Road Point in Qualifying

On This Day in 2009, Altidore and Hejduk Inspired a Late Comeback in San Salvador

The road to the 2010 World Cup is rarely smooth, and on a humid night in El Salvador, the United States Men's National Team discovered just how treacherous that path could be. Just weeks after Michael Bradley's heroic performance against Mexico in Columbus, the Americans faced an entirely different challenge in the cauldron of Estadio Cuscatlan.

DaMarcus Beasley's memories of El Salvador stretch back to 1999, when he was a young under-17 player experiencing Central American soccer's raw, unfiltered passion. During a corner kick, he vividly recalled a fan throwing a dead chicken head at his feet, the crowd erupting in laughter. "It was pretty crazy," Beasley would later remember, "but it's something you experience when you play in those countries."

The March 28 match against El Salvador was more than another qualifying game. It was a test of character, a moment to prove the team's mettle under extreme pressure. The US lineup looked vulnerable with key players missing—Tim Howard was suspended, and Steve Cherundolo was injured. Brad Guzan, stepping into the goalkeeper's role, carried the weight of unexpected responsibility.

The match unfolded like a nightmare for the visiting Americans from the opening whistle. Eliseo Quintanilla struck first in the 15th minute, exploiting a costly Beasley giveaway. The goal sent the 30,500 fans into a frenzy, their voices rising like a thunderous wave across the stadium. In the 72nd, Cristian Castillo doubled El Salvador's lead, seemingly confirming the home team's dominance.

"El Salvador played with a tremendous amount of energy," US coach Bob Bradley said. "We found ourselves behind by two goals, and that wasn't part of the plan."

The statistics seemed grim. El Salvador, ranked 106th in the world, was dismantling the 17th-ranked United States. The Americans had not fallen behind El Salvador in a match for 16 years, and now they were staring at a potentially embarrassing defeat. 

But this US team was built of sterner stuff. In the 77th minute, Jozy Altidore—a young striker with a growing international reputation—provided a lifeline. Receiving a perfectly weighted cross from Frankie Hejduk, he powered a header past the goalkeeper, injecting hope into the American effort.

Then, with just minutes remaining, Hejduk himself became the hero. Off a Landon Donovan corner kick that deflected off a defender, he rose unmarked and headed home the equalizer. The 2-2 draw was more than just a point - it was a statement of resilience.

"To come back with 30 minutes left and get a point is a positive," Guzan said, relief evident in his voice. "It shows just how good this team is."

The draw kept the US atop the CONCACAF qualifying group, maintaining their trajectory toward South Africa. The next challenge awaited in Nashville, where an electric atmosphere was already building for the match against Trinidad and Tobago. The excitement was palpable, with ticket sales already surpassing 18,000 and fans from across the country preparing to pack LP Field. Adding an intriguing subplot to the unfolding World Cup narrative, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had just joined the US World Cup bid committee a couple of days after the El Salvador victory. While he viewed the 2018 tournament as a long shot for the United States, he remained optimistic about future opportunities.

"I don't think we have a huge chance in 2018," Kissinger admitted. "I think it will probably go to Europe. But just as our 1986 bid set us up for 1994, I believe our bid for 2018 will position us perfectly for 2022."

For the players on the field in El Salvador, such long-term strategies meant little. Their focus was singular: qualification, one hard-fought point at a time. And on this night, against all odds, they had secured just that. The road to the World Cup continued, as unpredictable and exciting as ever.

Balogun Available

After Netting a Hat-Trick in a Monaco Youth Match, the Forward Could Feature This Weekend

Folarin Balogun has overcome a challenging shoulder injury that sidelined him since December, and he will be available for Monaco in the club's match against Nice on Saturday.

The injury saga began in October during a match against Stade Rennais, where Balogun suffered a dislocated shoulder. A brief return in late November proved premature, as the shoulder issue flared up again during a match against Olympique de Marseille. Medical experts ultimately recommended surgery to fully resolve the persistent problem.

Balogun's path to recovery took a significant turn this week with a remarkable comeback performance. In a friendly match against Brighton's U23s at La Turbie, he scored a stunning 16-minute hat-trick. The youth side secured a 3-2 victory, with Balogun playing the first half before being substituted under the watchful eye of AS Monaco manager Adi Hütter.

