First Olympic Victory

On This Day in 1924, Stradan's Penalty Propels America to Olympic Victory

American soccer was at a crucial crossroads as the United States Men's National Team prepared for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. The sport was experiencing growth at both professional and amateur levels, with the American Soccer League gaining momentum and a new National Amateur Cup competition initiated in the 1923-24 season. Despite not participating in the first Olympics after World War I, the United States Football Association (USFA) was determined to make its mark on the international stage in Paris.

The road to Olympic participation required overcoming significant organizational hurdles. A special committee strongly advocated for U.S. involvement, urging stakeholders to rise above "petty jealousies" and recognize the event's international importance. "The issue is not a matter of district or state importance, but is of national, yes, international importance, and our participation therein will redound to the glory not only of the USA, but to the glory of the United States of America," declared the committee in its appeal.

Team selection proved to be a methodical process. Soccer experts from across the country submitted recommendations, with George Matthew Collins, soccer editor of the Boston Daily Globe, appointed as team manager. The final roster was determined after a tryout match against the Scots A.C. of Passaic at Olympic Park in Paterson, New Jersey. The squad represented the amateur ideal, with no college players included.

Four players came from the ranks of Fleisher Yarn F.C. of Philadelphia, the amateur team that had surprisingly won the American Cup in 1922-23 by eliminating professional powerhouses like Bethlehem, Paterson F.C., and J. & P. Coats. They had also claimed the first U.S. National Amateur Cup. Pennsylvania contributed five additional players, while New Jersey provided three, including goalkeeper James Douglas, a third-generation player with a rich soccer lineage. The remaining spots were filled by representatives from California, Missouri, New York, Illinois and Massachusetts.

On May 25, the Americans made their Olympic debut against Estonia at Pershing Stadium in Paris. Conditions were far from ideal—rain had made the pitch slippery, and the American players, many of whom had never played together before, appeared to lack physical conditioning. The New York Times reported that only 1,000 spectators attended the match, starkly contrasting the 30,000 gathered elsewhere to watch Spain face Italy.

Despite these challenges, the Americans struck first. Ten minutes into the match, Andy Stradan, the center forward from Fleisher Yarn, converted a penalty kick to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead. As Gabriel Hanot, France's recognized soccer expert, warned his countrymen to "beware of the Americans," his caution seemed justified.

However, the lead proved precarious. Experts described Estonia as "well-versed in the technicalities of the game as probably any eleven in the Olympics," and the team grew increasingly dominant as the match progressed. The Baltic champions, whose reputation "carried terror to the soccer fans of Lettland and Lithuania," displayed superior technical skills and combination play that the Americans struggled to contain.

"The Esths, who are the champions of the Baltic... put up a hard and clever battle for a tie. In the second half, they dominated the play, keeping the ball in American territory but were unlucky in shooting at the goal," reported the Daily News.

The American defense adopted desperate measures to preserve its advantage. According to Collins' account, they resorted to "holding, pushing and tripping," which drew the ire of the French crowd, who responded with boos and hisses. Some suggested this hostility stemmed from lingering resentment over an American victory against the French rugby team the previous day.

Estonia nearly equalized in the second half when awarded a penalty kick. The initial attempt sailed over the crossbar in a moment of good fortune for the Americans. When the referee ordered a retake because the kick had been taken before his whistle, the second effort struck the crossbar, allowing Douglas to clear the danger.

Douglas emerged as the match's hero, making "countless saves" to preserve the slim American advantage. "The victory was lucky," acknowledged the Daily News reporter. "The victors were outplayed during the entire second half, but the speed of the Americans was too much for the Estonians, with their smooth-working attack and expert knowledge of the fine points of the game."

The Associated Press drew parallels to the American rugby team's recent success, noting that the soccer players had "earned the admiration of the population by the earnestness of their training and the strictness of their discipline." Like their rugby counterparts, the soccer team relied more on "speed and physical strength than skill" to secure the victory.

