Dominant Win Over St. Vincent and the Grenadines

On This Day in 2016, the US Opened World Cup Qualifying with a Convincing Away Victory

The momentum from Copa America Centenario still coursed through the United States national team as they prepared for the resumption of World Cup qualifying in September 2016. Fresh off their historic run to the semifinals on home soil, Jurgen Klinsmann's squad carried a newfound confidence into the CONCACAF semifinal round, knowing that advancement to the hexagonal stage—and a clearer path to Russia 2018—was within their grasp.

The Americans arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with several key absences. Clint Dempsey, the tournament's breakout star from Copa America, was sidelined with an irregular heartbeat. Captain Michael Bradley sat out due to yellow card accumulation, while defender Michael Orozco remained suspended following his red card in the Copa America third-place match. The travel logistics alone presented challenges—the team's charter flight couldn't land directly at the island's E.T. Joshua Airport due to runway limitations, forcing a detour through Barbados and requiring players to transfer to smaller aircraft.

Despite the obstacles, Klinsmann viewed the match as an opportunity to continue developing the depth that had served them well during their summer breakthrough. Bobby Wood, whose pace and movement had troubled defenses throughout Copa America, was eager to build on his momentum after completing a transfer to Hamburg and scoring in his Bundesliga debut.

On a sweltering September 2 afternoon at the Arnos Vale cricket ground, with steel drums providing the soundtrack for both national anthems, the Americans wasted little time asserting their dominance against the 156th-ranked hosts. The opening goal arrived in the 28th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Wood. After Jozy Altidore nearly lost possession while trying to beat a defender just outside the penalty area, he managed to work the ball wide to Fabian Johnson, who poked it back out to Wood. The Hamburg striker curled a precise 19-yard right-footed shot to the far post, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Christopher Lemus.

Four minutes later, the Americans doubled their advantage through an unlikely source. Matt Besler, making his 36th international appearance, found himself in the right place at the right time when Graham Zusi's chipped free kick led to a defensive miscue. Nazir McBurnett's headed clearance attempt fell directly to the defender, who chested the ball down and knocked it home with his left foot from four yards out. The goal carried special significance for Besler, whose wife Amanda had given birth to their first child, daughter Parker, just hours before kickoff. As his teammates surrounded him in a rocking-the-cradle celebration, the emotion was palpable. The defender had told Klinsmann that morning he was in the right frame of mind to play despite the extraordinary circumstances.

"It's already a special day, but I wanted to make it even more special and play in this special game," Besler would later reflect.

Altidore capped the first-half scoring in the 43rd minute, converting a penalty kick after Wood was fouled while streaking into the penalty area. The goal, his 35th for the national team, moved him past Eric Wynalda into sole possession of third place on the American men's career scoring list, behind only Landon Donovan and Dempsey. The second half belonged to the next generation of American soccer. Klinsmann introduced Christian Pulisic and Sacha Kljestan midway through the period, and the pair combined to devastating effect. 

Just five minutes after entering, Pulisic found the net with a clinical finish off a Kljestan pass, becoming the youngest player in U.S. history to score in a World Cup qualifier at just two weeks shy of his 18th birthday. Seven minutes later, the roles reversed as Pulisic turned provider, delivering a cross that Kljestan tapped home for his first international goal in six years. The veteran midfielder, recalled after a lengthy absence from the national team setup, savored the moment of redemption. Pulisic wasn't finished. In the second minute of stoppage time, he completed his brace with an 18-yard strike off another Kljestan assist, capping a remarkable 24-minute cameo that announced his arrival on the international stage.

The 6-0 victory moved the United States into prime position to advance to the hexagonal stage of World Cup qualifying. With their superior goal difference over Guatemala and only needing to avoid a catastrophic defeat against Trinidad and Tobago in the group finale, the Americans had effectively secured their passage to the next round. More significantly, the match served as validation of the progress made during Copa America Centenario. The team's depth had been tested and proven adequate. Wood continued his evolution into a reliable scoring threat, Besler showed the character that made him a World Cup veteran, and Pulisic provided a tantalizing glimpse of American soccer's future.