The Austrian manager's confidence in Balogun's recovery is palpable. Hütter confirmed the forward's availability for the upcoming Derby de la Côte d'Azur against OGC Nice, stating, "He is back and available. He played a really good game for the Groupe Élite. He is ready to play."

This comeback is more than just a return to the pitch for Balogun. Fans and teammates alike will eagerly anticipate his return to competitive match action, hoping his goal-scoring prowess will continue to shine for AS Monaco.

Americans "Clinch" World Cup Spot

On This Day in 2022, Behind a Pulisic Hat-Trick, the US "Mathematically Certain" of World Cup

The United States entered their penultimate World Cup qualifying match against Panama riding a wave of cautious optimism. Having just secured a hard-fought goalless draw with Mexico at the imposing Estadio Azteca, the Americans were now positioned to virtually secure their return to soccer's grandest stage after the heartbreak of missing the 2018 tournament. With memories of that fateful night in Trinidad still haunting the program, this new generation of players had the opportunity to write their own redemption story in Orlando.

For the Americans, the path forward was clear but challenging. A loss to Mexico would have been devastating, but the scoreless draw at altitude kept their qualification hopes firmly on track. Coach Gregg Berhalter's young squad had created several golden opportunities at the Azteca. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah narrowly missed in the first half, followed by another Pulisic chance and a Jordan Pefok opportunity after the break. Gio Reyna's mesmerizing run was the most memorable, which prompted Berhalter to invoke Diego Maradona's legendary goal.

"I had visions of that while Gio was dribbling," Berhalter said afterward. "Unfortunately, he didn't finish it off or get an opportunity to finish it off."

When told of the comparison, the modest 19-year-old Reyna, who had only recently returned from injury, exchanged a playful glance with Pulisic and replied, "I don't know about that. Yeah, it was a nice run, and it didn't really pan out to anything."

Conditions in Orlando on March 27 were electric, with the sold-out crowd creating an overwhelmingly pro-American atmosphere. The tension that the Americans carried into the match—from injuries, illnesses, suspensions, and the lingering trauma of 2017's qualification failure—quickly dissipated in a flurry of early goals.

Pulisic, who had been in tears on that muggy Trinidad field in 2017, set the tone early by converting a penalty kick in the 17th minute. Six minutes later, Paul Arriola doubled the lead with a header, and just four minutes after that, surprise starter Jesús Ferreira made it 3-0 with a clinical finish. Pulisic added another from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, giving the Americans a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

"We knew we had to come out on the front foot, and getting that goal early set the tone for the whole match," defender Walker Zimmerman explained after the game. "Those goals add up, and they're huge for us."

The American captain completed his first national team hat-trick in the 65th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Pulling down a cross with silky control in Panama's penalty area, he spun in traffic and slipped past two defenders to slot home his third goal.

"Christian's a guy who's been through it before," Berhalter said, a loaded statement for anyone who had lived through the 2017 qualification failure. Pulisic had worn the captain's armband and delivered a performance worthy of it, playing like the leader Berhalter needed him to be with one match remaining.

His only missteps of the night were an awkward attempt at breakdancing after his second penalty kick and a yellow card for arguing moments before being substituted. Other key players were soon rested as well, with the Americans mindful of the job that still needed to be completed in Costa Rica.

Despite Panama's Aníbal Godoy—who had conceded both penalties—scoring a late consolation goal to make it 5-1, the Americans had firmly put themselves in control of their destiny. Their goal differential had swelled to plus-13, compared to Costa Rica's plus-3, meaning they would need to lose by six goals or more in their final match to miss out on automatic qualification.

"The goal obviously has always been to qualify for the World Cup, and this is just another step in the right direction," midfielder Tyler Adams cautioned afterward. "But at the end of the day, we still have another game to play. We haven't clinched yet."

The final step of the journey took the Americans to Costa Rica, a venue where they had never won. Unlike five years earlier, when they had traveled to Trinidad with similar confidence only to suffer a catastrophic 2-1 defeat, the massive goal difference advantage provided a crucial safety net this time.

