Bocanegra's Goal Against Monaco

On This Day in 2010, Three Days After Scoring Against the Dutch, the Defender Scored His Final Stade Rennes Goal

When Carlos Bocanegra joined Stade Rennes in the summer of 2008 after being released by Fulham, it marked a new chapter in the American defender's career. Rennes coach Guy Lacombe was enthusiastic about the signing, praising the U.S. international's tactical intelligence and maturity. The move represented an exciting opportunity for Bocanegra to test himself in a new league after five years in England.

The transition wasn't immediately smooth. Deployed initially as a center-back, Bocanegra struggled in a memorable 4-4 debut against Marseille alongside Guillaume Borne. However, Lacombe's decision to shift him to left-back proved inspired. Despite not being the quickest defender, Bocanegra's positioning and aerial ability helped Rennes embark on an impressive 18-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1. He even showcased his attacking threat, notably scoring in the 2009 French Cup Final against Guingamp, though ultimately in a losing cause.

The 2009-10 season saw Bocanegra remain reliable in the Rennes defense. Fresh off scoring for the United States in a 2-1 friendly defeat to the Netherlands in Amsterdam on March 3, Bocanegra carried his goalscoring form into Ligue 1. On March 6, he proved to be the match-winner against Monaco, finishing with his right foot from close range following a free kick—reminiscent of his goal against the Dutch. The 1-0 victory was particularly crucial, ending Rennes's three-game losing streak.

However, Bocanegra's season took an unfortunate turn when he sustained an injury on March 28 against Le Mans, where he was kicked in the left knee. The situation became more complicated as he developed unexplained stomach pains. After attempting to play through groin and abdominal discomfort against Lyon in early April, Bocanegra prioritized his World Cup preparations.

The mystery surrounding his condition was finally resolved when he underwent sports hernia surgery with Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck on May 5 in Munich. With the World Cup looming and the opening match against England on June 12 in Rustenburg approaching, Bocanegra received support from Rennes to focus on his recovery. The surgery and careful rehabilitation program proved successful, allowing him to join the U.S. national team's pre-World Cup training camp in Princeton, New Jersey, ready to lead his country in South Africa as captain.

Preki's Last Everton Goal

On This Day in 1994, the Left-Footed Maestro Curled Home the Opener in a Victory Over Oldham

The journey from indoor soccer in America to scoring spectacular free kicks in the Premier League was unusual, but Predrag "Preki" Radosavljević made it work at Goodison Park. The midfielder spent seven years starring in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) before joining Everton in 1992. After being spotted by Tacoma Stars head coach Bob McNab at an indoor tournament in Belgrade and sent him to the United States, where played five seasons for the Stars. He returned to the outdoor game and played one season for Råslätts SK in Sweden in 1990 before signing with St. Louis Storm in August, where he spent two seasons.

Everton manager Howard Kendall's £100,000 gamble on the indoor soccer star raised eyebrows, but Preki had shown flashes of brilliance despite the challenging transition to the English game. The 30-year-old's adaptation from the confined spaces of indoor arenas to the expansive Premier League pitches hadn't been seamless, and he often appeared as a substitute. Still, he netted three goals in his first season—three of which came in the final six matches of the season—helping Everton secure Premier League safety.

It was fitting that former manager Kendall attended this March 5 match against Oldham. Kendall returned to Goodison Park for the first time after resigning in December following a poor run of league form. The former boss watched from an executive box when one of his signings produced a moment of magic.

In the 40th minute, Everton was awarded a free kick in a promising position. While Graham Stuart ran over the ball as a decoy, Preki stepped up and curled an unstoppable left-footed shot into Jon Hallworth's top left corner, sending the Gwladys Street End into raptures. It was a reminder of the technical ability that made him the 1989 MVP in the MISL. 

According to witnesses, a fellow spectator in the executive box doubted Preki's set-piece abilities, predicting he would miss. Kendall had confidently predicted Preki would find the net from the free kick, having seen the midfielder repeatedly practice similar efforts in training. The doubter said, "It would be champagne all night for EVERYONE in the box" if Preki scored. The prescience of Everton's most successful manager led to champagne celebrations as the ball ripped the net, ending with a roar from the spectators after the goal.

Though Graeme Sharp would equalize for Oldham three minutes later against his former club, Stuart's second-half strike secured a vital win for Mike Walker's side. The victory moved Everton clear of the relegation-threatened Latics and provided a bright spot in what had been a challenging campaign.

