Fullback Played Strong Defensively in Big Kiel Win Over Augsburg
John Tolkin played well in Holstein Kiel's impressive 3-1 away victory over FC Augsburg on Sunday, delivering a defensively stalwart performance that helped the relegation battlers secure their second consecutive Bundesliga win.
Deployed as a left midfielder in Marcel Rapp's system, the 22-year-old American completed the full 90 minutes with a defensive output that proved invaluable to Kiel's continued fight against relegation. Tolkin's six clearances—including four crucial headed clearances—alongside two interceptions and 11 total defensive actions highlighted his commitment to the cause.
The American demonstrated remarkable discipline in ground duels, winning all four contested battles on the deck and successfully completing his only attempted dribble. Though his passing accuracy finished at 55% (12/22), Tolkin contributed three passes into the final third that helped Kiel maintain attacking pressure against their hosts.
This victory represents another significant step in Kiel's remarkable revival under Rapp. The team has collected seven points from its last three fixtures to move within striking distance of the promotion-relegation playoff position. The "Cinderella tale" continues for the Störche, who have defied expectations by thriving against difficult opposition.
While Alexander Bernhardsson grabbed the headlines with two well-taken goals and Steven Skrzybski provided the creative spark, Tolkin's defensive solidity provided the platform that allowed Kiel's attackers to flourish. Despite being relegated to the bench or sidelined with muscular problems through much of February and March, Tolkin has returned to become a regular starter during this critical late-season push.
The victory lifts Kiel to just one point behind Heidenheim in the relegation playoff spot, though significant challenges await with upcoming fixtures against European contenders Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund. If Tolkin can maintain this level of defensive discipline, Rapp's strangely optimistic outlook on their survival chances may prove prophetic rather than misplaced.
Midfielder's Performance Anchors Bournemouth's Historic Win at Arsenal
Tyler Adams delivered a composed midfield display as Bournemouth secured their first-ever victory at the Emirates Stadium with a stunning 2-1 comeback win against Arsenal on Saturday. The United States international played the full 90 minutes in a performance marked by exceptional passing precision and tactical discipline.
The 26-year-old defensive midfielder was nearly flawless in possession, completing an impressive 95% of his passes (55/58) while operating as the anchor in Andoni Iraola's midfield. Despite pressure from Arsenal's high-intensity pressing, Adams maintained his composure to help Bournemouth build attacks and maintain control during crucial moments of the match.
While Adams didn't record any tackles, his positioning was instrumental in Bournemouth's disciplined defensive structure. The American international registered one interception and four recoveries, helping to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm in a match where the hosts struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. His ability to transition the ball effectively was crucial to Bournemouth's game plan, particularly as they sought to capitalize on set-piece opportunities, which ultimately proved decisive, with Dean Huijsen and Evanilson scoring from dead-ball situations.
The victory holds significant implications for Bournemouth's European aspirations. The Cherries leapfrogged Fulham to climb to eighth place in the Premier League standings. If they maintain this position and Manchester City wins the FA Cup, Iraola's side would likely qualify for the Europa Conference League.
"I like the game overall. I think we had chances," Iraola told Sky Sports after the match. "The key was the set-plays in the second half. In these close games, the difference was made with the set-plays, which were key to taking the three points."
Adams' reliable performance epitomized Bournemouth's approach, as they became the latest team to exploit Arsenal's recent vulnerability to set-pieces while demonstrating the resilience and tactical awareness necessary to secure three points at one of the Premier League's most challenging venues.
On This Day in 2019, Pulisic Enjoyed a Productive Send-off in Germany
The spring of 2019 brought a bittersweet mixture of anticipation and farewell to Signal Iduna Park. For Christian Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund's American winger, it represented both an ending and a new beginning. After signing a £58 million deal with Chelsea in January—a move making him the most expensive American player in history—the 20-year-old had opted to remain with Dortmund until season's end. His final campaign, however, had proven challenging. Struggling with minor but persistent injuries and the weight of his impending departure, Pulisic had seen his minutes dramatically reduced from the previous season, when he had been a driving force in Dortmund's attack.
