On This Day in 2017, Pulisic's Meteoric Rise Continued as the Teenager Delivered When His Country Needed Him Most
When the U.S. Men's National Team prepared for their June qualifying matches, they found themselves in an uncomfortable position. After collecting just four points from their first four games in CONCACAF's hexagonal qualifying round, new coach Bruce Arena faced immense pressure as the team hosted Trinidad and Tobago in Colorado before a daunting trip to Mexico City.
"We certainly understand the significance of this game," Arena said before the Trinidad match. "We firmly believe we have to win the game."
The Americans entered the qualifiers with cautious optimism. Just five days earlier, they'd played to a 1-1 draw with Venezuela in a friendly at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. In that contest, it was Christian Pulisic who delivered the equalizer in the 61st minute, showcasing his growing confidence by cutting onto his left foot and curling a shot past the goalkeeper. That marked the 18-year-old's fifth international goal, building anticipation for what he might contribute in the games that truly mattered.
The altitude at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City would be a factor, deliberately chosen to help acclimate the squad before their trip to Mexico City. "It is difficult to play at altitude," forward Jozy Altidore acknowledged in training. "But at the same time, it is the same for everybody, so there are no excuses."
Against Trinidad and Tobago on June 8, the Americans dominated possession in the first half and generated multiple scoring opportunities. Clint Dempsey—just one goal away from tying Landon Donovan's all-time USMNT scoring record—fired a warning shot over the bar. John Brooks forced a save from T&T goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams. Even Pulisic found space but couldn't convert.
The longer the match remained scoreless, the more tension rippled through the sell-out crowd. When Trinidad's Kenwyne Jones headed a shot off the crossbar in the 33rd minute, the anxiety only intensified. The Americans needed these three points—absolutely needed them—to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
As the second half began, the stadium collectively held its breath. Would the Americans' dominance finally produce a breakthrough? Or would Trinidad and Tobago frustrate them and escape with a draw that would severely damage U.S. qualification hopes? Enter Pulisic.
In the 52nd minute, Darlington Nagbe orchestrated a beautiful attacking sequence, exchanging passes with Dempsey at the top of the box. Nagbe played the ball to DeAndre Yedlin along the right edge of the area, whose low crossing pass found Pulisic sliding in at the goal mouth. The teenager's clinical finish broke the deadlock and sent waves of relief through the stadium.
Just ten minutes later, Pulisic doubled the advantage. After receiving a perfectly weighted through ball from Altidore, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder raced in alone on Williams. With composure beyond his years, Pulisic hesitated momentarily before curling a shot inside the near post. In ten electrifying minutes, the teenager had removed all doubt from the contest.
"Just being out there, it's like a dream of mine to wear the USA crest, just to be playing for the country," Pulisic said afterward. "The fact that these goals are coming is a little bonus. I still can't believe I'm out there."
The brace placed Pulisic in elite American company, joining Eric Wynalda and Jozy Altidore as the only USMNT players to score multiple goals against Trinidad and Tobago, at the time. More impressively, it brought his World Cup qualifying goal total to five, all scored in the second half of matches, demonstrating his ability to deliver when the pressure intensified.
"He's having fun," Arena observed simply after the match. "I just think he's a natural for the game."
The victory moved the Americans into third place in the hexagonal at the halfway point with seven points from five matches. With the top three teams qualifying automatically for Russia 2018, the win provided crucial breathing room ahead of their trip to Estadio Azteca.
"Because we won tonight, I think we can go there a little more relaxed," Arena said, looking ahead to the Mexico challenge. The Americans had never won a World Cup qualifier at the intimidating venue. Still, now they could approach the match without the desperation that would have followed a disappointing result against Trinidad.
Just three months after his Champions League breakthrough with Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic was cementing his status as the new face of American soccer. From academy prospect to European club standout to national team talisman, his ascent had been breathtaking. And at just 18 years old, the most exciting chapters of his story still remained to be written.
What had been clear in Germany was now undeniable in America: Pulisic wasn't merely a promising talent for the future—he was already the player his country turned to in its moments of greatest need.
On This Day in 2016, The Americans are Back on Track with an Emphatic Victory Over Costa Rica
As the United States prepared for the most significant men's soccer tournament on American soil since the 1994 World Cup, the team's pre-Copa America form suggested they were ready for the challenge. The Americans had swept through their tune-up matches with growing confidence, winning all three preparatory friendlies by a combined 8-1 score to improve to an impressive 6-1-0 record in 2016. These included victories over Puerto Rico, Ecuador and Bolivia.
That momentum came to an abrupt halt, however, in the tournament opener against Colombia at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Before a sellout crowd of 67,439 that heavily favored the South American side, the Americans found themselves down early when Cristian Zapata volleyed home from a corner kick in the eighth minute after breaking free from Geoff Cameron's marking. The deficit doubled before halftime when James Rodriguez converted a 42nd-minute penalty following a handball by DeAndre Yedlin, sealing a 2-0 defeat that left the U.S. facing an uphill battle in Group A.
"It's obviously disappointing and frustrating because I think they were there for the taking," Cameron said after the Colombia loss, reflecting the team's belief that, despite the scoreline, they weren't entirely outplayed. But with zero points from their opening match, the Americans found themselves in a precarious position heading into their second group game against Costa Rica at Chicago's Soldier Field—a match that coach Jurgen Klinsmann labeled a "must-win."
