Cobi Jones Scores in Third-Straight

On This Day in 2000, Midfielder's Header was the Difference in Gold Cup Victory over Peru

While Eric Wynalda fought to extend his national team career in early 2000, his former high school teammate Cobi Jones was experiencing a career renaissance. The dreadlocked midfielder, who had established himself as a key figure for the LA Galaxy and the US Men's National Team throughout the 1990s, showcased the form that had made him the MLS's leading scorer the previous season.

After helping the Americans defeat Chile 2-1 with a late winner on January 29, Jones carried that momentum into the CONCACAF Gold Cup by scoring in the opening match against Haiti, a 3-0 US win. On a humid Miami night at the Orange Bowl, with 36,004 fans in attendance, Jones would continue his remarkable scoring run in a crucial match on February 16 against Peru that would determine Group B positioning.

The first half was sluggish, with neither team generating much attacking flair. Peru's defensive pressure stifled U.S. playmaker Claudio Reyna, while forwards Wynalda and Brian McBride struggled to find service. Jones provided some early sparks down the right flank, but the teams went into halftime scoreless.

The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute through brilliance between two former UCLA Bruins. Eddie Lewis, who had endured a difficult first half on the left wing, created space by wrong-footing defender Roberto Holsen with a sharp turn. Rather than using his preferred left foot, Lewis delivered a right-footed cross that found Jones unmarked 10 yards from goal. Jones rose above the Peruvian defense and powered his header past goalkeeper Oscar Ibanez.

"[Lewis] made a very good move to turn the defender and put the cross right there for me," Jones explained afterward. "I saw it all the way and was able to see the keeper." 

The goal was Jones' third in three consecutive matches - a feat not accomplished by an American player since Willy Roy in 1972. "We came out a lot stronger in the second half," Jones reflected. "The goal was just a blur to me. Eddie cut the ball back and got it across."

A third former Bruin, goalkeeper Brad Friedel, preserved the 1-0 victory with two spectacular saves in the final 25 minutes. Peru finished with 10 men after Ysrael Zuniga was sent off for a tackle from behind on C.J. Brown.

The win set up a quarterfinal clash with Colombia, who surprisingly fell 2-0 to Honduras earlier that evening. For Jones, the quarterfinal would provide an opportunity to become the first American since 1955 to score in four consecutive international matches. More importantly, it would give the U.S. team a chance to advance deeper in a tournament that was proving to be full of surprises.

In that quarterfinal against Colombia, the US fell 2(2)-2(1) on penalties, and Jones was held without a goal. But that didn't stop him from having arguably the best year of his national team career. He finished 2000 with playing in 17 of the 18 matches and contributed with six goals and eight assists.

New Director For the 1994 World Cup

On This Day in 1989, LeTellier Became the New Director of World Cup USA 1994

On February 15, Scott LeTellier was named the director of World Cup USA 1994, the organizing committee responsible for bringing soccer's most incredible spectacle to American soil for the first time. The announcement in Seattle by Werner Fricker, president of the United States Soccer Federation, marked a crucial step in America's ambitious World Cup journey. LeTellier, a Los Angeles attorney, brought unique qualifications to the role - he had not only helped secure the bid. Still, he had also served as a key aide to Peter Ueberroth during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Chuck Blazer, a former executive vice president of the federation, praised the appointment, noting that LeTellier was "ideally equipped for the job" and that "FIFA people absolutely adore him."

However, LeTellier's path to becoming the architect of America's first World Cup began far from the corporate boardrooms and FIFA headquarters. His journey started during his Mormon mission to Germany in 1974, where he developed a deep passion for soccer watching the World Cup. Showing the resourcefulness that would later define his career, he talked his way into watching matches with German fraternity members and even attended a celebration party with the national team. During his mission, a 12-year-old German boy named Andy became his soccer mentor, teaching him about players, teams, and the history of the World Cup.

After returning to the U.S. and completing law school at BYU, LeTellier strategically positioned himself in the sports world. He began legal work for the California Soccer Association while maintaining his law practice. His big break came in 1981 when, at age 30, he was hired as assistant vice president of sports for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This role proved crucial, allowing him to develop relationships with FIFA officials while serving as their day-to-day liaison.

When Werner Fricker decided to bid for the 1994 World Cup, he turned to LeTellier for help. LeTellier's experience with stadium negotiations and event planning from the Olympics made him the perfect candidate. Under tremendous time pressure, he wrote the 130-page bid document in just two days, drawing on his understanding of what FIFA officials would want to see. He also secured crucial government guarantees from seven cabinet secretaries and obtained an official invitation letter from President Reagan.

The bid effort culminated on July 4, 1988, when LeTellier traveled to Zurich as part of a 20-person delegation to present to FIFA. Having memorized the names of all committee members, he helped lead a successful presentation that resulted in the U.S. being chosen over Brazil and Morocco to host the 1994 World Cup.

After being named director, LeTellier took an even more significant risk. He left his law practice and moved his family to Virginia. When facing initial funding challenges, he boldly decided to mortgage his house to provide $110,000 in startup funds rather than accept problematic financing that would have given away sponsorship rights. As Ross Berlin, the third employee at World Cup USA, noted, "LeTellier staked his life and reputation on the endeavor. That's real gumption and belief to make it to the end." This personal gamble paid off when the organization secured an $8 million line of credit from Manufacturers Hanover bank.

LeTellier's combination of legal expertise, sports knowledge and personal dedication helped transform soccer in America. The 1994 World Cup proved to be a pivotal moment for the sport in the United States, leading to the creation of Major League Soccer and a dramatic increase in the sport's popularity. Looking back years later, LeTellier would note that soccer's diversity made it "the true American sport in a lot of ways," with players from every continent participating in what had become a true reflection of America's melting pot.

Tolkin's Minor Setback

The Defender Suffered Injury in Training After Recording First Bundesliga Assist

John Tolkin's promising start at Holstein Kiel has hit a temporary setback due to a thigh injury sustained during training. The 22-year-old American left-back, who joined the German club from New York Red Bulls in a $3 million transfer last month, will miss Sunday's crucial match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Before this injury, Tolkin had been making significant strides in the Bundesliga. His most notable contribution came in a 2-2 draw against Bochum, where he recorded his first assist for the club. Taking a long free kick just after halftime with his team trailing 2-1, Tolkin delivered a precise ball that found center back David Zec, who headed home the equalizer to secure a valuable point for Holstein Kiel.

The former Red Bulls defender has quickly adapted to German football, earning starts in his team's previous two matches. This included a challenging baptism by fire against Bayern Munich. Still, he showed his resilience and followed it up with an impressive performance against Bochum, providing the assist and making seven defensive clearances.

The timing of this injury could be particularly unfortunate, as it might affect Tolkin's availability for the upcoming USMNT Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Panama on March 20. Keil head coach Marcel Rapp has remained vague about the injury's severity, only stating that "such things are never good" while expressing confidence in his squad's depth.

The stakes are high for Holstein Kiel, who are currently in a precarious position in the Bundesliga table. They are just one point away from the promotion-relegation playoff spot and five points from safety, making Tolkin's swift recovery all the more crucial for their survival hopes.

McKenzie May Miss the Weekend Match

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 Back in Training

Striker is "a Couple of Weeks Away."

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 cautioned when 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.

U17 in Control in Group F

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.

McKennie's Rocket in the Champions League

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.

Sargent Scored Again in the Championship

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.

US Barely Beat Bermuda

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.

Wynalda's Last International Goal

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.