On This Day in 1996, the Forward Began His MLS Career by Scoring Twice in a Columbus Victory
When Major League Soccer kicked off its inaugural season in 1996, Brian McBride was perfectly positioned to write the first chapter of his professional soccer story. The first overall pick in the MLS Inaugural Draft, McBride arrived at Ohio Stadium on April 13 with a legacy of collegiate excellence and a hunger to prove himself at the professional level.
His journey had been anything but straightforward. After a stellar college career at Saint Louis University, where he set records with 72 goals and 40 assists, McBride had briefly ventured to Germany, playing for VfL Wolfsburg with limited success. However, MLS represented a new opportunity to become a pioneer in American soccer.
The inaugural match against DC United would become the defining moment of McBride's early career. With 25,266 fans packed into Ohio Stadium, the pressure was immense. But McBride thrived under the spotlight.
After Thor Lee's own goal gave Columbus an early lead, McBride seized his moment in the 29th minute. When DC defender Erik Imler slipped, McBride pounced. "I managed to get a foot on it to get clear, dribble twice until I got the opening and fired," he recalled later. "When I saw it was staying low, it was a sweet feeling. Really sweet."
His second goal came late in the match, a testament to his persistent attacking instinct. After a punt from goalkeeper Bo Oshoniyi, McBride navigated past a disorganized DC defense and fired past goalkeeper Tom Causey. The crowd erupted, celebrating a goal and the birth of a new era in American soccer.
The final score - a comprehensive 4-0 victory - announced Columbus Crew's arrival in MLS. For McBride, it was more than just a match. "Everything just seemed so perfect," he said. "I couldn't ask for a better way to start my professional soccer career."
Despite the promising start, the Crew's inaugural season would prove challenging. They finished with a 6-16 record, landing in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. By August, the pressure had led to head coach Timo Liekoski's resignation, with assistant coach Tom Fitzgerald taking over. However, the season wasn't without its bright spots. In September, the Crew made their first-ever playoff appearance, losing 2-0 at home to Tampa Bay. For McBride, it was just the beginning of a journey that would see him become a cornerstone of both Columbus Crew and American soccer, transforming from a promising rookie to a legendary forward.
On This Day in 2009, Deuce Scored Twice as Fulham Came From One Goal Down to Beat City
When Clint Dempsey stepped onto the pitch at Eastlands on April 12, 2009, he was looking to continue a season of gradual emergence for Fulham. After spending the first eleven fixtures of the 2008-09 season mainly on the bench, the American had slowly transformed from a peripheral figure to a critical component of Roy Hodgson's resurgent side.
Dempsey's journey that season had been marked by incremental breakthroughs. His first goal came in October as a substitute at Portsmouth, followed by a home strike against Middlesbrough in December. A dramatic late equalizer against Chelsea in late December hinted at his growing confidence, and his first FA Cup goal against Swansea in February further signaled his rising importance.
The match against Manchester City would become his most emphatic statement yet. Fulham arrived at Eastlands with European qualification hopes hanging in the balance, sitting just outside the top seven. Manchester City looked vulnerable despite their expensive squad, and Dempsey was about to exploit that weakness.
After Stephen Ireland's deflected first-half goal gave City the lead, Dempsey sparked Fulham's comeback just five minutes into the second half. Capitalizing on Pablo Zabaleta's careless loss of possession, he drove a powerful low shot past Shay Given to equalize. Dickson Etuhu's thunderous volley soon gave Fulham the lead, and Dempsey wasn't finished.
With seven minutes remaining, he delivered the decisive blow. After Richard Dunne's error allowed Bobby Zamora to release him, Dempsey calmly slotted the ball through Given's legs, sealing a remarkable 3-1 victory. His brace secured three crucial points, keeping Fulham's European qualification hopes alive.
"We kept fighting, and we got the result we needed, and now we are on 43 points," Dempsey said. "It's great to get back-to-back away wins because it's something we haven't been doing. Hopefully, we can continue that form and have a strong end to the season and see where we get in the table." His performance epitomized Fulham's season - resilient, opportunistic, and continuously improving.
The victory pushed Fulham to eighth place, just a point from European qualification. For Dempsey, it was a defining moment in a breakthrough season, during which he would finish as the club's joint-top Premier League goalscorer as the club finished seventh—their highest-ever league finish. More importantly, it symbolized Fulham's transformation under Roy Hodgson from relegation battlers to a competitive Premier League side ready to make their mark on European football.