Adding to the pressure was U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati, who, before the Costa Rica match, pointedly noted that recent results for the men's team "haven't been what we would have hoped for, especially in the official competitions." The subtext was clear: Klinsmann's position could be in jeopardy without a positive result. Despite these mounting tensions, the coach showed faith in his players by fielding the exact same starting eleven that had fallen to Colombia.
That confidence in continuity would be rewarded on a cool, cloudy June 7 evening in Chicago before a crowd of 39,642. After weathering an early scare when DeAndre Yedlin's poor clearing attempt nearly gifted Joel Campbell an opportunity, the Americans quickly settled into the match. The breakthrough came in the ninth minute through a well-worked sequence down the right flank. Yedlin, making amends for his earlier mistake, broke free from Oscar Duarte and delivered a dangerous cross intended for Bobby Wood lurking at the back post. The pass appeared slightly heavy, but Costa Rica's Cristian Gamboa inexplicably shoved Wood in the back as both tumbled to the turf, giving referee Roddy Zambrano no choice but to point to the spot.
Amid protests from the Costa Rican players, Clint Dempsey stepped forward with characteristic confidence. The veteran forward drove the penalty kick past Patrick Pemberton, who dove the wrong way. The goal marked Dempsey's 50th in international play—a career milestone made even more special by coming at the same venue where he had scored his very first for the national team against England eleven years earlier, in May 2005.
With the early lead established, the Americans began to find their rhythm, controlling possession and probing the Costa Rican defense that clearly missed suspended defender Kendall Waston. The Ticos, who had managed a scoreless draw against Paraguay in their opener, looked increasingly disorganized as the half progressed.
The second goal arrived in the 37th minute through a brilliant counterattacking sequence. Jermaine Jones became both the catalyst and finisher of the move, first stealing the ball with a decisive tackle at midfield before quickly feeding Dempsey. The Seattle Sounders forward carried the ball deep into Costa Rican territory. With impeccable timing, Dempsey paused as if to shoot before cleverly laying the ball back to the onrushing Jones, who took a single touch to set himself before rifling a right-footed shot across Pemberton's dive and into the far corner of the net.
The second goal visibly deflated the Costa Ricans, who paused to huddle before the restart in an attempt to regroup. The brief conference did little to stem the American onslaught, as just five minutes later, in the 42nd minute, the U.S. struck again to essentially seal the result before halftime. Once more, it was Dempsey at the heart of the action. Receiving the ball in traffic, he threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Wood, who, fresh off a record-setting season in Germany's second division that had earned him a transfer to Bundesliga side Hamburg, showed why European clubs coveted his talents. With his back to goal, he executed a skillful turn to create space away from Duarte before firing a low, composed finish past the helpless Pemberton.
The three-goal outburst in the first half had utterly transformed the mood around the U.S. team. On the sideline, Klinsmann—who had maintained his composure through recent criticism—finally allowed himself a moment of celebration, thrusting both fists triumphantly into the air as the American bench erupted in cheers.
"We were eager to get on the field and get our first three points," Klinsmann said after the game. "It took us a while to grind ourselves into the game, but then when the first goal came, we kept pushing for the next one."
The second half brought little resistance from the Ticos. Costa Rica struggled to regain their shape or mount any sustained pressure against a confident American side. Their best opportunity came in the 67th minute when captain Bryan Ruiz rose to meet a cross but could only direct his header against the left post, with Brad Guzan beaten. The Americans remained dangerous on the counter, though they squandered several opportunities to extend their lead. Gyasi Zardes was particularly guilty of muffing two excellent chances that would have further padded the scoreline. Despite these missed opportunities, the U.S. defense, anchored by John Brooks and Geoff Cameron, looked much more composed than in the Colombia match.
As the match entered its final stages, Dempsey—the architect of the American resurgence with a goal and two assists—received a standing ovation when he was substituted for Chris Wondolowski in the 78th minute. The veteran forward acknowledged the crowd's appreciation as he made his way to the bench, having delivered a performance that reminded critics of his enduring value to the national team. The exclamation point came in the 87th minute through substitute Graham Zusi, who had replaced Wood earlier in the half. Collecting the ball on the right side, Zusi drove into the box before unleashing a precise low shot to the near post. The fourth goal completed the rout and sent an emphatic message to the rest of the tournament field that the Americans had regained their footing after the opening defeat.
The comprehensive victory dramatically altered the Americans' prospects in Group A. With Colombia's 2-1 win over Paraguay later that night, the U.S. moved into second place with three points while Colombia, with six points, secured advancement to the quarterfinals. The Americans now controlled their own destiny heading into their final group match against Paraguay in Philadelphia.
"It doesn't mean anything yet," cautioned captain Michael Bradley after the Costa Rica win. "Now we get ourselves ready for Saturday." A win or draw against Paraguay would be enough to secure progression to the knockout stages, while only a loss coupled with a Costa Rica victory over Colombia would eliminate the Americans.