For Preki, who had made 23 Premier League appearances this season, the goal vindicated his unique career path. The midfielder would return to America in the summer for another spell in indoor soccer, having already agreed terms with San Jose Grizzlies. The indoor game's truncated season meant he could return to English football later in the year, which he did when he signed with Portsmouth in August, where he spent one season before returning to America to join the Kansas City Wizards in MLS. In 1996, Preki became a US citizen, making him eligible to play for the national team.

While his time at Goodison appeared to be drawing to a close, moments like that free kick ensured Preki's brief but memorable Premier League adventure wouldn't be quickly forgotten by the Everton faithful. While the midfielder's overall impact in English football might not match his indoor achievements, the strike showed why Kendall had been willing to take a chance on such an unconventional signing.

Dempsey's Brace Against Wolves

On This Day in 2012, Forward Followed Up the US Goal with a Fulham Double in a Premier League Victory

Clint Dempsey did something awe-inspiring during a few days in early 2012, where he delivered match-winning performances for club and country in the same week. Even more impressive, both matches came in Europe. His goal in Genoa on leap day had given the U.S. Men's National Team their first-ever victory over Italy, a historic 1-0 triumph. Now, just three days after that momentous night at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Dempsey returned to Craven Cottage with barely time to process the achievement.

Under coach Jurgen Klinsmann's new vision for American soccer, Dempsey had become the standard-bearer for what U.S. players could achieve in Europe. His goal against Italy wasn't just about one victory—it represented the kind of fearless mentality Klinsmann was trying to instill in his squad. "I think that win means a lot to the players because psychologically, it tells you, Yeah, you can do it," Klinsmann said after the Italy match.

Dempsey would prove those words prophetic on a crisp March 4 afternoon in West London. With Fulham already leading Wolves 2-0 through Pavel Pogrebnyak's first-half double, the American midfielder seized his moment in the second half. When Danny Murphy's precise through ball caught the Wolves defense in disarray, Dempsey showed the same composure that had stunned the Azzurri, ghosting between defenders before rounding goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to make it 3-0.

But the defining moment of his afternoon came later, as Fulham continued their relentless attack. Dempsey capped off what manager Martin Jol called a "mesmerizing passing move" with a clinical finish that epitomized his growing confidence. The goal was his 18th of the season across all competitions - matching his career best with months still to play.

"It's very pleasing," Jol reflected afterward. "We have Andy Johnson, who is always involved, and Clint Dempsey, who equaled his best goal tally for the season." The understated praise belied the historical significance - no American had ever scored more goals in a single Premier League campaign.

Klinsmann, who had challenged Dempsey to aim even higher upon taking the U.S. job, praised the performance, which validated his push for American players to break through their perceived ceiling. "I said, 'Hey man, sky's the limit for you, but you have to improve in many areas,'" Klinsmann told him. I'm happy you play for Fulham in a Premier League team. That's awesome. But it's not the final destination."

That afternoon at Craven Cottage, as Fulham climbed to eighth in the Premier League table, Dempsey had shown just how far an American player could go. In four days, he had made history in Italy and dominated in England's top flight, redefining what was possible for U.S. soccer on the global stage.

"You have to constantly have the inner hunger to score the next one," Klinsmann said about Dempsey's Italy heroics. Against Wolves, his clinical double drove Fulham to their third straight victory, and that hunger was undeniable. For Dempsey, it was just another step in pushing American soccer's boundaries ever higher.

Robinson Seals Shootout Victory

The Fullback Converted the Final Fulham Penalty Before in the FA Cup Win

In a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round clash at Old Trafford, Antonee Robinson showcased his leadership qualities as he captained Fulham to a memorable penalty shootout victory over Manchester United, booking the Cottagers' place in the quarter-finals.

The left-back, who has become one of Marco Silva's most trusted lieutenants at Craven Cottage, was restored to the starting lineup after being rested against Wolves in a tactical decision that proved masterful. Robinson's energy and composure were evident throughout the tense encounter as he consistently troubled United's Noussair Mazraoui down the flank.

Calvin Bassey broke the deadlock with a tidy header just before halftime, giving Fulham a well-deserved lead. However, Bruno Fernandes eventually equalized in the 71st minute with a stunning strike from outside the box. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the match remained deadlocked at 1-1 through extra time, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

It was here that Robinson truly stepped up. After Bernd Leno saved Victor Lindelof's penalty attempt, the American defender calmly approached the spot and coolly sent André Onana the wrong way, putting Fulham on the brink of victory. Subsequently, Leno denied Joshua Zirkzee, securing Fulham's progression. Robinson was the first to hug Leno after the save.

