Donovan's Hat-trick Against Chivas

On This Day in 2008, the Winger Scored Three and Added an Assist in a Huge Win

After a mixed 2007 season that saw him relinquish the captain's armband to new arrival David Beckham, Landon Donovan had something to prove in 2008. Before the MLS season, he surpassed Eric Wynalda as the United States' all-time leading goalscorer after converting a penalty in a win over Sweden. Then, Donovan began the MLS campaign on fire, netting five goals in the first four matches. What awaited was a crucial derby against cross-hall rivals Chivas USA, with Donovan poised to deliver his most emphatic statement yet.

The buildup to the match centered on key individual battles, particularly between England international Beckham and American defender Jonathan Bornstein on the flank. Chivas hoped their youth and speed would counter the Galaxy's experience, with Bornstein's defensive assignment clear: prevent Beckham from delivering the crosses Donovan had been converting with alarming regularity.

Under the watchful eye of 27,000 fans on April 26, the Galaxy struck first through their talisman. In the 18th minute, Donovan pounced to drive the ball past Chivas goalkeeper Brad Guzan, though Chivas would later complain about a missed handball in the buildup. Sacha Kljestan equalized for Chivas with a spectacular effort, curling a shot into the upper corner after beating defender Abel Xavier.

The second half brought even more drama. In the 59th minute, Donovan reclaimed the lead for the Galaxy with a clinical finish, but Ante Razov quickly responded for Chivas, capitalizing on poor defensive work to make it 2-2. The match hung in the balance until Galaxy substitute Alan Gordon made a game-changing entrance in the 71st minute.

Gordon needed just five minutes to make his mark, taking advantage of a poor clearance to head home the decisive goal past Guzan. His impact continued as he immediately set up Donovan for his third goal in the 77th minute, completing a memorable hat trick – the first by a Galaxy player since 2004. Gordon added a fifth Galaxy goal in the 83rd minute to seal a comprehensive 5-2 victory.

"He's a special player," Beckham said of Donovan afterward. "He works hard for us, and in the form that he's in, it helps the team. At the moment, he's scoring some great goals."

Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit, who had expressed confidence in Donovan before the match, was equally impressed: "It was a great match to watch. We had a lot of ups and downs. We scored some good goals."

The victory was not without controversy, as Chivas coach Preki took exception to Donovan's celebrations. "That shows a lot of disrespect," Preki said. "That's the second time it's happened in two weeks with Landon... I do not appreciate that. We do not appreciate that as a club." Gullit later apologized for the incident.

The win positioned the Galaxy ahead of Chivas in the Western Conference standings and showcased the potential of their star-studded lineup. For Donovan, the performance was another milestone in a banner year. He would score 20 goals with nine assists in 25 matches, forming a potent offensive partnership with Beckham and Edson Buddle as he continued to cement his legacy as one of MLS's greatest goalscorers.

Later that summer, for the US, he would reach the prestigious 100-cap milestone by June – becoming the fourth-youngest player to achieve that feat. As the Galaxy looked forward in their season, Donovan had firmly established himself as the league's most dangerous attacking threat and the centerpiece of the Galaxy's championship aspirations. However, the season was disappointing, with Los Angeles finishing sixth in the Western Conference – missing the playoffs.

Wolff Played Hero Again

 On This Day in 2001, the Forward Scored the Winner for the Second Time in Three USMNT Matches, This Time in a Victory Over Costa Rica

Josh Wolff scored his first United States Men’s National Team goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico in October 2000. The goal came in Wolff’s third cap. Three months later, he would score the biggest goal of his career, which proved to be the winner in another 2-0 victory over Mexico — this time in World Cup Qualifying. On April 25, 2001, he would score the winner again in another World Cup Qualifier.

Wolff played three years at the University of South Carolina to start his career, scoring 21 goals in 43 games from 1995-1997. He signed with MLS and was assigned to the Chicago Fire for the 1998 season, though he played matches for the Project-40 team in the A-League. He scored a then-rookie record eight MLS goals in just 14 games to close out 1998. Wolff also played in the MLS Cup Final and the US Open Cup Final in 1998 — both won by the Fire. He scored another 10 goals in 28 MLS matches in the following season and seven in 25 games in the 2000 season.

