Pulisic's Late Winner Against West Ham

On This Day in 2022, the Winger Came Off the Bench to Snatch the Late Winner, Helping Chelsea Secure Third Place

After the highs of Champions League glory in 2021—when he became the first American to play in a UEFA Champions League Final—Christian Pulisic's 2021-22 campaign had been marked by inconsistency and challenges. His season had begun promisingly with a goal in Chelsea's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. Still, a positive COVID-19 test and a subsequent ankle injury sidelined him until November, disrupting his momentum.

The American had shown flashes of his quality throughout the season—scoring the equalizer in a January draw against Liverpool and netting in both legs of Chelsea's Champions League last-16 triumph over Lille. But like Chelsea's overall campaign, Pulisic's performances had been marked by brilliance interspersed with periods of frustration.

Chelsea themselves had experienced a rollercoaster season. After starting strongly and leading the Premier League from October to early December, their form faltered through winter. By April, the Blues found themselves in a precarious position. Their Champions League title defense had ended with a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful quarter-final against Real Madrid, where they had won 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu but lost 5-4 on aggregate. Their recent home form was more concerning—three consecutive Stamford Bridge defeats had seen them concede 11 goals, including a disappointing 4-2 loss to Arsenal just four days before West Ham's visit on April 24.

With uncertainty surrounding the club's ownership following sanctions against Roman Abramovich and news that defensive stalwart Antonio Rüdiger would depart at season's end, Chelsea arrived at Stamford Bridge desperately needing stability. Meanwhile, West Ham focused on their upcoming Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt, with David Moyes resting six key players, including Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.

The match itself was tense and largely uninspiring. Chelsea dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances in a lackluster first half that produced no shots on target until nearly the hour mark. The home fans grew increasingly restless, urging their team forward with more urgency against West Ham's disciplined defensive block, expertly marshaled by veteran Mark Noble.

Both sides were more intense in the second half. Chelsea's Timo Werner had several attempts blocked by Craig Dawson, while N'Golo Kanté and Trevoh Chalobah forced saves from Lukasz Fabianski. As the match entered its final stages, Thomas Tuchel made a triple substitution with 76 minutes played, bringing on Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech and Pulisic to inject fresh energy into his side's attack.

The change nearly paid immediate dividends when Lukaku slipped through on goal and was pulled back by Dawson. After a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver upgraded his initial yellow card to a red, reducing West Ham to ten men. When Jorginho—who had converted his previous 13 penalties—stepped up to take the spot kick in the 87th minute, it seemed confident Chelsea would break the deadlock. But Fabianski easily gathered his tame, under-hit effort, and the groans around Stamford Bridge suggested another disappointing home result was imminent.

Pulisic, however, had other ideas. With just 90 seconds of normal time remaining, Mason Mount desperately carried the ball forward and found Marcos Alonso on the left. The Spaniard's precise cutback found Pulisic, who had timed his run perfectly into the penalty area. With composure beyond the moment's tension, the American stroked a left-footed finish into the far corner, sending Stamford Bridge into eruption.

"I needed to come in and make a difference and show I want to be playing," Pulisic told Sky Sports afterward. "It feels good to be more secure in the top four. We need a win at home and it feels great in front of our fans."

The goal—Pulisic's fourth in the Premier League that season—carried significance beyond the immediate three points. It ended Chelsea's dismal home run and provided a crucial confidence boost heading into the season's final weeks. Thomas Tuchel was visibly relieved at the final whistle, acknowledging that the win was "needed to release the pressure and tension" surrounding the club.

The victory pushed Chelsea five points clear of fourth-placed Arsenal with a game in hand, virtually securing their Champions League qualification for the following season. Though the remaining weeks would bring further challenges—a goalless FA Cup final defeat on penalties to Liverpool and dropped points against Wolves and Leicester—Chelsea ultimately finished third in the Premier League with 74 points.

For Pulisic, the winning goal against West Ham represented what he could provide at crucial moments—clinical finishing and match-winning quality off the bench. While his overall season might not have reached the heights of consistent brilliance, that 90th-minute strike exemplified why he remained an important figure in Chelsea's attacking options, capable of delivering when the stakes were highest.