Robinson's stellar performance highlights the American players in the FA Cup this weekend. Alongside three other USMNT stars still in the competition—Matt Turner, Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), and Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)—Robinson will now prepare for a quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace as Fulham chase FA Cup glory.

Johnny Equalizes Against Madrid

Midfielder Heads Home Equalizer for First La Liga Goal of the Season in a Victory over Real Madrid

Johnny Cardoso chose the perfect moment to open his La Liga scoring account for the season, netting a crucial equalizer in Real Betis' impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Real Madrid on Saturday. The 23-year-old powered home a 34th-minute header from an Isco corner to cancel out Brahim Diaz's early opener for the visitors.

The goal showcased Cardoso's growing influence at Betis. He took advantage of slack marking in the Madrid box to meet Isco's delivery with a decisive header. Former Madrid star Isco would later complete the comeback, converting a 54th-minute penalty after Antonio Rudiger fouled Jesus Rodriguez in the box.

"I am very happy here, I feel very comfortable with the city, the team, and the people around me," Cardoso stated after the match, addressing rumors linking him with Tottenham Hotspur, who reportedly hold a preferential option to sign him for 25 million euros next summer.

The New Jersey-born midfielder has become a mainstay since joining Manuel Pellegrini's side in January 2024. He has started 25 games this season, including 10 consecutive league matches. His performance against Madrid demonstrated why he's become such a valued presence at the Benito Villamarín, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking threat.

Beyond his goal, Cardoso even produced a highlight moment when he outmaneuvered Madrid's veteran midfielder Luka Modric with a clever piece of skill during the match. The victory was significant for Betis, lifting them to sixth place in the La Liga standings and boosting their hopes for European qualification. However, Madrid's defeat proved costly in the title race, leaving them level on points with Barcelona, who now have a game in hand.

Cardoso's goal marked a rare achievement for American players. He became the second USMNT player to score against Real Madrid in the past 20 years, following Christian Pulisic's goal for Chelsea in the 2020-21 Champions League semifinals.

Under contract with Betis until 2030, Cardoso's commitment to the club appears strong despite interest from the Premier League. His integration into Pellegrini's system and the warm reception from Betis supporters have cemented his desire to continue his development in Seville rather than pursue a move elsewhere.

Murray's Last International Goal

 On This Day in 1993, Converting a Penalty to Tie the Match, Murray Set the Early US Record

By the spring of 1993, Bruce Murray found himself in an unfamiliar position with the U.S. Men's National Team - fighting to maintain his place in a rapidly evolving squad. Three years earlier, he had been an integral part of the 1990 World Cup team, even scoring against Austria in the Americans' return to soccer's biggest stage. Entering the year, his record 19 international goals and 74 caps had made him the face of American soccer throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

But under coach Bora Milutinovic's new system emphasizing speed and a single-forward formation, Murray increasingly found himself pushed to the margins. He found the net in the 2-2 draw with Denmark to start the year, but a severe lower back strain had kept him out of the following three matches, watching from afar as the team struggled to find its identity in the build-up to the 1994 World Cup on home soil.

Murray would write the final chapter of his remarkable international scoring career on a cool March 3 evening at Orange Coast College's LeBard Stadium. The U.S. entered the match against Canada winless in 1993, desperately seeking momentum with World Cup qualifying on the horizon. In front of 5,743 fans, the Americans quickly grabbed the lead through Dominic Kinnear but found themselves trailing 2-1 at halftime after defensive lapses led to Steve McDonald's and John Catliff's goals.

The defining moment came in the 64th minute when Canadian defender Mark Watson brought down Jean Harbor in the penalty area. What followed was a brief but telling exchange that epitomized Murray's veteran status and determination to reassert his leadership:

"Let me take it," called out young forward Joe-Max Moore.

"No," Murray replied firmly.

"Are you serious?"

Murray was indeed serious. With the confidence that had produced so many crucial goals over his eight-year international career, he stepped up to the spot. He converted his 21st and final international goal - extending his American record that had defined an era of U.S. soccer.

"I think I need to be more vocal on this team," Murray reflected afterward. "I need to get in the best shape of my life and set an example. I'm very thankful that I came back from this injury. Quite frankly, I thought I'd never play again."