During that 2000 season, Wolff helped the Olympic team qualify for the Olympics, scoring the second goal in a 4-0 win over Guatemala in the semifinal of the CONCACAF Pre-Olympic Tournament in April. He also scored the opener in the final against Honduras, but the US fell 2-1. In September that year, he was on the US team that finished fourth at the Olympics. He scored in a group-stage match against the Czech Republic — a 2-2 draw — and in the quarterfinals, Wolff scored the American's first equalizer against Japan. A late Peter Vagenas penalty equalized to force extra time and the penalty shootout. Wolff converted his penalty, the fourth of five for the US, and the Americans advanced to the semis. A defeat to Spain and Chile closed out the knockout rounds.

After the success at the Olympics, he was rewarded by coming off the bench for the senior team in the goalless draw with Costa Rica on October 11 for his second cap, where he created a couple of chances. He scored his first USMNT goal in that 2-0 win over Mexico two weeks later in a friendly. Wolff appeared again for the US in the friendly against Colombia ahead of the qualifying matchup with Mexico on February 28, 2001. In that match against Mexico, Wolff subbed on after Brian McBride came off with a swollen eye. Clint Mathis also subbed on for the injured Claudio Reyna, and just after the half, Mathis spotted Wolff running in on goal and fired the long pass. Wolff beat Jorge Campos with the touch around the goalkeeper and slotted it in the empty net. Wolff assisted Earnie Stewart’s goal to double the lead in the qualifying win.

Wolff, clearly in form, scored the winner in Chicago’s 2-0 victory over DC United on April 14 in the second match of the season. Nine days later, Wolff would play hero again for the national team. Hosting Costa Rica, the USMNT was top of the Hex after two matches, beating Honduras 2-1 on the road on March 28. Wolff earned the start and played 67 minutes in that match. Against Costa Rica, he made the start again, this time alongside his former Gamecock teammate Mathis. In the 16th minute, Wolff almost gave the Americans the lead when Reyna floated a pass to find the forward in behind. Wolff brought it down and chipped the goalkeeper Erick Lonnis before Reynaldo Parks cleared it off the line on a bicycle kick.

The US had the better of the play in the first half, but both teams went back and forth with chances in the second half. In the 69th minute, the Americans drew a corner. Jeff Agoos curled in the inswinging cross with the left foot that Parks partially cleared. Agoos lobbed it back in on the volley, and Mathis and Parks got into another tussle, with Mathis getting the better of the Costa Rican. The ball fell to Wolff via Mathis’ arm, who helped it past Lonnis for the winner. The questionable call went the home team’s way, and Mathis didn’t recall it hitting his arm.

“I don't remember,” Mathis said. “Anytime there is a ball in the box, you must do anything to get a touch on it.”

Even more interesting, Wolff made his final chance count. Ante Razov stood on the sideline waiting to replace the eventual match-winner in the 71st minute.

“I knew it was me coming off when I saw it was a forward coming in,” Wolff said. “But you’re still on the field and you have to do your job. I thought Clint and I played well together. Anytime the ball is whipped in, and it is not coming to you, you have to get in the right spot. Clint nodded it to me, and I did what I had to do.”

The Americans withstood a few Costa Rica attacks in the final minutes but held on for their third-straight win to start the Hex. Wolff stayed hot when he returned to the Fire, scoring a free-kick in a 1-0 victory over Tampa Mutiny three days later. But unfortunately, Wolff suffered an injury to his left foot in the second half, which turned into a season-ending stress fracture. In the final qualifying match, Wolff would return to action for the national team, a goalless draw with Trinidad and Tobago.

He would re-establish himself with the US, helping the team win the 2002 Gold Cup with two goals against Costa Rica in the final. Wolff made the 2002 World Cup roster, playing twice — one start and one off the bench. That start came in the Round of 16 victory over Mexico, where Wolff assisted McBride’s opener in the 2-0 win.

Aaronson Promoted

Midfielder Celebrates as Leeds United Secure Premier League Return

Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United have finally sealed their return to the Premier League after a comprehensive 6-0 thrashing of Stoke City on Easter Monday. Burnley's 2-1 victory over Sheffield United also confirmed automatic promotion from the Championship.

