Tessmann Consistant for Lyon

Midfielder Has Carved Out His Spot as Lyon Secure Another Win

Tanner Tessmann continued his impressive run of form as Olympique Lyonnais secured a crucial 2-0 away victory against OGC Nice on Sunday. The American midfielder played the full 90 minutes in a match that significantly strengthened Lyon's position in the race for Champions League qualification.

Despite Paulo Fonseca serving the first match of his lengthy touchline suspension, Lyon executed a disciplined game plan with Tessmann as a key midfield anchor. The USMNT international showcased remarkable accuracy, completing 61 of 65 passes for an impressive 94% success rate. His distribution was complemented by his defensive contributions, registering a tackle, a block, a few clearances, and an interception in a well-rounded performance.

Tessmann's ball retention was excellent throughout the rainy encounter at the Allianz Riviera. He helped Lyon weather Nice's first-half pressure before the visitors struck twice through substitutes Rayan Cherki and Ernest Nuamah late in the second half. The victory marked Nice's first home league defeat of the season and positioned Lyon firmly in the conversation for European football next season, despite the ongoing off-field drama surrounding the club's finances and Fonseca's suspension.

Tessmann's consistent performances in recent weeks should make him firmly in USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League fixtures. In November, Pochettino praised his performance against Jamaica, rating it "eight or nine" out of ten. Tessmann is making a strong case for his inclusion.

With Tyler Adams back from injury, competition for midfield spots is fierce, but Tessmann's combination of defensive solidity and progressive passing could provide the balance Pochettino's team needs. His experience navigating the chaos at Lyon while maintaining high performance demonstrates the mental fortitude that could prove valuable on the international stage as the USMNT prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

Beasley's Goal Against Monaco

 On This Day in 2005, the Winger Became the First American to Score in a UEFA Champions League Knockout Round Goal

Dutch football fans became increasingly familiar with the sight of DaMarcus Beasley sprinting down PSV Eindhoven's left wing during the 2004-05 season. The lightning-quick American, who signed from Chicago Fire in July 2004 for $2.6 million, had already shown flashes of the talent that made PSV manager Guus Hiddink hand him Arjen Robben's vacated number 11 shirt. 

"I'm very excited about joining PSV. It's a huge step for me, and I'm looking forward to this great new challenge," the 22-year-old American said upon signing.

But European football's biggest stage still awaited. Eight months later, Beasley would prove worthy of that prestigious shirt number on European football's grandest stage.

The build-up to PSV's crucial Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match against Monaco had already seen the Dutch side carrying a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg. But on March 9, at Stade Louis II, Beasley would help write one of the most memorable chapters in PSV's European history.

After Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink had headed PSV into a 27th-minute lead, Beasley, who had started on the bench, was introduced by manager Guus Hiddink in the 67th minute. It took the American just two minutes to make his mark. Following some clever footwork by Ji-Sung Park, veteran Phillip Cocu delivered a low cross that Beasley calmly slotted home, sealing a 2-0 victory on the night and 3-0 on aggregate against the previous year's finalists.

"They are a strong and solid team," Monaco manager Didier Deschamps conceded after the match. "Over the two legs, PSV proved they were a better side than us."

The goal was part of a remarkable Champions League campaign for Beasley, who would go on to help PSV reach the semifinals. In the quarterfinals against Lyon, despite missing a penalty in the shootout, PSV advanced thanks to goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes' heroics. Beasley later admitted, "It was quite the worst PK [penalty-kick] I've ever taken. I looked up, and he [Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet] was going the way that I was going, so I tried to change it at the last minute."

However, Beasley's fairy-tale European run would end in heartbreak. Just days before PSV's semifinal second leg against AC Milan, the American suffered a devastating injury in an Eredivisie match against FC Twente. What initially appeared to be just a gash on his left leg was revealed to be ligament damage, ruling him out for up to five weeks and forcing him to miss the crucial Milan clash. He missed the rest of PSV's double-winning season and returned for World Cup Qualifying, starting both victories over Costa Rica and Panama in early June.

Still, Beasley had already exceeded expectations in his first season in Dutch football. Between his crucial Champions League contributions and helping PSV secure their 18th league title, the Fort Wayne, Indiana native proved that American players could compete and excel at the highest level of European football.

Pulisic's Quickfire Brace

Captain America Scored Twice Quickly as Milan Made the Comeback Against Lecce

Christian Pulisic delivered a match-winning performance on Saturday, spearheading AC Milan's remarkable comeback in their 3-2 victory over Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare. The American international scored twice in the final 20 minutes to help the Rossoneri avoid a fourth consecutive Serie A defeat, something they haven't experienced since April 1986.

With Milan trailing 2-0 after Nikola Krstović's brace for the hosts, the tide began to turn in the 68th minute when Lecce's Antonino Gallo inadvertently diverted the ball into his net. The momentum shifted further when Lecce defender Federico Baschirotto committed a clumsy challenge in the box, giving Milan a penalty opportunity.