The Pennsylvania native's journey with the Black and Yellows had begun four years earlier as a fresh-faced 16-year-old joining the club's vaunted youth academy in February 2015. His ascent had been meteoric, scoring five goals with three assists in just five games for the U17s before being promoted to the U19s, where he continued to impress with six goals and six assists in twelve matches. By January 2016, Thomas Tuchel had summoned the teenager to first-team training during the winter break, and Pulisic made his senior debut on January 30th against Ingolstadt. The spring of 2019 brought a bittersweet mixture of anticipation and farewell to Signal Iduna Park.
As May 2019 approached, Dortmund's unlikely title challenge against Bayern Munich had begun to falter. With captain Marco Reus suspended for a critical clash against Werder Bremen on May 4, Pulisic was thrust into the starting lineup. The timing seemed poetic—a chance for the departing American to remind the Dortmund faithful what they would soon be missing as they clung to fading championship hopes.
The atmosphere at the Weserstadion was electric that Saturday afternoon, with both teams needing points for their respective ambitions. Dortmund, trailing Bayern by two points with three matches remaining, needed a victory to keep pace in the title race. Bremen, meanwhile, harbored European qualification hopes of their own. The tension was palpable as Pulisic, wearing the number 22 jersey that had become so familiar over his four-year tenure, took his position on the left wing.
Just six minutes into the match, the moment would become Pulisic's penultimate goal in Dortmund colors. Receiving a pass from Thomas Delaney near the halfway line, the American embarked on a breathtaking solo run. With a burst of acceleration that had become his trademark, Pulisic surged forward, nutmegging Serbian defender Milos Veljkovic before gliding into the penalty area. As Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka advanced, Pulisic maintained his composure, calmly slotting the ball between the Czech shot-stopper and the near post. Signal Iduna Park erupted as Pulisic wheeled away in celebration, arms outstretched in a moment that exemplified the audacious talent that had made him a Dortmund hero.
The goal showcased everything that had made "Captain America" so special during his time in Germany—explosive pace, technical brilliance, and clinical finishing. His impact continued throughout the first half as he won the free kick that Paco Alcacer converted in the 39th minute, giving Dortmund a commanding 2-0 lead. Pulisic's relentless two-way running epitomized the work rate that had endeared him to supporters on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, what should have been a triumphant afternoon turned sour in the second half. Bremen mounted a spirited comeback through Kevin Möhwald and veteran Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro, whose 75th-minute equalizer effectively extinguished Dortmund's title hopes. The 2-2 draw left Dortmund four points behind Bayern with just two matches remaining—a devastating blow despite Pulisic's heroics.
But the American wasn't finished writing his Dortmund story. One week later, in his final home appearance at Signal Iduna Park, Pulisic was honored in a pregame ceremony by sporting director Michael Zorc and managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke. With a yellow and black scarf draped around his neck, he received a thunderous ovation from the supporters who had watched him grow from promising teenager to global star.
Pulisic repaid their adoration by again finding the net in a 3-2 victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, scoring with an instinctive header after peeling away from his defender. It marked his second goal in as many games—a fitting renaissance as his Dortmund journey neared its conclusion. In his final match for the club on May 18, Pulisic registered an assist in a 2-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, bringing his Dortmund career full circle with one last decisive contribution.
After 127 appearances, 19 goals, and 26 assists across all competitions, Pulisic's Black and Yellow chapter had closed. As he departed for London and the upcoming Premier League challenges, he left a legacy as one of the most successful Americans to ever play in Germany. For Chelsea, who faced an impending transfer ban and the likely departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, Pulisic represented both immediate reinforcement and future potential.
As he had done as a 16-year-old arriving in Dortmund, Pulisic now faced the challenge of proving himself in unfamiliar surroundings. The goal against Bremen—a moment of individual brilliance amid team disappointment—perfectly encapsulated the player he had become: a singular talent ready to carry the weight of expectations on both club and international stages.
