DeMerit's Header to Premier League Glory

On This Day in 2006, the Un-Capped Defender Nodded Home Watford's Opener in the Championship Play-off Final

An unheralded American defender found himself leaping above the chaos of the 2006 Championship Play-off Final, and his powerful header was destined to make history. Jay DeMerit, a Wisconsin native who once tended bar to make ends meet, had risen from the ninth tier of English football to score arguably the most important goal in Watford Football Club's recent history (or at least pre-Troy Deeney). His journey from small-town America to Wembley glory embodied the quintessential underdog story that sports fans treasure.

DeMerit's path to professional soccer was anything but conventional. A three-sport athlete at Bay Port High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin, DeMerit excelled in basketball and track alongside soccer before graduating in 1998. His collegiate career at the University of Illinois at Chicago saw him transition from forward to defender, helping lead the Flames to their first NCAA playoff appearance in 2000. Despite playing with the Chicago Fire's development team, no Major League Soccer clubs came calling after graduation.

Facing limited prospects at home, DeMerit made a bold decision that would define his career. With just under two grand in his pocket and a European Union work permit (courtesy of his Danish grandfather), he traveled to England in 2003 to pursue his professional dreams. The early days were humble, to say the least.

"I had about $1,800 when I came over, which translates to about 900 pounds, so I started to enjoy eating beans on toast," DeMerit would later tell English journalists, reflecting on his arrival in London.

He began his English odyssey with ninth-tier Southall, earning a meager £40 per week. By July 2004, he had progressed to Northwood in the seventh tier. Fortune finally smiled on DeMerit when Northwood played a pre-season friendly against Championship side Watford. His performance impressed then-Watford manager Ray Lewington enough to earn a two-week trial, culminating in a one-year contract for the 2004-05 season.

DeMerit's rapid rise at Watford continued when he signed a contract extension in November 2004, keeping him with the club until 2007. "He's forced us to give him another contract because he's done so well," Lewington explained. "He's one of those people that you know will make it - it's a question of when rather than if with Jay. I think he's going to be a top player."

The 2005-06 season began with modest expectations for Watford. Most pundits predicted a relegation battle. However, the Hornets defied expectations under new manager Adrian Boothroyd—a young, innovative coach who had briefly worked with DeMerit's future playoff opponents, Leeds United. Maintaining strong form throughout the campaign, they secured third place in the Championship, earning a spot in the promotion playoffs.

As the playoff final approached, the stakes could not have been higher. The winner would ascend to the Premier League—with its glamorous matchups against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal—while the loser faced another grueling season in England's second tier. Promotion wasn't merely about prestige for clubs like Watford and Leeds; the financial implications were enormous, with the match widely described as a "£30 million game."

DeMerit wasn't the only American with dreams of Premier League football that day. Leeds United featured U.S. national team stalwart Eddie Lewis, who had already been named to Bruce Arena's 2006 World Cup squad. While Lewis prepared to join his national teammates for the tournament in Germany, DeMerit, who had never represented the U.S. at any level, knew a strong performance might finally put him on the international radar.

The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff welcomed 64,000 fans for the Championship playoff final on May 21. The playing surface, badly cut up after hosting rugby union's Heineken Cup final the previous day, created challenging conditions that favored Watford's direct approach over Leeds' more possession-based style. Both teams started brightly. In the opening minute, Watford striker Darius Henderson failed to make clean contact on a close-range header from a corner, while Leeds midfielder Shaun Derry saw his goal-bound shot deflected around the post. The frantic early exchanges reflected the enormity of the occasion.

Then, 24 minutes into the match, came DeMerit's defining moment. When Ashley Young prepared to deliver an inswinging corner, DeMerit made a split-second decision that would change his life.

"I kind of trot up, and I start my run. And normally, I make a near post run, that's normally my run that I'll do on corner kicks, but for some reason, I decided not to make that run, so I kind of faked that I would do that and then came around the back," DeMerit recalled years later. "Ashley Young whipped in a great cross right to where I was going, and I remember just nothing else mattered. I remember thinking, just look at the ball, and I remember, of course, the atmosphere, 70,000 people, you know there's 22 guys on the pitch, and I don't remember one of them when I saw that ball coming in. I just remember coming in, looking at the ball, and just making sure I hit it square, and I dove in and bang."

