Dest's La Liga Brace

 On This Day in 2021, the Fullback Scored Twice in the League Before Scoring His First International Goal Four Days Later

When Barcelona signed Sergino Dest from Ajax for €21 million in October 2020, the American defender quickly began collecting historic firsts. He became the first American to appear for Barcelona in La Liga, coming on as a substitute for Jordi Alba in a 1-1 draw against Sevilla. Later that month, he made history again as the first American to feature in El Clásico against Real Madrid. By November, he had notched another milestone, becoming the first American to score for Barcelona when he found the net in a Champions League victory over Dynamo Kyiv.

But Ronald Koeman's tactical shift to a 3-4-3 formation in early 2021 unleashed Dest's potential. Playing as a wingback rather than a traditional right-back gave the Dutch American more freedom to surge forward, and on March 21, he made his most emphatic statement yet in Barcelona's colors.

In a crucial match at Real Sociedad, with Barcelona chasing league leaders Atletico Madrid, Dest broke through for his first La Liga goal in the 43rd minute. The sequence began with Lionel Messi weaving through the Sociedad defense before finding Dest on the right wing, where the American confidently finished to give Barcelona a 2-0 lead. Just ten minutes after the break, Dest struck again, making a well-timed run into the box to meet a cross for an easy finish at the far post.

The brace was historic - Dest became the first American to score multiple goals in a La Liga match. His performance helped power Barcelona to a commanding 6-1 victory that kept them within four points of Atletico Madrid with ten games remaining in the season.

"It's incredible, we won 1-6, now we have to keep going this way," Dest said after the match. "I'm very happy about the two goals and for being able to help the team. This system suits me very well." The 20-year-old's adaptation to the wingback role highlighted Koeman's tactical acumen, giving Barcelona additional attacking thrust while maintaining defensive stability.

Dest's scoring form continued on international duty four days later, this time from an unfamiliar position. Playing left back for the United States against Jamaica, he cut inside from the wing after 34 minutes and rifled home his first international goal to spark a 4-1 American victory. The strike demonstrated his growing confidence and tactical flexibility - qualities that suggested Barcelona's investment in the young American was beginning to pay significant dividends.

Dest's journey from Almere City to Ajax's youth academy at age 12 to this scoring outburst in Spain represented a remarkable evolution. The son of a Dutch mother and American father had transformed from a promising fullback to a genuine two-way threat, capable of influencing matches at the highest level of club and international football.

A Massive Win Followed by a Boycott

On This Day in 1980, the Americans Earned a Qualifying Win in Costa Rica Before the President Called for an Olympic Boycott

The United States' path to the 1980 Moscow Olympics began with an unexpected twist of fate. In 1979, after being eliminated by Mexico in a two-game series by a 6-0 aggregate scoreline, the Americans received a second chance when their rivals were disqualified for using professional players from Leon in what was strictly an amateur competition.

The road to qualification had started inauspiciously, with the team facing familiar organizational challenges. When the squad prepared to depart for the first match in Mexico, key players Ty Keough and Angelo DiBernardo were suddenly barred from traveling. "We worked on a new lineup at the airport. The only thing I can promise you is that we will have eleven players on the field," coach Walter Chyzowych recalled (Cirino), forced to improvise by moving forward George Nanchoff into Keough's sweeper position. The subsequent 4-0 defeat in Mexico continued the pattern of American soccer disappointments.

"When they were disqualified, it gave us a new lease, which we were determined to take advantage of," American player Ty Keough recalled. The team seized their opportunity, first dispatching Bermuda with impressive authority - 8-0 over two legs to win the North American Zone in qualifying. With a roster bolstered by ten NASL players and featuring 18-year-old St. Louis University freshman Bill McKeon, the Americans cruised to a 3-0 victory with goals from Njego Pesa, Ricky Davis, and Angelo DiBernardo. The return leg in Fort Lauderdale proved even more decisive - a triumph highlighted by Davis's double and goals from Greg Villa, George Nanchoff, and Louis Nanchoff.

The final round-robin tournament paired the United States with Costa Rica and Suriname, with two Olympic berths at stake. Despite losing Dave Brcic and Larry Hulcer to professional contracts with the Cosmos, the Americans benefited from an unprecedented two weeks of preparation in Florida. The investment paid off with a 2-1 victory over Suriname four days before a historic moment in American soccer - a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in San Jose on March 20.