The Americans' Olympic journey continued four days later against Uruguay, a team that had completed an impressive 15-game European tour in preparation for the Games. Playing before 20,000 spectators at Bergeyre Stadium, the U.S. team was immediately on the defensive against the skilled South Americans.

Missing two players—Brix, who had suffered a kidney puncture late in the Estonia match, and Rudd, who injured his ankle in practice—the Americans were overwhelmed from the start. Uruguay scored twice in the first 15 minutes and added a third before halftime. The crowd applauded the Uruguayans' "remarkable short passing" and "spectacular and skilled" play.

Though the Americans adjusted their formation in the second half and prevented further scoring, the final 3-0 result reflected Uruguay's dominance. The Associated Press summarized that the U.S. team "was outplayed, outgeneraled, outrun... they were outclassed in everything but courage." Uruguay's display was described as "football never before seen in Europe and such as seldom has been equalled even by England's best professional teams."

After their Olympic elimination, the American team continued their European tour, defeating Poland 3-2 in Warsaw before losing 3-1 to the Irish Free State in Dublin. Uruguay claimed the gold medal with five wins, scoring 20 goals while conceding only two.

In his post-Olympic report to the USFA, Collins reflected on the experience with both pride and pragmatism. "While I do not wish to complain, I know that many teams competing in the Olympics do not live up to the standards of Amateurism set up by you gentlemen, but thank God the United States Football Association can look with pride on their first effort in soccer at the Olympic Games. We did not win the championship of the World at Soccer, but we did leave behind us the impression that we played for the love of the game and Sport only."

Collins recommended better preparation for future Olympics, suggesting either sending the winner of the U.S. Amateur Cup or selecting players with sufficient time to become acquainted with each other's playing styles. He emphasized the challenges faced by the 1924 squad: "Realize, gentlemen, that many of the players were absolute strangers to each other and met on the steamer going over for the first time. They had only five days in which to acclimatize themselves and train for their first game."

Despite its brief Olympic participation, the 1924 team marked an important milestone in American soccer history. Their physical, determined style demonstrated that U.S. players could compete on the world stage even with limited resources and preparation. More significantly, the Americans' defensive adjustment against Uruguay—switching to an unusual 1-4-5 formation—represented what Collins described as "the first innovation, even though accidental, in the classical 2-3-5 (or pyramid) that had been the dominant style for the previous 30 years."

For the financially struggling USFA, the tournament provided valuable international experience but did little to elevate soccer's profile in a nation increasingly focused on baseball and football. Nevertheless, this Olympic campaign laid the groundwork for future American participation in international competition and established. The standards of courage and determination would come to characterize U.S. soccer on the world stage.

First Win Over Mexico

On This Day in 1934, Donelli's Four Goals Propelled America to the World Cup Finals in Italy

As the United States entered the 1934 World Cup qualifying campaign, expectations were tempered by the organizational challenges and financial constraints of the Depression era. American soccer had weathered significant turmoil since its impressive showing at the inaugural 1930 World Cup, where the team had reached the semifinals. The once-mighty American Soccer League had declined dramatically, and the U.S. Soccer Football Association (USSFA) struggled to maintain its footing amid economic hardship.

The qualifying process for the 1934 tournament was marked by confusion worldwide. FIFA had implemented a new knockout format requiring 32 teams to qualify for 16 spots. In the Americas, only four nations entered: Cuba, Haiti, Mexico, and the United States. After Cuba advanced past Haiti but fell to Mexico, the stage was set for a decisive Mexico-USA showdown to determine which North American team would represent the region in Italy.

The American preparation was characteristically rushed and disorganized. Elmer Schroeder, who had become the USSFA's first American-born president, took on the additional role of team manager. Schroeder selected David Gould, a Scottish-born coach from the University of Pennsylvania, to lead the squad. Player selection consisted of three exhibition matches—hardly sufficient to build cohesion for international competition.