The powerful header sailed past Leeds goalkeeper Neil Sullivan, sending the Watford supporters into raptures. The goal settled Watford and allowed them to retain midfield possession while continuing to threaten from set pieces. As halftime approached, Leeds had a penalty appeal turned down when Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster appeared to push Paul Butler, and Eddie Lewis fired a free kick narrowly over the crossbar.

Watford began the second half with the same intensity they had shown in the first, with Henderson testing Sullivan with a fierce strike. Their lead doubled in the 57th minute through a fortunate deflection when James Chambers' shot looped off Lewis, hit the post, and went in off Sullivan. The bizarre own goal gave Watford a commanding advantage.

Leeds pushed desperately for a way back into the match, with Derry's header cleared off the line by Jordan Stewart in the 70th minute. But Watford sealed their Premier League promotion in the 83rd minute when Henderson calmly converted a penalty after Derry fouled Marlon King in the area.

As the final whistle blew on the 3-0 victory, DeMerit was named Man of the Match for his commanding defensive performance and crucial opening goal. The American defender who had once worked as a bartender had completed his remarkable rise, helping Watford return to the top flight for the first time since 2000.

"We've worked so hard all season, and today the boys came together," DeMerit said after the match. "It was a team effort, the fans got behind us, and we did the job. The first goal was very important; it's always good to get a good start. We started well and put them under pressure. We held on until halftime, which was crucial."

His family—mother Karen, father John, and brother Todd—had traveled from Wisconsin to witness his triumph. "It is a tribute to them for supporting me, and it is a tribute to everyone who enjoyed the ride," Jay reflected. "I am glad they got to experience it."

Watford's young manager, Boothroyd, was bullish about his team's Premier League prospects. "I know we're going to be favourites to go down," he said, "but that's okay. We won't go down. If I started to think about that, that's what will happen. It would be a self-fulfilling prophecy."

For DeMerit, Premier League promotion meant joining a growing contingent of Americans in England's top flight, including national team members Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann (Reading), Claudio Reyna (Manchester City), Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham), Brad Friedel (Blackburn), and Tim Howard (Everton).

The playoff final hero uniquely celebrated his achievement, releasing a charity single in October 2006 titled "Soccer Rocks" through friends who ran an independent record label in Minneapolis. The song, including a reference to Watford's most famous supporter, Elton John, was sold through the club shop to benefit Cancer Research.

"It's crazy! It's really kind of funny, though," DeMerit said of his musical endeavor. "I don't care that I'm being made fun of because it's something fun. It came off and it's something for the fans to enjoy—not to critique."

While Watford would ultimately struggle in their Premier League campaign, finishing bottom and returning to the Championship after a single season, DeMerit's performances against England's elite caught the attention of U.S. national team coaches. He would make his international debut in March 2007, embark on a 25-cap career with the national team, and eventually represent his country at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

For a player once earning £40 per week in England's ninth tier, DeMerit's powerful header at the Millennium Stadium represented more than just the opening goal in a crucial match. It was the culmination of an against-all-odds journey and the moment that transformed a football dreamer into a Premier League player and international defender.

Pochettino Names 60-Man Roster

Manager Releases Preliminary Gold Cup Roster for Final Test Before World Cup

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled his 60-player preliminary roster for this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, marking the team's final competitive tournament before co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The extensive list features both established stars and intriguing newcomers as Pochettino looks to reshape the squad following disappointing performances in the Nations League.

Christian Pulisic headlines the roster after enjoying a career-best season with AC Milan, scoring 17 goals with one game remaining. The star winger hasn't featured in a Gold Cup since 2019, signaling Pochettino's intent to field a strong team in this crucial preparatory tournament. Pulisic is joined by fellow European-based talents including Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Yunus Musah, and FA Cup winner Chris Richards.

Several regular starters are unavailable due to the concurrent FIFA Club World Cup, with Juventus teammates Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, plus Borussia Dortmund's Gio Reyna, all absent as their clubs have priority for the expanded competition. Ricardo Pepi will also miss out as he continues rehabilitation from his serious knee injury.