But the goal would be Murray's last hurrah in a U.S. shirt. He played just one match in the US Cup in early June, and by July, after an unimpressive Copa America, his US Soccer contract expired. With Milutinovic's tactical evolution favoring faster players, the federation announced Murray's release on July 30. The 27-year-old midfielder who had led Clemson to the 1987 NCAA title and been the cornerstone of American soccer's revival was free to pursue opportunities in Europe.

"We appreciate the efforts Bruce Murray has made on behalf of U.S. Soccer over the years and his contribution to the game in the United States," said U.S. national team general manager Bill Nuttall in the announcement.

By August 9, Millwall had signed Murray on a free transfer, where he would join fellow Americans Kasey Keller and John Kerr in the Football League First Division, today's EFL Championship. On August 14, the 'all-American' striker notched his first English goal, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the season opener. He scored another goal against Nottingham Forest in November and finished his time at Millwall with 13 league appearances before being loaned out to Stockport County in March.

Murray was left off the World Cup roster, and his last appearance for the national team came in the 1993 Copa America. But that night in Costa Mesa, while securing a 2-2 draw against regional rivals Canada, Murray had one final moment to add to his legacy as America's most prolific scorer of his generation. His penalty kick, for the then-record 21st of his international career, not only saved the U.S. from defeat but served as a fitting bookend to a career that helped lay the foundation for American soccer's modern era.

Tillman Back "Sooner than Expected"

 Midfielder Hopes to Play by the End of the Season

Positive news has emerged for U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Malik Tillman as he progresses in his recovery from a serious ankle injury. The 22-year-old PSV star, who has been sidelined since mid-January, appears ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation process.

According to recent updates from PSV head coach Peter Bosz, Tillman is expected to return to Eindhoven this week to begin individual training. This development comes after he underwent surgery in Dubai and continued his recovery in Germany. The accelerated timeline offers hope that the attacking midfielder could return before the Eredivisie season ends, which concludes on May 18.

This represents a significant boost for both Tillman and PSV, as initial projections following his injury during a 5-4 KNVB Cup victory over Excelsior had been less optimistic. Tillman himself had previously stated he would "be out for a few months" but remained hopeful of making a comeback before the season's end.

Unfortunately, Tillman will miss PSV's crucial Champions League Round of 16 matches against Arsenal in March. However, his potential return for the final stretch of the Eredivisie campaign would be valuable for the Dutch club. PSV is currently leading the league standings, and Tillma contributed 11 goals in 26 appearances before his injury.

The faster-than-expected recovery also has implications for Tillman's international prospects. Though he was predictably left off the USMNT roster for the upcoming March Nations League fixtures, returning to fitness before the season's end could put him in contention for selection to the Gold Cup squad this summer.

Tillman's focus remains on successfully completing his rehabilitation. "I'm feeling positive. No pain, that's important," he previously stated, demonstrating the optimistic mindset that may be contributing to his faster-than-anticipated recovery.

Haji Finally Back

Forward Subbed On For His First Minutes Since November

Haji Wright made his long-awaited return to action as Coventry City continued their remarkable Championship resurgence with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Oxford United. The American striker's comeback from a lengthy injury layoff significantly boosted Frank Lampard's in-form squad as they climbed into the playoff positions for the first time this season.

Wright, who had been sidelined since November 9 with an ankle injury, entered the fray for the final 16 minutes of Saturday's contest. His introduction added fresh attacking impetus as the Sky Blues secured a hard-fought win that propelled them to fifth place in the table – an astonishing turnaround for a team that sat just two points above the relegation zone when Lampard took charge three months ago.

The 26-year-old American's return is perfect for Coventry, who have won an impressive eight of their last nine league matches. Wright had been in excellent form before his injury, netting seven Championship goals in the first part of the season. His availability provides Lampard with another potent offensive option as the Sky Blues push for promotion.

“You understand what it takes to make the playoffs, and when you have got ground to make up, you have got to probably average two points a game and needs a run like we have been on,” Lampard said.

Saturday's victory was secured by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto's 71st-minute winner after a see-saw battle that saw Oxford twice fight back to level terms. Wright's introduction in the latter stages helped Coventry maintain their advantage and see out another crucial victory.

The Sky Blues' transformation under Lampard has been nothing short of remarkable. From relegation candidates to genuine playoff contenders, Coventry now looks well-positioned to challenge for Premier League promotion with just 11 games remaining. Wright's return from injury could be the final piece of the puzzle as Lampard's men continue their charge up the Championship table. Coventry will look to extend its impressive run when it hosts Stoke City on March 8. As he builds back to full match fitness, Wright will likely see increased playing time.

