maybe the best which we've seen," Norwich manager David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk after the match. "We've shown that we didn't get affected by being 1-0 down... and then obviously they scored three wonderful goals."
The victory, which snapped Norwich's six-game winless run at home in October, moved the Canaries to eighth in the table. For Sargent personally, the goal reinforced his position as Norwich's top scorer that season, having found the net 11 times in 29 league appearances.
On This Day in 1990, a Chris Sullivan Bicycle Kick was the Difference in This Friendly Win
With the 1990 World Cup in Italy looming just months away, the U.S. national team arrived in Bermuda seeking to shake off the disappointment of their Marlboro Cup showing in Miami. Bob Gansler's squad, still stinging from a 2-0 defeat to Costa Rica and a penalty shootout loss to Colombia, needed to build momentum and confidence as they prepared for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
"We are looking at this game as another step toward Italy," Gansler said before the match. "We were all disappointed with the results last week. But now we have a chance to put things right. Nobody is assured a place on this squad, and I will be looking closely at how well the players perform."
In front of 3,500 spectators at the still-under-construction national stadium in Hamilton, the February 13 match nearly took an unfortunate turn for the Americans late in the first half. Defenders Marcelo Balboa and Mike Windischmann combined to bring down Bermuda's Corey Hill in the penalty area, but Ricky Hill's spot kick sailed wide right, keeping the match scoreless.
The breakthrough finally came eight minutes into the second half through Chris Sullivan, who hadn't appeared for the national team since June 1988. The 24-year-old from Redwood City, California, who plies his trade with Raba Eto in Hungary, produced a moment of brilliance that belied his recent struggles. Taking a pass from Eric Wynalda, Sullivan executed a perfect bicycle kick from 10 yards out that beat two defenders and goalkeeper Ty Williams, finding the upper right corner.
"To score a goal like that was a superb feeling," Sullivan said afterward. I saw the cross from Eric going behind me, so I had to adjust. But I knew when I hit it, it was going in because I had really good contact. Despite scoring, I know I have a lot of work to do to get a regular place on the team."
Gansler, while pleased with the result, remained measured in his assessment. "I am pleased with the result because it is still preseason for us," he said. "We had good bits and pieces from everybody although there were some shadow performances from some of our players. It was a nice effort from Sullivan. He had certainly been struggling before that. I think he was almost trying too hard, and things weren't coming off for him. But that finish showed a lot of invention, and it proves he has the basic quality to be an asset to our team."
The 1-0 victory marked the Americans' first win since their historic World Cup qualification triumph over Trinidad and Tobago in November. The team would remain in Bermuda for a Friday night friendly against league champion Pembroke Hamilton, continuing their preparation for the monumental challenge that awaited them in Italy. A 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Soviet Union 11 days later further proved the gap between the Americans and the rest of the soccer world.
On This Day in 2000, Forward Scored the Second in a 3-0 American Victory, His Final for the US
The aftermath of the 1998 World Cup left Eric Wynalda, the US Men's National Team's all-time leading scorer, in an unfamiliar position - watching from the sidelines. After being controversially left out of the starting lineup in the fateful Iran match in France, Wynalda's national team career seemed to be fading. A series of injuries and a reconstructive knee surgery kept him away from the national team until his return in late 1999, where he reminded everyone of his scoring touch with the lone American goal in a 2-1 defeat to Morocco.
"It's something that I've dealt with over the years," Wynalda had said about fighting to maintain his place. "Always, a new guy comes in and tries to take my job. That's the way it works. It's the nature of the business. But I'm still here."
At the beginning of 2000, US manager Bruce Arena held a "tryout" ahead of the January friendly with Iran to help blend the departing veterans with the incoming young talent. Wynalda made the roster but didn't play in the match. A week and a half later, Wynalda started and assisted Eddie Lewis' opener in the 2-1 road win over Chile.
Now, on a warm February 12 night at the Orange Bowl, Wynalda would write the final chapter of his remarkable international scoring career. The U.S. entered their Gold Cup opener against Haiti with Bruce Arena seeking to blend veterans like Wynalda with a new generation of talent. In front of 49,591 passionate fans, including nearly 25,000 supporting Haiti, the Americans looked to end a 16-year winless drought in South Florida.
The match opened with the Americans controlling possession, and in the 18th minute, Wynalda showed his playmaking ability rather than his scoring touch. After Claudio Reyna sent a driving cross-field ball, Wynalda expertly controlled with his left foot before delivering a perfectly weighted pass that Jovan Kirovski headed home for the opener.
The defining moment came in the 55th minute when Jean Roland Dartiguenave brought down Reyna in the box. Wynalda stepped up to take the penalty and, with the confidence that had produced so many crucial goals over his decade-long career, converted what would prove to be his 34th and final international goal - extending his American record and adding to his Gold Cup scoring mark of nine goals.