For Klinsmann, the comprehensive victory represented another step forward in his vision for American soccer. The confidence gained from competing with South America's elite during the summer was translating into clinical performances in qualifying, setting the stage for what promised to be an intriguing hexagonal campaign. It was clear that the entire program was maturing, building on the foundation laid during those memorable three weeks in June when they had dared to dream big on home soil.

Richards Strong For Palace

Crystal Palace Continues Unbeaten With Statement Villa Victory

Chris Richards was strong again as Crystal Palace secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park, helping end the hosts' remarkable year-long unbeaten home streak in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old United States international was instrumental in Palace's defensive solidity, completing 90 minutes and contributing significantly to what he described as laying down a marker for the season. Richards' statistical output reflected his dominance at the back: winning both of his aerial duels, making eight crucial clearances, including seven headers, and maintaining an impressive 85% pass accuracy despite the pressure of playing away from home.

His partnership with captain Marc Guehi proved impenetrable, with Richards winning four of five ground duels and providing the defensive foundation that allowed Palace's attacking players to flourish. The American center-back was never dribbled past and made one key block while demonstrating the collective defensive mentality he emphasized in his post-match comments about keeping clean sheets to give the forwards the best chance to succeed.

Richards' consistent performances at the Premier League level make him a certainty for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad for the September international friendlies. His experience in England's top flight, combined with his leadership qualities and defensive reliability, positions him as a key figure in the new manager's plans as the United States begins preparation for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Yedlin's Premier League Breakthrough

On This Day in 2018, the American Full-Back Scored His First Premier League Goal in Newcastle's Spirited Display at the Etihad

The summer of 2018 had left American soccer players largely forgotten. Without the World Cup platform that typically showcases U.S. talent to European clubs, players like DeAndre Yedlin found themselves grinding through another season mostly out of sight from the broader football world. For the 25-year-old full-back, now entering his third campaign at Newcastle United, the early weeks of the new Premier League season represented a chance to prove his worth at the highest level.

Yedlin had arrived at St. James' Park in 2016 for £5 million, part of Rafael Benítez's rebuilding project. After helping Newcastle secure promotion back to the Premier League, he had established himself as a reliable presence down the right flank. However, with Geoff Cameron being relegated with Stoke City that past season, Yedlin had quietly become the most experienced American in England's top flight in 2018. This responsibility carried both opportunity and pressure.

The season had started encouragingly for Newcastle. Despite a narrow defeat to Tottenham on opening day, where Yedlin suffered a minor knee injury that briefly raised concerns, the Magpies had shown resilience. A battling performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, though ending in defeat through a late own goal from Yedlin himself, demonstrated Benítez's tactical acumen and his team's defensive organization.

On September 1, Newcastle traveled to the Etihad Stadium to face the reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Few gave the visitors much chance against Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad, which was looking to maintain its perfect start to the campaign. The Magpies' woeful record at this venue—22 top-flight meetings without victory—suggested another comfortable afternoon for the hosts.

Yet Newcastle, deployed in Benítez's characteristic defensive setup, frustrated City throughout the first half. When Raheem Sterling opened the scoring with a curling effort after seven minutes, it appeared the floodgates might open. Instead, the visitors held firm, with new signing Salomón Rondón providing an isolated but willing focal point in attack.

Then came Yedlin's moment. In the 33rd minute, Newcastle broke with pace and purpose, catching City's usually impeccable defensive structure off guard. Rondón, eager to impress in his early appearances for the club, created space and delivered a perfectly weighted pass that found Yedlin's far-post run. The American full-back, arriving unmarked, showed composure beyond his years as he stroked the ball home to level the score.

It was a goal that embodied everything about Yedlin's development at Newcastle—the timing of his overlapping runs, the positional intelligence that Benítez had instilled in his defensive system, and the confidence to finish when the opportunity arrived. For a player who had scored just once in his previous three years, finding the net in such circumstances represented a personal breakthrough.

Though Kyle Walker's second-half thunderbolt would ultimately secure victory for City, Yedlin's equalizer had provided Newcastle with their brightest moment of an otherwise difficult start to the season. The goal made him the first American to score in the Premier League since Cameron's effort for Stoke in March 2014. This statistic highlighted both his achievement and the scarcity of U.S. players making their mark at this level.