Pulisic stepped up confidently, firing into the roof of the net to level the score at 2-2. The American wasn't finished there - just nine minutes from full time, he connected perfectly with Rafael Leão's cross to lash home the winner, completing Milan's dramatic turnaround.

"This is a very difficult moment for us; a victory like this is very important," Pulisic told DAZN after the match. Despite going two goals down, the midfielder never lost faith in his teammates: "This game is the story of the season: we're doing well, we have 5-6 chances, they take a shot and score. But I always believed we'd win the game, even when they were 2-0 up."

The victory was delightful for Pulisic, who acknowledged he had been experiencing a scoring drought. "It was a difficult time for me, too. I always want to score, but lately, it hasn't happened," he said.

The win moved Milan to eighth place in Serie A with 44 points from 28 games, though they remained eight points behind fourth-placed Juventus. More importantly, in a period marked by reported infighting among the club's directors, Pulisic emphasized the unity within the squad: "We are a very united group; we have shown it. The moment is very, very difficult; getting this victory is important."

Dest Returns

Fullback Returns After 10-Month Injury Layoff in PSV Victory

Sergiño Dest made his long-awaited return to competitive action on Saturday, coming off the bench in PSV Eindhoven's 2-1 victory over Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. The 24-year-old defender entered the match in the 67th minute, replacing fellow American Richard Ledezma at the Philips Stadion.

The appearance marked Dest's first competitive minutes in nearly 11 months, following a devastating ACL tear suffered during training in April 2024. The injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, keeping the talented fullback sidelined for PSV's Champions League campaign and the USMNT's Copa América tournament last summer.

"I am immensely happy to be back," Dest told PSV's website after the match. "The supporters and the players took good care of me, and I'm very grateful for that." Despite the long layoff, Dest appeared eager to test his recovered knee, adding: "Before the game, all I thought was, I want to get in and play again. Fortunately, the coach gave me a half-hour, which was super nice. I also went straight into the duels and was just driven to seek them out."

Though Dest was conscious of the need for caution following such a serious injury, he was pleased with how his body responded. "Of course, I have to take it easy and be careful, but it felt good," he said.

Dest, who has scored two goals in 33 international appearances and started all four US matches at the 2022 World Cup, won't feature in the Nations League semifinal against Panama on March 20. The defender was not named to the 60-man preliminary roster announced a few weeks ago.

PSV's victory, secured by goals from Ismael Saibari and Guus Til, moved them to second place in the Eredivisie, five points behind leaders Ajax.

Sargent Scores Eighth in Eight

Sargent Shines Again, but Norwich Settles for a Draw

Josh Sargent continued his remarkable scoring streak on Friday night, netting his 12th goal of the season in Norwich City's 1-1 draw with Oxford United at Carrow Road. The American international has now scored an impressive eight goals in his last eight matches, further cementing his reputation as one of the Championship's most clinical finishers.

The Canaries made a dream start after just five minutes when Sargent capitalized on a brilliantly orchestrated move. Callum Doyle played a superb pass that split Oxford's defense, finding Kellen Fisher, who advanced into the box. Fisher's precise low cross found Sargent perfectly positioned, allowing the in-form striker to calmly side-foot home from close range.

Norwich couldn't extend their advantage despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances throughout the match. Oxford equalized in the 18th minute when Mark Harris reacted quickly to a deflected long throw-in, sliding the ball past debutant goalkeeper Vicente Reyes, who was filling in due to injuries to Angus Gunn and George Long.

Norwich continued to press for a winner, controlling 77% of possession and registering 16 shots to Oxford's three. Late in the game, Borja Sainz had a golden opportunity to secure all three points when he broke clear, only to be denied by an excellent save from Jamie Cumming in the Oxford goal.

The draw frustrates Johannes Hoff Thorup's side, and the head coach laments: "I am annoyed and disappointed that a performance like that didn't give us three points. In games like that, nine times out of ten, you will win it."

Sargent's impressive form hasn't gone unnoticed, with reports suggesting Nottingham Forest is monitoring the 25-year-old forward. Should Norwich fail to secure promotion, the £8 million signing from 2021 could be tempted by a return to the Premier League this summer, despite being under contract until 2028.

Pulisic's First Champions League Goal

On This Day in 2017, the Young Winger Set the American Record for the Youngest to Score in the Competition

When Christian Pulisic joined Borussia Dortmund's first team in January 2016, he was just another promising academy graduate. "I'll never forget the day I was in class and looked at my phone quickly, and it was a text from my youth coach saying, 'You're training with the first team tonight,'" Pulisic recalled. "The rest of the school day I wasn't even paying attention, I couldn't think of anything else."