The victory in Costa Rica was remarkable - it came at the notoriously tricky National Stadium, where the senior U.S. Men's National Team had never won a World Cup qualifier (and still hasn't). Don Ebert converted a crucial penalty kick, but the real drama unfolded after the final whistle. "We and the officials could not leave the field and make it to the locker rooms for an extended period of time because of the projectiles launched at us," Keough recalled. "Eventually, we made a run for it, dodging bottles, bricks, and batteries. Once we made it in, we could hear an unfriendly crowd outside chucking rocks and bricks onto the roof of the locker room."

Perry Van Der Beck, who featured in seven of the eight qualifiers, provided context for the hostile reception: "They see the United States as being a superpower. And they say, 'You know what? There's one thing we're better at, and that's soccer,' and they take pride."

Five days later, the Americans sealed their Olympic qualification with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Costa Rica in Edwardsville, Illinois, where Ebert emotionally returned to his college stomping grounds at SIU-E's Cougar Field. Before a passionate crowd of 2,500 fans waving American flags and St. Louis Steamers banners, Ebert - who had recently given up his senior year to sign with the New York Cosmos - found the net in the 26th minute off a precise header from Angelo DiBernardo. "I was getting kind of worried I wouldn't score at home," Ebert admitted after the match. "I was feeling relief. And jubilation."

The match took a dramatic turn when DiBernardo was shown a red card with 27 minutes remaining for retaliating against Costa Rica's William Avila. "The guy kept hitting me," DiBernardo explained later. "I just reacted, I guess. It was stupid of me." Playing with ten men, the Americans conceded an equalizer to Carlos Nicanor Toppings' 35-yard blast. But the 1-1 result was enough to secure qualification, setting off celebrations across the Edwardsville campus. The crowd, alternating between chants of "U-S-A!" and "St. Louis! St. Louis!" throughout the night, reveled in the achievement of a team featuring eight St. Louis-area players.

However, the team's Olympic dreams would be dashed not on the field but in the White House. A day after the win in Costa Rica, President Jimmy Carter announced the United States would boycott the Moscow Olympics in response to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. The boycott stood firm despite Keough's "slim hope" that the decision might be reversed. The closest the Olympic soccer team came to recognition was receiving Congressional gold-plated bronze medals during a White House ceremony that July - a bittersweet conclusion to what had been one of American soccer's most dramatic qualifying campaigns.

The team had achieved remarkable success—winning in one of CONCACAF's most hostile environments and qualifying for the Olympics—only to have geopolitical forces beyond their control deny them their chance to compete on the world stage. Their story is a testament to the growing capability of American soccer and the complex intersection of sports and politics in the Cold War era.

Reyna's Goal After a Six-Month Lay-off

On This Day in 2005, the US Captain Scored in His Second Game Back for Manchester City

When Claudio Reyna reaggravated his left quadriceps injury during Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on November 13, 2004, it marked the beginning of a frustrating six-month battle for fitness for the American captain. Having already been sidelined since September 18, this setback was particularly cruel for Reyna, who had joined City for £2.5 million in August 2003 with high hopes of making his mark in the Premier League.

The long road back to fitness tested Reyna's patience and resolve. "It has been a difficult period for me," he admitted during his rehabilitation. "At times, I was pretty down because I just didn't know how long it would take before I could play again." Only after coming through several reserve team appearances unscathed in early March did the former Rangers and Sunderland player finally feel confident his injury troubles were behind him.

After months of careful rehabilitation, Reyna made his long-awaited return to first-team action on March 7, 2005, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat to Bolton. It was just his second appearance in nearly six months, but the American showed no signs of rust. Twelve days later, under newly appointed manager Stuart Pearce, Reyna would remind the City faithful exactly what they had been missing.

On March 19 at White Hart Lane, with City trailing 1-0 to a Jermain Defoe header, Reyna seized his moment just before halftime. Robbie Fowler, showing exquisite touch, chipped a delicate ball into the area with the outside of his boot. Reyna, timing his run perfectly, met the ball with a sweet left-footed volley that kissed the post before nestling in the net. The equalizer showcased his technical ability and the attacking instincts that had made him such a vital presence in City's midfield.

Though the match ended in a 2-1 defeat thanks to a late Robbie Keane winner, Reyna's performance signaled he was back to his best. He continued the run of form by playing 90 minutes in the World Cup Qualifying defeat to Mexico during the international break before he would prove this point further on April 16, scoring his second goal of the campaign in a 1-1 draw with Fulham. The goal was a fitting punctuation mark on a season that, while interrupted by injury, demonstrated the resilience and quality that had made Reyna such a respected figure in English football.