Pochettino's roster includes several intriguing newcomers and returning faces. Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, earned his spot after an outstanding season with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Richy Ledezma returns to the fold despite previously not making the Nations League roster and remains eligible to represent Mexico. Another notable inclusion is German-American forward Damion Downs.

In goal, veterans Matt Turner and Zack Steffen are joined by uncapped prospects Chris Brady, Matthew Freese, and Barcelona youngster Diego Kochen, suggesting potential competition for the starting position.

The final 26-man roster must be submitted to CONCACAF by June 4. The Americans will prepare with friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland in early June before beginning their Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15 in San Jose, California. The tournament represents Pochettino's best opportunity to implement changes before the World Cup and pursue his first trophy with the national team since taking charge.

McKennie Injured

Midfielder's Key Role in Juventus' Champions League Push Cut Short by Injury

Weston McKennie delivered another industrious performance in Juventus' crucial 2-0 victory over Udinese at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday. However, his contribution was unfortunately cut short by a concerning injury in the closing stages of the match.

The American midfielder was central to Igor Tudor's game plan, helping the Bianconeri control possession and dictate the tempo throughout the contest. McKennie's box-to-box presence was evident as he registered two shots, created three scoring chances, and made two critical interceptions before his forced departure in the 81st minute.

While Nico Gonzalez and Dusan Vlahovic grabbed the headlines with their goals, McKennie's work in midfield provided the platform for Juventus to maintain pressure throughout the match, particularly during a dominant second half.

The midfielder's afternoon took an unfortunate turn in the 76th minute when Udinese defender Thomas Thiesson Kristensen clattered into him with a late challenge that earned the defender a yellow card. Medical staff immediately attended to McKennie, who appeared to be in significant discomfort as trainers examined his right knee. Though he initially tried to continue, the American soon signaled he could not carry on and was replaced by Douglas Luiz.

The timing of the injury raises concerns for both Juventus and McKennie personally. The Bianconeri face a season-defining finale against Venezia next Sunday, where a win would secure Champions League qualification. McKennie's status for this crucial match now appears doubtful.

The injury also casts a shadow over McKennie's summer plans. While he was notably absent from the USMNT's preliminary Gold Cup roster announced Monday, he was expected to play a significant role in Juventus' Club World Cup campaign beginning June 18 against Al Ain. With Khephren Thuram, Nicolo Savona, and Pierre Kalulu all returning from suspension for the Venezia match, Tudor will have reinforcements available should McKennie be unavailable for the season finale.

Richards Helps Palace Win FA Cup

 American Stars Richards and Turner Celebrate Historic FA Cup Victory with Crystal Palace

In a historic moment for Crystal Palace and American soccer, defender Chris Richards and goalkeeper Matt Turner became part of FA Cup lore as the Eagles captured their first major trophy in the club's 120-year history with a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.

Richards played a crucial role in Palace's rock-solid defense that conceded just one goal throughout their entire FA Cup campaign. The Alabama native's commanding presence helped neutralize City's formidable attack led by Erling Haaland, as Palace executed manager Oliver Glasner's counter-attacking strategy to perfection.

"It means a lot," Richards told ESPN after the match. "Growing up, I never watched the FA Cup. I'm from Alabama, so we definitely didn't have that on TV. Being able to not just do it for Americans, but also for the kids back home who have a dream of playing over here—it means the world to me."

While Turner was an unused substitute behind hero Dean Henderson, who dramatically saved Omar Marmoush's penalty after a controversial handball incident, the American goalkeeper became just the third U.S. player to earn an FA Cup winner's medal, joining Richards and Manchester United's Tim Howard (2004).

The victory was delightful for Richards, who overcame early-season struggles to cement himself as a key defender in Palace's backline. "I think we had a tough start to the season, but we turned it around pretty quickly and fully deserved it," Richards said amid the celebrations.

The American duo was ecstatic about bringing European football to Selhurst Park next season, with Palace qualifying for the Europa League as FA Cup champions. "We brought this club to where it deserves, and these fans deserve Europe," Turner remarked, while Richards admitted he hadn't even considered European qualification: "I wasn't even thinking about Europe! I just wanted to win a trophy."