Winger Delivered Corner Kick to Help Double AC Milan’s Lead in the Victory over Udinese
Christian Pulisic played a decisive role in AC Milan's commanding 4-0 win over Udinese despite not scoring himself. The American winger was particularly influential in the crucial first half when Milan gained control of the match, delivering an excellent corner kick that led to Strahinja Pavlovic's header just before halftime—a goal that put Milan up 2-0 and effectively changed the complexion of the game.
Statistics highlight Pulisic's creative influence throughout the 90 minutes. He created a match-leading four scoring chances and delivered six corners. However, his passing accuracy was moderate at 74% (17/23 completed).
Pulisic's performance wasn't without struggles—he lost six duels (the most in the match) and failed to complete either of his two attempted dribbles. Despite these challenges, his set-piece delivery proved crucial in breaking down Udinese's defense.
The victory represents a significant turning point for Milan, who had been struggling with poor results before this match. Coach Sergio Conceicao's tactical shift to a 3-4-3 formation ultimately paid dividends, with Pulisic adapting effectively to help deliver Milan's first clean sheet since February.
Robinson-Adams Play Against Each Other in the Premier League
Monday night's Premier League clash between Fulham and Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium will feature two key American internationals expected to play pivotal roles for the USMNT in the upcoming Gold Cup and 2026 World Cup.
Tyler Adams, Bournemouth's midfield dynamo, has made a significant impact since returning from back surgery in October, registering three assists in 13 starts and earning the club's Player of the Month honors in February. The 26-year-old New York native has established himself as a cornerstone in Andoni Iraola's squad despite their recent six-game winless streak in the league.
For Fulham, Antonee Robinson continues to cement his reputation as one of the Premier League's most dynamic left-backs. His tireless running and defensive prowess were on full display in Fulham's stunning 3-2 victory over title challengers Liverpool.
Both Americans figure prominently in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the national team, with Adams serving as captain during the 2022 World Cup and Robinson establishing himself as irreplaceable at left-back. Their Premier League experience will be vital as the USMNT looks to rebound from disappointing performances in the Nations League.
Fulham manager Marco Silva expects a competitive match against Bournemouth, noting that previous encounters have been "tight, competitive and open games with goals." The Cottagers sit eighth in the table, three points ahead of Bournemouth, and pushing for European qualification.
Bournemouth's form has dipped recently, with the Cherries facing late fitness decisions on key attacking players including Justin Kluivert, who has 13 goals and eight assists this season. Iraola described Bournemouth's approach as "very physical with man-on-man marking" that makes it difficult for opponents.
US Faces Favorable Gold Cup Draw as Pressure Mounts for Pochettino
The United States men's national team has been drawn into Group D for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. They'll face Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and guest nation Saudi Arabia in what appears to be a manageable path to the knockout stages. The tournament, running from June 14 to July 6, represents a crucial opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino's squad to build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Following a disappointing fourth-place finish in the recent Nations League Finals, where the US suffered losses to Panama and Canada, this Gold Cup takes on heightened significance for Pochettino, who has faced early criticism after just eight matches in charge. The tournament presents unique challenges for Pochettino, as several key players will be unavailable due to their club's participation in the concurrent FIFA Club World Cup.
Mexico, the nine-time Gold Cup champions, headline Group A alongside Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic. Canada, which defeated the US in the Nations League third-place match, will compete in Group B with Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao. Panama, which eliminated the US in last month's Nations League semifinal, anchors Group C with Jamaica, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe.
The quarterfinals will be June 28-29, the semifinals on July 2 and the final on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston. As co-hosts of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, the US desperately needs to reassert regional dominance and silence growing skepticism about the team's direction under Pochettino.
"We need to turn it around and we can hopefully build some momentum this summer," Pulisic acknowledged following the Nations League disappointment. With just over a year until the World Cup, this Gold Cup represents perhaps Pochettino's last opportunity to evaluate his squad in a competitive tournament environment before soccer's global showcase arrives on American soil.
Gio Reyna's career at Borussia Dortmund appears to be coming to an unceremonious end. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled to fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon him, with Dortmund reportedly instructing him to seek opportunities elsewhere as his contract enters its final year.
This season has been particularly challenging for the US international, who has accumulated just 568 minutes across 22 appearances in all competitions. More tellingly, Reyna hasn't featured in a Bundesliga match since early March, signaling his peripheral role in the squad. He came off the bench for 22 minutes in Dormund's most recent match—a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League.