The team's revival against Costa Rica demonstrated the resilience that had been a hallmark of U.S. teams in major tournaments. As Bradley had predicted before the match: "Since I've been on this team, one of its strengths has always been the ability to respond on big days." With their Copa America hopes revived and momentum restored, the Americans looked ahead to Philadelphia with renewed confidence that they could fulfill Klinsmann's stated goal of reaching the semifinals in this prestigious tournament.
The Gold Cup Could Add Momentum to the Americans' Windless Sails
When Mauricio Pochettino accepted the USMNT job after last summer's Copa América disaster, he likely envisioned working with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and the core that reached the 2022 World Cup's round of 16. Instead, he finds himself preparing for a crucial Gold Cup with seven uncapped players and a roster depleted by injuries, fatigue, and players simply requesting time off—a situation that reveals both his pragmatic coaching philosophy and the deeper systemic issues plaguing American soccer.
Pochettino's approach demonstrates seasoned professionalism in crisis management. Rather than lamenting the absence of key players like Pulisic, McKennie, and Antonee Robinson, he's embracing the opportunity to evaluate depth and discover new talent. His emphasis on creating an environment where players can "fight for a place" shows tactical wisdom, using adversity as a catalyst for competition and development.
However, the circumstances expose concerning underlying issues within the program. The fact that so many established players are unavailable due to fatigue, personal reasons, or simply requesting rest suggests potential problems with player buy-in and program culture. Pochettino's concerns about attitude and his emphasis on professionalism indicate he inherited a team lacking the mental fortitude expected at the international level.
The manager's measured responses about roster quality—declining to guarantee Gold Cup success while focusing on process over outcomes—reflect realistic expectations given his limited time with the group. His acknowledgment that he's "soaking in what's happening" suggests he's still diagnosing problems he didn't fully anticipate when accepting the role.
Most tellingly, Pochettino appears to view this Gold Cup as a necessary reset rather than just tournament preparation. His extended camp approach and focus on mentality suggest that he recognizes technical and tactical improvements are meaningless without addressing fundamental issues of commitment and professionalism.
The manager seems determined to establish new standards, but whether he can transform a program that has struggled for the past year remains the critical question. His success may ultimately depend less on tactical innovation than on cultural transformation within a team that appears to have lost its way despite individual talent.
The Americans Won the Previous Two Matches — Both World Cup Send-Offs
The United States and Turkey have maintained a competitive rivalry spanning over two decades, with their encounters often serving as crucial preparation for major tournaments.
The relationship began in 1991 with a 1-1 draw that concluded the US European tour. Frank Klopas salvaged the result with a late equalizer, marking his return to international duty after a lengthy absence. This early meeting established a pattern of closely contested matches between the nations.
Their 2003 Confederations Cup clash proved more significant, as Turkey dominated a disjointed American side 2-1 in the tournament opener. The Turks, fresh off their impressive third-place finish in the World Cup, demonstrated superior technical ability and organization throughout. Tuncay Sanli scored the winner after some clever combination play, exposing defensive vulnerabilities that would concern coach Bruce Arena heading into subsequent matches against Brazil and Cameroon.
The 2010 World Cup send-off in Philadelphia showcased American resilience. After falling behind to Arda Turan's opener, the US transformed their performance through tactical adjustments and personnel changes. Coach Bob Bradley's halftime substitutions proved decisive, with Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey completing the comeback victory before 55,000 enthusiastic fans.
Four years later, another pre-World Cup friendly saw the US prevail 2-1, with Fabian Johnson and Dempsey providing the goals. Under Jürgen Klinsmann's guidance, the Americans demonstrated greater tactical sophistication, although concerns persisted about converting finishing opportunities and maintaining defensive consistency.
Throughout these encounters, Turkey has consistently provided valuable preparation for American World Cup campaigns, offering a blend of technical skill and competitive intensity. The matches have generally been tight affairs, with both nations using these fixtures to fine-tune their approaches before major tournaments, creating a meaningful soccer relationship between the two countries.
The Johnny Cardoso transfer saga has reached a critical juncture, with Atlético Madrid appearing to edge closer to securing the 23-year-old USMNT midfielder from Real Betis. Recent developments suggest the deal is progressing, though significant obstacles remain.
Atlético Madrid has reportedly reached an agreement with Cardoso on personal terms, representing a significant breakthrough in negotiations. The package deal is valued at around €30 million, including bonuses and potential players, demonstrating Madrid's commitment to landing their primary midfield target.
However, the financial gap between clubs remains substantial. Betis values Cardoso as a strategic asset and has put on the table a figure close to €40 million, while Atlético's current offer sits at €30 million with add-ons. This €10 million difference continues to complicate negotiations, with Betis understandably reluctant to part with their second-most utilized player from last season.
The timing adds another layer of complexity. Tottenham Hotspur has a right of first refusal option to buy Cardoso for €25 million that starts on July 1 and expires on July 15, creating urgency for all parties involved. Betis would prefer completing any sale before June ends to help balance their books, while Atlético seeks to finalize the deal before Tottenham's option becomes active.
Cardoso's stellar debut season in La Liga, featuring 3,387 minutes across 46 appearances, has made him indispensable to Manuel Pellegrini's plans. His defensive solidity and passing ability have caught Diego Simeone's attention, who views him as the perfect solution for Atlético's long-standing need for a reliable holding midfielder.