For American soccer, still reeling from the World Cup qualification failure, Yedlin's strike offered a reminder that the talent pipeline to Europe's top leagues remained intact. With interim national team coach Dave Sarachan preparing his roster for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Mexico, every strong showing from U.S. players abroad carried added significance. The program was rebuilding, searching for experienced voices who could guide a new generation of prospects.

Yedlin's goal at the Etihad represented more than just a personal milestone. In a season when American players were mainly operating in the shadows, his moment of quality against the Premier League champions demonstrated that U.S. talent could still rise to the occasion. After years of steady development under Benítez's guidance, the full-back had announced himself on the grandest stage English football had to offer.

CCV Shines in Old Firm Stalemate

Defender Has Strong Showing in Celtic's Draw Against Rangers

Cameron Carter-Vickers commanded a strong performance in Celtic's dreary 0-0 draw with Rangers at Ibrox, earning Player of the Match honors despite the disappointing spectacle that left both sets of supporters frustrated with the lack of quality on display.

The 27-year-old American center-back was the standout performer in what pundits described as one of the poorest Old Firm encounters in recent memory. Carter-Vickers dominated defensively with 13 clearances, including 11 headers, while maintaining exceptional distribution with a match-high 66 completed passes at an impressive 93% accuracy rate. His aerial dominance was particularly notable, as he won four of five duels in the air and never allowed himself to be dribbled past during the entire 90 minutes.

In a game that lacked real quality and creativity from both sides, Carter-Vickers provided the defensive stability that kept Celtic in the contest. His ball-playing expertise from the heart of the backline was evident as he completed seven passes into the final third, trying to spark Celtic's lackluster attacking play. The defender won his only tackle attempt and made three crucial interceptions while showing his versatility with a perfect dribble success rate.

However, despite his consistent performances at the highest level of Scottish football and his status as Celtic's most important defender, Carter-Vickers was surprisingly omitted from Mauricio Pochettino's first USMNT squad for the September international friendlies, raising questions about the new manager's defensive priorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Haji's Stellar Start

Striker Bagged Another Goal in the EFL Championship in a Draw With Oxford

Haji Wright continues to showcase his clinical finishing ability for Coventry City, though his impressive form hasn't translated to a call-up for the United States Men's National Team's September friendlies under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The American striker was instrumental in Coventry's 2-2 draw with Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, opening the scoring with a well-taken goal that demonstrated his growing confidence in front of goal. After having an earlier effort ruled offside, Wright showed his persistence by finding the net just minutes later clean finish inside the box. The goal came through excellent build-up play, with Wright collecting a squared pass from Jack Rudoni before wriggling into space and delivering an angled shot that beat Oxford goalkeeper Jamie Cumming at his near post.

This latest strike continues Wright's remarkable start to the 2024-25 campaign, having now scored five goals and provided one assist across six appearances in all competitions. His prolific form has been a driving force behind Coventry's strong early-season position, with the Sky Blues sitting second in the EFL Championship table. Frank Lampard has shown clear faith in the striker, making him the focal point of the attack for three consecutive league matches.

However, Wright's domestic success hasn't been enough to secure his place in Pochettino's first USMNT squad. The snub comes just two months after the striker was forced to withdraw from the Gold Cup camp due to an Achilles injury, raising questions about whether fitness concerns or tactical preferences influenced the decision. With Wright near the top of the Championship Golden Boot race, his exclusion from the national team setup adds an intriguing subplot to his excellent club form.

Tillman's Debut Goal

Midfielder Opens Account for Leverkusen in Bundesliga Draw

Malik Tillman's Bayer Leverkusen debut should have been remembered for all the right reasons. The 23-year-old American midfielder marked his first appearance in the famous red and black with a beautifully crafted goal, showcasing the technical ability that convinced the club to bring him from PSV Eindhoven during the summer transfer window.

Tillman's 35th-minute strike demonstrated his composure and skill under pressure. After French defender Axel Tape's brilliant run created the opportunity, the midfielder showed excellent control to manage Christian Kofane's cross with his shoulder before unleashing a clinical finish that gave Leverkusen a commanding 2-0 lead against Werder Bremen.