The decline in Reyna's market value tells a sobering story. Once valued at over €44 million in 2021, according to Transfermarkt, his current market value has plummeted to approximately €10 million, reflecting his diminished standing in European football.
Reyna's USMNT prospects have similarly dimmed under Mauricio Pochettino's management. During March's Concacaf Nations League matches, he was unused against Panama and only featured as a late substitute in the third-place match against Canada. All this after being named CONCACAF Nations League Player of the Tournament last year.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches – set to be hosted in North America – Reyna faces a critical juncture in his career. Whether he pursues opportunities in Europe's top leagues or considers a return to MLS, his next move will be crucial in determining whether he can recapture the form that once made him one of soccer's most exciting young talents.
After Missing Both Matches Last Week, Defender Ready Ahead of Manchester City Clash
Crystal Palace have received a significant defensive boost ahead of their challenging trip to Manchester City this Saturday. American international Chris Richards has been confirmed as available for selection after recovering from a calf issue. The 24-year-old center-back has missed Palace's last two Premier League outings against Southampton and Brighton. Still, manager Oliver Glasner delivered the positive news in his pre-match press conference ahead of the 12:30 BST kickoff at the Etihad Stadium.
"Chris has done well. He has been training since Wednesday. He has no problems anymore, so he will be available," Glasner confirmed, much to the relief of Palace supporters who have seen Richards establish himself as a key defensive pillar this season.
Richards' return is crucial for the Eagles, who face the daunting task of containing Manchester City's formidable attacking talents. When he missed the Southampton match, his absence was initially described as a "minor calf issue," Glasner explained it stemmed from fatigue following international duty with the United States.
The defender has enjoyed an impressive campaign under Glasner, starting 15 of his 17 Premier League appearances and featuring prominently in Palace's FA Cup run with four starts.
Despite these absences, Richards' return strengthens a Palace side that has shown impressive form recently, winning five of their last six matches across all competitions. Currently sitting just two points from the Premier League's top half with an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on the horizon, the Eagles will hope Richards can help them maintain their momentum against the champions on Saturday.
On This Day in 2013, Despite Scoring Twice in the Second Leg, Dempsey and Tottenham Were Eliminated on Aggregate
When Dempsey arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2012, he carried with him the promise of a transformative player—the first American to appear in a Europa League Final. His early season performances validated the faith placed in him, scoring a dramatic winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford and consistently finding the back of the net in crucial moments. His journey from the rough-and-tumble fields of Texas to the pristine stadiums of European football was a narrative of persistent defiance.
By the spring of 2013, Tottenham found itself in a delicate position. The Premier League top-four race was intensely competitive, and their Europa League campaign represented their last meaningful chance for silverware. Injuries to key players like Gareth Bale and Sandro had tested the squad's depth and resolve. The second leg in Basel epitomized Tottenham's roller-coaster season. From the moment the match began, everything seemed stacked against them. Without an away win in the competition and facing a Basel side riding a wave of confidence, Spurs looked vulnerable in the April 11 match.
Dempsey, however, refused to accept defeat. He capitalized on a defensive error in the first half, rounding goalkeeper Yann Sommer to give Tottenham an unexpected lead. The goal was vintage Dempsey—opportunistic and fearless. But the advantage lasted mere minutes before Mohamed Salah equalized, and Aleksandar Dragovic's second-half goal seemed to seal Tottenham's European elimination.
With eight minutes remaining and elimination imminent, Dempsey struck again. He received a sublime pass from substitute Tom Huddlestone and directed a shot past Sommer, sending the match into extra time. His brace—two goals of pure determination—momentarily resurrected Tottenham's European hopes. Yet fate would not be kind. After a tense extra time that saw Jan Vertonghen's red card, Basel won the penalty shootout, ending Tottenham's Europa League journey. Dempsey's heroics, while remarkable, could not complete the impossible comeback.
"We have to make sure we finish in the top four and we're in the Champions League next year," Dempsey reflected. "That's the only thing we can do to salvage this season and say we had a good year."
Despite the defeat, Tottenham remained focused at the task at-hand—finishing in the top four in the Premier League. Dempsey would score his next match in the league, netting the equalizer in a 3-1 win over Manchester City on April 22. That win as the third result in eight-match unbeaten run to close out the season, but Tottenham never caught Arsenal in fourth and had to settle for fifth place and another Europa League spot.
