Defender Logged 90 Minutes in Palace's Historic Cup Humiliation
Chris Richards made his comeback from injury in the worst possible circumstances on Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes as Crystal Palace suffered one of the most shocking defeats in FA Cup history, falling 2-1 to sixth-tier Macclesfield Town.
The 25-year-old American center-back, sidelined since sustaining a foot injury on December 23, returned to action after being named to the bench for Palace's January 7 match against Aston Villa. His first appearance in over two weeks came in what became a nightmare afternoon for the defending champions, who were eliminated by opponents sitting 117 places below them in the English football pyramid—statistically the competition's greatest-ever upset.
Richards put in a solid defensive shift despite the humiliating result, completing 74-of-85 passes for an 87% accuracy rate and winning all defensive duels he contested. He made 14 clearances, including nine headers, and added two tackles while never being dribbled past. His aerial dominance was evident as he won six of nine challenges in the air, though Palace's collective defensive struggles proved too much to overcome.
The Eagles' dismal performance saw them fail to register a single shot on target in the first half before Paul Dawson headed Macclesfield into the lead just before halftime. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the advantage in the 60th minute following a goalmouth scramble that exposed Palace's vulnerability.
Richards' afternoon ended on an embarrassing note when he committed a foul throw in stoppage time, perfectly encapsulating Palace's disastrous outing. Despite Yeremy Pino's late free-kick providing brief hope, even the second-half introductions of Brennan Johnson, Tyrick Mitchell and Will Hughes couldn't prevent the historic upset.
The defeat extended Palace's winless streak to nine matches across all competitions, heaping further pressure on manager Oliver Glasner, who admitted he had no words for the performance. For Richards, while his individual statistics suggested defensive competence with 17 defensive contributions, the loss marked a forgettable return as Palace became the first holders since 1908-09 to lose to non-league opposition.
Forward's Clinical Strike Keeps Monaco's Cup Hopes Alive
Folarin Balogun provided a crucial moment of quality for AS Monaco in their challenging 3-1 Coupe de France victory over third-tier US Orléans on Saturday, scoring the opener that ultimately proved decisive in a match where the principality club was severely tested.
The 24-year-old American striker demonstrated his clinical finishing ability in the 27th minute, capitalizing on one of Monaco's limited opportunities during a first half dominated by their lower-league opponents. After Denis Zakaria drove forward with the ball, the captain's incisive distribution found Balogun positioned intelligently between Orleans' defensive lines. The forward made no mistake, calmly converting with his right foot from inside the penalty area to beat goalkeeper Fei-Hong Faham and give the visitors a somewhat undeserved lead.
Balogun's goal proved vital given Monaco's struggles throughout the contest. With eleven players absent from the squad, the Ligue 1 side looked uncertain and were outshot 13-2 in the opening period alone. His strike against the flow of play exemplified the ruthless efficiency Monaco needed on a difficult afternoon at the Stade de la Source.
The United States international played 86 minutes before being replaced by George Ilenikhena, who would go on to seal the victory with a late brace. Balogun's performance statistics reflected Monaco's defensive posture—he managed just one shot all match, though crucially it found the target. He completed 11-of-15 passes and won three recoveries, but struggled in physical battles, winning only one of eight ground duels.
The goal comes as a welcome relief for Monaco, who entered the cup tie winless in Ligue 1 since November. Playing the entire second half with 10 men following Stanis Idumbo's dismissal, Monaco's ability to hang on and ultimately prevail owed much to Balogun's early composure. As coach Sébastien Pocognoli emphasized afterward, the team's spirit under adversity was remarkable, with Balogun's contribution setting the foundation for progression to the next round.
Reyna and Scally Versus Banks in the Return of the Bundesliga
Three American internationals will feature when Borussia Mönchengladbach hosts Augsburg at Borussia-Park on Sunday in a crucial Bundesliga relegation battle.
Gladbach's duo of Giovanni Reyna and Joe Scally will be looking to snap their side's troubling form. The Foals have endured a difficult December, winning just once in five matches across all competitions, including a recent 3-0 friendly loss to Hannover 96. Reyna has appeared in the last nine league matches, though he's yet to register a goal or assist this season. Scally, meanwhile, has been a consistent presence at right-back, playing in 13 of 15 Bundesliga matches and contributing two assists while logging over 1,000 minutes.