With this triumph, Richards and Turner now turn their attention to summer international duty, hoping to continue their winning ways with the U.S. Men's National Team at the upcoming Gold Cup.

Tillman Scores as PSV are Crowned Champions

 American Stars Help PSV Clinch Dramatic Eredivisie Title

In a thrilling conclusion to the Dutch Eredivisie season, PSV Eindhoven captured their 26th league championship with a tense 3-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, successfully holding off a late-season challenge from rivals Ajax. U.S. Men's National Team stars played pivotal roles in the triumph, with Malik Tillman scoring the decisive goal and Sergino Dest completing a remarkable comeback from injury to contribute to the title-clinching victory.

The dramatic final day saw PSV enter just one point ahead of Ajax, making a win imperative to secure the championship. When Sparta Rotterdam equalized early in the second half, momentum momentarily shifted to Ajax, who briefly claimed the virtual top spot. However, veteran striker Luuk de Jong quickly restored PSV's lead, and it was Tillman who sealed the championship with a well-timed run into the box to convert a headed pass from Guus Til.

The goal marked Tillman's 15th of the season across all competitions, capping off an outstanding campaign for the 22-year-old American midfielder, who also contributed five assists. His performance throughout the season has generated significant transfer interest, with reports suggesting PSV has placed a €50 million price tag on the talented playmaker, who has attracted attention from Premier League clubs and Serie A's Atalanta.

Dest's contribution was equally remarkable, as the right back played the full 90 minutes of the title-clinching match. His appearance completed an inspiring comeback story after suffering an ACL tear earlier in the season. Dest returned to action in March and featured in seven crucial matches during PSV's championship run.

Fellow American Ricardo Pepi, though sidelined since January with a knee injury, was very much part of the celebration. The striker had made significant contributions before his injury, scoring 17 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.

Under manager Peter Bosz, PSV completed a remarkable turnaround in the title race. Ajax had built a nine-point lead with just seven games remaining in the season, only to collapse spectacularly while PSV won their final seven matches. The championship ensures PSV will return to the UEFA Champions League next season, a fitting reward for a campaign that showcased both resilience and the growing influence of American talent in European football.

Halfway Home in 1986 World Cup Qualifying

On This Day in 1985, The US Took Critical Steps Toward the World Cup with Consecutive Wins Over Trinidad and Tobago

For thirty-five years, American soccer had wandered in the wilderness. Since 1950, when a ragtag group of semi-professionals shocked mighty England in Brazil, the United States had not qualified for soccer's grandest tournament. Through decades of failed campaigns and diminishing hopes, the World Cup remained a distant dream for a nation where the beautiful game struggled for relevance. By 1985, with professional outdoor soccer leagues collapsing and the indoor game dominating what little soccer infrastructure existed, the drought had become more than a statistic—it was a painful reminder of America's isolation from the global game.

But in May 1985, a flicker of hope emerged on the long road to Mexico '86. The United States Men's National Team, assembled from scattered indoor leagues and college programs, found itself with a precious opportunity to change the narrative. Coach Alkis Panagoulias, a Greek tactician tasked with the seemingly impossible job of qualifying from the competitive CONCACAF region, knew what was at stake: "The whole future of outdoor soccer in America rests with our World Cup team," he declared. "If we fail, I feel outdoor soccer is doomed."

The Americans had navigated through the preliminary rounds of CONCACAF qualifying to reach this critical second-round group featuring Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica. With the format sending only the group winner forward to face Honduras and Canada in the final qualifying round, the stakes could not have been higher for coach Alkis Panagoulias and his squad assembled from indoor and outdoor leagues across the country.

The qualifying series against Trinidad and Tobago began on May 15 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, where 15,823 fans gathered to witness a contest that lacked the electric atmosphere characteristic of World Cup qualifiers in many nations. Despite the subdued environment, the match would produce a dramatic conclusion that rekindled hope for American soccer.