On This Day in 2008, Fulham's Talisman Scored His Last Goal in the Premier League, Helped Secure Safety
The spring of 2008 had brought a mixture of hope and desperation to Craven Cottage. For Brian McBride, Fulham's American captain, it represented both a comeback and a farewell. After dislocating his left kneecap while scoring against Middlesbrough on August 18, the veteran striker had endured five months on the sidelines during a season where his leadership was sorely missed. When he finally returned as a 70th-minute substitute against Aston Villa on February 3, it coincided with Roy Hodgson's first victory as Fulham manager—a vital 2-1 comeback win that ended a miserable 12-match winless streak.
McBride's return couldn't have been more timely. The Cottagers were mired in the relegation zone, where they had languished since mid-December. At 35, the American had become Fulham's talisman—a player whose work rate and aerial prowess had made him a Craven Cottage cult hero. His impact was immediately felt upon his return, scoring a crucial header against his former U.S. teammate Tim Howard in a 1-0 victory over Everton on March 16. "He gives us shape... His work rate is crucial for us," Hodgson noted after McBride netted his third goal of the season in Fulham's first away win since September 2006—a 2-0 triumph at Reading on April 12.
As May began, Fulham's situation remained precarious. Though they had shown remarkable resilience, including an extraordinary 3-2 comeback victory at Manchester City, they stayed in the relegation zone as Birmingham City visited Craven Cottage on May 3. The mathematics were daunting but straightforward: defeat would leave their Premier League survival hopes "negligible." At the same time, even a draw would make them "favorites to be the second team to embrace relegation." With just one match after this—a difficult trip to Portsmouth—Fulham needed all three points against fellow strugglers Birmingham.
The match atmosphere reflected the stakes. A barrage of balloons and club-provided cardboard handclappers created a cacophony as Fulham started frantically. McBride nearly opened the scoring early with a diving header that rattled the crossbar, though it was wrongly flagged offside. The tension was palpable through a tightly-contested first half, with Birmingham rarely threatening despite Sebastian Larsson putting the ball in the net before being penalized for either handball or high feet.
The breakthrough came seven minutes after the interval. McBride, battling as always, won a free-kick from Radhi Jaidi's challenge. Jimmy Bullard, another returning hero whose creativity had been sorely missed during his own injury absence, delivered a pinpoint cross from the right. The American striker, finding space that substitute defender Franck Queudrue had carelessly granted him, headed the ball back across goalkeeper Maik Taylor and into the net. Craven Cottage erupted with supersonic noise as McBride celebrated what would prove to be his final goal in the white of Fulham.
With Birmingham pushing forward desperately, spaces opened up for the home side. Norwegian substitute Erik Nevland sealed the victory with three minutes remaining, capitalizing on more defensive uncertainty from Queudrue to race clear and finish crisply past Taylor. The 2-0 scoreline secured Fulham's third win in four matches—an unlikely revival under Hodgson's stewardship. "We are staying up," sang the Cottage faithful, celebrating their first home league win over Birmingham in 40 years.
The victory moved Fulham out of the bottom three for the first time in months, but their fight wasn't over. On the final day of the season, Fulham traveled to Portsmouth needing a win to guarantee safety, as both Reading and Birmingham had winnable home fixtures. With less than 15 minutes remaining at Fratton Park and the game scoreless, Danny Murphy headed in the decisive goal that preserved Fulham's Premier League status. The "Great Escape" was complete—Fulham had won four of their final five matches, including three away from home, to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
For McBride, the Birmingham goal represented a perfect punctuation mark on his Fulham career. On May 28, he announced he would be leaving to return to the United States. After 154 appearances and 41 club goals, the American earned legendary status. His selfless play, aerial dominance, and unfailing courage—most memorably displayed when he played on with blood streaming down his face after receiving stitches against Roma in the 2003 UEFA Cup—had made him one of the most respected foreign players in Premier League history.
Chicago beckoned for McBride as he sought to end his career in his hometown. Despite Toronto FC holding the top allocation spot for returning U.S. internationals, the Fire secured his services in a trade on July 30.
McBride's Fulham legacy remained special. The club would later name the pub in the Hammersmith End of Craven Cottage "McBride's" in his honor—a testament to the American who became the beating heart of the Cottagers during his four-and-a-half seasons by the Thames.
Americans Primed for Key Roles as Juventus Faces Bologna in Serie A Showdown
This Sunday's crucial clash between fourth-placed Juventus and fifth-placed Bologna at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium features two American internationals in significant roles for the Bianconeri as they battle for Champions League positioning.