However, what should have been a dream debut quickly turned into a nightmare as Erik ten Hag's side capitulated spectacularly. Despite holding a two-goal advantage twice during the match, Leverkusen dramatically surrendered their lead, with teenage Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly scoring a stoppage-time equalizer to complete a stunning 3-3 comeback for the visitors.

The result left Tillman reflecting on a bittersweet afternoon where individual success was overshadowed by collective failure. His post-match comments revealed the frustration within the dressing room, relaying ten Hag's harsh assessment that the team "played like boys today and not men" and describing the manager's embarrassment at how they finished the game.

For Tillman personally, the debut represented a significant step up in his career. Having previously spent time with Bayern Munich and Greuther Furth in Germany before his stint in the Netherlands, he now faces the challenge of helping fill the considerable void left by Florian Wirtz's departure while adapting to ten Hag's tactical approach. Despite the disappointing result, Tillman remains optimistic about Leverkusen's future, promising that "our time will come and you will see a different Leverkusen" following the international break.

Sargent Scores Twice

Striker is Top of the EFL Golden Boot Race After a Brace Against Blackburn

Josh Sargent's exceptional start to the Championship season has put Norwich City in a precarious position as the transfer window approaches its deadline. The American striker's brace against Blackburn Rovers showcased exactly why clubs across Europe are circling, with his tally now standing at six goals in just five appearances this campaign.

The 25-year-old's clinical performance at Ewood Park demonstrated his evolution as a complete striker. His opening goal came from the penalty spot after drawing a red card challenge from Sean McLoughlin, while his stoppage-time strike was a thunderous effort that sealed the victory. Manager Liam Manning praised Sargent's intelligence and movement, describing him as "the best nine at this level."

What made Sargent's display even more impressive was his ability to influence the game beyond just his goals. His pace and positioning consistently troubled Blackburn's defense, creating the decisive moment that changed the match's complexion. Manning noted the striker's "sharpness over the first metres" and his knack for finding dangerous positions.

The timing of this performance couldn't be more significant for Norwich. Having already rebuffed interest from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg earlier in the summer, the Canaries now face potential late approaches as Monday's transfer deadline looms. Manning's insistence that it would take an "unbelievable" offer to pry Sargent away reflects both the striker's importance to their promotion ambitions and his growing market value.

Sargent's goal-per-game ratio has transformed Norwich's attacking threat this season. His leadership qualities, highlighted by Manning alongside Kenny McLean's influence, suggest that he has embraced responsibility beyond just scoring goals. With the international break providing a natural pause, Norwich supporters will hope their star striker remains in yellow when domestic action resumes.

Adams Anchors Victory Over Spurs

Midfielder Continues Solid Start as Bournemouth Beat Tottenham

Tyler Adams delivered a commanding performance in midfield as Bournemouth secured a thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, providing a stark reality check for the hosts in what was supposed to be another step forward in their promising early-season form.

The United States international was instrumental in Bournemouth's dominant display, completing 90 minutes in a defensive midfield role that saw him contribute significantly to the Cherries' relentless pressing game that suffocated Tottenham throughout. Adams' statistics reflect his all-action performance: winning both of his tackles attempted, making two interceptions, and completing seven recoveries while maintaining a solid 76% pass accuracy from his deeper position.

The 26-year-old's defensive contributions were crucial in a match where Bournemouth outshot their hosts 19-5, with Adams helping to break up Tottenham's attempts to build from the back. His perfect tackle success rate and ability to win four of seven ground duels demonstrated the physicality and work rate that have made him such a valuable asset for both club and country.

This performance comes at an ideal time for Adams, who is set to feature prominently in Mauricio Pochettino's US squad in the September international friendlies. His consistent displays for Bournemouth, combined with his leadership qualities and Premier League experience, make him an automatic selection for the national team setup. Adams' involvement in such a comprehensive victory over a top-six opponent will only strengthen his case as a key player for the new era under Pochettino, as the USMNT looks to build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Stewart's Late Strike in Reykjavik

On This Day in 1993, How the Dutch-Trained American Proved His World Cup Worth in a Victory Over Iceland

The run to Mexico City in July had given way to a harsh August reality. Three weeks after Cle Kooiman's dramatic winner had sent them to the Azteca Stadium, the United States returned from their Gold Cup triumph carrying both celebration and humiliation. The 4-0 final defeat to Mexico had stripped away illusions about World Cup readiness, but provided something more valuable: clarity about the work that still needed to be done.