The team was chosen after one tryout game between the German-Americans of Philadelphia and a selection of the best professional players from other teams. The final 19-man roster featured a mix of professionals and amateurs, with just four veterans from the 1930 World Cup squad: Billy Gonsalves, Thomas Florie, George Moorhouse and Jimmy Gallagher.

The most unexpected addition to the team came from western Pennsylvania—Aldo "Buff" Donelli, an amateur player who had driven "flying down Route 22 from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia" just to attend the tryouts. Despite his impressive record with the Curry Silver Tops and Heidelberg club, Donelli faced resistance from the established professionals, who viewed the coal country amateur skeptically.

"There was a clique among the New England and St. Louis players," Donelli later recalled, "and they wanted to keep me out of the lineup." It reportedly took an ultimatum from star player Gonsalves—"If you don't play Donelli, I'm not playing!"—to secure his position in the starting eleven.

On May 24, the Americans faced Mexico at Rome's Stadio Nazionale del PNF before 10,000 spectators, including Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and U.S. Ambassador Breckenridge Long. FIFA's curious decision to stage this qualifying match in Italy just days before the tournament meant the winner would stay for the World Cup proper while the loser would make the long journey home after just one match. A day before the game, members of the team met Pope Pius. Elmer A. Schroeder, president of the United States Football Association, headed the party.

The Americans took the field with a physical advantage but a technical disadvantage. The New York Times reported, "The Mexican players appeared to be technically superior to the Americans, but they were all of much slighter build and obliged to yield to the more vigorous game of their heavier opponents."

Donelli wasted little time making his mark. In the 15th minute, American defender Czerkiewicz intercepted a Mexican pass and delivered a long ball to Donelli, who broke away from his defenders. "I was able to go around the man very easily," Donelli remembered. "One opponent fell as he ran after me, and I had no problem beating the goalie." The Americans led 1-0.

Mexico equalized in the 22nd minute through Alonso, but the Americans quickly reclaimed the lead. McLean found Donelli on the left flank, and the center forward struck a clean shot along the ground past Mexican goalkeeper Navarro. The Americans took a 2-1 lead into halftime.

The match turned further in the Americans' favor in the second half when Mexican defender Azpiri was ejected for attempting to stop Donelli with his hands. With the numerical advantage, the U.S. capitalized when Nilsen slipped a pass to Donelli, who broke away from two defenders. He ripped a shot on the run, and Navarro made no attempt to stop it, extending the lead to 3-1.

Mexico managed to pull one back to make it 3-2, but Donelli wasn't finished. He sealed his historic performance with a fourth goal after receiving a pass from Florie. He confused the opposing defenders with a quick shot between two of them that snuck into the net. The final whistle confirmed a 4-2 American victory. Donelli became the second player in U.S. Soccer history to score four goals in a single international match, matching Archie Stark's feat against Canada in 1925.

As reported in the press, Mussolini "warmly congratulated United States Ambassador Long, who sat on his right, on the success of his countrymen." The Americans had earned the right to face the host nation in the World Cup proper.

Three days later, the jubilation turned to stark reality when the Americans met Italy at the same venue. Before 25,000 partisan fans and with Mussolini again in attendance, the technically superior Italians, bolstered by naturalized Argentine stars Luisito Monti and Raimundo Orsi, raced to a 3-0 halftime lead. The Italians were particularly focused on neutralizing the American scoring threat.

"Monti! I can still see him," Donelli later recalled. "Because I scored four goals against Mexico, Monti would not let me alone. He was tough, and he was a big man."

Despite the close marking, Donelli managed one moment of brilliance ten minutes into the second half. "There was a mix-up in their play, and the ball just came loose," he explained. "I was in back of the play and instead of dribbling it up, which normally almost everybody would have done, take another step to the right and then take a shot, I didn't take any steps. I just took a shot from there, and I put it up in the far left corner." It was the Americans' lone goal in a 7-1 defeat.