"It is a good victory for us," Wynalda said afterward. "We got the early goal, and we were able to play possession and control much of the game." His understated response belied the historical significance - after 104 appearances spanning back to 1990, this would be his last goal in a U.S. shirt.
Cobi Jones would add a late third goal from another Reyna assist, securing a 3-0 victory that marked the Americans' fifth consecutive shutout against Haiti. U.S. coach Bruce Arena, typically reserved in his post-match comments, noted, "We look to play well in each match, and if we do, we will advance in the Gold Cup. We had some good efforts by certain individuals."
After beating Peru 1-0 through another Jones goal, the tournament would ultimately end in disappointment for Wynalda and the U.S. team, as they fell to Colombia on penalties in the quarterfinals after a dramatic 2-2 draw. After playing the full 120 minutes, Wynalda stepped to the first penalty of the shootout and skied his final US kick over the bar. Afterward, he said he was tired. The Americans would lose 2-1 on penalties.
"It's just a total crapshoot," manager Bruce Arena said. "Both teams were tired. We didn't do well. Give their team credit. I don't lose any sleep over losing on penalty kicks."
But on this night in Miami, Wynalda had one final moment to add to his legacy as America's most prolific scorer of the 1990s (he was late voted player of the decade in a ceremony later that year), a reminder of the consistent excellence that had made him the national team's go-to striker for a decade.
On This Day in 2009, the Coach's Son Nabs Both Goals in the Third Dos-a-Cero Victory in Columbus
The United States entered their opening Hexagonal match against Mexico, riding a remarkable streak of dominance on home soil against their biggest rivals. Since 2000, the Americans had compiled an impressive 8-0-2 record against El Tri in the United States, including two previous 2-0 victories in World Cup Qualifying at Columbus Crew Stadium in 2001 and 2005
For Mexico, pressure was mounting on Swedish manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. El Tri had barely squeaked into the final round of qualifying, having won just one of their previous seven matches. The former England manager's job security was increasingly tenuous as Mexico prepared to face its northern neighbors in conditions far from ideal for the visitors.
Conditions became even more challenging on February 11. With a tornado watch in effect and wind and rain whipping through central Ohio, fans were initially advised to stay in their cars before the 7 p.m. kickoff. But the sold-out crowd of 23,776—tickets had been claimed in just 90 minutes—eventually made their way into Crew Stadium, creating an overwhelmingly pro-American atmosphere.
"When we first came out to warm up, there were quite a few Mexicans - I think they got here early," midfielder Landon Donovan told reporters afterward. "When we came out to kick off, the majority of people were Americans. They were great. They were very loud."
The match started cautiously, with Mexico creating the first real chance in the 3rd minute when Giovani dos Santos forced Tim Howard into a point-blank save. The Americans gradually gained control of possession, and Clint Dempsey nearly opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but this was denied by Mexican goalkeeper Oswaldo Sánchez.
The breakthrough finally came in the 43rd minute through Michael Bradley, who was enjoying a breakthrough season with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old midfielder, who had scored his first goal for the German club against Bayern Munich just three months prior, found himself in the right place at the right time after a well-worked corner kick. DaMarcus Beasley's delivery found Donovan at the far post, who headed it back across goal. Oguchi Onyewu's powerful header was saved by Sánchez, but Bradley pounced on the rebound from six yards out.
"It was a great corner from [Beasley], and Landon did a great job heading it back," Bradley explained afterward. "It was not so hard for me to put it in."
The match turned ugly in the 65th minute when Mexico captain Rafael Márquez was shown a straight red card for a dangerous high kick on Howard. The American goalkeeper was shown a yellow card himself in the aftermath - forcing him to miss the next qualifier at El Salvador through suspension - but downplayed the incident: "It's not a game where you want to lose your discipline," Howard said. "I was more frustrated that I hurt my knee [on the play] more than anything."
Playing with a man advantage, the Americans controlled the latter stages and Bradley sealed the victory in second-half stoppage time. After receiving a pass from Donovan, he unleashed a shot from 28 yards that dipped under Sánchez's arms.
The victory marked the Americans' third consecutive 2-0 qualifying win over Mexico in Columbus, cementing the venue's reputation as a fortress for the U.S. team. Bob Bradley was proud as a father and coach. However, he remained characteristically measured in his post-match comments.
"I have three children and I've got to tell you, I'm proud of all of my kids," the elder Bradley said diplomatically. "I have a great family, and I'm a lucky man."
The result gave the United States a perfect start to the final round of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa while casting further doubt over Eriksson's future with Mexico. The Americans would next travel to El Salvador on March 28th to build on their momentum despite Howard's suspension.
On This Day in 2021, Aaronson Made His Impact Just Five Games into His RB Salzburg Career
Brenden Aaronson's move to FC Red Bull Salzburg in January 2021 marked a historic milestone for both the player and the club. The $6 million transfer fee and possible $3 million with incentives set a record for an MLS homegrown player. The deal also included a sell-on clause, ensuring Philadelphia would receive 10-20% of any future transfer fee.