Trinidad and Tobago shocked the crowd early, taking the lead 18 minutes and 41 seconds into the match. The sequence began when Erhardt Kapp's pass was intercepted during an American attack, leading to a swift counter. Julian Garcia picked off the errant pass and launched a long ball toward Adrian Fonrose. American stopper Jeff Durgan leaped but failed to intercept, allowing Fonrose to collect the ball and chip it over goalkeeper David Brcic, a St. Louis native making his start on home soil.

The Americans responded quickly, equalizing just five minutes later. Chico Borja found the net after 23 minutes and 20 seconds, converting a cross from Hugo Perez, who had received a precise long pass from Perry Van Der Beck on the right wing. Borja beat Trinidad goalkeeper Michael Maurice under the roof of the net, bringing the home crowd back to life. As the match progressed into the second half, Trinidad and Tobago's strategy of catching the Americans in offside positions repeatedly frustrated the hosts. The most significant chance came in the 74th minute when Kelvin Jones cleared Borja's shot off the goal line, preserving the deadlock.

With the match seemingly destined for a draw, Mark Peterson delivered a moment of magic with just 1 minute and 40 seconds remaining. The Tacoma, Washington native volleyed a right-footed shot from 18 yards after receiving a pass from Erhardt Kapp on the left side. Though Maurice got his hands on the relatively weak shot, the ball slipped through his grasp, struck the inside of the right post, and trickled across the line.

"It's always been my dream to score a goal in a World Cup game," Peterson said afterward. "When it proves to be the winning goal, it means so much more. Erhardt gave me a good pass, and I just volleyed it."

The dramatic victory gave the United States a crucial advantage in its qualifying campaign. Still, with a second match against Trinidad and Tobago looming just four days later, Panagoulias knew his team would need to be sharper.

The scene shifted to El Camino College in Torrance, California, on May 19, where a disappointingly small crowd of just 6,511 gathered to witness the second leg of the qualifying series. Trinidad and Tobago, now mathematically eliminated from advancing after a loss and a draw to Costa Rica in late April, were playing for "national pride," according to coach Roderick Warner. The visitors also had additional motivation—they felt robbed of a penalty decision in the first match and were disappointed that financial difficulties had forced their federation to sell their home game to the United States for a reported $40,000.

Panagoulias made several strategic adjustments to his lineup, replacing defenders Jeff Durgan and Kapp and midfielder Charlie Fajkus. In their places came UCLA's Paul Caligiuri and 19-year-old Mike Windischmann on defense, while Van der Beck moved from defense to midfield, replaced in the back by Gregg Thompson.

The changes paid dividends just 15 minutes into the match. After a period of early American pressure, Thompson played a short corner to Van Der Beck, who floated a crossing pass into the goalmouth. Moving forward from his defensive position, Caligiuri escaped his marker and rose to meet the ball with a sharp header that caught Trinidad goalkeeper Michael Maurice slightly out of position. Despite a desperate dive, Maurice could not prevent the ball from finding the far corner.

"You have to be prepared when the chances present themselves, no matter what your position," Caligiuri said afterward. "Perry hit a great, great cross."

The goal was significant for Caligiuri, coming in his first World Cup qualifying start in his hometown. Though he had appeared as a substitute in the St. Louis match, this was his moment to shine before a home crowd.

The Americans could not extend their lead despite creating half a dozen clear scoring opportunities. Trinidad and Tobago's Maurice played brilliantly in goal, repeatedly frustrating the U.S. forwards with exceptional saves throughout the second half. The Americans even squandered a penalty kick late in the match when Perez failed to convert after Ricky Davis was brought down in the penalty area.

At the other end, U.S. goalkeeper Arnold Mausser, who replaced David Brcic from the first match, was called upon to make one crucial save. "I had it all the way," Mausser said after flinging himself to his right to grab a dangerous header from Trinidad's Garnet Craig. "I was very comfortable with it. I got two hands on it, so I knew I was in good shape."

Though the Americans prevailed 1-0, Trinidad and Tobago's coach Warner offered a sobering assessment: "I was not particularly impressed by the USA. Please respect my frankness, but they are not World Cup material."

