Haji's Offside Goal

 The Striker Scored a Controversial Goal in Coventry's Close Battle with Burnley

Haji Wright found himself at the center of controversy when he gave Coventry City an early lead in their Championship clash against Burnley. Just five minutes into the match, Wright demonstrated his predatory instincts by reacting quickly in a chaotic goal-mouth situation.

The sequence began when Milan van Ewijk raced onto a loose ball on the right flank before finding Jack Rudoni in the box. Rudoni's shot was tipped onto the post by Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, with Ephron Mason-Clark following up. When Mason-Clark's subsequent effort was blocked, Wright showed excellent awareness to swivel and smash home from close range.

However, replays clearly showed that the American striker was in an offside position when he turned the ball over the line. Despite Burnley's protests, the goal controversially stood, giving Coventry an early advantage in this crucial promotion battle.

Wright, who had previously impressed with a hat-trick in Coventry's last home match against Sunderland, continued to threaten and nearly doubled his tally later in the first half when he failed to connect with Jay Dasilva's excellent cross with the goal at his mercy.

Despite Wright's opener, Burnley ultimately turned the match around through Jaidon Anthony's brace, winning 2-1 to move to the top of the Championship table while pushing Coventry out of the playoff positions.

Sargent Scores Against Plymouth

Bright Spot in Norwich City's Disappointing Defeat

Josh Sargent gave Norwich City a glimmer of hope with his clinical finish early in the second half against Plymouth Argyle. However, it wasn't enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat against the Championship's bottom-placed side.

The American striker demonstrated his predatory instincts just 46 seconds after the restart, expertly controlling Kellen Fisher's cross before firing past Plymouth goalkeeper Michael Hazard. The goal—Sargent's 14th in the league this season—briefly energized the Canaries as they attempted to mount a comeback.

Earlier in the match, Sargent had squandered a golden opportunity in the 12th minute when he stretched to meet Ante Crnac's square pass but could only manage a tame connection. That missed chance proved costly as Ryan Hardie subsequently scored twice for Plymouth to build a 2-0 lead.

Despite Norwich's offensive push following Sargent's goal, with both Gabriel Sainz and Anis Ben Slimane attempting long-range efforts, they couldn't find an equalizer against the resilient Pilgrims.

Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup highlighted the team's offensive capabilities in his post-match comments, noting, "We sit and talk about another poor result, and a mid-table position, yet we still have the top goal scorer of the league and Sarge is two or three behind on that list." However, the defeat effectively ended Norwich's faint play-off hopes, leaving them firmly in mid-table with defensive issues still to resolve.

Richards Out This Past Week

Defender Sidelined for Second Consecutive Match in Palace Win Over Brighton

Chris Richards missed his second straight match due to a calf injury, which was confirmed by Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner ahead of Saturday's fixture against Brighton. The U.S. international, a cornerstone of Palace's defense with 14 consecutive starts across all competitions before his injury, was initially expected to return this weekend after sitting out Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.

"Unfortunately, he was very close to training with us today," Glasner explained at Friday's press conference. "If it had been the last season's game, I think he would have played and would have started. But we can't take the risk when you see our upcoming schedule and the amount of games."

The injury apparently developed after Richards played the full 90 minutes in Palace's impressive 3-0 FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Fulham last weekend. Despite completing that match, the Alabama native experienced discomfort in his calf afterward, which intensified as the week progressed.

In Richards' absence, Palace still managed to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory against rivals Brighton in a heated affair that featured three red cards. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring early before Daniel Munoz netted the winner in a match showcasing the clubs' fierce rivalry.

Glasner will hope to have Richards back for next weekend's challenging fixture against Manchester City. The Eagles are also preparing for their FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa at Wembley on April 26.

USFA is Founded

On This Day in 1913, United States Football Association Formed

April 5, 1913, was a watershed moment for American soccer. In a meeting room at the prestigious Astor Hotel in New York City, representatives from various soccer organizations gathered with a singular purpose: to finally establish a unified national governing body for the sport. The tension in the room was palpable—years of jurisdictional rivalries and competing visions for American soccer had created a fractured landscape that desperately needed cohesion.

G. Randalf Manning, a physician with impressive soccer credentials, stood before the assembled delegates. Born in England and educated in Germany, Manning helped establish the German Football Association in 1900 before emigrating to New York five years later. As he called the historic meeting to order, his vision for American soccer was about to become reality.

The path to this moment had been turbulent. For years, two rival organizations—the American Football Association (AFA) and the newer American Amateur Football Association (AAFA)—had struggled for legitimacy. Both sought FIFA recognition in 1912, but the international body refused to choose sides, instead instructing them to resolve their differences domestically.