In San José, in front of a lively sellout crowd, the United States absorbed a 2-0 defeat—Juan Pablo Vargas scoring in the 51st minute and Anthony Contreras doubling the lead in the 59th. However, unlike in 2017, when improbable results conspired against them, the margin was more than sufficient this time. The Americans had qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"The team's ecstatic, really excited to be qualified for the World Cup," Berhalter said after the final whistle. "Qualifying is a grind, and we did it."

The redemption was delightful for Pulisic, one of the few holdovers from the 2017 squad.

"That was one of the toughest days of my life, and I'll never forget it," he said, reflecting on the Trinidad defeat. "Now to be in this position qualified for a World Cup, we're all extremely proud." He paused, emotions visible. "This is where I've always wanted to be, and right now, the emotions are a little crazy."

The celebrations began cautiously in the locker room. Although the team was initially frustrated by the Costa Rica loss, pure joy eventually filtered through, and champagne and beer began to spray.

Perez's Last Goals

On This Day in 1994, the Veteran Scored His Last International Goals in a Draw with Bolivia

As the 1994 World Cup approached, the United States Men's National Team continued its preparations with a series of friendly matches against international competition. Coach Bora Milutinovic evaluated his squad ahead of final roster decisions, and a March 26 clash with Bolivia at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas provided another opportunity for players to stake their claim for spots on the World Cup roster.

Among those making the strongest case was midfielder Hugo Perez, a veteran on a developing American squad. The El Salvador native had been a bridge between generations of American soccer, providing leadership during the late 1980s when the team was primarily composed of college-age players. A technical midfielder with scoring ability, Perez had overcome missing the 1990 World Cup due to injury - torn ligaments suffered while playing for French Second Division club Red Star Paris - and had rebounded to win U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year honors in 1991.

Before 26,835 spectators—the largest soccer crowd in Dallas then—the Americans found themselves trailing early. In the 12th minute, Bolivia's Julio Baldivieso converted a perfectly placed free kick from 25 yards out. U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola could only get a hand to the shot but couldn't keep it out.

Perez, who entered the match second on the all-time U.S. scoring list, equalized in the 31st minute. After Cobi Jones was fouled by Luis Cristaldo in the penalty area, Perez stepped up to convert the spot kick, drawing the Americans level before halftime.

The El Salvador-born midfielder gave the U.S. the lead just three minutes after the restart. The goal came when Jones played a pass to Chris Henderson on the right side, who beat a defender and drew out Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Trucco before centering the ball to an unmarked Perez. The midfielder made no mistake from eight yards out.

"It was candy," Perez said afterward of his simple finish, which gave the Americans a 2-1 advantage.

The U.S. lead held until the 76th minute when their defense faltered. Luis Cristaldo found space in the left corner and crossed to Ramiro Castillo at the near post, who one-touched the ball past Meola to level the score at 2-2.

The Americans nearly snatched victory in the dying moments. Substitute a Claudio Reyna (pictured above) header struck the crossbar and bounced down on the goal line before being cleared away by a Bolivian defender as time expired.

"The important thing is we didn't lose," Perez said after the match. "This is not the World Cup, and I'm happy that we came out without a loss."

Despite the draw - the third consecutive tie against Bolivia in eight months - Perez's performance solidified his position for the upcoming World Cup. When the tournament arrived that summer, Perez made the final roster, earning a spot in the squad that advanced to the knockout stage on home soil. His World Cup experience culminated in an appearance in the Round of 16 match against eventual champion Brazil on July 4, 1994.

By the time he retired in 1996 with Salvadoran club FAS, Perez had accumulated 73 international caps and scored 13 goals for the United States, with this brace being his final two at the international level. His contributions to American soccer would later be recognized with his induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008.

Donovan's Second Hat-Trick

 On This Day in 2007, Wearing the New Copa Kit, Donovan Became the First American to Score Two International Hat-Tricks

After the disappointment at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the United States men's national team looked to rebuild and refocus on the long road toward South Africa in 2010. Under interim head coach Bob Bradley, the Americans had already shown promising signs with victories over Mexico and Denmark, establishing a foundation for the four-year journey ahead.