With the back-to-back victories, the United States moved to the top of their qualifying group with four points from two matches, putting them in a prime position to advance to the final qualifying round. Costa Rica, with three points, remained close behind.

The Americans now faced a crucial home-and-away series against Costa Rica—first in San Jose, Costa Rica, on May 26, and then back in Los Angeles on May 31. A victory in either match would secure the Americans' place in the September final qualifying round against Canada and Honduras.

For a nation that had failed to qualify for the World Cup since 1950, these matches represented more than just games. As Panagoulias dramatically stated after the first win: "We performed a miracle tonight. We have no outdoor soccer. The only outdoor team we have is our national team. The whole future of outdoor soccer in America rests with our World Cup team. If we fail, I feel outdoor soccer is doomed."

The stakes could not have been higher for American soccer, a sport fighting for relevance in a crowded sports landscape. With professional outdoor leagues struggling for survival, the national team's World Cup qualifying campaign carried the hopes of an entire sport on its shoulders. As the team prepared for the decisive matches against Costa Rica, the players understood that the journey to Mexico '86 was far from over. But for now, the dream remained very much alive on the strength of Peterson's dramatic winner in St. Louis and Caligiuri's header in Torrance.

Americans and PSV Poised for Eredivisie Glory

Midweek Drama Leads to PSV in the Driver's Seat on the Final Day

PSV Eindhoven stands on the verge of completing a remarkable title turnaround in the Dutch Eredivisie, with American internationals Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest playing crucial roles in their championship push. After trailing Ajax by nine points with just five matches remaining, PSV has seized control of the title race dramatically.

Wednesday's fixtures proved pivotal in the championship battle as PSV demolished Heracles Almelo 4-1 at the Philips Stadion while Ajax stumbled to a 2-2 draw against Groningen after conceding a heartbreaking equalizer nine minutes into stoppage time.

American midfielder Tillman was the star of the show for PSV, netting twice in their comprehensive victory. His clinical finishing helped Peter Bosz's side leapfrog their rivals into a one-point lead at the top of the table with just one match remaining. Meanwhile, fullback Dest continued his impressive form since returning from injury, providing an assist in the victory.

"It's something you wouldn't even dare to dream," admitted PSV captain Luuk de Jong after the match, reflecting on their incredible comeback.

PSV now need just a victory against 11th-placed Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday to secure the Eredivisie crown, regardless of Ajax's result against Twente. With six consecutive wins and 22 goals scored in their last six matches, PSV appears ready to help deliver a championship that seemed impossible just weeks ago.

Americans in the Bundesliga

A Couple of Head-to-Head Matches on the Final Day

Saturday marks an intriguing finale to the Bundesliga season, featuring several American players facing off against each other. In a unique coincidence, John Tolkin of Holstein Kiel will meet Gio Reyna's Dortmund, while Joe Scally's Borussia Mönchengladbach hosts Wolfsburg, where Kevin Paredes is on the roster.

Though Kiel's relegation is already confirmed after their 2-1 defeat to Freiburg last weekend, Tolkin has been a bright spot since joining from New York Red Bulls in January. The 22-year-old left-back has started eight matches for the Storks, who will look to end their maiden Bundesliga campaign with dignity against Champions League-chasing Dortmund.

Meanwhile, Reyna's frustrating season continues at Dortmund, where he's made just 15 appearances with only three starts. Despite being part of a Dortmund side that's surged back into Champions League contention with just one defeat in their last seven matches, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been an unused substitute in recent games.

In Mönchengladbach, Scally has been one of the few consistent performers for Die Fohlen during their disappointing campaign. The right-back has started 30 of 31 appearances this season, though Gladbach's European hopes have vanished following a poor run of form (0-2-4) in recent weeks.

Scally won't face his injured compatriot Paredes, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue for Wolfsburg's trip to Borussia-Park. The 21-year-old winger has struggled with injuries this season, making just two appearances since returning from a foot problem.

Richards and the FA Cup Final

Defender Should Start as Crystal Palace Tries to Win First Major Trophy

As Crystal Palace prepare to face Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final, American defender Chris Richards stands on the verge of making history. If Palace triumph at Wembley, Richards would become just the third American player to win the prestigious trophy in its 153-year history, following Tim Howard (Manchester United, 2004) and Julian Sturgis (Wanderers, 1873).

