Adams' Last Red Bulls Goal

On This Day in 2018, the Midfielder's Equalizer Was His Last in a Red Bull Shirt

Before making his name in Europe, Tyler Adams turned heads in the New York Red Bulls youth system. The midfielder's journey from academy prospect to first-team star represented everything the club's vaunted development pathway promised, progressing from the Regional Development School through Red Bulls II to the senior team—the first player to do so.

Even at age 11, Adams' reputation preceded him. Red Bulls II coach John Wolyniec, then on the academy staff, would watch him train "three, four, five nights a week," noting the youngster's raw potential. That dedication paid off when Wolyniec made Adams Red Bulls II's first-ever signing, and he made his professional debut in 2015 at 16 years old. What set Adams apart wasn't just his technical ability but his remarkable maturity.

By 2017, Adams had established himself as a regular starter, displaying the fearless energy and tactical intelligence that would become his trademark. That season, he scored his first MLS goal—actually a brace—against D.C. United while helping lead one of the league's youngest squads.

But it was on March 13, 2018, at Red Bull Arena that Adams would deliver perhaps his most memorable moment in a Red Bulls shirt. In the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Club Tijuana, with the aggregate score delicately poised, Adams rose to the occasion. After falling behind early, it was the then 19-year-old who leveled the match in the 28th minute, helping propel the Red Bulls to a historic 3-1 victory (5-1 on aggregate).

"We knew we weren't going to come out there and play scared," Adams said after the match. "Obviously [everyone] knows our philosophy. Tijuana knew what they were going to get today, and that’s exactly what we gave them. I think for us personally, moving on and being the first MLS team to advance – beating a Mexican team – feels pretty special."

The goal and victory marked a watershed moment—it was the first time the Red Bulls had reached the CCL semifinals and only the third time an MLS club had eliminated a Mexican team in the tournament's knockout stages. Even Tijuana's manager, Diego Cocca, acknowledged the young American's impact, praising the team's organization and counter-attacking prowess.

By this time, Adams was one of the new faces of the US Men's National Team, earning his first cap at the end of 2017 and a second during the January camp. Adams continued representing the US during its friendly-heavy schedule in 2018, playing in eight matches that year. The highlight was scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Mexico in September.

Adams' 2018 campaign would be his farewell season with the Red Bulls. Following the departure of veterans Sacha Kljestan and Felipe in preseason trades, Adams embraced an even more significant role in midfield alongside Sean Davis. True to his character, Adams remained focused on the task at hand. He started 26 of 27 matches, tallied a career-best seven assists, and helped drive one of the Red Bulls' best-ever seasons before his eventual transfer to RB Leipzig in January 2019, where he reunited with former manager Jesse Marsch.

Kowalski's Interim Success

On This Day in 1991, Murray Scored Late in a Draw With Mexico in the First Match Under Kowalski

The phone lines between Los Angeles and some of soccer's biggest available coaching names were buzzing in early 1991. Alan Rothenberg, the newly appointed president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, was on a mission. "We don't have a specific date for naming a new coach... I'm hoping we could announce something in the next few weeks, but we're not working with any specific timetable," he told reporters. Bob Gansler, who had led the United States to its first World Cup in 40 years, had just stepped down after five consecutive games without a goal.

With Franz Beckenbauer and Kenny Dalglish ruled out, Bora Milutinovic was the prize. The Yugoslav coach who had worked miracles with Mexico in 1986 and Costa Rica in 1990 was clearly the leading candidate. "I foresee the possibility to work with the American team," Milutinovic said in a telephone interview from Mexico City. "I expect an offer to be made. I'd like to work with the American team. I think it is a big challenge."

In the meantime, the federation turned to John Kowalski, a Polish-born coach from Pittsburgh with an unlikely path to the national team. As the coach of the U.S. national five-a-side team and Robert Morris College, Kowalski was the ultimate interim solution. "I'm just glad to help out," he said, which helped the players relax. "Psychologically and mentally, I am preparing myself today as if I would be the coach, but whatever happens happens."

The March 12 match against Mexico to start the 1991 North American Nations Cup came in the middle of this coaching transition saga. At the Los Angeles Coliseum, with 6,261 fans – most supporting Mexico – the U.S. Men's National Team took the field under Kowalski's interim leadership. The match against Mexico, a team that had lost to the U.S. only twice in 23 previous encounters, seemed destined to follow a familiar script of disappointment.

Dante Washington, a 20-year-old Radford University student making his first US appearance, broke the tension, scoring a point-blank goal just before halftime. But Mexico's Alberto Garcia Aspe and Misael Espinosa turned the match around, pushing the U.S. toward another inevitable defeat.

Then came Bruce Murray's moment of magic.