The move to Atletico Madrid would be intriguing for the USMNT, potentially elevating Cardoso's development under one of football's most respected defensive tacticians. The outcome hinges on whether the clubs can bridge their valuation gap before external complications arise.
Youth Movement Signals New Era for the National Team
Mauricio Pochettino has assembled a notably youthful 26-player roster for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, signaling a new direction for American soccer as the nation prepares to host the 2026 World Cup. With an average age of just over 25 years, this represents one of the youngest Gold Cup squads in USMNT history.
The roster construction reflects both opportunity and necessity. Key absences have forced Pochettino to dig deep into the player pool, with Christian Pulisic sidelined due to fatigue and Antonee Robinson recovering from knee surgery. The Juventus pair of Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, and (for now) Dortmund's Gio Reyna, remain unavailable due to their Club World Cup commitments, while Sergiño Dest's withdrawal, due to concerns over ACL recovery, further depletes veteran options.
However, these challenges have created opportunities for emerging talent. Five players earn their first senior call-ups, including goalkeeper Chris Brady, who backstopped the U-20 team to CONCACAF championship glory. Sebastian Berhalter has impressed with Vancouver Whitecaps' run to the Champions Cup final, while Damion Downs contributed 10 goals to FC Köln's Bundesliga promotion campaign.
The attacking corps brings genuine firepower despite its youth. Brian White sits third in MLS's Golden Boot race with 10 goals, while Haji Wright netted 12 times for Coventry City in England's Championship. Veteran Brenden Aaronson's nine goals helped Leeds United return to the Premier League, and Malik Tillman finished as PSV's second-leading scorer in their title-winning campaign despite missing time with injury.
Perhaps most intriguingly, brothers Brenden and Paxten Aaronson become the first siblings to share a Gold Cup roster in USMNT history. Their potential joint appearance would mark only the second time brothers have played together in official competition since 1957.
"We are extremely excited to work with this group of players and compete for the championship," Pochettino stated, emphasizing tournament victory as the primary objective before World Cup preparations intensify.
The European Nation Came Across the Pond for Matches Against the US and Mexico
As Turkey prepares to face the United States tomorrow, Americans will witness a national team experiencing a remarkable resurgence under Italian coach Vincenzo Montella. The Crescent Stars arrive in confident form, having lost just one of their last eight matches while scoring 16 goals in that impressive run.
Turkey's journey back to prominence has been years in the making. After their memorable third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup, the nation has struggled to recapture that magic on football's biggest stage. However, their recent performances suggest a team ready to compete with the world's best once again. A strong League B campaign earlier this year culminated in convincing playoff victories over Hungary, setting the stage for hopes of World Cup qualification.
The current squad combines experienced leadership with emerging talent, which has European football taking notice. Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız, wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt once donned by legends like Roberto Baggio, represents the new generation of Turkish football. The 19-year-old considers representing Turkey his "ultimate dream" and has already made his mark by scoring against his birth country, Germany.
Montella's tactical approach has instilled confidence throughout the squad. Turkey has won their last four matches when scoring first, demonstrating improved game management and clinical finishing. Their recent form includes an impressive quarterfinal run at Euro 2024, where they captured hearts with passionate performances before falling just short of the semifinals.
For American fans, this match offers a rare opportunity to witness Turkey's evolution. The teams only win over the US was when Turkey secured a 2-1 victory in the 2003 Confederations Cup. With both nations harboring World Cup ambitions in 2026, this friendly carries significant weight as a measuring stick for future success.
On This Day in 2021, the First Nations League Final and the First True Test for the New Guard Generated Memorable Moments
The first chance the United States Men's National Team had to win a trophy under manager Gregg Berhalter came in the 2019 Gold Cup, and the Americans came up short in a 1-0 defeat to Mexico in the final. Next up was the newly formed CONCACAF Nations League to close out 2019. The US won Group A with nine points, qualifying for the finals in Texas. Then, the pandemic hit, suspending the tournament, and the finals were rescheduled for early June 2021. That extra year allowed this young US team to grow, which would be needed in this young core's first real test together.
During the pandemic in 2020, the US took a nine-and-a-half-month break from February to November. The club season returned a little sooner, with clubs only taking about three months off. The break allowed the injury-riddled team to get healthy and gain more first-team experience at the club level. A new-look national team emerged for the friendlies in mid-November, with Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah making their debuts, along with the returns of Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, and Tim Weah, who had been dealing with injuries. The star Christian Pulisic was recovering from a hamstring injury during the FA Cup Final in August and missed out on the action. The team drew with Wales before beating Panama. The "first team" wouldn't get back together until March 2021, when the US beat Jamaica and Northern Ireland — Dest scored the opener against the Jamaicans, celebrating by letting everyone know it was the US's time.
With all of his top European-based players available, Berhalter named a power-packed squad for the CONCACAF Nations League final four on May 24. The 23-man roster included players from Champions League finalists Chelsea (Christian Pulisic) and Manchester City (Zack Steffen) and continental powers Borussia Dortmund (Gio Reyna), Juventus (Weston McKennie) and Barcelona (Sergiño Dest). It also featured players from RB Leipzig (Tyler Adams), French champion Lille (Tim Weah) and Austrian champion RB Salzburg (Brenden Aaronson).