The brewing conflict reflected deeper tensions within American soccer. Established decades earlier, the AFA had effectively become a U.S. branch of the British Football Association. Despite its longevity, its influence remained limited to the Northeast, and it struggled to adapt to the changing soccer landscape. The AAFA, meanwhile, represented a growing coalition of state associations seeking more inclusive governance of the sport.

Thomas W. Cahill, who had served as secretary to the AAFA and represented them at FIFA's 1912 Stockholm Congress, was mainly instrumental in these efforts. Despite FIFA's rejection, Cahill had established valuable personal relationships with international delegates during his European tour following the congress.

Attempts to merge the organizations had initially failed in October 1912 when the AFA narrowly voted against unification. However, by early 1913, several key organizations had defected from the AFA to the AAFA, decisively tilting the balance of power. With this strengthened position, the AAFA convened the April meeting at the Astor Hotel.

The outcome was decisive: the United States of America Football Association (USFA) was established, with Manning elected its first president and Cahill its first general secretary. The founding delegates recognized the urgent need for centralized governance. The American soccer landscape was chaotic, with disparate state associations using inconsistent methods and rules, new leagues emerging rapidly, and waves of European immigrants bringing diverse soccer traditions to American soil.

At its inception, the USFA encompassed seven state associations. The new organization immediately implemented standardized game rules, established protocols for communication and governance, and created a system for player transfers. Later that year, the AFA, at the prodding of its president, Andrew M. Brown, finally relented and joined the USFA.

The organization's rapid progress continued when, in August 1913, FIFA granted the USFA provisional recognition as America's official soccer governing body. The following year, at the June 1914 FIFA Congress in Oslo, Norway, the USFA was unanimously accepted as a permanent member, becoming one of FIFA's earliest member organizations and the first from North and Central America.

Manning's acceptance speech reflected the optimism of the moment. He highlighted soccer's rapid growth across the United States and announced ambitious plans to send an American team to the 1916 Olympics in Berlin. He invited international teams to visit America, confidently predicting they would "meet worthy opponents."

The USFA resolved to work through state associations rather than directly with leagues or teams. It established national protocols for interstate competition and player transfers, and began planning a national championship. In the fall of 1913, the National Challenge Cup (now the U.S. Open Cup) was established, open to both professional and amateur clubs. The Dewar Challenge Trophy, previously donated for the AAFA championship, would henceforth be awarded to the winner of this new national competition.

The organization that began that spring day in Manhattan would evolve through several name changes—from the United States of America Football Association to the United States Soccer Football Association, then the United States Soccer Federation, and finally to U.S. Soccer—but its essential mission remained consistent. From its early offices in the Empire State Building to its current headquarters in Chicago, the legacy of that April meeting continues to shape American soccer to this day.

Morris Strong in Boro Victory

Morris Controlled the Midfield as Middlesbrough Edge Closer to Championship Playoff Spot

Aidan Morris put in another commanding performance as Middlesbrough secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Friday, strengthening their Championship playoff hopes. The win propelled Michael Carrick's side to fifth in the table, extending their impressive run to five victories in their last seven matches.

Morris, who joined Boro after over 100 appearances for Columbus Crew in MLS, was statistically the standout performer at Ewood Park. The 23-year-old won 14 duels (the most in the match), completed an impressive 92% of his passes, and drew five fouls from the opposition – again leading all players.

Learning under former Manchester United star Carrick has been instrumental in Morris's English football development. "Cristiano Ronaldo was my hero, for sure. But when I started learning more and understanding my position, it was guys like Scholes and Carrick," Morris told Sky Sports. "I just try and show up every single day and let him know, 'Give me as much information as you can. I'm here to learn and grow.'"

The Florida native has quickly adapted to the Championship's physical demands, noting: "You never get a pass off without contact. Someone will always be on you, hitting you." His ability to "control the chaos" was evident against Blackburn, where his composed midfield presence helped Boro maintain control throughout the match, even contributing three interceptions and 11 recoveries defensively.

With six games remaining, Morris and Middlesbrough now sit three points clear of seventh place as they continue their push for Premier League promotion.

Robinson Versus Liverpool

Jedi Faces Liverpool Amid Transfer Interest as a Little USMNT Controversy Swirls

Antonee Robinson finds himself at the center of attention this weekend as Fulham prepares to host Premier League leaders Liverpool amid swirling transfer speculation and controversy over his recent national team absence. The American left-back, who grew up in Prescot on Merseyside, has caught Liverpool's eye with impressive performances, including a Man of the Match display in Fulham's 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this season.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acknowledged Robinson's quality ahead of Sunday's match, "He is definitely a threat. I saw this when Fulham played Arsenal and against us. He is having a great season." Slot also highlighted the tactical implications of facing an attack-minded fullback like Robinson, suggesting Mohamed Salah could exploit spaces left behind.