Fourteen months later, the American teenager would write his name into Champions League history.

He would make his way into the first team during the spring of 2016, earning 386 minutes in the Bundesliga while netting two goals. He made his US debut in March and made the roster for the Copa America over the summer, playing 85 minutes off the bench. The American started the following season as a steady presence as a substitute.

The build-up to Dortmund's crucial Round of 16 second leg against Benfica had already showcased Pulisic's growing importance to the team. With Marco Reus injured, the 18-year-old spectacularly seized his opportunity, netting a goal and adding an assist in a 6-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen the weekend before. But on March 8, Pulisic indeed announced himself to European football.

With Dortmund needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit, Pulisic made his mark early, providing the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's fourth-minute opener with a clever header from a corner kick. However, his goal shortly after the hour mark would prove decisive in the tie.

Released into space by Łukasz Piszczek's perfectly weighted pass, Pulisic showed the composure and technique that had become his trademark. With Benfica goalkeeper Ederson rushing out, the American teenager produced a delicate chip that floated into the net, becoming the youngest U.S. player to score in Champions League history at 18 years and 171 days old.

"It was my first-ever Champions League goal and probably the most important one I've scored to date," Pulisic said afterward. "It was an incredible, amazing feeling."

The goal opened the floodgates, with Dortmund winning 4-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate. Manager Thomas Tuchel was effusive in his praise: "He's a player who never gives up. The good thing about him is he's open to criticism and always maintains his intensity. He and the team both put in an extraordinary second-half display today."

"He is a world-class player in the making, a real wonderkid," declared Dortmund legend Stéphane Chapuisat that night. Real Madrid icon Raúl González agreed: "I like him a lot. I love his game. He is a player who can break through; he just needs to keep playing."

For a player who had started training with the first team just over a year earlier as a wide-eyed 16-year-old alongside stars like Aubameyang, Reus, and Mats Hummels, Pulisic's rise had been meteoric. His presence as a playmaker and goalscorer continued. After two league matches, Pulisic hopped on a plane back to the United States for World Cup Qualifying and added a goal and two assists in the US's 6-0 win over Honduras.

His goal against Benfica was a personal milestone and a statement that American players could compete and excel at the highest level of European football.

USA Draw to Open Qualifying with Mexico

On This Day in 1965, a Power Struggle and Penalty Drama Ahead of World Cup Qualifying

As the United States prepared to begin its 1966 World Cup qualifying campaign, internal turmoil threatened to derail the team before it could even take the field. The American federation had assembled what it hoped would be its strongest side since its last World Cup appearance in 1950. However, leadership issues quickly emerged during its preparation camp in Bermuda.

Head coach George Meyer, who had planned to utilize his Hungarian assistant Geza Henni primarily as a goalkeeping coach given Henni's experience as Hungary's national team keeper in the 1940s, found himself in an unexpected power struggle. During a pre-match theory lesson, Meyer carefully drew up tactical diagrams for the team, only to be publicly contradicted by Henni, who declared, "This is all fine and dandy, but this is not the way we are going to do it." The disagreement, previously hidden from the players, created confusion about who was actually leading the team.

The troubles continued right up to the kickoff of their opening qualifier. Walter Chyzowych, slated to start at center forward, was scratched from the U.S. lineup just before the match for violating curfew. Team officials had discovered him in a hotel room with a woman – who turned out to be his wife helping him get settled in a separate room – but the decision had already been made.

Despite these distractions, the Americans took the field at the Los Angeles Coliseum on March 7 before 23,000 spectators for their crucial opening qualifier against Mexico. The visitors struck first in the 35th minute when Jose Gonzalez beat American goalkeeper Victor Gerley with a well-placed 25-yard shot. The U.S. showed resilience in the second half, with Wolodymir Schmotolocha equalizing from an indirect free kick shortly after the restart. Helmut Bicek then gave the Americans a surprising lead on the hour mark, pouncing on a rebound after a shot deflected off Mexican goalkeeper Tony Carbajal.

The game's most controversial moment came late when Gerley, harassed by an opponent, reacted by kicking the ball against the Mexican player instead of clearing it from the area. The referee awarded a penalty, which Reyes converted to level the score at 2-2.

The qualifying road ahead remained challenging. The teams were scheduled to meet again in Mexico City just five days later before a crowd of 75,000. The U.S. would then face Honduras in a must-win situation to keep its World Cup hopes alive. Having already defeated Honduras twice (1-0 and 3-0), Mexico remained in a strong position to advance from the three-team group.

While the draw represented a promising start to the campaign, the match highlighted the growing competitiveness of American soccer and the organizational challenges plaguing the program as it sought to return to the World Cup stage. It was the American's third-ever result against Mexico, with the first being the 4-2 win in 1934 in Rome and the other five years earlier — a 3-3 draw.

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.