"We are excited to get this group together, especially coming off the heels of excellent domestic seasons by our players," Berhalter said. "We're looking forward to competing to win a trophy and also going through this process. This group has been together now three times in the last eight months, and every time we get together, we get closer and build the team even more."
Only four players were from MLS clubs, as the coach turned primarily to European-based players after their league seasons and before they went on summer break. Despite those accolades, it was a young U.S. squad: The average number of international appearances was 17, and, as of the semifinal, the average age was just under 24. Thirteen players were 23 or younger.
The four-match window would start with a friendly in Switzerland on May 30 — a 2-1 defeat. Pulisic was not in the U.S. side after taking part in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League final the day before, becoming the first American man to play in the final of Europe's most prestigious club title. Sebastian Lletget fired the U.S. into an early lead against the strong Swiss side preparing for the upcoming European Championship, pouncing on a loose ball in the area and side-footing home with his first touch. The Swiss hit right back through Ricardo Rodriguez, who picked up a cross at the top of the penalty area on a counter-attack. Switzerland took the lead just past the hour mark after some lax defending by the U.S. led to a goalmouth scramble, and Steven Zuber slotted in a close-range shot to seal it for the hosts in the second half.
The team traveled to Denver, where the US would play Honduras in the first semifinal on Thursday, June 3. Pulisic, fresh off his Champions League win with Chelsea, was back in Berhalter's starting XI as the U.S. played its first competitive match since November of 2019. "It was a little bit nerve-wracking," Gio Reyna said after making his competitive debut. "It was really important. It was the first, tough, really official competitive game we've had."
Reyna produced the best US chance of the first half when he skipped by two defenders in the box before shooting it wide. On the other side, Josh Sargent had to recover to make an impressive goal-line clearance in the 27th minute to keep the match goalless. Honduras continued to stall as the match progressed and almost reached the final whistle. That was until the 89th minute after a throw-in, when the ball was cycled to John Brooks about 40 yards away from the goal, who played the ball over the top to Weston McKennie. McKennie guided the pass into the path of second-half substitute Jordan Pefok, who headed the ball home for the winner. The US survived but only by a late goal in the semifinal.
In the other match, Mexico needed a penalty shootout to beat Costa Rica to set up the match for Sunday, June 6. Mexico had the better of the US since the 2014 World Cup, beating the Americans in four of the past six matchups, including a most recent 3-0 drubbing in Sept 2019. Jesus Corona put Mexico on the front foot 62 seconds into the match when he intercepted Mark McKenzie's pass and buried it into the roof over Zack Steffen. Mexico actually nabbed a second goal in the 24th minute when Hector Herrera curled in a cross after a short corner, and Hector Moreno rose highest to score off the header, but it was ruled out for offside, though it was very close. About a minute and a half after the goal was marked off, the US equalized through Reyna. Pulisic curled in the corner kick, and McKennie's header found the post. Reyna was on hand for the rebound to level the match.
As the sky turned from dusk to evening, the intensity began to build in the second half, and a few scuffles broke out. Berhalter, who started the match with a three-in-the-back, changed systems when he replaced Dest with Weah at the hour mark. The team adjusted again when backup goalkeeper Ethan Horvath replaced Steffen after the starter left with a non-contact knee injury in the 69th minute.
"Me and Zack have been on the national team since we've been 14-years-old together ... He just said everyone believes in me and just do me," Horvath said.
Memo Ochoa saved a McKennie header off a corner kick a minute later. Tensions grew as Berhalter and Mexico defender Nester Araujo came together on the touchline as the manager scooped up the ball. Everyone was on edge. In the 78th minute, Diego Lianez replaced Uriel Antuna and burned Tim Ream a minute later to create enough space to fire a shot past Horvath for what could have been the winner. But off the kick-off, the US put together a 13-pass buildup that resulted in a Weah cross. Luis Rodríguez settled the cross but allowed the ball to go out for a corner after a poor touch. Reyna curled in the corner, and McKennie finally beat Ochoa with a header to tie the match. It was an instant response. Mexico could have won it in regulation, but Horvath needed to make a diving save on a Hirving Lozano shot in the 90th minute.
After a goalless first 15 minutes of extra time with bodies continuing to fly, the US made the most of its first real attack of the second period. The Americans broke free on the right, and Weah found Reggie Cannon, who played a low cross to Pulisic near the penalty spot. Pulisic drove toward the net before being squeezed out by Jesús Gallardo and Carlos Salcedo. Initially, referee John Pitti thought nothing of the coming together, but the Video Assistant Review called the referee over to review it himself. Pitti decided it was a foul and awarded the penalty, but not before sending off Mexico manager Tata Martino during the review. Pulisic stepped up to the spot and buried it into the top right corner in the 114th minute to give the US its first lead of the match.
“I said I was going to go out swinging, and I am going to go for it,” Pulisic said of his penalty. The chaos continued as the celebrations were hampered by trash and drinks being dumped on the Americans as Pulisic shooshed the away crowd. Reyna, who was subbed off in the second half, was hit in the face with a projectile and had to be treated before play resumed.
"Total lack of respect for what's happening on the field and all the effort both teams were putting into the game," Berhalter said of the barrage of water bottles and other items. "Really disappointed to see. It could've been a lot worse" for Reyna.