In the 89th minute, with Mexico attempting to run out the clock, Murray stepped up to a free kick from 35 yards out. "I was hitting them from there in practice yesterday," Kowalski would later say. The ball rocketed over a wall of defenders, finding the top left corner of the net just seconds before the final whistle.

"It was the shot of a lifetime," Murray said. "I'm not sure the keeper ever saw it."

Goalkeeper Tony Meola captured the team's newfound spirit perfectly. "It's no secret John Kowalski has recharged this team," he said. "I definitely would like to see him get more time. Look how we came back tonight in what was basically a road game."

Two days later, the U.S. defeated Canada 2-0, finishing second in the tournament. Though they didn't win the cup on goal difference, something had changed. The team scored again, played with renewed spirit, and generated excitement.

On March 27, Milutinovic was officially introduced as the new head coach. His ambitions were audacious. "I'll be most happy when I win the World Cup championship in 1994," he declared. When questioned about the seemingly impossible goal, he was unequivocal. "All I said is achievable," he insisted. "If you don't dream, you can't get there."

Rothenberg echoed this sentiment, quoting poet Robert Browning: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for." The U.S. would be hosting the 1994 World Cup, and they were dreaming big.

Despite support to stay on as a coach, Kowalski returned to Robert Morris College, where his interim role was complete. But the momentum he had started would not be forgotten. The late goal against Mexico was more than just a moment of athletic drama—it was a symbolic turning point for a national team on the brink of reinvention.

The Almost Soccer War

On This Day in 1981, FIFA Challenged American Soccer Over Rule Dispute

March 11 was a day of mounting tension in the soccer world. In Zurich, FIFA spokesperson René Courte's frustration boiled over. "They are taking us for fools," he declared, his voice sharp with anger. His target of ire was the North American Soccer League (NASL) and its brazen approach to the world's most popular sport.

The conflict had been brewing for years, tracing back to the NASL's ambitious attempts to transform soccer into an American spectacle. Since its founding in 1968, the league had been pushing boundaries, introducing innovations that would have been unthinkable in traditional soccer markets. The league attracted international stars like Pelé and Giorgio Chinaglia, bringing unprecedented glamour to American soccer while challenging established international norms.

Their innovations were bold and unapologetic. A 35-yard offside line, three substitutions instead of two, and a shootout to resolve tie games were not merely rule changes but a fundamental reimagining of the sport. FIFA saw these modifications as a direct challenge to its authority, a rebellious act that threatened the global standardization of soccer.

At the heart of the dispute was a fundamental clash of philosophies. FIFA saw itself as the guardian of soccer's traditional spirit, while the NASL viewed the game as a product to be marketed to American audiences. The league had powerful allies, including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who served as the NASL's honorary chairman and penned a passionate four-page letter to FIFA President João Havelange.

The ultimatum was clear: comply with international regulations or face expulsion. FIFA's rules were non-negotiable: two substitutions, standard offside lines and no shootouts. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) was caught in the crossfire, and USSF chair Kurt Lamm frantically traveled to Madrid to prevent a complete breakdown of relations.

Just hours before the NASL's season opener on March 28, the league reluctantly complied. But the drama was far from over. A cryptic letter from Havelange provided ambiguous permission for the NASL to continue its practices, leading to further confusion and accusations of deliberate misinterpretation.

Phil Woosnam, a key NASL official, perfectly captured the league's defiance. "Is that how we define democracy?" he asked, criticizing FIFA's "dictatorial manner." The soccer war was as much about cultural differences as it was about rule books. The NASL represented a uniquely American approach—entrepreneurial, innovative, and unapologetically disruptive.

Ultimately, a compromise emerged. The NASL would continue its unique rules through the 1981 season, after which it would fully conform to international standards. The shootout remained, with modifications to the scoring system, but the 35-yard line was discontinued.

The conflict was more than a mere rules dispute. It was a pivotal moment highlighting the challenges of globalizing a sport deeply rooted in international tradition. The NASL's innovative spirit would eventually contribute to its downfall, with the league ceasing operations by 1985. Yet, its legacy of innovation would continue to influence American soccer's evolution.

By challenging FIFA, the NASL fought an administrative war that would reshape how the world viewed soccer in the United States. Though ultimately unsuccessful, their rebellion planted seeds for future soccer development in America. The league might have fallen, but its spirit of innovation would live on in Major League Soccer and its continued growth in the United States.

Pre-Gold Cup Friendlies Announced

USMNT Announces Summer Friendlies Against European Quarter-Finalists

The U.S. Men's National Team will face strong European opposition this June. Matches against Turkey and Switzerland have been announced as key preparation fixtures for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino's squad will host Turkey at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, on June 7, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Three days later, the team will travel to Nashville's GEODIS Park for a June 10 match against Switzerland, which will serve as the official "Send-Off" match before the Gold Cup competition begins.