Jones's Goal in First SuperClasico

On This Day in 2005, Cobi Made History When He Opened the Scoring Against Chivas

When Cobi Jones stepped onto the pitch at the Home Depot Center on April 23, 2005, he took part in a landmark moment for American soccer. Jones had already secured his place in league history as the only player to have remained with the same club for each of Major League Soccer's first ten seasons. But the inaugural "SuperClasico" between his LA Galaxy and expansion side Chivas USA would provide yet another defining chapter in his storied career.

Jones' journey to this historic derby match had been remarkable. Since scoring the Galaxy's first-ever goal in 1996, he had become the face of the franchise and American soccer, amassing 59 goals and 71 assists in 226 MLS matches. His international career was equally impressive—159 appearances for the United States, three World Cups, and the distinction of being the youngest men's player to reach 100 international caps.

The 2005 season represented a significant transition for the Galaxy. The team had undergone a comprehensive rebuild, with only 12 players remaining from the previous campaign. The addition of Landon Donovan had generated considerable excitement. Still, the veteran core—led by Jones—would determine whether this dramatically reshaped squad could gel into a championship contender.

As the teams took the field before a sellout crowd of 27,000, the electricity in the air was palpable. Though both clubs shared the Home Depot Center as their home ground, there was nothing friendly about this neighborhood rivalry. Galaxy midfielder Peter Vagenas had even considered wearing a t-shirt reading "Chivas' rent is due next week," indicative of the good-natured but genuine rivalry brewing between the clubs.

The match quickly swung in the Galaxy's favor. In the 14th minute, Jones announced his presence in emphatic fashion. After Tyrone Marshall's header found Chris Albright, whose shot was cleared off the line by Hector Cuadros, the ball fell perfectly to Jones at the top of the box. The veteran midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed blast that roared under the crossbar, giving the Galaxy a 1-0 lead and sending the pro-Galaxy contingent into raptures.

For Jones, the goal was particularly sweet. Having gone nearly two years without finding the net, he scored in consecutive matches after scoring two weeks earlier against Real Salt Lake. His celebration reflected both personal relief and the significance of notching the first-ever goal in this nascent rivalry.

The Galaxy didn't let up after Jones' opener. Vagenas doubled the advantage in the 24th minute, breaking through the Chivas defense and coolly slotting past rookie goalkeeper Brad Guzan. After scoring, Vagenas raced to the corner where Chivas supporters were seated and cupped his hands to his ears in a provocative celebration that further inflamed the derby atmosphere.

Just eight minutes later, Jovan Kirovski made it 3-0 with a cleverly executed free kick that curled into the net, leaving Guzan helpless. By the 33rd minute, the Galaxy had effectively secured victory in the inaugural SuperClasico. Chivas USA pulled one back through Isaac Romo early in the second half, but their comeback hopes were dashed when Aaron Lopez received a second yellow card in the 52nd minute. Playing a man down, Chivas never seriously threatened again, and the Galaxy comfortably saw out their 3-1 triumph.

Jones' goal and performance in the match symbolized his enduring importance to the Galaxy. Despite the addition of Donovan and other new talents, the veteran remained a vital piece of the puzzle—not just for his skill but also for his leadership in integrating the rebuilt roster into a cohesive unit.

The victory was just the beginning of a memorable campaign for Jones and the Galaxy. Despite an inconsistent regular season that saw them finish as the eighth and final playoff seed with a 13-13-7 record, the team found its form at the perfect time. Their postseason run culminated in an MLS Cup Final against the New England Revolution, where Guillermo "Pando" Ramirez's overtime goal secured a 1-0 victory and the club's second championship.

For Jones, who had been with the Galaxy through earlier championship disappointments, the 2005 MLS Cup represented the perfect capstone to a season that began with his historic goal in the first SuperClasico. His ability to deliver in the biggest moments—whether in a heated local derby or during a championship run—cemented his legacy as not just a Galaxy icon, but as one of Major League Soccer's most enduring and impactful figures.

Sampson's New Formation

On This Day in 1998, with the World Cup Looming, U.S. Shines in Austria After Harkes's Dismissal

With the 1998 World Cup just two months away, the U.S. Men's National Team faced mounting questions. Manager Steve Sampson had decided to drop captain John Harkes – one of the country's most accomplished players – citing "technical and leadership reasons." The injury to Eric Wynalda, the team's career-leading scorer with 32 goals, a few weeks earlier added further uncertainty. The San Jose Clash forward was expected to miss at least six weeks with a ligament injury in his left knee. Against this backdrop of controversy and concern, Sampson boldly predicted that the United States would win a World Cup "in 10 to 15 years," calling his squad "one of the most underrated teams in the world."