Tim Weah could start at right-back in Igor Tudor's 4-3-2-1 formation, continuing his versatile role since the coaching change. Initially signed as an attacking winger, Weah has adapted admirably to defensive responsibilities while providing attacking width.
Weston McKennie remains a midfield mainstay despite nearly being sold last summer. The resurgent American has earned a contract extension through 2026 and is reportedly in discussions for a further two-year deal that would keep him at the Allianz Stadium until 2028. His box-to-box presence will be vital alongside Locatelli and Khephren Thuram in midfield.
The historical context favors Juventus, who are unbeaten in their last 25 Serie A matches against Bologna (17W, 8D) - their longest current unbeaten streak against any opponent. However, Bologna presents a formidable challenge, earning more home points (23) than any other Serie A club in 2025.
With Randal Kolo-Muani leading the attack after ending his scoring drought, Juventus will rely on their American contingent to help maintain their impressive defensive record (16 clean sheets this season) while pushing for a victory that would strengthen their grip on a Champions League position.
After Missing Last Weekend, Fullback Available for Trip to Villa Park
Good news for Fulham as American left-back Antonee Robinson is available for selection ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The 26-year-old defender missed last weekend's thrilling 2-1 victory over Southampton due to a knee problem but has now recovered and returned to training.
Robinson's return is crucial for Marco Silva's side, who will still be without Rodrigo Muniz and Reiss Nelson due to muscle and thigh injuries, respectively. The USMNT international is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup, likely forming a defensive quartet alongside Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen and Kenny Tete.
Robinson's availability allows Ryan Sessegnon, who scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Southampton, to move further forward into an attacking role. The tactical flexibility provided by Robinson's return gives Silva more options as Fulham look to build on their impressive form.
Despite recent transfer speculation linking Robinson with a potential move to Liverpool as a replacement for the aging Andrew Robertson, the defender remains focused on helping Fulham finish the season strongly. His defensive stability and attacking contributions will be vital against an Aston Villa side still fighting for Champions League qualification.
On This Day in 2012, the Substitute Scored the Fifth in a Rout to Seal a Runner-Up Finish in the Scottish Premier League
Right before the 2011 Gold Cup, Alejandro Bedoya was added to the roster to replace Benny Feilhaber, who suffered an injury in an MLS match a week earlier. Bedoya, who had eight caps before the tournament, would grow into the tournament and start all three knockout round matches, including the 4-2 defeat to Mexico in the final. Because of these performances, Rangers came calling, and Bedoya would make the move to the Scottish Premier side.
Rangers had agreed with Bedoya’s current club, Orebro, about the transfer, and Bedoya signed a pre-contract agreement to join in January following the conclusion of the Allsvenskan season. But after Bedoya received his British work permit, Rangers manager Ally McCoist was adamant about signing the 24-year-old, and he pushed for Bedoya’s signing over the summer; he made the transfer on August 17 for an undisclosed fee. He made his Rangers debut 11 days later as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. By midseason, Bedoya would earn two starts and another five appearances off the bench as he struggled with injuries from the start of his time in Glasgow. Bedoya was even ill the day of his debut, spitting up blood toward the end of the match.
"I just have to try to fight through it and keep doing my best because I know I have what it takes to become an even better player here and do well for the club," he said about the injuries.
Bedoya was out for three months before returning to the starting XI for the March 17 defeat to Dundee United, where he played 83 minutes in central midfield. He would return to the bench for the next six league matches before finally substituting for Sone Aluko in the 75th minute on May 2 in the reverse fixture against Dundee.
The game was already in hand, up 4-0, when Bedoya stepped onto the field. Seven minutes later, Bedoya, coming off the left, drifted forward before receiving a through pass from fellow American Maurice Edu. Bedoya gets to the pass first and fires it past Dusan Pernis for the first of the match. It was Bedoya’s first goal in Scotland and his first goal in nearly a year.