These late-season performances were particularly sweet for Reyna, who made thirty appearances in his first season with City. Those goals served as a reminder of his enduring class and helped wash away the frustration of those long months in the treatment room. His return to form significantly boosted City's midfield, adding experience and composure during the crucial final weeks of the Premier League campaign.

Dempsey's Chip Against Juventus

On This Day in 2010, Deuce Chipped in the Winner from Distance in the Europa League Semifinals

Sometimes, the most significant moments in football come from taking an impossible risk. "Nine times out of ten, you won't make it," Clint Dempsey would later reflect, "but sometimes you've got to take a risk." Standing at the edge of the penalty area at Craven Cottage, with Fulham's epic Europa League battle against Juventus hanging in the balance, the American midfielder attempted the unthinkable.

The path to this historic moment had begun with promise. Fresh off signing a contract extension through 2013, Dempsey had started the 2009-10 season brilliantly, scoring his first European goal against Amkar Perm in August and performing so well that Italy's prestigious La Gazzetta dello Sport named him among the Premier League's top eleven players of the season by December.

But then came the setback. On January 17, 2010, Dempsey suffered a cruel blow when he sustained knee ligament damage in a 2-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers. The injury threatened to derail not just his season with Fulham but also his World Cup preparations with the United States. True to his tenacious nature – forged in the small town of Nacogdoches, Texas, where he had once played MLS games with a broken jaw – Dempsey fought back to fitness in seven weeks.

His return came in the first leg against Juventus in Turin, where he appeared as a late substitute in a 3-1 defeat. A week later, on March 18, with England manager Fabio Capello watching from the stands, Dempsey would transform from a first-team regular to a club legend.

The night had started disastrously for Fulham when David Trezeguet scored after just 90 seconds, putting Juventus ahead 4-1 on aggregate. But the momentum shifted after Bobby Zamora's quick response seven minutes later and Fabio Cannavaro's red card midway through the first half. Zoltan Gera scored twice to level the tie, setting the stage for Dempsey, who had come off the bench.

With eight minutes remaining and extra time looming, the American received the ball on the edge of the area. What followed was pure inspiration – a perfectly weighted chip that floated over the stranded Antonio Chimenti and into the far corner. The audacious strike completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in European soccer history. Fulham overcame Italian giants Juventus 4-1 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate in the Europa League Round of 16.

The Guardian would suggest it "might become the most famous goal in Fulham's history," and it's hard to argue otherwise. The strike not only completed an impossible comeback against one of Europe's most storied clubs but also propelled Fulham toward their first European final.

Dempsey's season culminated in another piece of history: He became the first American to appear in a major European final when he came on as a substitute in the Europa League final against Atlético Madrid. Though Fulham ultimately lost 2-1 in extra time to Diego Forlán's winner, the campaign—particularly that magical night against Juventus—cemented both Fulham's and Dempsey's place in soccer history.

For the man, they called "Deuce," the goal against Juventus represented everything that made him special – the audacity to attempt the impossible, the skill to execute it, and the determination to return from injury and make his mark on the biggest stage. In one sublime moment, he had turned what his manager Roy Hodgson called "an uphill task" into an unforgettable triumph.

Johnny to Miss Nations League

Reports State Midfielder Will Stay in Spain over Break; No Replacement Announced Yet

Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso has withdrawn from the United States men's national team roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches. He will remain in Spain to focus on his recovery from a muscle strain. The decision is a significant blow to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was counting on the in-form midfielder for the semi-final clash against Panama.

Gonzalo Tortosa reported that Cardoso and teammate Giovani Lo Celso have been receiving treatment at Betis' training facility during the team's day off. "Both have not gone with their national teams to recover, try to reach 100% in #GranDerbi and facing the important end of the season," Tortosa noted (translated).

The 23-year-old New Jersey native has become a crucial player for Manuel Pellegrini's side this season. He has made 33 appearances across all competitions and recently scored in Betis' impressive 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. His absence was already felt when he missed Betis' UEFA Europa Conference League match last Thursday due to injury. Betis sits sixth in La Liga.