For the visitors, defender Noahkai Banks will anchor Augsburg's backline as they attempt to secure their first away victory in seven attempts. The American has been a regular starter, featuring in 12 of 15 league matches and playing the full 90 minutes in each of his last five appearances, including last week's scoreless draw with Werder Bremen.
The stakes are significant, with only two points separating the sides. A victory for 15th-placed Augsburg could see them leapfrog Gladbach, who currently sit 12th but just four points above the relegation playoff zone. Recent history favors the visitors, who haven't lost to Gladbach since 2023.
Two Americans Will Face-off as the Premier League Hosts the Championship in the Third Round
Two American internationals will be in action when Fulham host Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, with both Antonee Robinson and Aidan Morris recently returning from injuries.
Robinson, Fulham's dynamic left-back, has quickly regained his form since returning to the lineup. The defender has featured in seven consecutive matches across all competitions, playing the full 90 minutes in six of those contests. His performances have been instrumental during Fulham's five-match unbeaten streak, which has lifted the Cottagers into the top half of the Premier League table.
Meanwhile, Morris has also worked his way back into Middlesbrough's midfield after his own injury layoff. The American started and completed 90 minutes in Boro's impressive 4-0 dismantling of Southampton last weekend, helping the club return to the automatic promotion places in the Championship. Morris has now appeared in three consecutive matches since his return, gradually building his fitness and sharpness.
Both players will be eager to help their respective sides advance in the competition. Fulham, having been eliminated from the EFL Cup in December, view the FA Cup as their primary route to silverware this season, while Middlesbrough haven't progressed beyond this stage since their memorable 2022 run.
Midfielder Scores Twice, But Concedes Late Penalty in Defeat to Newcastle
Brenden Aaronson delivered an impressive attacking performance for Leeds United on Wednesday, netting twice in a thrilling 4-3 defeat at Newcastle United. The American midfielder opened the scoring after half an hour with a composed finish, then appeared to secure victory when he coolly slotted home in the 79th minute to restore Leeds' lead at 3-2.
However, the match took a cruel turn for the 25-year-old. Deep into stoppage time, he was penalized for handball while attempting to block a cross, allowing Bruno Guimarães to equalize from the penalty spot before Harvey Barnes completed Newcastle's remarkable comeback.
Despite his individual success—now three goals across his last two fixtures—Aaronson expressed profound disappointment afterward. "I am devastated," he said. "That is football at the end of the day, and of course I am mad at myself, but I think we could have done better defending on a couple of occasions."
The midfielder identified a troubling pattern of conceding shortly after scoring and acknowledged the team's collective disappointment at surrendering their advantage. Yet he maintained perspective, noting that leading three separate times at St. James' Park demonstrated Leeds' quality. With an FA Cup fixture approaching, Aaronson emphasized the importance of resilience: "We need to not let this bring us down."
On This Day in 2018, Two Goals, One Upset and the Promise of a Puppy
Eric Lichaj had spent a decade navigating the unglamorous reality of English football—loan spells in the lower leagues, injury setbacks that threatened World Cup dreams and years disappearing from the national team picture. By January 2018, the 29-year-old American defender had settled into something resembling career stability at Nottingham Forest, a club that had spent the previous five years as a punchline. He was a steady presence at right back for a Championship side hovering in mid-table mediocrity, exactly the sort of reliable professional whose contributions rarely make headlines beyond local match reports.
Then Arsenal came to the City Ground for an FA Cup third-round tie on January 7, and Lichaj scored twice in the biggest upset of the weekend.
The circumstances could hardly have been more chaotic for Forest. Manager Mark Warburton had been sacked just seven days earlier following a listless home defeat to struggling Sunderland, the latest casualty in years of instability that had seen eight permanent managers cycle through in five seasons under previous owner Fawaz al-Hasawi. New ownership under Evangelos Marinakis—himself facing match-fixing charges in Greece that he denied—had brought some structural improvements to the shambles, but Forest remained 14th in the Championship, having won just once in their previous seven league matches. Academy manager Gary Brazil took charge as caretaker, admitting with weary resignation that he had expected to spend his Sunday watching the Under-23s play at Alfreton.