The 27-year-old defender has drawn criticism from USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard after withdrawing from recent Nations League matches, citing tendinopathy, only to start Fulham's subsequent Premier League fixtures. Donovan expressed disappointment, saying it showed the Nations League was "at the bottom of his priority list."

Despite the controversy and persistent Liverpool transfer links, Robinson has maintained focus, telling ESPN: "Transfer rumors and stuff like that, I try not to look at." With over 130 Premier League appearances, the former Everton trainee will be key to Fulham's efforts to derail Liverpool's title charge, which currently sees them holding a 12-point advantage.

Paredes Available

Paredes Returns to Wolfsburg Bench After Long Injury Layoff

American winger Kevin Paredes made his long-awaited return to the Wolfsburg squad on Friday, appearing on the bench for the first time this season in their 1-0 defeat to Heidenheim. Since preseason, the 21-year-old had been sidelined with a foot fracture, leaving a significant gap in Wolfsburg's wing options.

Paredes' last match action came during a club friendly against Brentford on August 9, 2024. His last competitive appearances date back to the 2024 Olympics, when he impressed with two goals and an assist across four matches for the United States.

The timing of his injury was particularly unfortunate as coach Ralph Hasenhüttl had reportedly planned a more prominent role for Paredes following his Olympic performance. After joining Wolfsburg from D.C. United in January 2022 for $7.35 million, Paredes had established himself with 55 total appearances for the German club.

While Paredes didn't see playing time against Heidenheim, his return provides a welcome boost to Wolfsburg who currently sit seventh in the Bundesliga table. The club will likely ease him back gradually, but his availability could prove vital for their European qualification hopes with important fixtures on the horizon, beginning with Sunday's match against Union Berlin.

A Victory over Haiti to Finish Qualifying

 On This Day in 1954, After Being Eliminated by Mexico, The US Beat Haiti Twice to Cap Off World Cup Qualifying

As the United States entered the 1954 World Cup qualifying campaign, expectations were tempered by organizational challenges and the looming shadow of Mexico's regional dominance. The Americans were attempting their first qualification effort since their historic 1950 World Cup appearance, where they had stunned England 1-0 in one of soccer's greatest upsets.

The qualification process began disastrously in Mexico. Internal disarray plagued the American side before they even took the field. The team, hastily assembled through tryouts in Chicago and New York, faced immediate eligibility issues when Mexican officials insisted on enforcement of FIFA's citizenship requirements. Several players were disqualified, forcing last-minute replacements. As one Mexican newspaper mockingly highlighted, "The American soccer players will meet each other on Wednesday, train on Thursday, and play Mexico on Sunday."

The lack of preparation showed in their opening match at the Olympic Stadium. Before 60,000 partisan fans, Mexico dominated the Americans 4-0, with William Sheppell of the United States inadvertently scoring an own goal that doubled Mexico's early lead. The Mexican coach had correctly anticipated the Americans would crowd their defense and ordered an immediate attack that caught the visitors before they could organize.

Four days later, despite showing marked improvement and actually taking a 1-0 lead through Bill Looby in the ninth minute, the Americans ultimately fell 3-1. The U.S. team appeared transformed, marking tightly and playing with vigor. Still, their energy waned in the later stages as Mexico scored twice in the final fifteen minutes to secure qualification to Switzerland.

With Mexico having already secured passage to the World Cup finals by defeating Haiti twice (8-0 and 4-0), the remaining matches between the U.S. and Haiti were essentially meaningless. The USSFA initially attempted to forfeit these games to avoid the expense but relented under FIFA pressure, agreeing to play both matches in Haiti on consecutive days.

Three months after the Mexico debacle, on April 3, 1954, the Americans secured a thrilling 3-2 victory in their first-ever visit to Haiti. The team, which had no training time together, somehow managed to edge the hosts in a tight contest at Magliore Stadium. Cornelius Casey opened the scoring in the 20th minute, and Efrain Chacurian doubled the American lead before halftime. Looby scored the insurance goal with less than 10 minutes remaining to push the score to 3-1 after Haiti scored one back.

The second match on April 4 proved even more convincing. On a rain-soaked field that became increasingly muddy as the game progressed, the United States and Haiti battled through a scoreless first half. The weather conditions deteriorated significantly, with a downpour at the 35-minute mark forcing a 15-minute delay. The 6,000 spectators held chairs over their heads for protection.

