Rare Start for Gio

Midfielder Made Second League Start of the Season in Dortmund Victory

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac gave Giovanni Reyna a rare start on Saturday, playing 70 minutes in an attacking midfield role as BVB secured an emphatic 6-0 victory over Union Berlin. The appearance marked just the second Bundesliga start of the season for the U.S. international, who has struggled for consistent playing time throughout the campaign.

Despite contributing to a convincing team victory, Reyna had a relatively quiet individual performance. The 22-year-old managed just one touch inside the opposition penalty area. While he maintained solid passing accuracy, completing 20 of 23 attempts, his defensive contribution was less effective, with only three successful tackles from seven attempts in midfield.

Notably, Dortmund's attack came alive after Reyna's substitution in the 70th minute, with the team scoring four times in the final 20 minutes. It was Reyna's first start since the Champions League appearance against Bologna on January 21. The win was highlighted by a remarkable four-goal performance from striker Serhou Guirassy.

The rare start comes at a crucial time for Reyna's future, as he enters the final year of his contract with Dortmund. The club is reportedly open to reasonable transfer offers, having previously been willing to sell him for around €20m last January. Since the start of the 2021 season, Reyna has started just 12 Bundesliga games, with injuries and coaching changes contributing to his limited opportunities.

Dortmund hopes this commanding victory can spark a turnaround in their domestic form, as it has represented only their second Bundesliga win since the start of 2025. They return to action next Saturday against FC St. Pauli, with Reyna hoping his performance was enough to retain his place in Kovac's starting lineup.

Gansler Resigns

On This Day in 1991, World Cup Manager was Removed from Post, Takes on New Role

Bob Gansler, the man who led the United States to its first World Cup appearance in 40 years, resigned as head coach of the U.S. National Team on February 23, following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Bermuda. The defeat, which marked the team's sixth consecutive game without scoring, was the final chapter in a tenure marked by historic achievement but persistent criticism.

Gansler's two-year reign as head coach produced a record of 14 wins, 17 losses and 5 draws. Still, it will forever be remembered for the dramatic victory in Trinidad and Tobago on November 19, 1989, that secured the United States' first World Cup qualification since 1950. However, the team's subsequent performance in Italy '90, where they lost all three group stage matches, combined with growing criticism of Gansler's conservative tactical approach, created mounting pressure on his position.

The change in U.S. Soccer Federation leadership from Werner Fricker to Alan Rothenberg had further complicated Gansler's situation. Rothenberg had openly criticized Gansler's methods and had made it clear the federation was seeking a replacement with more international experience. Rather than await dismissal, Gansler chose to step down.

"I've enjoyed my experience as coach of the national team," Gansler said after informing his players following the Bermuda match. "But I felt it was time to move on and give the players a little more certainty. The team we need to showcase was suffering, because neither the players nor I could perform at maximum potential under these circumstances. I guess lame ducks just don't fly that well." 

The USSF appointed John Kowalski, coach of Robert Morris College and the U.S. indoor team, as interim manager while searching for a permanent replacement. Gansler would transition to a new role as the federation's national director of coaching and player development, focusing on identifying top talent and upgrading coaching education programs.

Just one month after Gansler's departure, the USSF found its man in Bora Milutinovic, the Yugoslav coach who had led Mexico and Costa Rica to World Cup success. Fresh from guiding Costa Rica to the second round of the 1990 World Cup, Milutinovic signed a contract to lead the U.S. team through the 1994 World Cup on home soil. The experienced tactician expressed confidence in American soccer's potential, boldly declaring his mission was "to show everybody that even Americans know how to play soccer" and predicting the team could reach the second round of the '94 tournament.

Despite the disappointing end to his national team tenure, Gansler would find considerable success in professional soccer, leading the Kansas City Wizards to an MLS championship in 2000 and earning MLS Coach of the Year honors in the same season. While complex, his legacy with the national team includes the distinction of being the coach who ended America's four-decade World Cup drought.

McKennie Sets Serie A Record (For Now)

On This Day in 2021, the Midfielder Lashed Home His Fourth Serie A Goal, Surpassing Bradley for Most by an American

When Weston McKennie joined Juventus on loan from Schalke 04 in August 2020, he made history as the first American to don the famous black and white stripes of the Italian giants and he became just the fifth U.S. player to feature in Serie A. Wearing the number 14 shirt, McKennie wasted no time making his mark in Turin. His early performances showcased the versatility and energy that would quickly endear him to the Juventus faithful.