Arsenal arrived as overwhelming favorites despite Arsene Wenger making nine changes from the side that had drawn with Chelsea in midweek. The Frenchman, serving the first match of a three-game touchline ban and forced to watch from the stands, clearly prioritized the upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final over defending the FA Cup trophy his side had won three times in four years. It was the sort of calculated gamble that had worked countless times before. Not this time. Forest attacked from the opening whistle with an intensity that suggested Brazil's instructions were simple: make them uncomfortable, refuse to give them space, set a tempo Arsenal's reserves couldn't match.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Kieran Dowell swung in a free kick from the right. Lichaj, unmarked at the near post, powered a header past David Ospina. The lead lasted barely three minutes—Per Mertesacker pounced after Rob Holding's header struck the post—but Forest's belief never wavered. They continued pressing, continued winning challenges, and continued refusing to behave like a side supposed to roll over for Premier League opposition.
Just before halftime, Holding attempted to clear another dangerous cross but only succeeded in heading the ball directly into Lichaj's path 18 yards from goal. The American controlled it with his chest, let the ball drop, and struck it on the volley with his right foot. The technique was immaculate—a dipping, swerving shot that arrowed past Ospina into the far corner. The City Ground erupted. Lichaj belly-flopped in celebration, sliding across the turf as teammates piled on.
The second half brought more drama. Ben Brereton converted a penalty after Holding upended Matty Cash, extending the lead to 3-1. Danny Welbeck pulled one back when goalkeeper Jordan Smith fumbled a through ball, briefly threatening a comeback, but Mathieu Debuchy's clumsy challenge on Armand Traore handed Forest a second penalty in the 85th minute. Lichaj desperately wanted to take it. His wife, Kathryn, had made him a promise: score a hat trick any time in 2018, and he could get a dog. David Vaughan, Forest's veteran midfielder, had other ideas. "I was trying to get the penalty," Lichaj admitted afterward, "but Vaughany told me politely—I don't want to say what he said to me—to go away."
Dowell stepped up and converted, sealing the 4-2 victory. Joe Worrall's late red card for a reckless tackle provided a tense final few moments, but the upset was complete. Arsenal had lost an FA Cup third-round tie for the first time since January 1996, seven months before Wenger even arrived at the club. The Frenchman, whose seven FA Cup triumphs had provided cover during a Premier League title drought stretching back to 2004, could only acknowledge his side had been second best. "They were sharper than us," he said, "more incisive and more dominant in the challenges."
For Lichaj, the performance represented vindication of a circuitous journey that had included two knee injuries before age 21, a breakthrough season at Aston Villa followed by release, a two-year exile from the national team under Jurgen Klinsmann, and the constant uncertainty of never quite establishing himself at the highest level. The two goals were his first in a single match across 254 professional appearances for six different clubs. He had scored just seven times in his entire career before Sunday. The volley, struck with such confidence and precision, would later be voted the FA Cup Goal of the Season for 2017-18.
The internet, naturally, fixated on the dog. Lichaj's post-match revelation about the hat trick bet immediately spawned the hashtag #GetEricADog, which trended on Monday morning as Forest teammates and strangers alike bombarded Kathryn Lichaj with photos and memes. "She was acting tough on the radio," Lichaj tweeted, "sooo if anyone is bored on this Monday morning send dog pics, memes, gifs." The campaign worked. The following day, Lichaj announced the newest member of the family on social media: a puppy named Gunner, after the team he had just humiliated. Arsenal fans, still processing the embarrassment, could only appreciate the audacity of the troll.
The upset gave Forest a brief respite from managerial chaos—Brazil remained in charge through the Bolton replay before Aitor Karanka was appointed—and offered Lichaj one of those rare, perfect moments that make the grind of a journeyman career worthwhile. He would earn another call-up to the United States squad that spring and continue as a regular for Forest through the end of the season before moving to Hull City in June. But nothing would quite match the surreal joy of January 7, 2018, when an American defender nobody expected much from scored twice against Arsenal, nearly earned himself a dog, and reminded everyone that cup football still had room for implausible stories.
Midfielder's Clinical Finish Highlights Leeds' Resurgence Against Manchester United
Brenden Aaronson netted his second goal of the season as Leeds United extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday.
The 25-year-old American midfielder broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a clinical finish that sent the home crowd into raptures. Aaronson capitalized on a moment of uncertainty from United defender Ayden Heaven, who failed to recognize the danger as the Leeds playmaker lurked on his shoulder. Seizing the loose ball, Aaronson took a composed touch before slotting past goalkeeper Senne Lammens into the bottom-right corner.