"Losing to Italy was no disgrace," Billy Gonsalves told reporters after the tournament. "They went on to win the World Cup. We complimented ourselves on getting that one lonely goal against a team of that caliber, world-class players from two world-class soccer powers."

The victory over Mexico and a respectable showing against the eventual champions caught the attention of European clubs. Donelli received a $5,000 offer from Lazio to remain in Italy—a considerable sum during the Depression—while Gonsalves fielded interest from multiple European sides. Both declined, sensing the troubled political climate in fascist Italy.

Upon returning home, Donelli largely abandoned soccer for American football, eventually becoming the head coach at Duquesne University and later for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His brief but brilliant international soccer career—just two games with five goals—is one of the most efficient in U.S. Soccer history.

Despite the team's brief participation, the 1934 World Cup campaign marked an important milestone in American soccer. The victory over Mexico established what would become North America's fiercest soccer rivalry. At the same time, the physical, determined American style demonstrated that even with limited resources and preparation, U.S. players could compete on the world stage.

For the financially struggling USSFA, the tournament provided needed revenue but did little to elevate soccer's profile in a nation increasingly focused on baseball, college football, and the emerging professional gridiron game. It would be another 16 years before the United States would again qualify for the World Cup, making this fleeting Roman triumph a bright spot in an otherwise challenging period for American soccer.

Cardoso's European Final Focus Amid Transfer Rumors

Midfielder Preps for the Final La Liga Match and Conference League Final, While Atlético Madrid Show Interest 

Johnny Cardoso finds himself at the center of a transfer storm as Real Betis prepare for their final La Liga match against Valencia on Friday. Still, the United States international remains laser-focused on making history with his current club.

Despite being Atlético Madrid's primary midfield target for the summer window, Cardoso has maintained his composure ahead of Betis' crucial Conference League final against Chelsea next Wednesday. "My mentality is here now," the 23-year-old stated during UEFA's Open Media Day, emphasizing his commitment to the present rather than speculation about his future.

Diego Simeone has identified the New Jersey-born midfielder as the ideal solution to Atlético's long-standing need for a defensive midfielder. After failed attempts to sign Atalanta's Éderson and limited success with Arthur Vermeeren, who was loaned to Leipzig after just seven months, Simeone sees Cardoso as the perfect blend of youth and La Liga experience.

The financial dynamics are complex, with Cardoso carrying an €80 million release clause, though sources suggest this figure is negotiable. However, Tottenham Hotspur holds a priority option on the USMNT star, potentially complicating any potential deal with Atlético.

Cardoso's immediate focus remains on Wednesday's Conference League final in Poland, where Betis could claim their first-ever European trophy. The midfielder briefly missed training this week due to a minor knock but quickly reassured fans, stating, "I'm fine, everything is going very well."

With his family, including his parents and girlfriend, traveling to Poland for support, Cardoso dreams of scoring in the final while maintaining his professional focus. Tonight's match against Valencia serves as Betis' final preparation for their European showdown, with the club having secured sixth place and qualification for the Europa League next season. The fixture has been moved to Friday to give Betis extra preparation time, though this decision has frustrated Chelsea's management.

Serie A Finale

American Contingent in Italy Ready for Final Matches

Serie A concludes its dramatic 2024-25 campaign, and several United States internationals will be center stage in pivotal final-day fixtures that could define their clubs' European ambitions and relegation battles.

AC Milan hosts relegated Monza at San Siro on Saturday, with Americans Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah looking to salvage some pride from a catastrophic season. For the first time since 2015-16, Milan will finish outside European qualification, currently sitting ninth after a late-season collapse that included a Coppa Italia final defeat to Bologna and a crushing loss at Roma.

The Rossoneri face an embarrassing backdrop as their ultras plan to walk out after 15 minutes. Milan risk equaling their lowest home win total in a 21st-century season, needing a victory to avoid matching their dismal eight home victories from 2007-08 and 2020-21.