Both European opponents reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, providing valuable high-level competition for the Americans. Switzerland currently sits 20th in FIFA's rankings, four spots below the U.S., while Turkey holds 28th.

"These matches will provide the USMNT with one of its few opportunities to face European opposition before the World Cup," U.S. Soccer stated in Monday's announcement, highlighting the strategic importance of these fixtures with just over a year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.

The U.S. holds a 2-1-1 record against Turkey, last facing them in 2014 before that year's World Cup in a 2-1 victory. Against Switzerland, the Americans have struggled historically with a 1-4-4 record and no victories on U.S. soil.

However, club commitments will likely impact these friendlies, as several potential USMNT players could be unavailable due to the FIFA Club World Cup running concurrently with the Gold Cup. Players from qualifying clubs like Juventus (Weston McKennie, Tim Weah), Borussia Dortmund (Gio Reyna), and Seattle Sounders (Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Jesús Ferreira) may be retained by their clubs.

The Gold Cup begins June 14. The USMNT will seek to reclaim the trophy after winning it in 2021 and being eliminated by Panama on penalties in the 2023 semifinals. The tournament draw will take place on April 10.

Win in Only Match Against Finland

On This Day in 1990, The US Records First Win Over European Side in 10 Years in Prep for Italy 90

Less than a month after a humbling 3-1 loss to the Soviet Union at Stanford Stadium—a match that painfully exposed the United States Men's National Soccer Team's limitations against world-class soccer teams—the national team sought redemption. The Soviet match had revealed stark differences between the Americans and established international sides, with the US struggling to maintain a competitive footing against even a partial-strength Soviet squad.

Before that, a narrow 1-0 win over Bermuda had done little to boost confidence. Coach Bob Gansler was still wrestling with lineup challenges, rotating players in preparation for the World Cup, and seeking to build a cohesive team capable of competing internationally.

The March 10 match against Finland in Tampa Stadium was more than just another friendly. It was an interesting opportunity for the U.S. team to demonstrate its progress. Though the Finnish didn't qualify for the 1990 World Cup, the US hadn't beaten a European side since the 2-0 win over Luxembourg in 1980, going 0-3-2 (WDL) over the decade. The US achieved more than just a victory on that crisp March night. The 2-1 win against Finland was pivotal in the team's journey toward its first World Cup appearance in 40 years.

The match unfolded against a backdrop of uncertainty and competition. Gansler had been juggling 24 players, constantly rotating lineups. With no established professional league providing consistent high-level competition, Gansler's strategy was to keep players sharp and evaluate talent through ongoing assessments.

The evening began with anticipation. Between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators filled Tampa Stadium, creating an atmosphere of patriotic excitement. The crowd represented a cross-section of soccer enthusiasts—youth players, military personnel from nearby bases, and supporters eager to witness the national team's growth.

Paul Caligiuri, the hero of the Trinidad & Tobago qualifying match that secured America's World Cup berth, opened the scoring in the first half. After Eric Wynalda, who was making his fifth cap, stole a pass along the right sideline and crossed into the box, Bruce Murray's diving header was saved by Finnish goalkeeper Petri Jakonen. However, the rebound fell perfectly to Caligiuri, who quickly guided the ball into the net in the 29th minute.

Finland equalized early in the second half when forward Kimmo Tarkkio capitalized on a defensive breakdown, slipping past the U.S. defense to beat goalkeeper Kasey Keller. The goal momentarily deflated the American side but also ignited their competitive spirit.

The match's decisive moment came approximately 23 minutes from full-time. Bruce Murray, struggling with a scoring drought, rediscovered his shooting touch. After receiving a pass from Caligiuri, Murray skillfully maneuvered between defenders Jouko Vuorela and Jari Europaeus, leaving them on the ground before delivering a composed finish past Jakonen.

"I hoped I could get it going again," Murray later reflected. "I was a little nervous to be upfront, but as the game went on, I got more confident. It was very encouraging."

Coach Gansler saw the match as an essential developmental opportunity. "I've seen a lot of improvement in our offense," he commented, "but we still have plenty of work on finishing our attack. This was a good test for us. We will only improve from it."

It wouldn't be the last chance the US would play European competition in the lead-up to the World Cup. The Americans would travel to Budapest in 10 days before a match in East Berlin against the East Germans on March 28 — both eventual defeats. The US would finally get back to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Finland in St. Louis on April 8. In the final 10 matches in the run-in to the World Cup, the Americans played nine European sides, really preparing for what lay ahead in June.

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.