"To be honest, I was just running in behind to see if I could get lucky," Aaronson explained afterward. "Sometimes you have to take a chance. The ball came to me, I think the centre-back didn't know that I was going to be running off his shoulder like that. I took a good touch, and then it's about putting it on target."
The goal showcased Aaronson's improved decision-making and finishing, earning widespread praise from manager Daniel Farke. "He deserves all the plaudits at the moment," Farke said. "His work rate was never in doubt. He always works as sucks off for the team. The good thing is he has more clarity in his situations, and it's a bit more tidy in his solutions, in the passing, in the finishing."
Aaronson's all-around performance was exceptional, recording 51 touches, 26 passes, two shots, and nine defensive contributions during his 87 minutes on the pitch. His tireless pressing and defensive work epitomized Leeds' team-first mentality. The display earned Aaronson 74% of the fan vote for Player of the Match—his second such honor this season. Though Matheus Cunha equalized just three minutes later, Aaronson's goal underscored his renaissance at Leeds. He has now recorded more goals and goal involvements this season than during his entire 2022-23 campaign, cementing his importance to Leeds' push for Premier League safety.
Defender Anchors Fulham's Resilient Display Against Liverpool
Antonee Robinson continued his impressive run of form since returning from injury, delivering another solid 90-minute performance as Fulham secured a dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
The 28-year-old American left back has been a model of consistency for Marco Silva's side, starting his sixth consecutive match and playing every minute across Fulham's recent stretch of fixtures. His reliability has been crucial as the Cottagers navigate a demanding period, with key players away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Against Liverpool, Robinson showcased his trademark energy and defensive discipline, recording 80 touches while completing 36-of-51 passes. His defensive contributions were particularly valuable as Fulham employed a back five to stifle Liverpool's attack for much of the contest. Robinson tallied two tackles, three clearances, and 11 recoveries, helping neutralize Liverpool's threats down the right flank.
The Milton Keynes native also succeeded on his lone dribble attempt and won three of five ground duels, demonstrating the athleticism that makes him one of the Premier League's most effective attacking fullbacks. While his three attempted crosses didn't find their target, Robinson created one chance and continued to provide width in Fulham's setup.
His recent form has been exceptional, earning match ratings above 7.0 on FotMobin each of his last six appearances. Robinson registered an assist during Fulham's defeat to Newcastle on December 17 and has been instrumental in helping Silva's squad collect valuable points, including victories over West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
The performance capped another complete display from Robinson, whose consistency and work rate have made him indispensable to Fulham's plans. As Harrison Reed's stunning 97th-minute equalizer secured an unlikely point, Robinson's steady presence throughout the match exemplified the resilience that has characterized Fulham's recent run—three consecutive matches featuring crucial late goals that have kept their season on track.
Midfielder Played Well in Boro's Victory Over Southampton
Aidan Morris delivered his most complete performance since returning from a knee injury as Middlesbrough emphatically ended their four-match winless streak with a commanding 4-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday.
The American midfielder completed the full 90 minutes and was instrumental in Boro's dominant display, particularly during a devastating second-half spell that saw them score four goals in 22 minutes. Morris completed more passes than any player on the pitch—70-of-75 at an impressive 93% accuracy—demonstrating the composure and control that had been missing during his recovery period.
After sustaining the knee problem in late November's 4-2 defeat to Coventry, Morris has gradually worked his way back to full match fitness. His recent performances showed him still finding his rhythm, with limited minutes against Hull City (31) and Derby County (77). However, against Southampton, the 24-year-old looked fully restored to the form that made him a key component of Kim Hellberg's side.
Operating at the base of midfield, Morris won three tackles and five ground duels while making one interception, providing the defensive foundation that allowed attacking players like two-goal hero Morgan Whittaker and Sammy Silvera to thrive. His distribution was equally impressive, with 10 passes into the final third helping Middlesbrough transition from defense to attack.
Manager Hellberg praised his players' character during what he called an "unreal period" of strong performances without results. Morris embodied that resilience, maintaining his position in the starting XI through difficult patches and now reaping the rewards as Boro climbed back to second in the Championship table, sitting just six points behind leaders Coventry City following this crucial victory.
On This Day in 2010, the Midfielder's Volley From Distance Couldn't Prevent Fulham's Collapse at the Britannia
When Clint Dempsey walked off the Craven Cottage pitch on November 25, 2009, having scored a brace in Fulham's stunning 3-0 demolition of Blackburn Rovers, he appeared unstoppable. The American had scored five goals in his last five Premier League matches, establishing himself as one of the division's most feared attackers. Then, abruptly, the goals dried up.