The American international spent last season on loan at Union Berlin following Leeds' relegation in 2023 and has been instrumental in the Yorkshire club's promotion push this campaign. Posting on Instagram alongside photos of the promotion celebrations, Aaronson wrote: "Yesterday was a day to remember #MOT," basking in the achievement that has seen him win over previously skeptical Leeds supporters.

Aaronson started and played 86 minutes in Monday's emphatic victory, contributing to a stellar team performance that saw Joel Piroe score four goals. At the same time, Junior Firpo and Wilfried Gnonto each added a goal. The 24-year-old USMNT midfielder has silenced many doubters this season, registering an impressive nine goals and two assists across the campaign.

Despite the celebrations, Leeds players insist their work isn't done yet. Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, right-back Jayden Bogle emphasized: "Our aim from the beginning of the season was silverware. We're not going to stop now." Captain Ethan Ampadu echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that while promotion was a key target, the team has further ambitions.

With two games remaining against Bristol City at home and Plymouth away, Leeds can reach the 100-point mark for the first time in club history. Currently tied with Burnley on 94 points, but with a superior goal difference of 14, the league title remains firmly within their grasp.

Manager Daniel Farke, whose future was the subject of speculation in recent days, has now turned his attention to Monday's match against Bristol City as the team aims to finish the season strongly. After securing only the second promotion to the Premier League in the last 35 years, Farke allowed his squad deserved celebrations before returning to training with their sights set on claiming the Championship title.

Americans Collide in Serie A

After Winning Midweek, Pulisic and Musah Play Busio and Venezia This Weekend

Sunday's Serie A clash between AC Milan and relegation-threatened Venezia will feature a significant American presence with USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah representing the Rossoneri against compatriot Gianluca Busio.

Pulisic continues his impressive campaign for Milan, having tallied 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. Despite no direct goal involvements in Milan's recent 3-0 Coppa Italia semifinal victory over Inter, head coach Sérgio Conceição praised the American's selfless performance: "He sacrificed himself for the team. He ran a lot, he gave a lot to the team." The coach acknowledged Pulisic lacked "a bit of freshness with the ball" but emphasized his "great confidence" in the American winger.

Pulisic's national teammate, Musah, will hope for minutes after remaining on the bench during the midweek cup triumph. Both Americans have already tasted success in Italy this season, winning the Supercoppa Italiana in January, and now have another opportunity for silverware with Milan advancing to the Coppa Italia Final against Bologna on May 14.

Conversely, Busio has been a bright spot for struggling Venezia. The 22-year-old midfielder scored his second goal of the season last weekend, giving Venezia a temporary 2-1 lead in their eventual 2-2 draw with fellow relegation candidates Empoli. Busio has been a consistent presence for Venezia this season, making 29 league appearances. His continued high-level performances will be crucial as the club fights to maintain top-flight status with just five matches remaining.

Venezia head coach Eusebio Di Francesco acknowledged the challenge ahead, particularly against a Milan team coming off an emotional derby victory. "We must rely on ourselves, on our attitude and determination, knowing that we will face a big team," Di Francesco said at his pre-match press conference. "On an attacking level, they are the most dangerous team, according to the data."

American Showdown in the Bundesliga

Gladbach Travel to Keil as Scally Goes Head-to-Head with Tolkin

This Saturday's clash between Holstein Kiel and Borussia Mönchengladbach will feature a special reunion as American defenders Joe Scally and John Tolkin face off in the Bundesliga. The match carries significant implications for both clubs, with Kiel fighting relegation and Gladbach chasing European qualification.

Scally has been a consistent presence for Mönchengladbach this season, appearing in 29 of 30 league matches and starting 28 of them. The right-back has been a mainstay in Gerardo Seoane's defensive line, playing 90 minutes in most matches. Despite Gladbach's recent struggles—going winless in three April fixtures—Scally has maintained his place in the team, including in their recent 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund where he played 70 minutes.

Tolkin's season has been more challenging since joining Holstein Kiel in the winter transfer window. The 22-year-old left-back missed several matches due to muscular problems but has recently returned to the starting lineup, playing the full 90 minutes in Kiel's impressive 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig last weekend. This upcoming match will mark his eighth appearance for the struggling side.