The American's first goal for the Bianconeri came dramatically during the Derby della Mole against city rivals Torino on December 5, when he netted a crucial equalizer in an eventual 2-1 victory. Just three days later, McKennie produced a moment of magic in the Champions League, scoring a spectacular scissor kick volley against Barcelona in a 3-0 win that secured top spot in their group. The new year brought continued success, as McKennie scored against AC Milan in a 3-1 victory on January 6, 2021, helping end the league leaders' 27-game unbeaten run.

On February 22, McKennie added another chapter to his growing legacy in Italian football. With Juventus already leading Crotone 2-0 thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace, the American midfielder struck in the 66th minute. After Federico Chiesa delivered a cross into the box, McKennie showed excellent control before rifling the ball into the roof of the net. The goal was his fourth in Serie A, making him the highest-scoring American in the league's history, surpassing Michael Bradley's previous record of three goals during his time with Chievo and AS Roma.

True to his character, McKennie celebrated the historic moment with the Harry Potter celebration, pretending to cast a spell with an imaginary wand – a nod to his love of Harry Potter, complete with a tattoo to prove his devotion to the magical series. "I am actually a big Harry Potter fan," McKennie had explained to DAZN after a goal against Bologna a month earlier. "I have a tattoo on my hand, so it was a magic spell."

The 3-0 victory was crucial for Juventus, snapping a three-match winless run and moving them up to third place in the Serie A standings, eight points behind leaders Inter Milan with a game in hand. For McKennie, it was another milestone in what was proving to be a remarkable debut season in Italian football, as he continued establishing himself as a key figure in Andrea Pirlo's squad. His impressive performances and consistent impact led Juventus to trigger his purchase option early, and on March 3, secure his services permanently for €18.5 million plus potential bonuses.

Adams "Better Than Expected"

Midfielder Has Been Key to Bournemouth's Recent Success

Tyler Adams continues to prove instrumental in Bournemouth's remarkable Premier League campaign, with another stellar performance in their 3-1 victory over Southampton last Saturday. The U.S. international dominated the midfield with impressive statistics, including a 91 percent passing completion rate and 69 touches throughout the full 90 minutes, while also creating two attacking opportunities.

The win propelled the Cherries into fifth place in the Premier League standings, just one point behind Manchester City in the race for Champions League qualification. This latest success is part of an extraordinary run that has seen Bournemouth lose just once in their last 15 matches across all competitions.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been effusive in his praise for Adams, who has overcome early-season injury struggles to become a cornerstone of the team's success. "I think he's been the player we expected, even better probably," Iraola remarked. "Now that he's fully fit, available, full of energy, we are seeing the player he is. And I think he's a player that fits very well into our system."

The manager highlighted Adams' leadership qualities and tactical understanding, noting that the American midfielder serves as an additional coach on the field. "He has some natural leadership, and I think he understands the game quite well," Iraola observed, grouping Adams with other experienced midfielders who can "adjust things live in games."

Having recently turned 26, Adams has started seven consecutive matches for Bournemouth, contributing three assists during this period. His return to full fitness has coincided with the team's impressive form, which includes scoring 12 goals in their last four Premier League matches. With Adams orchestrating play from the center of the park, Bournemouth's pursuit of European football for the 2025-26 season appears increasingly realistic.

Weah Scores First Champions League Goal

Winger's Goal Stood After Some Confusion in Champions League Defeat

Tim Weah's first Champions League goal was bittersweet as Juventus crashed out of Europe's elite competition following a 4-3 aggregate defeat to PSV Eindhoven. The U.S. men's national team winger, deployed at right back, momentarily gave the Italian giants hope with a spectacular strike that briefly put them ahead in the tie.

The goal came after PSV had initially leveled the aggregate score through Ivan Perišić. When a Juventus free-kick from the left flank was only partially cleared, Weah seized his opportunity from outside the area. The American demonstrated excellent technique to hammer a low shot past an unsighted Walter Benítez in the PSV goal. Although the strike was initially ruled out for a potential offside, VAR intervened to confirm Weah's maiden Champions League goal.

However, the joy was short-lived, as PSV's relentless pressure eventually paid off. Ismael Saibari equalized before Ryan Flamingo's extra-time winner sent the Dutch side through to the round of 16, where they will face Arsenal.

"It's a very difficult moment," Weah reflected after the match. "We didn't progress to the next round and I'm very disappointed also because my goal didn't help. We lacked some aggression; we didn't manage to show it on the pitch as we should have."