For Bradley, a New Jersey native who took over on an interim basis in December following Bruce Arena's eight-year tenure, status titles mattered little in the high-pressure world of international soccer. "You learn when you're involved in professional sports that there's so many things you can't control that you don't worry about it," Bradley explained before the match. "You worry about what you can control, and that's the group that we have and how we go about our business each day."

Despite being the most successful coach in Major League Soccer history—with more wins than any other manager, playoff appearances in nine seasons, and two Coach of the Year awards—Bradley wasn't U.S. Soccer's first choice for the national team position. The federation had initially pursued Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann, who had led his home country to a third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup, but negotiations had fallen through.

On a sunny March 25th afternoon at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the Americans unveiled their new royal blue and white pinstripe jerseys before a record crowd of 31,547—the largest to ever see a U.S. men's national team friendly in Florida. The spectators had barely settled into their seats when Landon Donovan, wearing the captain's armband for the first time under Bradley, made an immediate impact.

Just 35 seconds into the match, Donovan took one touch at the top of the penalty box and unleashed a left-footed missile from 20 meters that sailed past a surprised Ecuador goalkeeper, Rorys Aragon. The early strike electrified the pro-American crowd, but Ecuador responded quickly. In the 11th minute, Felipe Caicedo received a pass from defender Neicer Reasco, dribbled past several defenders inside the box, and beat goalkeeper Tim Howard to level the score at 1-1.

The match remained tightly contested through the first hour, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the deadlock. The U.S. featured eleven players from their 2006 World Cup roster, including five who had played in all three matches in Germany: DaMarcus Beasley, Steve Cherundolo, Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, and veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute through a well-crafted team move. Defender Oguchi Onyewu played a long ball out of the back that Brian Ching—who had briefly left the match in the first half with a bloody nose after being kicked in the face—settled near midfield. With a defender on his back, Ching wheeled and found a streaking Donovan, who outpaced his marker before slotting a shot past Aragon.

"I knew the last defender was marking me, and I saw Landon just take off," said Ching, who had played with Donovan at San Jose in MLS. "And he's going to beat pretty much anybody in a footrace."

Before Ecuador could regroup, Donovan struck again less than a minute later. DaMarcus Beasley drove deep into the left corner before cutting back and sliding a ball to an onrushing Donovan at the top of the box. The U.S. captain unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from 20 meters that found the upper right corner of the goal, completing his hat-trick and sealing the 3-1 victory.

It was only the 10th hat-trick by a U.S. national team player in history and Donovan's first since scoring four goals against Cuba in 2003. The three goals gave him 30 in a U.S. uniform, moving him into a tie with Brian McBride for second on the all-time scoring list, just four behind record-holder Eric Wynalda. As the final whistle approached, Donovan, arms extended above his head, took a slow jog toward the U.S. sideline, clapping in appreciation toward the crowd. The hat-trick represented a significant personal redemption for a player who had been sharply criticized after a disappointing performance at the 2006 World Cup.

"At the end of last year and the World Cup, as bad as that was for me personally, I feel like I learned a lot from it," Donovan reflected afterward. "I think I grew up a lot."

Bradley, the first U.S. national coach to win his first three games, praised Donovan's goal-scoring prowess and evolving leadership. "Throughout this camp, you could tell that he had really stepped things up in terms of his role on the team," Bradley said. "He really came through with the goals and good movement off the ball, which is something that he does really well."

The victory continued the Americans' impressive start under Bradley, adding further weight to his case for removing the "interim" tag from his title. The U.S. team was building valuable momentum with the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America tournaments approaching in the summer.

The Americans had little time to celebrate, as they had a quick turnaround before facing Guatemala at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, just three days later. The team would face China on June 2 in San Jose, California, before beginning their summer tournament schedule.

As representatives of the U.S. and Ecuador federations exchanged gifts after the match—the United States presented a crystal with a hologram of a player, and Ecuador received a statue of an Andean falcon, Ecuador's national bird—it was clear that Bradley's team was establishing a new identity in the post-Arena era, with Donovan once again at its heart.