That summer, he would score two crucial goals against Germany, surpassing Eric Wynalda to become the second-highest goalscorer in United States men's soccer history—a fitting testament to a player who never knew when to stop fighting. For Clint Dempsey, Basel was not a defeat but another step in an ongoing story of defiance—a narrative written not in the comfortable spaces of expectation but in the margins where the true sporting spirit is forged.
On This Day in 2021, Pulisic Started to Find His Form Before a Massive Champions League Run
When Christian Pulisic scored twice in Chelsea's commanding 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, it represented a breakthrough moment for the American winger in a challenging second season at Stamford Bridge. After being awarded the prestigious number 10 shirt following Willian's departure to Arsenal in the offseason, Pulisic's campaign was plagued by frustrating injuries and inconsistent playing time.
The American's season began behind schedule after suffering a hamstring injury in the previous campaign's FA Cup Final against Arsenal, where he scored. Despite returning to training in early September, discomfort kept him sidelined for the Premier League opener. Pulisic wouldn't make his season debut until October 3, coming off the bench in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. Though he scored occasionally—including a late Champions League goal against Krasnodar in October and his milestone 10th Premier League goal against Leeds in December (becoming the fastest American to reach that mark)—momentum had been challenging to sustain.
By April, with Chelsea fighting for a top-four finish under new manager Thomas Tuchel, Pulisic desperately sought consistency. The previous week had brought a glimmer of hope when he notched the opening goal against West Bromwich Albion, though that match ended in a disappointing 5-2 home defeat. The April 10 trip to Selhurst Park offered an opportunity for both the player and team to bounce back.
Chelsea wasted no time asserting their dominance in south London. After just eight minutes, Kai Havertz opened the scoring with a left-footed finish after Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined effectively to set him up. Barely two minutes later, it was Pulisic's turn, as he emphatically finished Havertz's cross with a powerful strike into the top corner, giving Vicente Guaita no chance.
The Blues continued their relentless attack, with Kurt Zouma adding a third from Mount's free-kick after 30 minutes. Though Christian Benteke pulled one back for Palace in the second half with a header from Jeff Schlupp's cross, any hope of a comeback was extinguished when Pulisic completed his brace in the 78th minute. The American pounced on a rebound and slammed the ball into the net, capping a performance that confirmed his return to form.
"The first 20-30 minutes felt really strong from us. We were playing very aggressive and that drove us through the game," Pulisic said afterward. With three goals in two matches, the 22-year-old was finding his rhythm at a crucial time. "There has been a lot of things going on this season, but I will work hard to do my best in any way I can. I was happy I was able to do that today."
The victory moved Chelsea back into the Premier League's top four, temporarily dislodging Liverpool, who had briefly climbed above them earlier in the day. For Tuchel's squad, it was the perfect confidence boost ahead of a decisive Champions League quarter-final second leg against Porto.
Three days later, Chelsea would face Porto in Seville. Thanks to Mount and Ben Chilwell's goals, the Blues earned a 2-0 advantage in the first leg. Despite losing the return match 1-0 to a spectacular overhead kick from Mehdi Taremi in added time, the Blues advanced 2-1 on aggregate to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2014.
"I am feeling very good," Pulisic told reporters after the Palace match. "I am happy to be playing and helping the team whichever way I can. It was nice to get on the scoresheet, and I am feeling very strong at the moment. It has not been an easy season. There has been a lot of coming in and coming out and injuries, but I'm feeling healthy and strong right now. There are some really big games coming up."
For Pulisic, the brace against Crystal Palace represented more than just two goals—it was a statement of intent from a player whose immense talent had been frequently interrupted by physical setbacks. With Chelsea fighting for Champions League qualification and still alive in both European competition and the FA Cup, the American's return to form couldn't have come at a better time, especially with a two-leg tie against Real Madrid in the semifinal up next.
On This Day in 2007, When Stars and Stripes Collide: the Day Two Americans Made Premier League History
Moments of magic in football can come when national teammates find themselves on opposite sides of a pitched battle. Standing on the rain-soaked pitch at Craven Cottage in April 2007, DaMarcus Beasley was about to make history alongside compatriot Carlos Bocanegra in a match that would prove pivotal for both men's clubs.
The path to this historic encounter had begun with disappointment. Fresh off a disastrous 2006 World Cup campaign in which the United States crashed out in the group stage, both Beasley and Bocanegra found themselves at a career crossroads. The tournament had been particularly bruising for Beasley, who faced harsh criticism from coach Bruce Arena and fans alike despite setting up the Americans' only goal of the tournament—scored by Clint Dempsey against Ghana.