On April 22, exactly three years after Sampson took over as head coach, the Americans traveled to Vienna for a critical World Cup tuneup against Austria. The match would mark the debut of Sampson's experimental 3-6-1 formation, featuring a cluster of midfielders – Jeff Agoos, Thomas Dooley, Claudio Reyna, Frankie Hejduk, Cobi Jones and Preki – supported by three defenders in Mike Burns, Alexi Lalas and Eddie Pope, with Roy Wegerle as the lone striker. More significantly, it would be the team's first match without Harkes, who had captained the national team since 1996 and played significant roles in both the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.

"Chemistry is one of the most important elements to a team being successful," Sampson had told reporters when explaining Harkes' exclusion. "At the top of chemistry must be leadership that allows players to feel easy about themselves and be relaxed and have a semblance of discipline."

In dropping Harkes, Sampson clarified that he wanted the 24-year-old Reyna to step up and take more responsibility. "I really didn't feel that Claudio was playing with the level of freedom, the level of enthusiasm, that he plays with at Wolfsburg," Sampson had explained. "In part, maybe I haven't been clear enough that I want him to carry the team more and be more responsible for the outcome of the team success."

Reyna's response in Vienna couldn't have been more emphatic. After a listless first half in which the Americans spent the first 17 minutes trapped in their own end, Reyna orchestrated a second-half explosion that resulted in a stunning 3-0 victory over the Austrians before 17,000 spectators.

"I got more room because the whole team played well," Reyna said afterward. "They had to respect the speed of guys like Frankie, and that allowed me to go one-on-one."

Nine minutes into the second half, Reyna sliced through two defenders before feeding Frankie Hejduk for an easy tap-in. The 23-year-old California native – who had previously represented his country as a surfer – celebrated with a dance "worthy of Bob Marley," as one reporter described. The goal came as sweet redemption for Hejduk, who had an earlier effort ruled offside in the 18th minute.

As the match neared its conclusion, Reyna delivered another moment of brilliance in the 89th minute with a backheel pass that found Brian McBride in space. The forward drove home a shot from 18 yards, giving the Americans a 2-0 lead against an increasingly demoralized Austrian defense.

Reyna capped his masterclass in the final minute, embarking on a solo run across the top of the box before unleashing a blistering shot inside the near post. It was his sixth goal in 58 appearances for the national team, putting an exclamation point on what Sampson called an "exceptional" performance.

"The results were super for us," Reyna said, noting that Austria's style was similar to that of the Germans, whom the U.S. would face in their World Cup opener on June 15.

The victory represented a much-needed confidence boost for a team that had struggled since its 1-0 upset of defending World Cup champion Brazil on February 10. In subsequent matches, the U.S. lost to Mexico, the Netherlands, and Belgium but managed only to draw against Paraguay.

"If anything, my decisions [about the final squad] just got more difficult," Sampson said after the match. "But I prefer it that way."

Indeed, the performance of several young players complicated Sampson's selection process for the final World Cup roster, which would be announced in the coming weeks. Of the four players Sampson had singled out for evaluation, two made strong impressions – goal scorer Hejduk and attacking midfielder Brian Maisonneuve – while Chad Deering needed "another look" and David Wagner was replaced at halftime.

The match also showcased Sampson's dramatic evolution as a coach. Once known for trusting his players and nurturing team spirit, he gradually adopted a more autocratic approach, emphasizing video analysis and tactical adjustments. Harkes, in his autobiography Captain For Life and Other Temporary Assignments, would later describe this transformation: "You've heard of micro-managing? Well, Steve was micro-coaching . . . Not having played professionally, let alone internationally, and without a successful coaching career behind him, Steve's book smarts lacked credibility to a group of guys who had hundreds and hundreds of caps among them. It had been said that the more he coached, the worse we got."

The Austria match seemed to confirm Sampson's belief that fresh blood – and his new 3-6-1 formation – would serve the U.S. well in France. The coach would continue to make bold personnel moves, including the controversial addition of Bundesliga center-half David Regis, a native of Martinique with an American wife who spoke almost no English. Regis would eventually make the final roster and appear in every U.S. match at the World Cup.