In the 119th minute, the match would come to its stunning conclusion. Mexico earned a corner and ran a little play to get a shorter cross. Corona won the header and directed it toward the goal, and it hit McKenzie's extended arm. Mexico persistently appealed for the penalty. Pitti went back to the monitor to review and again decided on a penalty.
Mind games and shenanigans continued as Kellyn Acosta prevented Andrés Guardado from positioning the ball, which sparked another minor scuffle. After another 30 seconds or so, Guardado was ready for the penalty. He sent his left-footed shot to the left corner, but Horvath guessed correctly, and the substitute goalkeeper parried the shot wide. With the ball not cleared, it was eventually pumped back into the box and fell into the secure hands of Horvath. The goalkeeper fell on the ball as his teammates congratulated him.
Horvath, Steffen and third-stringer David Ochoa met with goalkeepers coach Aron Hyde on Sunday to prepare for the possibility of facing penalty kicks. The group "spent a good 30, 40 minutes watching penalties, just in case. Any one of us was prepared to step in goal. It's down to us doing our homework," Horvath said.
One more scuffle broke out eight minutes into added time when Pulisic was chopped down, and more teammates came over to defend him. More projectiles came onto the field as the sideline started to be riddled with trash. The dust settled, the ball was thrown back into play, Pitti blew the final whistle, and the US were Nations League champions. The team rushed toward the defense third, where Horvath was already getting piled on. It was the first trophy for this young core of Americans after the last guard failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
The win gave the team the belief they belonged. "I'm so proud of this group, we needed everyone today, and it was a phenomenal performance," Pulisic said afterward.
Since the embarrassment of missing the 2018 World Cup, the U.S. men have not had anything to celebrate. This victory promised to continue shaping a talented but young team ahead of the competitions that matter most. The US completed the window with a 4-0 victory over Costa Rica. This Nations League victory set the table for the title defense in 2023 and the three-peat in 2024, asserting American dominance (at home) over the region over the last handful of years.
On This Day in 2002, a Fury of Three First-Half Goals Was Too Much For Portugal in Group D at the World Cup
What a difference four years make. In 1998, the United States Men's National Team found itself isolated in a 12th-century French chateau, removed from the World Cup's energy and excitement. Things were different in 2002. They stood in the center of soccer's global spotlight, authors of one of the most stunning upsets in tournament history. The downtown luxury hotel in Seoul that housed the national team offered bagels in the lobby, and the players could stroll to an adjacent mall, similar to an American suburb. "It looks exactly the same," defender Tony Sanneh observed. "It's scary."
This urban immersion was no accident. U.S. coach Bruce Arena, the Brooklyn-born tactician who replaced Steve Sampson after the 1998 disaster, deliberately chose the location. "I'm not a great believer in being isolated," Arena explained. "I want the players to feel the energy and culture of Seoul and Korea, and the thrill of being at the World Cup."
That philosophy extends to the field, where Arena has transformed a once-tentative American squad into an attacking force. Earlier in 2002, the US scored four goals against El Salvador and Honduras and against Jamaica in a May tune-up, they exploded for five goals. Even in a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands in their final pre-tournament friendly, which was the first time they were held without a goal in seven matches, observers noted the Americans were no longer playing like intimidated underdogs.
"In 1998, we were lost," goalkeeper Brad Friedel explained before the tournament. "This time, the way the team is preparing, the spirit we have, we will get the results we need."
Few gave the Americans any hope as they entered this match. Following their last-place finish in France four years ago, and facing what defender Frankie Hejduk called "pressure, pressure, pressure" to elevate the global perception of American soccer, the U.S. squad entered without its injured captain Claudio Reyna and creative forward Clint Mathis. What's more, six starters had never played in a World Cup match. The inexperience hardly showed on that June 5 afternoon at the Suwon Stadium.
The improbable became reality just four minutes into the match. Earnie Stewart lofted a corner kick that Brian McBride headed sharply toward goal. Portuguese goalkeeper Vitor Baia, a legend in his country but showing rust from 18 months lost to knee injuries, collided with a teammate while attempting to make the save. John O'Brien, making his World Cup debut, pounced on the rebound and slammed it into the empty net.
O'Brien, who plays professionally in the Netherlands, looked almost apologetic after scoring. "It seemed like there was a little mist, a weird stadium and colorful seats," O'Brien said later. "It was a weird night."
The weirdness continued in the 29th minute when 20-year-old Landon Donovan, one of Arena's bold youth selections, lifted a cross from the right flank. The ball glanced off Portuguese defender Jorge Costa's head and curled toward goal. Baia made the error of failing to protect the near post. His attempted punch sent the ball careening off the upright and into the net for an own goal.
"It's almost like it had eyes for the goal," marveled Donovan, who held up his hands on the field as if to say, "Can you believe this?" "I was watching, watching, watching and saying, 'Oh my God, it's going in.'"
By this point, Sanneh — often criticized for inconsistent play at right back — had effectively neutralized Luis Figo, the reigning world player of the year. The American found his creative side in the 36th minute with a stunning cross from the right flank. The ball traveled 40 yards, bending perfectly onto the head of McBride at the far post. Baia was caught out of position again, and McBride's diving header gave the Americans an astonishing 3-0 lead.