The defeat highlighted Juventus's struggles to contain PSV's attacking threats throughout the second half, with the home crowd in Eindhoven driving their team forward. Despite Weah's moment of individual brilliance, the Italian side's defensive frailties were ultimately exposed, leaving them with only domestic competitions to focus on for the remainder of the season. The result means Inter will be Serie A's sole representative in the Champions League's round of 16.

Pulisic in the Middle of Controversy

Winger Opposes Reports of Any Issue with AC Milan Manager

AC Milan star Christian Pulisic has vehemently denied reports of a rift with manager Sérgio Conceição following the club's disappointing Champions League exit to Feyenoord. Italian publication La Repubblica had claimed the American was unhappy with Conceição's "rigid methods" and had requested to leave the club, but Pulisic. Still, quickly took to social media to dismiss these allegations.

"I never argued with the coach, and I never asked to leave," Pulisic stated. "I'm very happy at Milan and want to keep wearing this jersey. Reading these lies is unacceptable, but we'll all stay united and keep fighting on the field for the club and our fans."

Conceição has also addressed the controversy, expressing frustration with persistent media "lies" that make his job more challenging. The Portuguese coach revealed that Pulisic is not currently at full fitness. This explains his recent substitutions in both legs of the Champions League playoff and his appearances from the bench in Milan's last two league matches.

"Pulisic doesn't have 90 minutes in his legs," Conceição explained ahead of Saturday's Serie A clash with Torino. "For the style of play I want, he needs to be intense for the full 90 minutes."

Despite his fitness concerns, Pulisic trained with the group ahead of the Torino match and could feature in an attacking lineup alongside João Félix, Rafael Leão, and Santiago Giménez. The American will be eager to put the controversy behind him and help Milan recover from their European disappointment. Conceição is considering whether to start all four attackers or opt for a more balanced approach by including Yunus Musah in the lineup.

Dooley's Last Cap

On This Day in 1999, the Former Captain Bids Farewell to the International Game

Thomas Dooley's journey to becoming a United States captain began with a 4:30 AM phone call in December 1991 that would change his life forever. The German-born defender, who had never set foot in America, learned he was eligible to play for the U.S. national team through his American serviceman father, Courtney Joseph Dooley.

For Dooley, who had built a sterling career in Germany's Bundesliga with over 250 professional appearances, including a championship with Kaiserslautern in 1991, it was an unexpected second chance at World Cup dreams that injuries had seemingly denied him in Germany. Speaking little English beyond basic phrases, he arrived in America in April 1992, taking a significant pay cut but embracing a new chapter that would make him one of U.S. Soccer's most influential figures in the 90s.

His impact was immediate and lasting. By 1993, he was named U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, memorably scoring twice against his native Germany in the U.S. Cup. His leadership and experience proved invaluable as the U.S. hosted the 1994 World Cup; by 1998, he had ascended to team captain for the World Cup in France.

On February 21, 1999, at age 37, Dooley made his 81st and final appearance for the United States in a 2-1 victory over Chile at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Before the match, he was honored by the U.S. Soccer Federation for his service to the national team, taking the field one last time in distinctive red and white boots that matched his confident personality.

"Thomas Dooley is still good enough to play for the U.S. team right now," said then-new U.S. coach Bruce Arena. "But will he be around for 2002? No. We need to find the perfect mix of young players and veterans by the year 2000, which is why games like this one are so important."

The match proved a fitting backdrop for Dooley's farewell as he watched a new generation of American talent emerge. His free kick helped set up Eddie Lewis's game-winning goal in the 65th minute, with Brian McBride winning the initial header, helping to secure just the second U.S. victory over Chile in six meetings.

After the match, Dooley offered an optimistic assessment of American soccer's future. "We're definitely doing things the right way," he said. "I'd say 90 percent of this team today will play in the World Cup qualifying. And there's a lot of young talent here, a lot of depth. It just takes time."

The symbolism of the day was not lost on anyone. As 21-year-old Ben Olsen scored his first international goal, it highlighted the generational shift - Olsen had been just three years old when Dooley signed his first professional contract in Germany in 1980.

Dooley's legacy with the U.S. national team extended far beyond his 81 caps. From his arrival as a non-English speaking defender to becoming team captain, he embodied the determination and professionalism that would help elevate American soccer on the international stage. His journey from being taunted as a child in Germany for his American name to proudly wearing the U.S. captain's armband completed a remarkable circle, leaving an indelible mark on U.S. Soccer history.

Robinson vs Richards in the Premier League

Defenders Will Go Head-to-Head on Saturday

A fascinating Premier League clash awaits at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Eighth-placed Fulham will host Crystal Palace, and American internationals Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards will feature prominently for their respective sides.