The convincing victory against Austria came at a pivotal moment for American soccer off the field as well. The United States Soccer Federation announced a landmark marketing deal with International Marketing Group and Nike just days earlier, expected to generate as much as $500 million over the next dozen years.

"We now have the best of all possible scenarios for soccer in the U.S.A.," said Alan Rothenberg, the outgoing president of U.S. Soccer. "The future is now 100 percent secure for the sport."

As the Austrian fans rose to cheer Reyna's goal in the game's final moments, the World Cup suddenly didn't seem so daunting. However, the optimism generated by the performance in Vienna would prove short-lived.

Cardoso Shines with Header in Real Betis Victory

The Midfielder Nodded Home Betis's Opener in a Win to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive

Johnny Cardoso delivered a standout performance for Real Betis on Monday, scoring the opener in their crucial 3-1 victory over struggling Girona in La Liga. The 23-year-old American demonstrated his aerial prowess by heading home from a corner kick six minutes into the match, setting the tone for a dominant first-half display from Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Cardoso's early goal ignited a remarkable first-half blitz that saw Betis score three times before the break. His header was followed by strikes from Antony, who side-footed home a cross in the 39th minute, and Isco, who celebrated his 33rd birthday by nodding in Betis' third goal just before halftime. Girona managed only a late consolation through Cristhian Stuani with five minutes remaining.

The American midfielder was impressively efficient throughout the match, completing 26 of his 28 pass attempts for an exceptional 93% completion rate. He was also perfect in aerial duels, winning all four he contested, highlighting his strength in the air that led to his goal. Cardoso recorded three shots in total, with two on target, while also contributing defensively with seven recoveries, one interception and a clearance during his full 90-minute performance.

This victory keeps Betis' European ambitions alive, moving them to within just one point of fifth-placed Villarreal. With the top five teams qualifying for the Champions League and sixth place securing Europa League football, Betis remains in the hunt for continental competition next season.

Cardoso's impressive form has reportedly caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Tottenham rumored to be leading the chase for his signature this summer. Spurs may have an advantage in negotiations due to a €20.7 million clause they negotiated as part of Giovani Lo Celso's transfer to Betis, while Chelsea are reportedly prepared to offer around €35 million for the American midfielder.

Since joining Real Betis, Cardoso has become an integral part of their midfield, contributing five goals and four assists. His combination of defensive solidity, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring ability continues to enhance his reputation as one of the most promising American talents in European football.

Sargent's Difficult Weekend with Norwich City

Striker Scored on Friday and Was Ineffective Monday as the Canaries Dropped Both Matches

Josh Sargent endured a challenging weekend with Norwich City. The Canaries suffered back-to-back defeats, effectively ending any lingering playoff aspirations they might have harbored.

Friday's match against Portsmouth started promisingly for the American international when he found the net in the 21st minute to level the score at 1-1. Sargent showcased his predatory instincts by slamming home a rebound in the box, registering his 15th goal of the Championship campaign, placing him among the league's most prolific attackers despite missing two months earlier in the season with a groin injury.

However, Sargent's afternoon took a turn for the worse when he appeared to injure his shoulder after landing awkwardly from a fall. The injury forced Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup to withdraw him at halftime with the team already trailing 3-1. Without their top scorer, Norwich collapsed in the second half, eventually falling to a humiliating 5-3 defeat at home.

After the match, Thorup confirmed Sargent's removal was injury-related, stating: "Something happened with his shoulder. We don't know yet, but it was too much for him to continue."

Despite concerns about his fitness, Sargent recovered sufficiently to start Monday's match against Millwall at The Den. However, he made minimal impact during a disappointing 3-1 defeat. The American forward struggled to impose himself on the game, managing just two shots, none of which tested the goalkeeper. His statistical output reflected his limited influence: 32 touches, only two in the opposition box, and an expected goals figure of just 0.05.

Norwich's defensive frailties were again evident as they conceded from set-pieces – a recurring problem that has now seen them ship 20 goals from dead-ball situations this season. The defeat saw Norwich drop to 14th in the Championship standings as Thorup's side continued their poor run of form, having won just two of their last 13 league games.

For Sargent personally, despite the team's struggles, his individual performances this season might still position him for a potential summer move to a higher level of competition.