For the 19-year-old from Medford, New Jersey, who had risen through Philadelphia Union's academy since age 11, it was the realization of a lifelong dream. "It's going to be challenging, but it's something that I've wanted to do my entire life," Aaronson said. "I am so happy it's coming true."
Salzburg's sporting director, Christoph Freund, highlighted what drew them to the young American: "His dynamism and his presence on the field are extraordinary for a 19-year-old. Despite his young age, he already has an excellent feeling for making the right decisions on the pitch."
Just over a month into his European career, Aaronson opened his Salzburg account spectacularly during a 3-1 victory over Austria Wien on February 10. With the score tied 1-1 in the 72nd minute, the American midfielder collected the ball with his back to goal inside the penalty area. Showing remarkable composure amid three defenders, he turned and carved out just enough space to curl a right-footed shot inside the far post, giving Salzburg a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Beyond the goal, Aaronson impressed throughout the match, contributing to the build-up of Sekou Koita's equalizer. He showcased his technical flair with an audacious backheel save along the touchline that energized the crowd and earned a free kick. The match also featured a unique American connection, as Aaronson faced off against compatriot Erik Palmer-Brown, who was on loan to Austria Wien from Manchester City.
"It was fantastic to be there for the team," Aaronson said. "Austria really tested us, and it was, therefore, a really important win. The confidence we gained in recent weeks carried us through when we went behind."
His manager Jesse Marsch was equally impressed: "We showed mentality and fearlessness. I'm pleased for the two guys to get their first goals. I am sure that we will see a lot more from Brenden."
Under Marsch's guidance, Aaronson flourished as Salzburg pursued its eighth consecutive league title. His development reached another milestone in May, when he scored in Salzburg's 3-0 victory over LASK Linz in the Austrian Cup final, helping secure the club's third straight cup trophy.
It was Aaronson's fourth goal across all competitions, validating his European ambitions and Philadelphia Union's academy vision. As his former sporting director, Ernst Tanner, noted: "It is the dream of every American prospect here to play on the highest level in Europe, and Brendan is the first proof of concept if you will."
Aaronson's success at Salzburg continued into the 2021-22 season, during which the midfielder scored six goals and contributed 10 assists in 41 matches in all competitions. This earned him a big-money $30 million move to Leeds United in the Premier League. Because of the add-ons from Aaronson's transfer from Philadelphia to Salzburg, the US club profited an additional $3-6 million on top of that $6 million transfer fee.
On This Day in 2005, the Eddies Each Score as the US Remains Unbeaten in World Cup Qualifying
The United States opened the final round of World Cup qualifying for Germany 2006, riding a wave of dominance in CONCACAF. Bruce Arena's squad hadn't lost to a regional opponent since September 2001 in Costa Rica, compiling an impressive 22-7-0 (WDL) record during that span.
However, their preparation hit turbulence in early 2005 when a labor dispute between U.S. Soccer and its players led to three weeks of missed training for MLS-based players and the cancellation of planned friendlies against Sweden and South Korea. The team's newest weapon, 20-year-old Eddie Johnson, had spectacularly burst onto the scene, becoming the first player to score in each of his first four national team appearances.
The Americans arrived in Port-of-Spain amid the festivities of Carnival, with the February 9 match scheduled for an afternoon kickoff at Queen's Park Cricket Club instead of the national stadium. Arena started eight European-based players, banking on their mid-season fitness in the 90-degree Caribbean heat. The strategy paid dividends in the 30th minute when right-back Steve Cherundolo pushed forward and delivered a precise cross to an unmarked Johnson in the penalty area. The young striker's header flew inside the right post, catching the keeper off guard by his own admission.
The pivotal moment came early in the second half when goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who had made a 23-hour journey from Germany just two days prior, rushed out to smother Leslie Fitzpatrick's breakaway attempt. The save preserved the lead; minutes later, in the 54th minute, the Americans doubled their advantage. Johnson initiated the sequence, combining with Landon Donovan before Eddie Lewis curled a left-footed shot from 23 yards into the right corner. Though Angus Eve would pull one back in the 89th minute with a sharp cross deflected off Keller's hand, the Americans had secured the vital road victory.
"When you write the story of this game, there were a bunch of reasons why we couldn't be successful today," Arena reflected afterward. "We never agreed with that. I think the way our team pulled together over the last couple of weeks to be ready to play this game under difficult conditions – travel, field conditions, the heat, everything else – it turns out to be a fantastic result."
The win positioned the U.S. perfectly for the remaining nine matches of their qualifying campaign, with home-and-away series against Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago ahead. Their next challenge would come on March 27 in Mexico, followed by a home date with Guatemala in Birmingham three days later. For Johnson, who wouldn't turn 21 until the following month, his sixth goal in just four appearances highlighted his remarkable emergence and the expectations ahead.
"Bruce told me it's only going to get harder," Johnson said. "I'm not going to score in every game. It's about taking advantage of the chances you get."