American soccer found itself trapped in a familiar paradox. Bruce Murray, the most capped player in national team history, had just been released and signed with English First Division side Millwall—a testament to both his quality and the limitations of domestic development. The message was unmistakable: America's homegrown talent remained insufficient for World Cup ambitions.

Bora Milutinovic understood this better than anyone. His transformation of the national team had come through systematic integration of European-based Americans and dual nationals. The Mission Viejo training center buzzed with activity, but everyone knew that the players who would determine World Cup fate trained in stadiums from Amsterdam to Stuttgart.

The upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Norway represented more than preparation—they were auditions for World Cup roster spots that remained frustratingly undefined. Milutinovic had retreated from his promise to name his final 22 in September, instead choosing to keep players motivated amid uncertainty.

In Reykjavik's crisp air on August 31, the Americans took the field knowing every moment would be measured against World Cup standards. The most intriguing selection was Earnie Stewart, earning just his third start in twelve appearances. The Willem II striker had spent his international career as a super-substitute. Still, his goal against Germany in the U.S. Cup had raised questions about whether he deserved a starting role.

Iceland asserted early control, creating a dangerous chance in the 12th minute when Runar Kristinsson broke through alone against Brad Friedel. The moment crystallized international soccer's unforgiving nature—one lapse and months of preparation could collapse. Friedel's response separated World Cup goalkeepers from domestic players. Sliding right, he smothered the shot from eight yards, then denied the rebound from 20 yards.

"When you're playing on the road, you have to make the big saves early," Friedel explained. "If an opponent gets a goal early at home, they usually can put the game in the bag."

The Americans found rhythm through Mike Sorber's disciplined midfield play, which allowed Thomas Dooley to dictate the tempo. For 86 minutes, Iceland's organization frustrated American attacks while occasional counters kept Friedel alert—precisely the grinding football that World Cup preparation demanded. Then, in the 87th minute, a breakthrough arrived through tactical awareness and individual brilliance. Alexi Lalas, finding himself near midfield, struck a pass with casual confidence. Stewart began one of what Lalas called his "patented, curving, spinning Dutch runs"—intelligent movement that separated European-trained players from their American counterparts.

"It's one of those situations where I can just close my eyes and Earnie will run it. He did all the work," Lalas reflected. 

The goal demonstrated both technical precision and tactical intelligence. Stewart's run created separation, but the finish required composure that comes only from training where such moments determine careers. The ball found the net with three minutes remaining—the kind of late winner that builds psychological strength for challenges ahead. The victory represented more than a win in a meaningless friendly. For Stewart, it provided compelling evidence of World Cup worthiness, transforming speculation into confident expectation. For the broader American project, it validated the integration of European-based players with domestic talent.

Most importantly, the match demonstrated that lessons learned in defeat could be translated into a disciplined victory. The Mexican humiliation had revealed the gulf that remained, but Iceland showed progress was possible—that the World Cup might offer opportunities for achievement rather than mere survival. Standing in Reykjavik, three minutes from victory, the Americans sensed something fundamental had shifted. They were no longer hoping to avoid embarrassment—they were beginning to believe they might actually compete for something meaningful. The transformation of American soccer continued, one late winner at a time.

Hostile Territory Becomes Friendly Ground

On This Day in 1996, Americans Navigate Coliseum Cauldron to Secure a Pre-Qualifying Victory

As summer 1996 came to an end, the euphoria of hosting the 1994 World Cup had given way to the practical realities of building sustainable momentum. Major League Soccer had launched just months earlier to surprising crowds, averaging twice the initial projections; yet, attendance was beginning to dip below 20,000 for the first time. The women's Olympic triumph in Atlanta had provided a golden moment, but the men's program faced the unglamorous task of proving itself once again on the road to France '98.

For U.S. coach Steve Sampson, the challenge was clear: prepare his squad for the hostile environments they would inevitably face in World Cup qualifying, which was set to begin on November 3 against Guatemala. Rather than seek out a friendly venue filled with American supporters, Sampson made an unconventional choice—he brought his team to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to face El Salvador on a Friday night, knowing full well that the city's substantial Salvadoran community would create precisely the kind of atmosphere his players needed to experience.