Wright's Weekend Performance for Coventry City

The Winger Helped the Club Win on Friday, then Scored on Monday, but the Team Fell

American forward Haji Wright had a bittersweet weekend for Coventry City in their Championship clash against bottom-placed Plymouth Argyle. Despite scoring his team's lone goal in what ultimately ended as a disappointing 3-1 defeat, Wright continued demonstrating his importance to Frank Lampard's playoff-chasing side.

Wright, who has been in scintillating form since returning from a lengthy injury layoff, netted his fifth goal since returning to action in March. His crucial strike came at a pivotal moment, arriving in the 45th minute just before halftime, when he reacted quickly to a saved Ellis Simms header from Ashley Grimes' corner. Wright pounced on the rebound and unleashed a powerful close-range finish that gave Plymouth goalkeeper Conor Hazard no chance.

The goal briefly gave Coventry hope, reducing Plymouth's lead to 2-1 going into the break, following earlier strikes from Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie for the hosts. However, Bundu's second goal in the 65th minute sealed the defeat for the Sky Blues.

This latest strike brings Wright's season tally to 12 goals, making him one of Coventry's most valuable attacking assets alongside record signing Jack Rudoni, who had previously earned praise for his performance against West Bromwich Albion. The two have developed a strong connection on the pitch, with Rudoni even highlighting their partnership in a recent Instagram post after the West Brom victory.

The defeat represents a significant setback for Coventry's promotion ambitions. With 66 points and just two games remaining, Lampard's team is sitting sixth in the Championship table. They now face increased pressure from Middlesbrough and Millwall, who are closing the gap in the race for the final playoff spot.

Tessmann's First in France

Tessmann's Brilliant First Lyon Goal Not Enough in Derby Defeat

Tanner Tessmann scored his first Ligue 1 goal for Lyon in spectacular fashion. Still, it wasn't enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat to local rivals Saint-Etienne in a match marred by a 45-minute interruption after a linesman was struck by an object thrown from the crowd.

The American midfielder provided a moment of individual brilliance in the 76th minute, showcasing exceptional skill as he dribbled past his defender multiple times before curling a sublime finish from the edge of the penalty area into the corner.

"We needed to start the game better," Tessmann admitted after the match. "The first half was really bad."

Despite playing the full 90 minutes and demonstrating impressive passing accuracy (90% with 45 completed passes, including 7/7 long balls), Tessmann struggled in duels, winning just 2-of-8 contested. However, he contributed significantly on the defensive end with two successful tackles, two interceptions and six recoveries.

The derby was overshadowed by an unsavory incident when linesman Mehdi Rahmouni was hit by a projectile thrown from the crowd just before halftime. After a lengthy delay, officials decided to continue, and Rahmouni was able to resume his duties. He received a warm ovation as he returned to the field.

Belgian forward Lucas Stassin proved to be the difference-maker for Saint-Etienne, scoring both before and after the interruption to reach 12 league goals this season and boost his team's survival hopes. The defeat was particularly painful for Lyon, coming just days after their heartbreaking Europa League elimination by Manchester United, and severely denting their Champions League qualification aspirations.

Wright's Moment of Magic at Wembley

On This Day in 2024, the Striker Converted a Penalty in an Epic FA Cup Comeback

When Haji Wright arrived at Coventry City in the summer of 2023, he was coming off back-to-back double-digit goal seasons at Antalyaspor in Turkey. His early season performances validated the faith placed in him, scoring on his home debut in a commanding 3-0 win against Middlesbrough and consistently finding the back of the net in crucial moments. His journey from the youth ranks of American soccer to becoming a consistent Championship goalscorer was a narrative of persistent ambition and growth.

By the spring of 2024, he had already demonstrated his clutch performance ability on the international stage. He scored an extra-time brace against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on March 21, helping the United States advance to a final they would win against Mexico.

On the club front that spring, Coventry found itself in a delicate position. Their Championship campaign had faltered after a promising start that saw them as high as sixth place in January, with the club sliding to eighth and trending downward as April approached. The FA Cup, however, had become their salvation—a magical run reminiscent of their historic 1987 triumph. The semifinal against Manchester United epitomized Coventry's roller-coaster season. From the moment the match began at Wembley on April 21, everything seemed stacked against the Sky Blues.