The 25-year-old Alabama native has overcome significant challenges this season, battling back from injury and reinserting himself in the Palace starting XI. He hasn't missed a match since being left on the bench for the Boxing Day draw with Bournemouth.

Richards brings a traditional defender's mentality to Palace's back three alongside Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix: "I would rather have a shut-out than connect a pass the whole game. I like getting stuck in, I like getting physical, I like slide-tackles, I like headers, I like being what a defender is."

Palace face a formidable challenge against Manchester City, who are desperate to avoid their first trophyless season since 2016/17. While City are clear favorites, Palace can take confidence from their spirited 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park in December and their impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-finals. Manager Oliver Glasner believes his side is ready to upset the odds and claim the club's first major trophy in their history.

Pre-World Cup Win Over Jamaica

On This Day in 2002, a Few Injury Scares Tempered a Rout in the Penultimate Match Leading Into the World Cup

With the World Cup just three weeks away, the United States Men's National Team navigated a series of dramatic developments that threatened to disrupt years of careful planning. Coach Bruce Arena's squad had been forced to confront the loss of a key starter, celebrate the career of an American soccer pioneer, and manage the integration of players returning from European leagues – all while trying to finalize preparations for soccer's global showcase.

The most significant blow came during Sunday's 2-1 victory over Uruguay in Washington, when defensive midfielder Chris Armas tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The injury, which occurred without contact as Armas tracked Uruguay's Fabian O'Neill on the right wing, ended the 29-year-old veteran's World Cup dreams.

"I'm extremely disappointed," said Armas. "It was a very odd play, a movement that I have made a thousand times. I had just planted my right foot, and I felt the knee go."

It marked the second time a knee injury had prevented the popular midfielder from representing his country in a major tournament, after a sprained ligament in his left knee forced him to withdraw from the 2000 Olympic team. Though slight in stature at 5 feet 7 inches and 150 pounds, Armas had been a steadying presence in midfield, maintaining proper positioning, winning balls, and distributing them efficiently. He had made 46 appearances with the national team since 1998.

With several options for replacing Armas—including Pablo Mastroeni, Claudio Reyna, John O'Brien and Tony Sanneh—Arena faced difficult tactical decisions. Armas's absence further tainted an already vulnerable defense, particularly after outside backs Sanneh and David Regis struggled against Uruguay.

Meanwhile, the team gathered at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark on Tuesday to witness the retirement announcement of Tab Ramos, one of American soccer's pioneering figures. Though not on the 2002 World Cup roster, Ramos had represented the U.S. in three previous World Cups ('90, '94, '98) and was the first player signed by Major League Soccer in 1996.

"I've lived a dream," said the 35-year-old Ramos. "It's time to get on with my life and enjoy my kids and family more. There is no hesitation or second thoughts." For the current national team players in attendance – several of whom had grown up watching Ramos – the ceremony provided perspective on the fleeting nature of international careers and the significance of the opportunity that awaited them in South Korea.

As Thursday's match against Jamaica approached, Arena's squad was further bolstered by the arrival of several European-based players, including Reyna, O'Brien, Eddie Lewis and goalkeeper Kasey Keller. The team also welcomed back striker Brian McBride, who had overcome serious health challenges to secure his place on the World Cup roster.

McBride, 29, had twice had shattered cheekbones reconstructed and undergone two operations for a rare clotting disorder in his right arm since the last tournament. He had finally regained full health after spending 10 days in the hospital and two and a half months on blood thinners following his most recent surgery.

"It's your job; you're going to get hit in the upper body and the face," McBride said of his injuries. "You put it behind you. You can't afford to be tentative."

With these storylines swirling around the team for this May 16 friendly, Arena made 10 changes to the lineup that had defeated Uruguay. Reyna stepped into Armas's position in defensive midfield for the Jamaica match, though he appeared sluggish after playing over the weekend with Sunderland in the English Premier League. Against this backdrop of controversy and concern, the Americans delivered a stunning offensive display at Giants Stadium, overwhelming Jamaica 5-0 before 30,659 spectators.