"We have to prepare for World Cup qualifying games in Costa Rica and in Guatemala, so this match will help us get ready for the very difficult environment and atmosphere that will exist down there," Sampson explained. "I don't expect to see many of our fans, but in this case, I think that's all right."

The strategic thinking extended beyond mere crowd preparation. With qualifying looming and concerns about depth throughout the roster, Sampson used the August 30 friendly to evaluate several newcomers who could provide crucial reinforcement. Olympic veterans Eddie Pope, Frankie Hejduk, and Miles Joseph were joined by MLS standouts Jason Kreis from Dallas and the most intriguing addition of all—David Wagner, a 24-year-old forward plying his trade for Schalke in Germany's Bundesliga.

Wagner's path to the national team had been serendipitous. A simple conversation between teammates Thomas Dooley and Wagner in Germany had revealed the young striker's American heritage through his father. Within weeks, Wagner had secured his U.S. passport—literally receiving it just five days before the match—and found himself on a plane to Los Angeles, despite Sampson having never seen him play.

"I've never seen him play, but I've heard a lot of good things," Sampson admitted. "Anyone who has played at that level in Germany certainly could help us."

When the whistle blew at 11 PM on that Friday night, 18,661 predominantly blue-and-white clad El Salvador supporters created exactly the hostile environment Sampson had envisioned. Fireworks exploded, flags waved furiously, and the crowd's energy crackled through the Coliseum air. For the American players, it was a taste of what awaited them in Central America.

But rather than wilt under the pressure, the Americans embraced it. The opening goal came with stunning swiftness—just a few minutes in, Wagner's immediate impact became apparent. The German-based forward cleverly screened out defender Leonel Batres, allowing Joe-Max Moore to break free and fire past goalkeeper Alvaro Sanchez into the left corner of the net. It was Moore's 14th international goal, moving the former UCLA standout into a tie for fourth place on the all-time U.S. scoring list.

The early strike silenced the crowd temporarily, but El Salvador refused to fold. For nearly an hour, they pressed for an equalizer while the Americans worked to extend their advantage. The breakthrough finally came in the 59th minute when defender Leonel Batres and Ronald Cerritos combined cleverly. Though Jeff Agoos initially blocked Cerritos' attempt, Luis Oscar Lazo pounced on the rebound and blasted it into the upper-right corner, leaving Brad Friedel helpless.

The Coliseum erupted in a cacophony of celebration, but the American response was immediate and devastating. Within two minutes, John Harkes found Cobi Jones wide on the right flank. Jones delivered a precise cross from the end line that Brian McBride cleverly headed across goal to an unmarked Eric Wynalda at the far post. For the U.S. all-time leading scorer, it was a simple tap-in for his record-extending 25th international goal. Wynalda's celebration became the evening's defining image. The veteran forward jogged to the sideline and cupped his ear toward the crowd, waiting for cheers that would never come. Instead, debris rained down from the furious Salvadoran supporters, creating a scene that perfectly captured the atmosphere Sampson had sought to recreate.

The 3-1 victory provided exactly what Sampson had hoped for: a test under pressure and promising performances from key players. Wagner's immediate integration suggested the Bundesliga experience could translate seamlessly to international soccer. Moore's brace demonstrated his continued evolution as a reliable goalscorer. Most importantly, the team had navigated a genuinely hostile environment without losing composure.

As the Americans prepared to leave Los Angeles, their next challenge was already taking shape. The November 3 El Salvador opener against Guatemala at RFK Stadium would mark the beginning of a grueling semifinal round that included Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago, with only the top two advancing to the final hexagonal round. Meanwhile, will open their own qualifying campaign on September 8 against Cuba.

"This is their national team too," Sampson had said of the Hispanic community in Los Angeles. While Salvadoran-Americans understandably supported their ancestral home that Friday night, the coach's vision extended beyond one match. Building American soccer meant embracing the country's diversity while proving the national team could compete anywhere, against anyone. In the Coliseum cauldron, surrounded by hostile chants and flying debris, that process had taken another significant step forward.