Trusty Misses Derby Defeat

Defender Rested With 'Calf Knock' as Celtic Fell to Rangers

Celtic's derby disappointment against Rangers was compounded by the late withdrawal of American defender Auston Trusty. The 26-year-old center-back missed the 3-2 defeat at Parkhead due to a calf injury, leaving manager Brendan Rodgers with limited defensive options ahead of the crucial match.

"Auston picked up a slight calf knock, so he trained yesterday, and likewise, he was too sore for him to be available," Rodgers explained before kickoff.

With Liam Scales also unavailable due to injury, Rodgers was forced to call upon Maik Nawrocki to step into the defensive line against Rangers. The lack of continuity in Celtic's backline proved costly, as they conceded three goals, including a late winner from Hamza Igamane, after fighting back from two goals down.

The defeat marked Celtic's second consecutive loss to their Glasgow rivals during Barry Ferguson's interim management at Rangers. Celtic had the advantage of a whole week's rest, while Rangers had played 120 minutes against Fenerbahce in midweek European action.

Trusty received good news on the international front last week, earning a call-up to the United States national team alongside Celtic teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Panama. The pair have established themselves as Rodgers' preferred center-back partnership this season as Celtic pursue a domestic treble. But this injury calls Trusty's participation in the match Thursday as no new news about his knock has emerged at the time of publishing.

Robinson Strong Again

 Fulham's Captain was Solid in the Victory over Tottenham

Antonee Robinson delivered another impressive performance in Fulham's 2-0 victory against Tottenham, continuing to build his reputation as one of the Premier League's most reliable defenders. The win propelled Fulham to eighth place, putting them within striking distance of European qualification.

Robinson was a constant presence on the left flank throughout the match, showcasing his exceptional stamina and defensive prowess. His ability to shut down Tottenham's attacks while providing an attacking outlet himself was crucial to Fulham's success in what was described as a "strange, three-quarter-pace game."

The 27-year-old's outstanding season has fueled speculation about a potential move to Liverpool. Reports suggest he's been their first-choice left-back target. When asked about these rumors, Robinson has maintained a level-headed approach.

"Transfer rumours and stuff like that, I try not to look at," Robinson recently said. "Especially like with the Liverpool one – all my friends and family are from Liverpool, so it's more of them messaging me than me seeing newspaper stuff. And I have to say, 'Look, it's just, just a story in the paper and anyone who's doing well is going to get linked to a team'."

Despite his Liverpool connections—he grew up on Merseyside but was born in Milton Keynes—Robinson remains focused on his Fulham duties. His performances have drawn praise from teammates, including Joachim Andersen, who remarked, "I've never seen a guy who sprints so much like him."

Robinson's consistent performances will be crucial as Fulham manager Marco Silva looks to guide his team to European qualification. His display against Tottenham was another example of why he's become one of the Premier League's most sought-after full-backs.

Aaronson's First Professional Goal

On This Day in 2019, Dubbed the Medford Messi, the 18-year-old Scored on His Philadelphia Debut

When Brenden Aaronson stepped onto the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019, he was living out a dream years in the making. The 18-year-old Medford, New Jersey native, who had joined the Philadelphia Union Academy at age 11, was about to make his professional debut against the defending MLS champions Atlanta United. Few could have predicted the storybook moment that would follow.

The path to this debut had been carefully crafted. After initially committing to Indiana University, Aaronson chose instead to sign a Homegrown Player deal with the Union in September 2018. Manager Jim Curtin had seen enough in training to trust the teenager with a crucial role, especially after Marco Fabian's suspension created an opening in the starting lineup.

"I'm not scared to start him," Curtin had declared before the match. "He has shown that he can handle pressure, can handle tight spaces, can handle all the things that you ask of a top MLS player. Age is just a number, and Brenden is a guy who has certainly pushed and impressed the coaching staff."

From the opening whistle, Aaronson showed why his manager had such faith. Within the first minute, he forced a corner kick, displaying the relentless work rate that would become his trademark. In the 21st minute, he nearly opened his account, coming inches away from connecting with an Alejandro Bedoya cross that left Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan sporting a black eye.

But it was in the 47th minute that Aaronson truly announced his arrival. Collecting the ball outside the box, he unleashed a right-footed shot that took a fortunate deflection off defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez's leg and found its way past Guzan. The Union had their first goal from open play of the season, and Aaronson had his first professional goal.