Portugal's attacking talent couldn't be contained forever. This was a team that had scored 33 goals during World Cup qualifying matches, led by the elegant Figo and a supporting cast of European club stars. Beto pulled one back for Portugal six minutes before halftime when O'Brien failed to clear a corner kick. The Portuguese pressure intensified after the break, and in the 71st minute, American defender Jeff Agoos inadvertently volleyed a Pauleta cross into his own net.
With the lead cut to 3-2 and nearly 20 minutes remaining, the Americans appeared physically and emotionally depleted. Making matters worse, center back Eddie Pope had to leave with leg cramps in the sticky heat. But just when it seemed the fairy tale might unravel, the Americans demonstrated newfound resilience. Veterans Cobi Jones and McBride joined with young stars Beasley and Sanneh to expertly kill the clock in the final five minutes. When the referee's whistle finally sounded, American players raced onto the field and jumped into each other's arms, celebrating their first World Cup victory since the 2-1 win over Colombia in 1994.
This one was decidedly more impressive. That game was played at home. This was won abroad, against one of the world's elite teams.
"Dating to the '90 World Cup, we've always had to play defensively," Mathis said before the tournament. "Now we have a more attack-minded team. In other World Cups, it was almost like we played for a draw. It's tough when you do that. To put pressure on teams, you have to go forward and get goals. That's how you win games."
Tonight, that aggressive philosophy paid historic dividends. The victory — arguably among the five greatest in U.S. soccer history alongside wins over Belgium and Paraguay at the 1930 World Cup, England in 1950 and Colombia in 1994 — immediately transforms the Americans' outlook in Group D. With South Korea's 2-0 victory over Poland on the previous day, the Americans suddenly find themselves in a position to advance to the knockout phase with a positive result against the co-hosts on Monday in Daegu.
"This World Cup is not over," Arena cautioned. "We've got to prepare for Korea, and our goal is to win that game."
"I think this victory will grab the attention of a lot of people in the United States," Arena said afterward, his typically stoic demeanor giving way to the faintest hint of satisfaction.
For a team that finished last among 32 teams four years ago, the transformation is remarkable. As goalkeeper Friedel, who was superb in maintaining calm during Portugal's frantic push for an equalizer, put it: "We're not going to dominate a game for 90 minutes. We're going to have to weather some storms. I think we can do that."
After tonight's performance, the rest of the world might finally believe him.
"We'd like to prove something to ourselves this time," Friedel said. "If we don't go through to the next round, it will not be because of off-the-field things. It won't be because we didn't give 100 percent on the field. It will be because maybe we weren't good enough on the day. I don't believe that will happen. The way the team is preparing, the spirit we have, we will get the results we need."
One historic result down. One giant step toward redemption taken.
On This Day in 1994, the Americans Delivered a Statement Victory in Their Final World Cup Warm-Up Match
With the 1994 World Cup looming just two weeks away, the United States Men's National Team faced dual challenges: finalizing their roster and building confidence for the biggest tournament in their history. Coach Bora Milutinovic, facing intense scrutiny for his unorthodox methods and seemingly indecisive approach, made his final cuts on June 1st, submitting the required 22-player roster to FIFA just hours before the deadline.
The final roster reflected the evolution of American soccer since their historic, but ultimately disappointing, showing at Italia '90, where they finished 23rd out of 24 teams. Only six players from that World Cup squad remained—goalkeeper Tony Meola, defenders Paul Caligiuri and Marcelo Balboa, midfielders John Harkes and Tab Ramos, and forward Eric Wynalda. The additions included a mix of emerging domestic talent and "passport Americans" who had developed their skills in stronger European leagues.
Among the final three players cut was defender Brian Bliss, who had been called up for recent exhibitions but tore cartilage in his left knee upon returning to his club team in Germany. Also released were midfielders Dominic Kinnear, who had missed two months following an emergency appendectomy, and Chris Henderson, who had played just 14 minutes in the past four games.
The selected squad was notably more experienced than the 1990 version. While the Americans had been the youngest team in Italy with an average age of just over 24, the 1994 roster averaged 26.5 years of age. More importantly, several key players had accumulated valuable experience in top European leagues, with Harkes returning from Derby County in England's First Division, Wynalda playing in Germany's Bundesliga, and Ramos testing himself in Spain's competitive La Liga.
As the U.S. prepared for their final tune-up against Mexico at the Rose Bowl on June 4, they knew they'd face an unusual dynamic—playing as the technical home team before a crowd overwhelmingly supporting the visitors. Officials expected around 60,000 fans for the match, with the 12:30 p.m. PDT start time deliberately scheduled to allow Mexican supporters to drive up from Baja California.
"It's always going to be an uphill battle for soccer in America," midfielder John Harkes acknowledged. "We've had it before. It makes us fight back that much harder."
Milutinovic, who had coached Mexico to the World Cup quarterfinals in 1986, cautioned that fans shouldn't expect to see the same lineup he intended to use against Switzerland in the World Cup opener. Harkes had only returned from England on Wednesday (June 1) and wasn't planning to begin practicing with the team until Monday. Meanwhile, sweeper Marcelo Balboa was suspended for the match following his ejection the previous weekend in a 1-1 draw against Greece.