Wright, however, refused to accept defeat. After watching his team fall behind 3-0 by the hour mark to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes, the American forward became part of one of the most remarkable comebacks in FA Cup history. Ellis Simms sparked hope in the 71st minute, and when Callum O'Hare's deflected shot made it 3-2 seven minutes later, belief surged through the Coventry end of Wembley Stadium.

With five minutes of stoppage time nearly elapsed and elimination imminent, Wright stepped up to the penalty spot after VAR confirmed Aaron Wan-Bissaka's handball. In a moment that demanded composure under the most intense pressure, the American striker sent goalkeeper Andre Onana the wrong way, slotting his penalty to the keeper's left. His conversion—a moment of pure determination and nerve—temporarily resurrected Coventry's Wembley dreams, sending the match into extra time and the sky-blue half of the stadium into raptures.

Yet fate would not be completely kind. After a tense extra time that saw both teams hit the crossbar, Wright played a pivotal role in what briefly appeared to be the winning moment. In the 121st minute, his pass found Victor Torp, who finished superbly at the near post. The Coventry end exploded in ecstasy, players and fans celebrating what seemed to be the completion of the most remarkable comebacks. But VAR intervened again, ruling Wright offside by the narrowest of margins—"the length of a toe," as reports would describe it—before his assist.

Despite the heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat that followed, with Wright's successfully converted spot-kick unable to prevent Manchester United's progression to the final, Coventry remained proud of their remarkable achievement. The American forward continued his strong form, finishing the 2023-24 season with an impressive 19 goals in all competitions, including 16 in the Championship.

For Wright, Wembley was not a defeat but another chapter in an ongoing story of determination—a narrative written not in the comfortable spaces of expectation but in the dramatic moments where legends are born and where the Sky Blues nearly authored the most incredible FA Cup semifinal comeback of all time.

American Fortunes Contrast in Ligue 1

McKenzie Sees Red, Pefok Nets Winner in Reims Victory

A tale of two Americans unfolded dramatically at Stade Auguste-Delaune as Jordan Pefok's decisive goal gave Reims a crucial 1-0 victory over 10-man Toulouse, who lost defender Mark McKenzie to an early dismissal.

McKenzie's afternoon ended abruptly in the 26th minute when the referee showed him a straight red card for fouling Aurélio Buta as the Reims player raced clear on goal. Until then, McKenzie had been perfect in possession, completing all 15 of his attempted passes and making two recoveries.

Just 12 minutes after McKenzie's dismissal, his compatriot Pefok capitalized on Toulouse's numerical disadvantage. The American striker rose brilliantly to meet Sergio Akieme's cross, sending a looping header into the top right corner that proved to be the match-winner. The goal showcased Pefok's aerial prowess, evident throughout his 62-minute performance as he won two of three aerial duels.

The victory provided valuable breathing room for Reims, who moved up to 13th place and further away from relegation concerns, while Toulouse was left to rue McKenzie's early departure as the club dropped its fifth-straight league match.

Busio's Late Goal Not Enough

Venezia Settles for Draw in Crucial Relegation Battle

Gianluca Busio nearly played the hero for Venezia in their vital relegation clash with Empoli, scoring what appeared to be the match-winner in the 84th minute, only for the hosts to equalize just two minutes later in an eventual 2-2 draw.

The American midfielder was active throughout the match at Stadio Carlo Castellani, creating opportunities from the opening stages. In the 11th minute, Busio's right-footed effort from outside the box was blocked. Six minutes later, he turned provider, setting up Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, whose shot forced a save from Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez.

Busio nearly found the net before halftime when Christian Gytkjær's headed pass presented him with a chance in the 39th minute, but his left-footed attempt sailed too high. His fortunes turned sour early in the second half when Jacopo Fazzini opened the scoring for Empoli after robbing Busio in midfield.

However, the U.S. international spectacularly redeemed himself when Venezia equalized through Yeboah and took the lead through Busio. The 22-year-old pounced on a blocked Gytkjær attempt, firing a clinical right-footed finish from the center of the box into the bottom left corner. The joy was short-lived as Tino Anjorin curled in a magnificent equalizer to ensure the points were shared in this crucial relegation six-pointer.

With this goal, Busio reached a notable milestone, tying USMNT legend Michael Bradley with his third Serie A goal, placing him fourth all-time among American scorers in Italy's top flight. The draw leaves both teams in the relegation zone with five matches remaining, setting up a tense finale to the season as Venezia prepare to face AC Milan next weekend.