That 5-0 win secured second place for Rangers, relinquishing the title to Celtic after winning it the previous season. Bedoya played in the last two matches of the season, coming off the bench in a goalless draw with Motherwell before providing an assist in a final-day victory over St. Johnstone. It would be the last action for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership as the club was placed into administration on Valentine’s Day and eventually dropped to the fourth tier. Like most first-teamers, Bedoya sought other clubs and returned to Sweden when he signed with Helsingborgs on August 10. Edu and Carlos Bocanegra, who signed in January, also left in the summer. Edu signed with Stoke City, and Bocanegra moved to Racing Santander on loan.
Bedoya rebounded in Sweden, but that didn’t translate back to the national team until the 2013 Gold Cup. Out of favor with new manager Jurgen Klinsmann, Bedoya eventually worked his way back into the picture, scoring his first goal for the US in a pre-tournament friendly against Guatemala. Just like in 2011, Bedoya improved as the tournament progressed and provided two assists in the semifinal and on Brek Shea’s winner in the final against Panama, though Landon Donovan may have had a touch.
Five Americans Facing Different Scenarios on the Final Day
As the EFL Championship concludes with a nail-biting finale this Saturday, several American stars find themselves in roles across the promotion and relegation battlegrounds.
Josh Sargent's 15-goal campaign has helped Norwich City secure their playoff position, with their spot already confirmed. Despite not needing points from their final match against relegated Cardiff City, Sargent will be looking to maintain his sharp form heading into the final day.
Haji Wright faces the most consequential match among his countrymen as Coventry City cling to the final playoff spot. Currently in sixth place but having stumbled with two consecutive losses, Wright's 12 goals this season have been vital. The American forward must deliver against Middlesbrough at home, knowing that only a win guarantees their playoff dream stays alive, with Millwall and Blackburn ready to pounce on any slip-up.
Ironically, Wright's playoff hopes could be derailed by fellow American Aidan Morris, whose Middlesbrough side sits ninth but still harbors playoff ambitions. Morris, with his impressive 92.2% pass accuracy, must help orchestrate an away victory at Coventry while hoping other results fall their way to sneak into the top six.
At already-relegated Cardiff City, Ethan Horvath will finish a disappointing season that sees the Bluebirds drop to League One.
Meanwhile, Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United are on the verge of glory, sitting top of the table. The creative midfielder's nine goals have helped Leeds reclaim first place, and they now only need to match Burnley's result against Millwall to be crowned champions after already securing automatic promotion.
On This Day in 2021, American Prodigy Reyna Shines in Dortmund's Cup Semifinal Triumph
The journey from American youth national team prospect to the German Bundesliga is becoming a well-worn path. Still, few have transitioned with the same natural grace as Giovanni Reyna. The 18-year-old midfielder's development at Borussia Dortmund took another significant leap forward in the 2021 DFB-Pokal Semifinal, when his first-half brace helped dismantle Holstein Kiel, propelling BVB toward their eventual cup triumph.
Reyna's 2020-21 season was steady growth and occasional brilliance. After becoming the second-youngest American to score in Bundesliga history with his first league goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach on September 19, the teenager had shown flashes of the technical prowess that prompted Dortmund to sign him from New York City FC's academy. His three-assist performance against SC Freiburg on October 3 had already etched his name in the record books as the youngest player ever to record a hat-trick of assists in Bundesliga history.
The son of former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna navigated the challenging transition from promising talent to regular contributor, appearing in 32 Bundesliga matches for Dortmund during the season. Though his playing time fluctuated—sometimes starting, sometimes appearing as a substitute—he had accumulated valuable minutes across multiple competitions, learning to adapt to different positions across the attack. His versatility saw him deployed as an attacking midfielder, right winger and left winger throughout the campaign.
It was fitting that interim manager Edin Terzic trusted Reyna for the May 1 semifinal against Holstein Kiel. The second division side captured Germany's imagination after eliminating defending champions Bayern Munich earlier in the competition. Still, Holstein Kiel faced Dortmund after having endured two COVID-19 quarantine periods that disrupted their training and match fitness.