Pulisic, who requested time off from USMNT Gold Cup duties after a grueling season, will likely feature in manager Sergio Conceição's possible starting lineup alongside Musah in midfield. The Americans will hope to end their disappointing campaign on a positive note against a Monza side that has managed just three wins from 37 matches - one of the worst tallies in Serie A history.

Sunday's marquee fixture sees Venezia host Juventus at Stadio Penzo, featuring a fascinating USMNT subplot as Weston McKennie and Tim Weah face off against Gianluca Busio in a match with enormous stakes.

Juventus need just one point to secure Champions League football, with McKennie expected to start despite limping off with an ankle injury last week. The versatile midfielder has been crucial to Juve's push for fourth place, while Weah will miss the Gold Cup due to Club World Cup commitments with the Bianconeri.

On the opposite side, Busio anchors Venezia's midfield as the Lagunari fight for Serie A survival. Sitting 19th and two points from safety, Venezia must beat Juventus and hope other results go their way to avoid immediate relegation back to Serie B. It would be their first top-flight home victory over Juventus since 1962.

Weah and Lille Win Ligue 1

On This Day in 2021, Lille Beat Angers on the Final Day to Dethrone PSG, Making Weah the First American Winner

The spring of 2021 brought a triumphant conclusion to a long road of recovery and redemption for Timothy Weah. As Lille's team bus pulled into the Stade Raymond Kopa on May 23, the 21-year-old American forward could sense history within reach. After a season-long battle against French football powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain—Weah's former club—Lille stood on the precipice of an achievement few had thought possible when the campaign began nine months earlier.

For Weah personally, the 2020-21 season represented a rebirth. After transferring from PSG to Lille for €10 million in June 2019, the promising American had seen his debut season in northern France cruelly derailed by back-to-back hamstring injuries, limiting him to just three appearances. The first setback came against Amiens, sidelining him for six months, before a heartbreaking recurrence during his comeback match against Marseille effectively ended his season. By March 2020, he was in Finland undergoing surgery with specialist Lasse Lempainen, facing an uncertain future.

Yet as the 2020-21 campaign dawned, Weah emerged with renewed determination. His return came during Lille's second match of the season against Reims, a modest 16-minute cameo that signaled the beginning of his true Lille career. Progress came incrementally, with moments of brilliance punctuating his recovery journey. In December, he netted his first Europa League goal for Lille in a bittersweet 3-2 defeat against his former club Celtic. He claimed his maiden Ligue 1 strike days later, securing a 2-0 victory over Dijon on December 16.

Throughout the season, manager Christophe Galtier deployed Weah strategically across the front line—sometimes as a central forward, other times on either wing. Though not always a starter, the son of Liberian legend George Weah embraced his role, providing energetic performances whether given 15 minutes or a full half. His versatility proved invaluable as Lille mounted an increasingly credible title challenge against PSG's star-studded squad.

By spring, what had seemed improbable was becoming possible. A pivotal 1-0 victory at the Parc des Princes on April 3 gave Lille control of their destiny. As veteran defender José Fonte revealed, that triumph silenced doubters "counting us out." The win fostered belief throughout the squad, including among rotation players like Weah, who played 55 minutes in that win over PSG and understood that every small contribution was vital to the collective goal.

As May 23 approached, Lille's lead over PSG had narrowed to a single point. The mathematics were simple: win against Angers and claim the title regardless of PSG's result against Brest. Though Weah watched from the bench that Sunday afternoon, the tension was palpable as his teammates took the field at the Stade Raymond Kopa.

The breakthrough came quickly. Canadian striker Jonathan David, who had formed a lethal partnership with veteran Turkish forward Burak Yılmaz throughout the campaign, latched onto Renato Sanches's precise pass in the 10th minute, slotting the ball home to give Lille an early lead. As half-time approached, Yılmaz, Lille's player of the season, doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after David was fouled by Angers goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni.