The encounter is significant for both Americans, who know each other from the U.S. youth national teams. While they never played together at club level—Tolkin developed at New York Red Bulls while Scally came through New York City FC—there's a friendly rivalry between the compatriots separated by just 131 miles back home.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing him," Tolkin said of Scally. "We haven't spoken yet, but we'll definitely have a bit of trash talk on the pitch."

The match represents Kiel's desperate attempt to climb out of last place. They currently sit three points behind 16th-placed Heidenheim and need a win to keep their survival hopes alive via the relegation playoff. Gladbach, meanwhile, sits ninth in the table but just three points off sixth place and potential Conference League qualification. The Americans' duel adds an intriguing subplot to a match with high stakes for both clubs as the Bundesliga season enters its final stretch.

Richards Ready for FA Cup Semi-Final

After Serving Suspension Midweek, Defender Expected Back for Wembley

Chris Richards is set to make a timely return to Crystal Palace's defensive trio for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium. The American center-back missed Wednesday's thrilling 2-2 draw at Arsenal due to suspension, having received a controversial red card in the goalless draw with Bournemouth last weekend.

Richards, who has formed an impressive defensive partnership with Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi under Oliver Glasner's guidance, was dismissed just before halftime against the Cherries after receiving two yellow cards in the 29th and 45th+1 minutes. It marked his first red card in a Palace shirt. It came at a challenging time for the Eagles, who had previously conceded five goals in consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Despite these recent setbacks, Richards' return significantly boosts Palace as they aim to reach their third FA Cup final in club history. The 25-year-old American international had been instrumental during Palace's impressive seven-match unbeaten run before their recent dip in form, helping to secure three clean sheets during that stretch.

In his pre-match press conference, Eagles manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that his squad came through the midweek Arsenal encounter unscathed, with only long-term absentees Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad unavailable for selection. "Everyone is in a good mood and looking forward to it," Glasner stated. "Of course, playing a semi-final is always great. We've done really well in the cup competition until now."

Richards' return completes Palace's formidable defensive unit, which will face a stern test against Villa's potent attack featuring January signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. The American will be keen to showcase the leadership qualities that have made him a key figure in Glasner's system as Palace aim to overcome Unai Emery's Champions League contenders.

Victory would take Palace into the final on May 17, where they would face either Manchester City or Nottingham Forest as they pursue the first major trophy in the club's history.

Carter-Vickers Key to Celtic's Title Push

Celtic Can Win Scottish Premier League Title This Weekend

Cameron Carter-Vickers will be central to Celtic's defensive efforts as they head to Tannadice on Saturday with the opportunity to clinch the Scottish Premiership title against Dundee United. During their championship push, the American center-back has been a stalwart in Brendan Rodgers' side, forming a formidable partnership with Ireland international Liam Scales.

Carter-Vickers comes into the match in excellent form, scoring a banger in Celtic's impressive 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock two weekends ago. He followed that performance by playing the full 90 minutes in Celtic's dominant 5-0 win against St. Johnstone in the Scottish FA Cup semifinal, which set up a cup final against Aberdeen on May 24. Carter-Vickers was recently named to the Scottish

The American international has been a key figure in Celtic's defensive unit as they pursue what could be Brendan Rodgers' third domestic treble with the club, needing just one point to secure their 55th league championship and fourth consecutive title.

His defensive colleague Scales has recently opened up about his development as a Celtic defender, highlighting the positive competition within the squad. "I think probably this season we have had more possession in games and being on the ball more in the opposition half," Scales told Celtic TV. "Every year, you just want to get a little bit better, and I hope I have done that."

Meanwhile, fellow American Auston Trusty has fallen out of favor recently, despite Scales' praise for their partnership earlier in the season. "I have liked playing with Auston, he is brilliant," said Scales. "I played with him more at the start of the season, and I enjoyed playing alongside him."

As Celtic close in on another title, Carter-Vickers' importance to the team continues to grow. Former Celtic defender Christopher Jullien recently praised the American, describing him as "a strong guy and efficient in everything that he does" and suggesting he has all the attributes to become a future captain of the club.

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.