When play resumed, the dropping temperature and slippery conditions favored the Americans. The U.S. broke the deadlock in the second half with three unanswered goals. Harry Keough of St. Louis opened the scoring, followed by his fellow St. Louisan Looby. Both goals came after the Haitian goalkeeper lost his footing in the mud. Philadelphia's Walter Bahr completed the scoring with a free kick outside the penalty area that slipped through the Haitian goalkeeper's hands.

Defensively, goalkeeper Don Malinowski of Pittsburgh delivered a stellar performance to preserve the clean sheet. The 3-0 victory showcased the Americans' ability to adapt to the challenging conditions, as players from both teams "skated ludicrously on the mud" throughout the match.

The St. Louis contingent proved particularly influential, with four players from the city prominently featured. Beyond Keough and Looby, Ruben Mendoza starred in the forward line, while Herman Wecke solidified the backfield.

Despite this encouraging conclusion to their qualifying campaign, the success was bittersweet. Mexico had already secured the group's only qualification spot for Switzerland, and the American team would not play together again for more than a year. Their next international match would come in August 1955 when the team traveled to Iceland, leaving this moment of triumph in Haiti as a fleeting reminder of potential unfulfilled.

The 1954 qualifying campaign ultimately netted the USSFA a welcome $21,000 by playing all matches away from home, but the financial gain came at the expense of competitive advantage. The pattern of administrative priorities overshadowing on-field ambitions would continue to challenge American soccer's development on the international stage for years to come.

McBride's Goal Against Portsmouth

On This Day in 2005, Fulham Earned Its First Win in Five League Matches Thanks to an American Spark off the Bench

When Brian McBride arrived at Craven Cottage on January 31, 2004, few could have predicted the American striker's immediate impact on Fulham's fortunes. The London club had secured his signature from MLS for a reported $1.5 million (£800,000). McBride left behind his status as Columbus Crew's all-time leading scorer to test himself in the Premier League on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The stakes were exceptionally high when McBride joined Fulham. As a 31-year-old striker with previous European experience at Preston North End, Everton and VfL Wolfsburg, expectations were tempered. Yet the American made an immediate impression, coming off the bench to score the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on his debut—ironically beating fellow U.S. international Kasey Keller in goal.

McBride's first year at Fulham proved his worth, as he netted five goals in 18 appearances during the second half of the 2003-04 season. His steady scoring continued into the 2004-05 campaign, though manager Chris Coleman often deployed McBride as an impact substitute rather than a regular starter—a decision that would prove crucial on April 3rd at Craven Cottage.

The relegation battle intensified as Fulham prepared to face Portsmouth. Both sides had not won in five Premier League matches, and Fulham had failed to score in their previous four games across all competitions. The tension was palpable among the Cottagers' faithful, who had grown increasingly frustrated with Coleman's defensive 4-5-1 formation. They even chanted "4-4-2, 4-4-2" during their previous home game, a dull 0-0 draw with Charlton.

Coleman acknowledged the pressure but remained defiant about his tactical approach. "I will be changing the formation for this game. Not because of what the crowd or anyone outside the camp have been saying," he insisted before the match. "If you are not strong enough to pick the team you want and the formation you want, then you shouldn't be a manager."

The match began ominously for Fulham as Portsmouth took the lead in the 32nd minute through Lomana LuaLua, who skipped past defenders Zat Knight and Moritz Volz before unleashing a 15-yard shot that gave goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar no chance. Despite earning a penalty just before halftime when Dejan Stefanovic handled Andy Cole's cross, Steed Malbranque's spot-kick was saved by Jamie Ashdown, who also denied Luis Boa Morte's follow-up attempt.

Coleman sent his team out for the second half with renewed purpose. The breakthrough finally came on the hour mark when Cole slotted home the equalizer from the center of the penalty area. Then came McBride's moment.

Having just returned from international duty with the United States—where he had played in a World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico—McBride was introduced as a substitute for Claus Jensen in the 57th minute. The American's impact was immediately apparent, allowing Boa Morte to shift to his natural position on the left flank.

In the 81st minute, McBride capitalized on poor defending when Arjan de Zeeuw's attempted header back to his goalkeeper fell short. Ever alert, McBride pounced on the loose ball and acrobatically volleyed a 15-yard shot over the stranded Ashdown to give Fulham a precious 2-1 lead.

"He didn't start because he has just had a long flight back from America and couldn't have played the full 90 minutes," Coleman explained afterward. "But when I play with two strikers, Brian is always at the front of my mind because he works well with Andy Cole."