In the 16th minute, Reyna opened the scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the box after receiving a precise pass from Jadon Sancho. The goal showcased his spatial awareness and clinical finishing ability, which belied his youth. Just seven minutes later, Reyna was in the right place at the right time, benefiting from Marco Reus's pressure on the Kiel goalkeeper and Raphael Guerreiro's clever backheel to tap home his second goal. The Americans' confidence proved prescient as Dortmund established complete control of the match, with Reus, Hazard, and Bellingham adding goals before halftime to complete the 5-0 rout.
Though the match was essentially decided by the interval, Reyna continued to impress with his movement and link-up play until he was substituted in the 45th minute, preserving his energy for the challenges ahead. The overwhelming victory was somewhat dampened by a serious knee injury to Mateu Morey later in the match, which cast a shadow over Dortmund's celebrations.
For Reyna, who had scored in the first round of the competition against MSV Duisburg in September, the semifinal represented his most impactful contribution to Dortmund's cup campaign. The two goals brought his season tally to six across all competitions, a respectable return for a teenager still adapting to the demands of European football.
The semifinal triumph set up a final showdown with RB Leipzig on May 13, where Dortmund would prevail 4-1 with goals from Haaland and Sancho. Though Reyna played just one minute in the final as a late substitute, his contribution to the cup run had been substantial. The victory gave Dortmund their fifth DFB-Pokal title and represented the first major trophy of Reyna's professional career.
The success also provided a fitting conclusion to Terzic's interim spell in charge before Marco Rose's arrival. At the same time, Reyna's performance throughout the campaign established him as one of the brightest young talents in European football. At 18, he had already accomplished what many American players only dream of – making a significant impact at an elite European club and lifting a major trophy.
For the son of a former U.S. soccer icon, it was another step toward creating his legacy, which continues to expand the boundaries of what American players can achieve in European football. While his journey was far from complete, that night in Kiel gave a glimpse of the immense potential that Reyna was beginning to fulfill on the biggest stages of German football.
On This Day in 1989, Ramos Scored the Winner, and Vanole Secured the Victory With a Penalty Save in World Cup Qualifying
On a crisp spring afternoon in St. Louis, the United States Men's National Team stood at a crossroads in their World Cup qualifying journey. Having not qualified for soccer's grandest stage since 1950, the Americans were under immense pressure, especially after being awarded hosting rights for the 1994 tournament. A loss at Costa Rica two weeks earlier had put them in a precarious position. Now, facing the same opponent on home soil, anything less than victory could derail their dreams of reaching Italia '90.
The United States entered this crucial qualifier with its back against the wall. In the CONCACAF qualifying tournament featuring five nations—the U.S., Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Trinidad and Tobago—only the top two would advance to Italy. Costa Rica had already accumulated four points from victories over Guatemala and the United States, giving them a significant early advantage.
Bob Gansler, appointed as U.S. head coach in January 1989, faced criticism after the team's lackluster performance in San José. Critics questioned whether the former Milwaukee Bavarians defender had the tactical acumen needed to guide American soccer onto the world stage. The team had played what Gansler himself described as "slow-motion" soccer in Costa Rica, lacking creativity and urgency.
Making matters worse, the Americans would be without their most creative player, Hugo Perez, who was nursing a stress fracture in his right leg. Team captain Rick Davis, recovering from knee surgery, was also unavailable. The pressure was palpable for a nation attempting to justify its controversial selection as 1994 World Cup hosts.
"This is the best chance we have to be in the finals for the first time since 1950," Davis had said before the match. "We must qualify for Italy next year to justify the fact we were given the World Cup for 1994."
Costa Rican federation president Longino Soto made no secret of their strategy: secure a draw and return home with a valuable point. Gansler had identified the team's primary challenge: breaking down Costa Rica's compact defense. "What we'll have to do is play quicker than we did in Costa Rica," he explained. "I'm talking about quick ball movement, not just people running around. We'll just have to get behind their defense in an effective way."
With its modest 8,500 capacity, St. Louis Soccer Park provided the intimate, pro-American atmosphere that U.S. Soccer had strategically sought for this April 30 match. Unlike previous matches against Mexico held in larger venues with predominantly opposing fans, this suburban setting gave the home team a true advantage. About a thousand Costa Rican supporters arrived hours before kickoff, turning a corner of the stadium into a miniature celebration with banners and firecrackers. Some had even attempted to sneak into the grounds the night before to ensure they wouldn't miss the action.