Though Atlanta eventually equalized through Ezequiel Barco to secure a 1-1 draw, the night belonged to the Union's newest star. His performance went beyond just the goal. Aaronson's movement and vision were fully displayed when he threaded a through ball to Fafa Picault. This nearly resulted in another goal, showcasing the playmaking ability that had excited the Union's coaching staff.

The debut would prove to be no fluke. Aaronson became a fixture in Philadelphia's lineup, appearing in 24 of the team's next 27 games as the Union climbed to third place in the Eastern Conference. His consistent performances caught the attention of U.S. Under-23 National Team coach Jason Kreis, who called him into camp by May. Though he finished second in the MLS Rookie of the Year voting to Colorado's Andre Shinyashiki, Aaronson's impact on the Union was undeniable.

For Aaronson, the goal in Atlanta was just the beginning. By the end of the season, he had accumulated three goals and two assists in 28 appearances, with 25 starts. More importantly, he had established himself as one of the brightest young talents in American soccer. This set the stage for his international senior debut in 2020 and what would eventually become a multi-million dollar transfer to Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.

That March evening in Atlanta marked more than just a teenage midfielder's first professional goal – it represented the Union's academy vision coming to fruition, proving that the path from academy to first team could produce not just players but stars.

Three-Peat: The US and the Nations League

USMNT's Dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League

The United States Men's National Team has established unprecedented dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League, winning all three editions since its inception in 2019-2020.

In the inaugural 2019-2020 tournament, the USMNT topped Group A with 9 points, matching Canada but advancing on goal differential. In the finals, delayed until June 2021 due to COVID-19, they faced Honduras in the semifinal, securing a 1-0 victory through Jordan Pefok's late headed winner. The championship match against Mexico at Denver's Empower Field at Mile High proved dramatic. After falling behind twice, the Americans equalized both times through Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie. Christian Pulisic ultimately sealed the victory with a penalty kick in the 114th minute of extra time, while substitute goalkeeper Ethan Horvath saved Andrés Guardado's late penalty to preserve the 3-2 win.

The 2022-2023 tournament saw the USMNT again dominate their group, finishing with 10 points. Under interim coach B.J. Callaghan, they defeated Mexico 3-0 in a heated semifinal that ended prematurely due to homophobic chants after four players received red cards. In the final against Canada at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun scored first-half goals to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory. Reyna provided both assists before being substituted at halftime due to injury.

For the 2023-2024 competition, the Americans narrowly advanced past Trinidad and Tobago in the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate score. After falling behind early in the semifinal against Jamaica, they forced extra time with a 95th-minute equalizer before substitute Haji Wright scored twice to win 3-1. The final against Mexico featured another commanding performance, with Tyler Adams scoring just before halftime and Reyna adding a second goal to complete the 2-0 victory at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

These unprecedented three consecutive championships demonstrate regional strength and the USMNT's growing strength in the region while establishing a new rivalry hierarchy within CONCACAF.

USA vs Panama - Historical Preview

Since the First Meeting in 1993, the US Has Dominated, But Not as of Late

The United States Men's National Team will face Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on Thursday, March 20. This match marks the 29th meeting between these nations, and the USMNT holds a commanding 18-7-3 all-time record against Los Canaleros in regulation. The teams have gone to penalties in three of those draws, with Panama winning two.

Despite their historical dominance, the Americans enter this semifinal with cautious optimism following one of their most recent encounters with Panama. Their meeting during the 2024 Copa América group stage ended in disappointment for the USA, as Panama secured a 2-1 victory over a 10-man American side. After Tim Weah's early red card, Folarin Balogun briefly gave the USA hope with a 22nd-minute strike. Still, Panama capitalized on their numerical advantage, with César Blackman equalizing four minutes later and José Fajardo scoring the winner in the 83rd minute.

Under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who debuted with a 2-0 friendly victory over Panama last October, the USMNT aims to reclaim their Nations League crown. The Americans have established unprecedented success in this tournament, winning all three previous editions (2021, 2023, 2024). A fourth consecutive title would further cement their regional dominance.

Panama enters as a dangerous opponent with growing confidence. Under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, they've risen from 81st to 43rd in the FIFA rankings since 2020. Their recent tournament performances have been impressive: They finished as runners-up in the 2023 Gold Cup and reached the semifinals in the previous two Nations League tournaments.

The semifinal winner will face Mexico or Canada in the final, with the USA hoping to continue its perfect Nations League championship record. After its Copa América setback against Panama, this match presents an opportunity for revenge and another step toward regional supremacy under Pochettino's leadership.