Robinson enters the match in excellent form, having contributed to Fulham's impressive run of four wins from their last five matches. The left-back, who has been linked with a potential summer move to Liverpool, has established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers this season, with 10 assists to his name. Recent comments about facing top attackers have highlighted his growing confidence, with the American notably stating he feels comfortable defending against stars like Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka.

On the opposing side, Chris Richards has enjoyed a successful first year under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, where he's expected to start in a back three alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix. The 24-year-old defender, who recently made headlines by investing in his hometown USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC, has made over 50 appearances for Palace since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022.

The match presents an intriguing tactical battle between Fulham's 4-2-3-1 formation and Palace's 3-4-2-1 setup. Robinson will likely push forward to support Alex Iwobi in attack, while Richards must be alert to the threat posed by Adama Traore's pace on Fulham's right flank.

Palace come into the match having won four of their last six matches in all competitions despite a recent setback against Everton, while Fulham's recent form and strong home record make them slight favorites. The head-to-head statistics suggest a close encounter, with four of the last six meetings between these teams ending in draws.

Haji Return "Close"

Striker Seeking First Action Since November Injury

Coventry City's leading scorer Haji Wright is on the verge of making his long-awaited return to action after a three-and-a-half-month layoff due to an ankle injury. The U.S. international, who hasn't featured since November, has returned to full training and could be in contention for this weekend's Championship clash with Preston North End at the CBS Arena.

Manager Frank Lampard, who has not worked with Wright since taking charge of the Sky Blues, will decide on the striker's availability after today's training session. "He's going well, and he's certainly turned his corner now," Lampard said. "Now it's about getting his match fitness up so he's ready to be able to contribute on the pitch because I know he's an important player."

Wright's potential return comes at an opportune time for Coventry, which is riding a wave of momentum with six wins from its last seven matches. His availability, along with the recent return of Ephron Mason-Clark and the signing of Jamie Paterson, would significantly boost Lampard's attacking options as the Sky Blues push for promotion.

"We're getting back to a place where we have competition for places," Lampard explained. "You need, in this physical league, in-game chances to impact games. I'm not going to complain about having it, it's a really positive thing, and it gives me options in different ways because of the adaptability of Haji, Ephron and Pato."

While Wright is close to making his comeback, Lampard emphasized that he won't rush the striker back into action, suggesting his return could be delayed until next week if necessary. The manager will base his decision on how Wright responds to today's final training session and his overall match fitness levels.

Aaronson's Late Goal Against Wolfsberger

On This Day in 2022, Aaronson Continued His Most Productive Season to Date

Brenden Aaronson's star continued to rise in February 2022, with the American midfielder adding another highlight to what was already proving to be a breakthrough season for Red Bull Salzburg. The 21-year-old's campaign was firm in his second season in Europe, accumulating four goals and eight assists across 29 appearances in all competitions.

His growing influence was best displayed in Salzburg's impressive UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Bayern Munich on February 16. Against the Bundesliga giants, Aaronson showcased his creative abilities by providing a clever flicked assist to Chukwubuike Adamu, becoming just the fourth U.S. international to record an assist in the Champions League knockout stages. The Medford, New Jersey native nearly doubled his impact minutes later, forcing Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich into a diving save with a well-struck left-footed effort.

The performance against Bayern had caught the attention of clubs across Europe. Leeds United had already shown their interest through a $20 million bid in the January transfer window, an offer that Salzburg deemed insufficient for their prized midfielder.

Four days after the Bayern clash on February 20, Aaronson demonstrated his remarkable stamina and quality by delivering another standout performance in Salzburg's crucial league matchup against second-placed Wolfsberger. Despite the quick turnaround from Champions League action, he showed no signs of fatigue as he played the full 90 minutes.

His impact on the game peaked in the closing stages when he scored Salzburg's second goal to secure a 2-0 victory. The sequence exemplified Aaronson's box-to-box abilities, as he initiated the attack with a long pass from midfield before making a decisive run into the penalty area. When Maurits Kjaergaard delivered a low cross from the left, Aaronson was perfectly positioned at the far post to finish from just outside the six-yard box.

The victory extended Salzburg's lead at the top of the Austrian Bundesliga to 17 points, putting them firmly on course for another league title. However, the momentum of Aaronson's stellar season would face an unexpected setback following this match. A knee injury would force him to withdraw from the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with the U.S. Men's National Team, where he had been the only player to appear in all 11 matches of the qualifying campaign at the time. The MCL injury would sideline him for a month and a half, temporarily halting what had been a some solid form for both club and country.