Josh Wolff scored twice, while Clint Mathis, DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan added goals for the counterattacking Americans. More impressively, the 20-year-old Donovan delivered two assists in addition to his goal, demonstrating the creative playmaking ability that had soccer experts predicting stardom for the young forward.

"We've been focusing on getting guys around the ball, getting it and going forward," said Wolff, whose speed proved troublesome for the Jamaican defense all evening. "We have a good mentality, and we get after guys."

The American attack finally came alive in the 32nd minute when Donovan stole a ball near midfield and pushed it ahead on the right flank to Joe-Max Moore. The veteran sprinted into the penalty area and lofted a cross to the fleet Wolff, who timed his run perfectly and finished with a diving header inside the left post. Mathis raised his energy level after halftime when he entered as an attacking midfielder. In the 47th minute, Donovan played a through ball to Wolff, who crossed to Mathis. From the top of the penalty area, Mathis buried the shot to give the United States a 2-0 lead.

For those brief 18 minutes before his injury, it was captivating to watch Mathis and Wolff working in tandem. In the 60th minute, Donovan tapped the ball at the top of the penalty box to Wolff, who lashed it inside the left post for a 3-0 lead. The advantage swelled to 4-0 in the 84th minute when Donovan ran onto a pass from Lewis and placed a left-footed shot beneath the diving Jamaican goalkeeper, Aaron Lawrence. Beasley, the 19-year-old who had impressed against Uruguay, scored the final goal on an assist from Lewis in the 92nd minute.

But victory came at a cost. In the 51st minute, goalkeeper Kasey Keller left the game after sustaining a contusion below his left knee in a collision with Jamaica's Deon Burton. In the 63rd minute, Mathis limped off after having the nail shattered on his right big toe. Greg Vanney, a roster alternate who started at left back, retired in the 46th minute after spraining his left knee during a rough tackle.

"I'll be all right," Mathis said afterward, explaining that he believed a Jamaican defender had stepped on his toe as he scored. "It started feeling worse and worse, like the toe was going to blow up."

The early medical reports proved encouraging. Keller's injury occurred below the knee, not on the kneecap. "Everything is really stable inside the kneecap," Keller reported. "Had this been a World Cup match, I might have remained in the game."

Three days later, the Americans received a sobering reality check when they faced the Netherlands in their final World Cup tuneup match in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Despite not qualifying for the World Cup, the ninth-ranked Dutch team – featuring stars who play for elite European clubs like Juventus, Barcelona and Lazio – handed the U.S. a 2-0 defeat that provided valuable perspective.

"In 1998, it was men against boys," said Arena, referencing a previous exhibition loss to the Dutch during the last World Cup cycle. "This was a real good game."

The caliber of opposition forced the Americans to elevate their game. Several players, particularly the 19-year-old Beasley, showed remarkable progress. The Dutch knocked Beasley down nine times but kept bouncing back with increasingly sophisticated moves that would have been beyond his capabilities even a month earlier.

Dutch coach Dick Advocaat offered a balanced assessment after the match: "They created a lot of chances against Holland and they should do well. In a way, this was good for them. They beat Uruguay, 2-1, and they beat Jamaica, 5-0. This shows that going to the World Cup, you have to do better."

With injuries reportedly less severe than initially feared – Mathis featured for 56 minutes against the Netherlands despite his sore toe – the Americans could now look ahead to their World Cup opener cautiously. Arena filled the final roster spot left vacant by Armas's injury with Steve Cherundolo, a diminutive right back recalled from California.

The defense remained a concern. The first Dutch goal came when Roy Makaay wriggled behind Eddie Pope in the 45th minute, and the second after David Regis and Gregg Berhalter allowed Andy van der Meyde to get behind them in the 76th minute. But the emergence of young talents like Beasley, Donovan, and the recovered Wolff, combined with Mathis's scoring instincts, gave the Americans attacking options they had rarely enjoyed in previous World Cup campaigns.

"The kids are all right," as George Vescey of the NY Times noted for the American squad heading to the biggest sports tournament in the world, that might have been the most encouraging sign of all.