Luna Lone Bright Spot

Despite Staying on the Bench for the Semifinal, Midfielder Showed Spark in Start Against Canada

Amid the United States' disappointing CONCACAF Nations League campaign, Diego Luna emerged as a rare bright spot for the national team. The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake player brought creativity and energy to a largely uninspired squad during the third-place match against Canada.

Luna's ability to inject life into the team's midfield was inspiring. He provided a crucial assist for Patrick Agyemang's equalizing goal, showcasing his vision and creativity. Despite the team's ultimate 2-1 loss, Luna was willing to take risks and create opportunities that other midfielders seemed hesitant to attempt.

The young midfielder's performance was especially notable given his limited previous involvement in the tournament. Fans and commentators were puzzled by his absence in the earlier match against Panama, making his appearance against Canada all the more impactful. Luna acknowledged his approach, stating that creativity and risk-taking have been key to his success.

Mauricio Pochettino praised Luna's hunger and readiness, highlighting the player as a potential bright spot for the future. While the tournament was largely a disappointment for the US team, Luna provided a glimmer of hope and excitement for supporters looking ahead to future competitions.

Pressure on Poch?

United States Manager Facing Criticism After Nations League Defeats

Mauricio Pochettino is navigating treacherous waters as the head coach of the United States national team, facing intense scrutiny after a disastrous performance in the CONCACAF Nations League. The team's consecutive losses to Panama and Canada have exposed deep-seated issues, with the squad finishing in last place and drawing sharp criticism from former players and fans alike.

The criticism has been particularly scathing. US soccer legend Landon Donovan bluntly stated he was "sick of hearing how 'talented' this group of players is," challenging the team's commitment and pride. Stuart Holden went further, accusing Pochettino of "gaslighting" and suggesting that the coach would have been immediately fired under previous circumstances.

Despite the mounting pressure, Pochettino remains steadfastly optimistic. He has repeatedly emphasized that these setbacks are better experienced now, with approximately 15 months remaining before the 2026 home World Cup. His consistent message is one of patience and potential, urging fans not to become pessimistic and insisting that the team will find a way to improve.

The performance issues are multifaceted. Star players like Christian Pulisic seemed particularly ineffective, with some matches seeing him virtually invisible on the pitch. The midfield struggled with ball progression. Outside the lone goal, the attack failed to unlock either Panama or Canada in the final third. These challenges are particularly stark given the expectations surrounding what the media dubbed the US's "golden generation" - a roster featuring players from top European clubs, including seven who have played in the Champions League.

Pochettino's challenge is significant. He must transform a team that currently looks disconnected, underperforming and uninspired, all while managing expectations for the upcoming World Cup. His track record of success at club level with Tottenham and his recent appointment suggest he has the potential to turn things around, but the clock is ticking, and patience is wearing thin among US soccer supporters.

Americans Fall to Canada

 In the Third-Place Match, Which Saw Canada Manager Jesse Marsch Sent Off, the United States Struggled and Settled for Fourth

The United States Men's National Team concluded a dismal CONCACAF Nations League tournament with a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Canada, further raising concerns about the team's preparedness for next year's World Cup.

In a match played at SoFi Stadium, Canada demonstrated superior tactical awareness and aggression. Tani Oluwaseyi opened the scoring in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse that left him unmarked in the six-yard box. The goal epitomized the USMNT's struggles with defensive consistency.

The Americans briefly responded through an impressive team goal, with Tim Weah initiating a move culminating in Patrick Agyemang's equalizer. Diego Luna, making his competitive national team debut, played a crucial role in the buildup, showcasing composure and creativity on the assist that offered a glimmer of hope.

However, Jonathan David's sublime 59th-minute strike ultimately sealed Canada's victory. The goal came after a period of increased Canadian pressure and highlighted the USMNT's continued defensive vulnerabilities.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment, acknowledging the team's shortcomings while attempting to maintain optimism. Players like Tyler Adams and Weah admitted the team failed to exhibit the "killer mentality" and "fighting spirit" they had promised after their semifinal loss to Panama.