Though Angelo Fulgini's injury-time header provided a moment of anxiety, Lille's 2-1 victory was never truly in jeopardy. Celebrations erupted among the players, coaching staff, and the small contingent of traveling supporters when the final whistle blew. Weah, despite not featuring in the match, was at the heart of the festivities, embracing teammates with whom he had forged a special bond during a challenging but ultimately glorious season.

The title represented a seismic achievement in French football. Lille had dethroned PSG with a fraction of the resources—the Qatari-backed Parisians' budget dwarfed Lille's modest finances. With just three defeats across the entire league campaign and a club-record 83 points, Lille had authored one of the most remarkable underdog stories in modern European football.

For Lille, it was their fourth top-flight championship and first since Eden Hazard inspired them to glory a decade earlier in 2011. For Weah, though technically his third Ligue 1 medal after playing minor roles in PSG's 2018 and 2019 triumphs, this one carried incomparably more significance, having made 28 league appearances and scored three crucial goals despite not starting the season finale.

The chemistry within Lille's squad had proven decisive throughout the campaign. As Fonte had noted earlier, the diverse mix of nationalities and backgrounds had become a strength rather than a hindrance. Young talents were guided by experienced heads in a close-knit group that gave itself entirely to Galtier's tactical vision.

"Everybody in the dressing room speaks French," Fonte had explained. "We give ourselves to the other cultures and we give ourselves to them, and they try to know about us. So there's a great chemistry between us."

For Weah, the summer of 2021 promised no respite. Within days of Lille's triumph, he was already preparing to join the United States Men's National Team for their May 30 friendly against Switzerland. The following day, coach Gregg Berhalter named him to the 23-man squad for the CONCACAF Nations League final four in Denver—an inaugural tournament featuring heavyweight clashes against Honduras and potentially Mexico or Costa Rica.

Weah's inclusion in a star-studded American lineup that included Christian Pulisic (fresh from winning the Champions League with Chelsea), Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna and Sergiño Dest spoke volumes about his standing within a "golden generation" of American talent. Despite his interrupted club season, Berhalter valued Weah's experience, technical ability, and the winning mentality he had cultivated at Lille.

Looking ahead to the 2021-22 campaign, Weah faced new challenges. Champions League football awaited Lille, testing them against Europe's elite clubs. Meanwhile, the August 1 Trophée des Champions clash against PSG offered an immediate opportunity to claim more silverware and further cement Lille's status as France's new football force.

For the American, whose career had already encompassed stints at three of Europe's most storied clubs—PSG, Celtic, and now Lille—the title triumph represented both validation and a launching pad. At just 21, with injury struggles seemingly behind him and a championship medal around his neck, Timothy Weah's journey was far from complete. Still, his place in Lille's unlikely success story was forever secured.

Premier League Final Day

Americans Set for Season Finale in English Top Flight

As the Premier League reaches its dramatic conclusion this Sunday, several United States internationals will take center stage in crucial final-day fixtures that could define their clubs' campaigns, with their summer plans already sorted.

The weekend's marquee matchup sees newly crowned FA Cup champions Crystal Palace travel to Anfield to face Premier League winners Liverpool. Americans Chris Richards and Matt Turner, fresh from their historic Wembley triumph over Manchester City, will look to cap their remarkable season with a strong performance against Arne Slot's title winners.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner described the fixture as "when the league winner meets the FA Cup winner - it's a great ending of the season." However, the Eagles will be without captain Marc Guéhi due to an eye injury sustained during the FA Cup Final, potentially giving Richards increased responsibility in defense.

At the Vitality Stadium, Tyler Adams and AFC Bournemouth host relegated Leicester City in their bid to secure a ninth-place finish, matching their best-ever Premier League position from 2016-17. The Cherries have enjoyed what they describe as another record-breaking season, achieving their highest goal tally and breaking their points record for consecutive seasons.

Adams has been integral to Bournemouth's impressive campaign, which included memorable victories over Arsenal, Southampton, and Manchester City, plus their best-ever away record in Premier League history.