Six matches passed without Dempsey finding the net. Yet Fulham's results barely wavered in his absence from the scoresheet. Roy Hodgson's side collected nine points from a possible fifteen, drawing with Bolton, Burnley and Tottenham while securing victories over Sunderland and Manchester United. Only a narrow 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on December 28 blemished an otherwise steady run that kept the Cottagers firmly positioned in the top half of the table, their European ambitions intact despite the festive fixture congestion.
The trip to Stoke on January 5 represented a different sort of challenge. While both Carling Cup semi-finals had been postponed due to heavy snow blanketing the northwest, the Britannia Stadium sat just outside the worst of the weather. After a lunchtime inspection involving police and referee Mark Clattenburg, Stoke officials declared the pitch playable, though snow continued drifting into the exposed corners of the ground throughout the evening. The Potters desperately needed points—they had gone without a league win since November 22 and had failed to score in five of their previous six matches. Fulham, meanwhile, traveled north with mounting injury concerns, having lost Bobby Zamora to a dislocated shoulder in that same fixture at Stoke three weeks earlier.
What followed was a nightmare opening 45 minutes that exposed every defensive vulnerability in Hodgson's typically organized side. Matthew Etherington tormented Fulham's backline from the left flank, delivering three assists before halftime as Stoke raced to a commanding 3-0 advantage. Tuncay headed home from close range in the 12th minute, Abdoulaye Faye slid in unmarked at the far post in the 33rd, and Mamady Sidibe hammered a half-volley into the top corner four minutes later. The avalanche left Fulham reeling in the treacherous conditions, their defensive solidity—the foundation of their season—completely absent.
Hodgson reshuffled at halftime, withdrawing the uncomfortable Brede Hangeland for Chris Smalling. When Zamora departed with another shoulder injury early in the second period, Dempsey entered as his replacement. The American's impact was immediate. Within minutes, he slid a pass across the 18-yard line for Damien Duff, whose deflected shot gave Fulham a lifeline in the 61st minute.
The game settled into a tense pattern as Stoke protected their cushion and Fulham probed for openings. Erik Nevland came on for Andy Johnson with seven minutes remaining, and almost instantly, the substitute provided the moment that reignited hope. Nevland flicked on a long ball forward, and Dempsey, positioned 35 yards from goal, struck it on the full volley without hesitation after a big bounce. The technique was perfect—his foot connecting cleanly with the dropping ball, sending it arcing through the snowy air with a wicked dip that left Steve Simonsen helpless. The net rippled, the deficit was suddenly just one goal, and five added minutes remained.
Fulham pressed desperately in the closing stages, convinced they had earned a penalty when Ryan Shawcross appeared to handle inside the area. The appeals were waved away. Stoke held firm, securing their first league victory in seven weeks and climbing to 10th place—level on points with Fulham but ahead on goal difference. For the Cottagers, it marked a ninth consecutive away match without victory, a troubling statistic for a side harboring European dreams.
"We were determined to give a better performance in the second half—and I think we did," Hodgson said afterward, searching for positives in the wreckage. "In the second half, we showed we are a good football team, but unfortunately, there aren't many teams that come back from three down in 45 minutes. We certainly gave it a good shot."
Dempsey's spectacular strike offered a reminder of his quality after a rare goal drought, and suggested his hot streak might resume as Fulham entered the business end of their campaign. Instead, disaster struck four days later at Ewood Park. In the second half of a 2-0 defeat to Blackburn, Dempsey crumpled to the turf with a knee injury that required immediate hospital attention. The initial diagnosis was grim: suspected cruciate ligament damage that would sideline him for months and potentially jeopardize his place at the World Cup in South Africa.
"The initial prognosis for Clint is not good," Hodgson confirmed after the match. "It looks like he has suffered cruciate knee ligament damage, which, if he has, keeps him out of action for a while." The scan on Monday would confirm the worst fears, ruling Dempsey out until March and forcing Fulham to navigate the remainder of their historic season—one that would ultimately deliver a Europa League final appearance—without their most dynamic attacking threat for nearly two months. The dipping volley at the Britannia, brilliant and defiant in defeat, had been his final contribution, for now, before injury intervened at the worst possible moment.