The Mexican squad was facing its own challenges. Star forward Hugo Sanchez, the five-time Spanish League scoring champion and hero of Mexico's 1986 World Cup campaign, was recovering from a torn thigh muscle that had sidelined him for six weeks. Though the 35-year-old claimed to have healed and expected to play, his status remained uncertain amid controversy with his club team, Rayo Vallecano, which had been relegated from Spain's top division.
When match day arrived, even the pre-game expectations were shattered. Rather than the anticipated 60,000 spectators, an astonishing 91,123 fans packed the Rose Bowl—the largest crowd ever to witness the U.S. national team play on American soil. The previous record of 78,625 had been set during the 1984 Olympics when the U.S. defeated Costa Rica at Stanford Stadium.
The atmosphere was electric, but decidedly pro-Mexico. Well over 90 percent of the fans displayed Mexican colors, with the unofficial flag count favoring Mexico by a margin of roughly 10,000 to 20. Mexican supporters began honking horns and waving flags two hours before kickoff, chanting "Me-hi-co! Me-hi-co!" and performing the wave as their team took the field.
The scene offered an early glimpse of what the World Cup would bring to the United States. Security measures were extensive, with two layers of chain-link fencing surrounding the stadium, police helicopters circling overhead, and about four dozen Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies alongside helmeted Pasadena police stationed on the field.
"I told the players to go out and enjoy the environment they were about to play in," said Milutinovic, whose familiarity with both sides added an intriguing subplot to the match.
The Americans looked confused and scattered on defense during the opening 10 minutes. Still, Milutinovic's tactical adjustment of moving Thomas Dooley—usually a midfielder—into the backline alongside Alexi Lalas, Cle Kooiman and Caligiuri proved brilliant. The defensive unit tightened impressively, defusing numerous Mexican attacking threats before they could develop.
The first half ended scoreless, with both teams managing three shots on goal. Mexico appeared to score at one point, but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside. Milutinovic made two crucial substitutions at halftime, bringing on Wynalda and Roy Wegerle, who had recently rejoined the team from their European clubs. The move paid immediate dividends just seven minutes into the second half.
The decisive moment came in the 52nd minute, showcasing the global influences now enriching American soccer. Dooley, a naturalized American who had lived in Germany until a year earlier, delivered a precise through-ball down the left side to Wynalda, a California native playing professionally in Germany. Wynalda raced past three defenders to reach the ball and, when seemingly sealed in near the end line, executed a brilliant reverse move to lose defender Raul Gutierrez. Drawing goalkeeper Jorge Campos out of position, Wynalda calmly slid the ball to Wegerle, a naturalized American born in South Africa who played in the English Premiership, who had positioned himself perfectly at the top of the box. Wegerle's simple finish into the empty net gave the Americans their 1-0 lead.
"Eric did all the hard work," Wegerle said modestly. "The smart work was picking up his head and getting in the right place."
Wynalda, who had a wild expression on his face as he celebrated the goal, later explained his emotional reaction: "That was a little bit for my teammates, a little bit for the lack of fan support, and a little bit for the Mexican-Americans who were here today. They booed the team. I wanted to show them I was having a better time than them today."
Mexico pressed desperately for an equalizer, particularly in the closing minutes. Their best opportunity came in the 88th minute when Meola came out to challenge Ramon Ramirez, who chipped the ball over him toward the middle of the penalty area. With the net exposed, Caligiuri made a crucial defensive header to clear the danger and preserve the American lead. When the final whistle blew, the U.S. had accomplished something remarkable—silencing nearly 91,000 opposing fans on home soil.
"It was a great effort on our defense's part," said Meola, who needed to make just two saves. "Really, this was like an away game for us, and the World Cup won't be like this. It was great. We figured out how to quiet 91,000 fans."
The victory improved the American record to 5-8-5 (WDL) for the year, including a modest 2-7-3 mark against fellow World Cup teams. More importantly, it provided a timely confidence boost as they completed their warm-up schedule and turned their attention to the tournament opener against Switzerland at the Pontiac Silverdome on June 18.
"This is just a hell of a morale-booster for the team," Wegerle said. "If we could have lost, people would have just shrugged their shoulders. This will send waves around the world."
It was only the fourth win in 42 games against Mexico for the United States. This statistical breakthrough suggested Milutinovic's mysterious methods might be bearing fruit at precisely the right moment. For a team and coach that had faced mounting skepticism, with critics questioning whether Milutinovic was a "miracle worker or nutty professor," the victory couldn't have come at a better time. The players who had placed their trust in his unorthodox approach were finally seeing tangible results.
As the United States prepared to host its first World Cup, expectations remained carefully measured. The players and staff had set a clear objective—reaching the second round, something the U.S. hadn't achieved since the inaugural World Cup in 1930. With the Swiss, Colombia, and Romania awaiting them in Group A, the Americans would need at least one win, possibly a win and a tie, to advance.
"If we play at the top of our level, and we have a little bit of luck, I think we can accomplish it," said Ramos. "We don't have the type of pressure all the teams have from their countries."
Last time, in 1990, they were just happy to be there. This time, with the eyes of the world—and a skeptical American public—upon them, many team members recognized that anything less than advancing to the second round would be considered a failure. But on this sun-drenched afternoon in Pasadena, as the San Gabriel Mountains glistened in the background, the Americans had delivered a statement victory that suggested they might just be ready for their moment on the world stage.