For Bocanegra, nicknamed "The Black Snake" by adoring Fulham supporters, the World Cup disappointment was tempered by his growing reputation at Craven Cottage. Having arrived in January 2004, the California native had established himself as a defensive mainstay, displaying remarkable versatility by playing as a center back, left back, and occasionally as a holding midfielder. What few anticipated was his emerging threat on set pieces, which would soon make him Fulham's second-leading scorer in the 2006-07 campaign with five goals, behind only fellow American Brian McBride.
Beasley, meanwhile, embarked on a new challenge. After struggling to maintain his form at PSV Eindhoven following two championship seasons, the speedy winger secured a season-long loan to Manchester City on August 31, 2006. "Manchester City have signed PSV Eindhoven's American international midfielder DaMarcus Beasley on a season-long loan," announced the club statement, offering the 24-year-old a chance to fulfill his "ambition to play in England." His early months in Manchester were plagued by injuries, but by spring, the former Chicago Fire star had begun to find his rhythm in the Premier League.
The stakes could hardly have been higher as the teams prepared to face off on April 9. Under increasing pressure, Fulham had slumped to just one win in their previous 15 league matches. At Craven Cottage, with England newspapers splashing headlines about manager Chris Coleman's marital difficulties, the London club found themselves four points clear of the relegation zone. Manchester City, meanwhile, had recently rescued their own season with crucial away victories, pulling themselves away from danger.
The match began disastrously for Fulham, with Joey Barton firing City ahead after 21 minutes following a bizarre passage of play that saw Fulham forward Heidar Helguson head the ball toward his own area. Then came the first part of the historic moment – in the 36th minute, Barton played a perfect ball inside right-back Maurice Volz, allowing Beasley to make a clear run before scoring with a low cross-shot. The goal made the American winger the first of his countrymen to score in this high-stakes encounter.
As Fulham players returned for the second half after what reporters described as "a little group bonding" in the tunnel, their fortunes failed to improve. City extended their lead to 3-0 when Darius Vassell capitalized on Liam Rosenior's unfortunate slip. The Cottagers offered their increasingly restless supporters something to cheer about in the 76th minute when Bocanegra pulled a goal back with a near-post header from Simon Davies' corner – making history as the second American to score in the match.
The final whistle confirmed City's 3-1 victory, but the match was more significant than the scoreline. For the first time in Premier League history, two Americans had scored against each other in the same match—a watershed moment for a nation still establishing its football credentials on the world stage.
"The players are more dejected than I have ever seen before," Coleman lamented afterward, his position increasingly precarious. "When you are in a relegation dogfight, you've got to fight like dogs. You don't go to a gunfight with a knife." His plaintive call for survival would echo through Fulham's remaining fixtures.
For the American protagonists, divergent paths lay ahead. Despite occasional bright moments like his goal against Fulham, Beasley couldn't secure a permanent move to Manchester City. "Manchester City have confirmed that DaMarcus Beasley, 24, will be sent back to PSV Eindhoven this summer," announced the club on May 15, 2007. His journey soon took him to Rangers in Scotland, where he signed for £700,000 in June 2007.
Bocanegra, meanwhile, continued his ascendancy at Fulham, earning the captain's armband for the first time in a Premier League match on September 1, 2007, during a dramatic 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. Two weeks later, he celebrated his 100th Premier League appearance with Fulham. His leadership qualities – both for club and country – cemented his reputation as one of America's finest football exports.
The April encounter at Craven Cottage represented more than just a pivotal relegation battle; it symbolized the quiet revolution in English football. These Americans – alongside Brian McBride at Fulham and later Clint Dempsey – were sowing the seeds of what became known as the "Fulhamerica" era, helping the small London club gain Premier League footing while fostering a vibrant fan base in the United States.
"In many ways," journalist Jason Davis would later write, "the flirtation with Fulham was the beginning of the English football fascination that is exploding across the country today. Many an American soccer fan, previously with ties only to the national team, set their alarms for Saturday morning wake-up calls to watch the Cottagers fight it out in England's top division."
For Beasley and Bocanegra, that rainy April evening at Craven Cottage would become a footnote in their distinguished international careers—Bocanegra amassed 110 caps and served as U.S. captain, and Beasley became the first American to play in four World Cups. Yet in the annals of American soccer history, their goals against each other stand as a milestone moment when Stars and Stripes collided on Premier League soil, proving that American players could not only compete at the highest level but also leave an indelible mark on the world's most prestigious league.