Both teams showed the nerves befitting such a crucial match from the opening whistle. In the first half, the Americans struggled to connect more than three consecutive passes outside Costa Rica's crowded penalty area. At the same time, the visitors displayed surprising aggression for a team playing for a draw. Just nine minutes into the match, Costa Rica thought they had taken the lead when Gilberto Rhoden fired a shot that appeared to deflect off his forward Juan Cayasso and past Vanole. However, Honduran referee Rodolfo Martinez Mejia waved it off for offside, much to the relief of the American supporters.
Ramos had the first real chance for the U.S. in the 15th minute with a blistering shot after a long throw-in by John Stollemeyer, but it sailed wide. Another opportunity came just before halftime when Bruce Murray unleashed a thundering free kick that cleared the crossbar. The Americans suffered a blow in the 43rd minute when Klopas, their most willing attacker, was forced off after a severe blow to the face and reaggravation of a leg injury that had limited his training during the week.
As the second half progressed, tension mounted across St. Louis Soccer Park. The United States struggled to break down Costa Rica's defense, but their persistence finally paid off in the 72nd minute. After a long ball forward, Murray headed a ball toward the top of the penalty arc, where Tab Ramos was waiting. The midfielder, born in Uruguay but representing his adopted homeland, volleyed a hard right-footed shot that deflected off a Costa Rican defender and found the low left corner of the net.
"It was my first (international) goal," Ramos said afterward. "I just hit it and then got lucky because it deflected in off a defender into the corner. It was a big goal for me."
The goal energized the team and the crowd, but Costa Rica wasn't finished. In the 77th minute, Hector Marchena appeared to equalize with a diving header, but the referee disallowed it for a handball in the penalty box—a decision that infuriated the Costa Rican bench.
"The second goal was a perfectly legitimate goal here or anywhere in the world," Costa Rica Coach Marvin Rodriguez protested after the match.
As the match entered its final moments, disaster nearly struck the Americans. Vanole came off his line to claim a cross but missed the ball entirely, leaving the net exposed. Costa Rican midfielder Alvaro Solano connected with the ball and fired toward the empty goal. U.S. defender Steve Trittschuh, seeing no alternative, decided to handle the ball on the goal line, preventing a certain equalizer but conceding a penalty kick in the dying seconds.
"I had to stop the shot," Trittschuh explained later. "I had to make them earn it."
With no time left on the scoreboard, Costa Rica's Mauricio Montero stepped up to take the penalty. The stadium fell silent as he placed the ball on the spot. Unlike most goalkeepers who guess a direction and dive, Vanole—who had only learned that morning that he would start over Jeff Duback—stood his ground.
"I read what he'd do (on the scout-ing report)," Vanole recounted. "He's a defender, and I knew he'd shoot it down the middle. I was fortunate. He hit me in the chest."
The ball struck Vanole squarely in the midsection, and he quickly smothered the rebound before booting it away in jubilation.
"The penalty kick resulted from a mistake I made by not punching the ball on the cross," Vanole admitted. "I didn't play the ball right. The pressure was completely on their player. I sensed what he was going to do. Obviously, he was going to hammer the ball right at me because he is that type of player."
The victory gave the United States its first two points in the qualifying tournament, keeping them in contention for one of the two coveted spots for Italy in 1990. Costa Rica remained atop the group with four points from four matches, while the U.S. joined Guatemala with two points from two games. El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago had yet to play.
"This is a feeling we haven't had for a while," Ramos said after the match. "It was just a matter of time for us getting that first goal. Now we have our confidence for the next game."
The Americans would next face Trinidad and Tobago on May 13 in Torrance, California—the first match for the Caribbean nation in the final round. Despite the victory, Gansler remained cautious about his team's prospects. "I feel we have some potential, and we can get better, but to put the favorite role on us is incorrect," he said.
With the qualification tournament set to conclude on November 26, after each nation had played eight games, the road to Italia '90 remained long and uncertain. But on this day in St. Louis, a goal from Tab Ramos and a heroic save by David Vanole had given American soccer something it desperately needed: hope.