Trusty's Head Scare

Defender Subbed Out Early, Required Stitches

During the team's recent 5-2 victory over St Mirren, Celtic defender Auston Trusty suffered a concerning head injury. The injury required medical attention and forced him off the pitch in the first half. The American center-back, who has established himself as a key starter alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers since his summer move from Sheffield United, sustained a nasty head clash that required five stitches.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the injury in his post-match comments, providing a cautiously optimistic update: "Auston got a bang in the head and had to get five stitches. He should recover." The injury came during an otherwise successful outing for the Hoops, who secured a commanding three-goal victory, thanks mainly to a standout performance from Hyunjun Yang.

Trusty's replacement, Liam Scales, stepped in admirably, according to Rodgers, who noted, "Scales came in and did really well." This is particularly noteworthy as Scales has seen limited game time this season compared to his more regular appearances last term, which has caused some rust in his performance.

The timing of Trusty's injury could be problematic as Celtic prepares to face an in-form Hibernian side in the Scottish Cup this Sunday. Hibs arrive at Celtic Park on an impressive fifteen-game unbeaten run, with their last defeat ironically coming against the Hoops in December.

Despite initial concerns, the prognosis appears favorable. Rodgers' comments suggest Trusty should be available for selection soon, which will come as welcome news to Celtic supporters who have witnessed the defender's growth since his somewhat unsteady start at the club.

Mathis Regained Form Ahead of the 2002 World Cup

On This Day in 2002, the Forward Cemented His Spot on the World Cup Roster with a Double in a Tune-up Victory

Clint Mathis was on the rise in 2000 leading into 2001. 

He was an MVP candidate for the MetroStars, scoring 16 goals and nine assists in 26 MLS and playoff matches, including five goals in a game against Dallas Burn in August 2000. Two months later, Mathis was called up to the U.S. Men's National Team camp, where he earned his fourth cap and assisted in the win over Mexico on October 25.

The Georgia native scored his first US goal in the next match against Barbados in November, and his stock would continue to rise. He was a catalyst off the bench in the late February 2-0 win over Mexico in World Cup Qualifying, nabbing an assist on Josh Wolff's match-winner after coming off the bench. He scored against Brazil and Honduras in consecutive matches before assisting Wolff again in a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in qualifying.

Mathis was enjoying his best MLS season in 2001 until a devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear in June threatened to derail his World Cup dreams. He would miss the rest of the MLS season and was slowly reintroduced to the national team, making his return in the Gold Cup Quarterfinal win over El Salvador in late January 2002. Mathis would also come off the bench in the semifinal and final, helping the US secure the trophy.

But on March 2, Mathis showed he was back in full force, scoring twice in a dominant 4-0 U.S. victory over Honduras at Seattle's Safeco Field — his first goals for the national team in almost a year. The performance, alongside strike partner Brian McBride, made a powerful statement about his readiness for the upcoming World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Landon Donovan scored the other two goals in the victory.

"I actually think that injury helped," Mathis had said about his ACL recovery. "It could have happened at a lot worse time. The World Cup was still a year away, and I knew I had plenty of time to get into shape. It also took me out of the spotlight for a short time. But one thing I did not expect was to have the success I had so quickly when I came back."

That success was on full display in Seattle. In the 14th minute, Mathis opened the scoring when Jeff Agoos floated a diagonal ball to the far post. McBride headed it back across goal where unmarked Mathis directed his own header inside the left post beyond Honduran goalkeeper Victor Coello.

Mathis doubled his tally in the 59th minute after a clever buildup play between DaMarcus Beasley and substitute Eddie Lewis. Lewis whipped in a cross that McBride dove to head, deflecting it into Mathis' path for a clinical finish. He nearly had a hat trick when his 20-yard free kick rattled both the crossbar and right post.

"I think this was a really good afternoon for us," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said after the match. "We played really well and got a good effort out of the guys today."

The performance helped cement Mathis' place in Arena's World Cup plans. He was transforming into exactly the kind of homegrown American soccer star the program had been seeking to develop. As teammate Brad Friedel noted: "He's a pure goalscorer, no other way to describe him. Wherever he is on the field, he wants to score."

The goalscoring form would continue for Mathis in the lead-up to the 2002 World Cup, with two more against Germany, another against Mexico, and a final against Jamaica. Mathis would make the World Cup squad and score a memorable goal in the Americans' 1-1 draw with South Korea, further raising his profile. European clubs took notice - both Bayern Munich and Perugia opened negotiations with MLS that summer, with a reported asking price of $5 million for the striker's services.