McBride's goal transformed the mood at Craven Cottage. Boa Morte sealed the victory in stoppage time by robbing Linvoy Primus before rounding Ashdown to make it 3-1. The win lifted Fulham above Portsmouth to 14th, opening a crucial six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

After the match, a typically modest McBride deflected praise despite his match-winning contribution. "I always want to be out there on the field, but I have great respect for the coach and his decisions. Wherever he decides I'll be, I'll be. I'm not going to cause any problems. It's a team sport," the American said, who was back on the pitch minutes after the final whistle, playing with his two daughters.

The victory was a turning point for Fulham, who would ultimately secure Premier League survival comfortably. McBride finished the 2004-05 season with nine goals in all competitions before scoring 10 the following campaign. For McBride, the goal against Portsmouth was more than just a crucial win in a relegation battle—it cemented his status as a reliable performer who could deliver in the most pressurized moments, whether as a starter or from the bench.

Coleman, whose relief was palpable at the final whistle, remained cautious despite the win. "This was an important step forward, but I don't see it as breathing space for us," he said. "We need to build on this win, and I will not let my players relax." For Fulham and McBride, the journey to Premier League stability was only beginning, but the American striker had once again proven his worth at the highest level of English football.

Possible 'Dos a Cero' Soured

On This Day in 2014, the Americans Raced Out to a Two-Goal Lead Before Settling a Friendly Draw

In their last match before World Cup preparation camps officially begin next month, the United States squandered a promising two-goal lead against rival Mexico. With just over two months remaining before the World Cup in Brazil, the result provided Jurgen Klinsmann both encouraging signs and clear warning signals about his team's readiness for soccer's biggest stage.

The Americans entered the April 2 friendly with significant questions surrounding their World Cup roster. Just days earlier, Klinsmann had made a surprising coaching staff change, dismissing longtime assistant Martin Vasquez, signaling that no one's position was safe.

"Anything can happen in the next couple of months," Klinsmann had warned before the match. "We observe them now week in and week out, and we put the puzzle together [based on] what is best for us going into Brazil. So anything is possible in a short period of time."

For 45 minutes at the University of Phoenix Stadium, it appeared the Americans had all the answers. Behind Michael Bradley's masterful midfield performance, the U.S. dominated the first half and established the familiar "Dos a Cero" scoreline, which has become a rallying cry in this heated rivalry. Since 2000, seven of America's 12 victories over Mexico have come by that exact 2-0 margin, creating a psychological edge for U.S. supporters.

Bradley opened the scoring in the 15th minute, finding space at the far post on a Graham Zusi corner kick and easily slotting home from six yards out. The midfielder wasn't done, later heading on Tony Beltran's cross to Chris Wondolowski, who finished clinically to double the American lead before halftime.

The match also marked the rare appearance of the American attacking triumvirate of Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Michael Bradley. Despite 339 combined national team caps, the trio has played together just four times during Klinsmann's 2½-year tenure.

But Mexico responded forcefully after the break. Rafael Marquez began the comeback by curling away from his defender on a Marco Fabian corner kick in the 49th minute. He found space between American center backs to head past the goalkeeper. Mexico completed the rally in the 68th minute when Alan Pulido pounced on a rebound after Paul Aguilar's shot hit the post. The teams settled for a 2-2 draw.

"I think we learned a lot today," Klinsmann said afterward. "We really had it under control for the first half, but I thought it took [the players] too long to get back into the game. They have to understand a game goes 90 minutes, and we haven't gotten to those 90 minutes."

The match also provided a glimpse at the potential future of U.S. Soccer, as 18-year-old Julian Green made his senior team debut. The German-American Bayern Munich prospect, who just completed his one-time switch to represent the United States last week, showed flashes of potential in limited minutes.

"You saw in some moments what this kid is capable of doing," Klinsmann said of Green. "You understand within 10 minutes if he's a good player or not. Julian is a very good player."

With just weeks remaining before Klinsmann must submit his final 23-man roster for Brazil, the team's mixed performance against Mexico highlighted its potential and vulnerabilities. Many MLS-based players used the match as their final audition, and a record number of domestic league players could make the World Cup squad.

"I think we have maybe 55, 60 [minutes] maximum on that level," Klinsmann noted about his team's endurance. "It's not enough. So that means we have a lot of homework to do."

The Americans will begin their pre-World Cup training camp next month, where they'll continue preparing for a challenging group that includes Ghana, Portugal, and Germany. With undeniable talent but lingering questions about consistency and defensive stability, the road to Brazil remains a work in progress for this team.