Meanwhile, Antonee Robinson, who will miss out at the Gold Cup this summer, and Fulham face Manchester City in a fixture where the Cottagers will look to end their 19-game winless streak against Pep Guardiola's side, dating back to 2009. Fulham could also finish as high as ninth with a victory on Sunday.

Bold Gold Cup Roster

Pochettino Signals Cultural Reset Before the Last Tournament Before the World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino has delivered a clear message to the United States men's national team: no player's World Cup spot is guaranteed. The Argentine coach's 27-player roster for upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, which serves as preparation for the Gold Cup, conspicuously omits several established stars while opening doors for fresh talent.

Most notably absent is Christian Pulisic, who requested time off after logging over 3,500 minutes in a grueling European season while battling nagging injuries, including a chronic hip flexor problem. Other core players missing include Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, Giovanni Reyna, Antonee Robinson, and Yunus Musah due to various factors, including Club World Cup commitments and injury concerns.

Rather than viewing these absences as setbacks, Pochettino frames them as opportunities. "I think it's important to create this challenge," he stated, emphasizing that newcomers must be "desperate to come, to perform" and understand this could be their "last possibility to be with us."

The roster features five uncapped players, including intriguing first-time call-ups like Orlando City defender Alex Freeman (son of NFL legend Antonio Freeman), Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter), FC Köln forward Damion Downs, and Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan.

Pochettino's philosophy centers on cultivating a winning culture where players arrive at camp entirely focused on national team duties. He has explicitly rejected any complacent attitudes, demanding total commitment from the first day of training camp.

With Major League Soccer providing 16 players—the highest number for a FIFA window since 2023—this roster represents both opportunity and warning. As the 2026 World Cup approaches on home soil, Pochettino is reshaping team culture while challenging every player to earn their place through performance and dedication rather than past accomplishments.

Zendejas in Goalless First Leg

Winger, Not Named to the Gold Cup Roster, Pedestrian in First Leg of Clausura 2025 Final

Alejandro Zendejas endured a frustrating evening in Club América's scoreless draw against Toluca in the first leg of the Liga MX final. The 27-year-old winger, who notably missed out on the recent Gold Cup roster selection, struggled to make his mark on the biggest stage of the domestic season.

Zendejas played the full 90 minutes but failed to trouble Toluca's defense meaningfully. His lone shot attempt sailed over the crossbar, reflecting América's overall lack of cutting edge in the final third. The statistical breakdown reveals a player searching for rhythm, completing zero successful dribbles from two attempts and failing to deliver any accurate crosses from two tries. His passing was more reliable at 87% accuracy, but he created no clear chances for teammates.

Just before halftime, Zendejas nearly had a scoring opportunity when Álvaro Fidalgo looked to find him in the box, only for the ball to be intercepted. This encapsulated Zendejas' night – close to involvement but unable to capitalize when it mattered most. For a player seeking to prove his international credentials after missing the Gold Cup squad, this performance offered little evidence of his case. With América trailing in the tie dynamics heading to Toluca's intimidating home venue, Zendejas will need a vastly improved showing in the second leg to help secure América's historic fourth consecutive title.

US Beats Puerto Rico

On This Day in 2016, Americans Launch Copa America Preparations with Convincing Win Over Puerto Rico

As the United States prepared to host its most significant soccer tournament since the 1994 World Cup, few could have predicted that a friendly match in Puerto Rico would mark the beginning of several notable international careers. The U.S. Men's National Team began its Copa America Centenario preparations with a 3-1 victory over Puerto Rico at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón on May 22—a seemingly routine result that, in retrospect, offered early glimpses of talent that would shape American soccer for years to come.

With then-coach Jurgen Klinsmann fielding a hybrid roster—mixing several Copa-bound players with others called in specifically for the training camp while MLS regulars completed weekend club duties—the match represented the first careful step toward a tournament that would test the program's progress on home soil.