The defeat was particularly significant as it marked the first time the United States had lost back-to-back home matches to Canada since 1925. Statistical evidence underscored the team's struggles: Canada outshot the USA 8-5 and maintained more threatening possession in the attacking third.

With the Gold Cup approaching in June, Pochettino indicated potential roster changes, signaling a potential reset and opportunity for emerging talents to prove themselves on the international stage.

Three-Peat in the Nations League

 On This Day in 2024, Redemption for Adams and Reyna as Each Scored in a Dos a Cero Victory over Mexico

The United States entered the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League Final against Mexico riding a six-match unbeaten streak against their fiercest rivals. Since a September 2019 defeat, the Americans had compiled an impressive record against El Tri, including victories in the previous two editions of the Nations League. For Mexico, pressure was mounting under coach Jaime Lozano as they sought to reclaim regional supremacy and silence a growing chorus of critics.

Conditions at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, presented a familiar challenge for both sides. Despite playing on American soil, the sold-out crowd of 59,471 created an overwhelmingly pro-Mexican atmosphere, with chants and songs echoing throughout the cavernous venue. The temporary grass strips installed over the NFL field showed visible seams, adding another variable to an already tense encounter.

The U.S. team's journey to the final had been anything but straightforward. Three days earlier, Gregg Berhalter's squad faced elimination after conceding to Jamaica after 30 seconds when Greg Leigh headed past Matt Turner. It marked the earliest goal the USMNT had conceded this century, and for the next 95 minutes, the Americans stared at the prospect of a third-straight loss for the first time since 2015.

Salvation came dramatically. In the sixth minute of five minutes of stoppage time, Jamaica substitute Cory Burke unwittingly headed past his own goalkeeper off a corner kick, forcing extra time and giving the Americans new life. The equalizer represented the latest regulation-time goal the U.S. had scored since 2012.

Enter Haji Wright, whose very presence in the squad was the result of remarkable circumstances. The 26-year-old striker hadn't been included in Berhalter's original roster. He was literally at an airport in England, preparing to depart for a family vacation in Dubai, when he received the unexpected call to replace the injured Josh Sargent.

"I know you got your parents, the bags are packed, and you're at the airport, but just think about it for 10 minutes and give me a callback," Berhalter had told him. When Wright called back to accept the invitation, Berhalter later recalled, "It really shows what type of guy he is, what type of character he is."

Wright's decision paid immediate dividends in the semifinal. He scored twice in extra time from Gio Reyna's assists to secure the 3-1 victory. The performance was significant for Wright, who hadn't appeared for the national team since the 2022 World Cup despite his prolific scoring for Coventry City, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner just days earlier that had sent his club to the FA Cup semifinals.

On March 24, against Mexico, Berhalter made five changes to his starting lineup, inserting Sergiño Dest, Tim Ream, Tyler Adams, Reyna and Wright. The inclusion of Adams was particularly notable, as the midfielder was making his first start in 475 days for club or country after struggling with a persistent hamstring injury that required two surgeries.

The match remained scoreless until right before halftime, when Adams delivered a moment of individual brilliance. The 25-year-old midfielder received a pass from Weston McKennie about 35 yards from goal, took a touch, and unleashed a curling shot that just eluded the outstretched hand of diving Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, making his 150th international appearance.

The stunning strike left his teammates in disbelief. "Nobody was expecting that," defender Chris Richards said afterward. "We thought it was about to go into the stands." Ream added: "Row Z. When he lined it up, I actually started to jump back to my position because I thought, 'Okay, there's a goal kick coming.'"

Despite his brilliant contribution, Adams' night ended at halftime due to the minutes restriction agreed upon with his club, Bournemouth. "Typical Tyler: We get into an argument in the locker room, and he wants to play more," Berhalter revealed. "As much as I wanted him in the game, it's a safety thing. We want to make sure that he gets back in a healthy way because he has a lot more games to play."

The Americans doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute through Reyna, whose journey back to prominence mirrored Adams in many ways. After providing the decisive assists in the semifinal, Reyna capitalized on a scramble in the penalty area following Christian Pulisic's blocked cross. When Mexican defender Johan Vásquez attempted a headed clearance, Reyna let the ball bounce once before firing a technically perfect volley past Ochoa at his near post from 16 yards.

The goal was significant for Reyna, who had endured a challenging club season, making just one league start split between Borussia Dortmund and Nottingham Forest. It also represented another step in repairing his once-fractured relationship with Berhalter following their public fallout after the 2022 World Cup.

Reyna himself acknowledged the improvement in their relationship after the semifinal, his first time speaking to reporters since the World Cup: "What happened happened, but I think both of us are so far past it and just so focused on the group that it's not even an issue at all anymore."

The match was briefly marred by homophobic chants from sections of the crowd. In the 88th minute, Canadian referee Drew Fischer halted play for 4½ minutes and again six minutes into stoppage time for another minute and a half per CONCACAF's anti-discrimination protocol. The previous year's Nations League semifinal in Las Vegas had ended early due to similar chants from Mexican supporters.

When the final whistle eventually blew, the 2-0 victory – a scoreline affectionately known as "dos a cero" in U.S. Soccer lore – gave the Americans their third consecutive Nations League title and extended their unbeaten run against Mexico to a record seven games.

"It's about really taking advantage of every single opportunity we have because, before we know it, 2026 is going to be here," Berhalter said, already looking ahead to the World Cup that the United States would co-host with Mexico and Canada.

The Americans would next turn their attention to Copa América, preparing with friendlies against Colombia and Brazil before opening the tournament against Bolivia. That summer competition would provide their best opportunity to test themselves against global powers before the 2026 World Cup.

Adams put it in the afterglow of victory: "People have a lot of question marks about this, about that. But to see what we do week in, week out when we have the opportunity to work together, we continue to grow."

Lassiter Scores in Return to Costa Rica

On This Day in 1997, Despite Facing Pending Legal Issues, the Forward Scored in a World Cup Qualifying Defeat

Roy Lassiter's return to Costa Rica brought drama and controversy to "La Cueva del Monstruo"—the Monster's Cave. The Tampa Bay Mutiny striker, who had spent three successful years playing in the Central American nation from 1993-95, found himself at the center of a media storm before the crucial World Cup qualifier on March 23, 1997. Local newspapers reported that he owed $2,300 in credit card debt and faced possible detention under a judge's order.

The hostile reception peaked during the match at Saprissa Stadium, where the crowd of 22,000 targeted their former star with particular venom. Chants of "Lassiter ladrón!" ("Lassiter's a thief!") rained down from "La Ultra," the passionate supporters' section. However, the extraordinary security presence – including fatigue-clad police officers with automatic pistols and guard dogs – ensured the abuse remained verbal rather than physical.

Lassiter answered his critics in the second half, intercepting a pass and slotting home to level the score at 2-2. His celebration was pointed and defiant as he turned to face the crowd and cupped his hand to his ear. "I wanted to hear what noise they were gonna make then," Lassiter said after the match.

The goal proved insufficient for the Americans, as Costa Rica's Ronald Gomez scored the winner in the 76th minute to earn a 3-2 victory. The defeat ended U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller's impressive streak of 551 scoreless minutes in international play. Hernan Medford opened the scoring in the 11th minute, stopping the streak at 562 minutes.

For Lassiter, who had led Major League Soccer with 27 goals for Tampa Bay in 1996, the hostile homecoming marked a stark contrast to his time as a fan favorite in Costa Rica. "Soccer is their life here. I can understand it," he said of the reception, dismissing the debt allegations: "I sent money to my representative here. They're just trying to mess with my mind."

The incident highlighted Lassiter's growing international profile since leaving Costa Rica. Fresh off signing a new three-year contract with the Mutiny, he had spent the off-season playing in China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Italy while making 17 appearances and scoring four goals for the U.S. national team. "They don't threaten players who are mediocre," he reflected later. "If I'd have scored two goals, oh man, bring out the police escort."

The defeat left the United States with four points from their first three final round qualifiers, tied with Costa Rica and Mexico in the six-team group that would send three teams to the 1998 World Cup in France. For Lassiter, the return to Tampa Bay offered a welcome respite from international soccer's intense spotlight. "This is the only place I wanted to play," he said. "They showed they wanted me here, and that meant a lot."