The historic first-ever meeting between the U.S. and Puerto Rico delivered several memorable moments, most notably a dream debut for 21-year-old Paul Arriola, who notched both a goal and an assist despite not being named to the final 23-man Copa America roster. Looking back now, this match is the launching point for Arriola, who would become a fixture in the national team setup over the following years.

"He did well, and he knows he has a huge learning curve still ahead of him," Klinsmann said prophetically of the Tijuana midfielder at the time. Arriola became the first American to score in his debut since Juan Agudelo against South Africa in November 2010 and the first with both a goal and assist since Landon Donovan against Mexico in 2000.

On a sweltering afternoon with 88 degrees of heat and 58 percent humidity, the Americans quickly established dominance, controlling nearly 80 percent of possession against their 152nd-ranked opponents. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Fulham defender Tim Ream scored his first international goal in 21 appearances for the national team. After Puerto Rico goalkeeper Matthew Sanchez parried Alfredo Morales' powerful 30-yard effort, Ream drove the rebound home with an angled left-footed shot from outside the six-yard box.

The lead doubled in the 34th minute when debutant Arriola, a California native who plays professionally in Mexico, set up Bobby Wood with a perfectly weighted through ball. Fresh off a record-setting season in Germany's second division that earned him a transfer to Bundesliga side Hamburg, Wood took two touches to round defender Emmanuel D'Andrea before cleverly chipping Sanchez from seven yards out. The goal marked Wood's fifth in 18 national team appearances.

The celebration was somewhat marred by controversy, as two Puerto Rican players were down injured when the U.S. continued play, drawing boos from the home crowd for not kicking the ball out of play.

Puerto Rico responded in the 42nd minute when 21-year-old Luis Betancur capitalized on a Ream turnover from a throw-in. Joseph Marrero's incisive pass split the American defense, allowing Betancur, who played collegiate soccer at Florida International University, to fire a 23-yard shot over Brad Guzan's outstretched hand, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.

Klinsmann made several changes to start the second period, including bringing on veteran Tim Howard for Guzan—only Howard's second appearance as a substitute among his 108 international caps.

The Americans restored their two-goal advantage in the 56th minute through the impressive Arriola. The sequence began when Michael Orozco made a pinpoint 30-yard pass that Alejandro Bedoya, captaining the U.S. for the first time, ran onto before dribbling toward the end line. Bedoya's perfect cross found Arriola alone at the far post, allowing him to tap in from two yards with his left foot.

The match also provided international debuts for 25-year-old forward Fabrice Picault, who replaced Wood in the 71st minute, while Matt Miazga and Emerson Hyndman earned their second caps. Since that tournament, Julian Green, the young Bayern Munich prospect who scored at the 2014 World Cup, made his first appearance for the national team.

At the time, few observers could have predicted the divergent paths that awaited the participants in this seemingly routine, friendly encounter. Of the starters against Puerto Rico, only Guzan, right back DeAndre Yedlin, central defender John Brooks, and Bedoya would feature in the Copa America opener against Colombia on June 3 in Santa Clara, California.

Following the Puerto Rico match, the team headed to Frisco, Texas, where they were joined by defenders Fabian Johnson and Geoff Cameron, both recovering from leg injuries, for a friendly against Ecuador. The Americans concluded their pre-tournament schedule against Bolivia in Kansas City before embarking on their Copa America journey.

The subsequent Copa America Centenario featured 16 teams from CONCACAF and CONMEBOL competing in 10 U.S. cities from June 3-26. The U.S. was drawn into Group A alongside Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay. 

For Ream, who scored his first international goal in Puerto Rico but didn't make the Copa America roster, the match represented just a brief chapter in what would become a lengthy international career extending well into the next World Cup cycle. Arriola's memorable debut foreshadowed his emergence as a national team regular who would earn over 40 caps in the years that followed.

What began as a routine friendly in Bayamón became an intriguing snapshot of American soccer at a moment caught between the promise of a new generation and the final chapters of the Klinsmann era.

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.