Donovan's First Premier League Goal

On This Day in 2010, the American Made His Mark with His First Tally in England

When Landon Donovan arrived at Everton in January 2010, the heaviest snowfall in northern England for decades forced the cancellation of his introductory press conference. The 27-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy forward was looking to maintain fitness during the MLS offseason ahead of the World Cup in South Africa, with fellow American Tim Howard helping him settle on Merseyside.

"Tim Howard has had nothing but great things to say about this team, so I am excited," Donovan said upon arrival. "Going into a World Cup year, this experience will keep me sharp."

That arrival came during uncertain times for American soccer. The MLS players' union was amid negotiations that could delay the start of the 2010 season.

David Moyes wasted no time introducing his new signing to Premier League action. Donovan debuted at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, providing an assist in a 2-2 draw that remained the closest Everton had come to ending their Arsenal hoodoo in recent years. The American's quick adaptation to English football suggested that Frank Yallop's assessment from eight years prior was correct—the former San Jose Earthquakes manager had said, "I can see him in the Premier League. I really can."

On January 27, Everton welcomed a struggling Sunderland side to Goodison Park. The Black Cats were reeling from a 7-2 hammering at Chelsea and had just one win in their previous 13 Premier League matches. Steve Bruce's decision to drop Kenwyne Jones to the bench after links to Liverpool dominated the pre-match discussion, though Bruce said the striker had "been distracted" by the transfer speculation. The match started perfectly for the home side when Tim Cahill flicked home Marouane Fellaini's cross at the near post in the seventh minute after good work from Leighton Baines down the left.

Eleven minutes later came Donovan's moment. The sequence started with Baines launching a long ball forward from his defensive position. Cahill, already on the scoresheet, rose at the edge of the penalty area to head the ball into Donovan's path. The American took one touch to control before drilling a left-footed shot past Craig Gordon for his first Everton goal. The goal showcased everything Moyes had hoped for when bringing Donovan to Merseyside - intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and the ability to link with his teammates. Donovan nearly added a second in the 57th minute when he rounded Gordon, only to see his effort cleared off the line by George McCartney's knee.

The 2-0 victory extended Everton's unbeaten league run to eight matches and lifted them to ninth in the table. For Donovan, it was the start of a productive spell, including victories over Chelsea and Manchester United. His performances were so good that by mid-February, Everton was exploring ways to extend his loan beyond the March 15 return date. 

While Galaxy coach Bruce Arena maintained Donovan would return as scheduled unless MLS labor negotiations caused a delay to the season, Moyes couldn't hide his enthusiasm: "To hit the ground running like he has, against the best teams in the Premier League, is a major achievement and we would like to keep him for much longer. Look at the games he has been pitched into, against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, and yet he has taken to it immediately. He's proven how good a player he is, and we want to keep him."

American Duo Play Part in Comeback

 One Scored a Penalty, and the Other Assisted the Equalizer in a Five-Goal Thriller

Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah played pivotal roles in AC Milan's stunning 3-2 victory over Parma on Sunday, helping the team secure a dramatic win in stoppage time. Pulisic converted a crucial penalty and was involved in the buildup to the winning goal, while Musah provided the key assist for Tijjani Reijnders' equalizer.

"We have to show this hunger at the beginning of the match, too," Pulisic said after the game. "But it's a very important victory for us."

Pulisic, now joint top scorer for Milan with six league goals, demonstrated his importance to the team. Despite struggling in the first half, his penalty strike to the bottom right corner tied the match.

Musah's performance was particularly notable, especially in the second half. His well-timed through ball found Reijnders, who leveled the score in the 91st minute. This assist was crucial in turning the tide for Milan, who had been trailing 2-1 and facing potential defeat. Samuel Chukwueze would score the winner a few minutes later.

The win moves Milan to sixth place in Serie A, just five points behind fourth-placed Lazio. The victory also provides a significant boost ahead of their crucial Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb and the upcoming Milan derby. Pulisic and Musah's performances highlighted their growing influence in the Milan squad and their ability to make decisive contributions when it matters most.

Adams' Assist Double

 Midfielder Set Premier League Mark for Americans With Third Assist in Two Matches

Tyler Adams became a key playmaker in Bournemouth's comprehensive 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest on Saturday by doing what he does best — win the ball. The U.S. men's national team midfielder provided two crucial assists, helping propel his team to a statement victory at Vitality Stadium.

Known primarily for his defensive work, Adams has been quietly evolving his game under manager Andoni Iraola. After recording his first Premier League assist just a week earlier in a draw against Chelsea, Adams stepped up to another level against Forest. His first assist came early, setting up Justin Kluivert's ninth-minute opener. Kluivert did most of the work, but Adams had to make a quick pass to relieve pressure in the defensive final third. But then Kluivert made no mistake, picking up the ball and running with it for 50 yards before beating goalkeeper Matz Sels from 25 yards to give Bournemouth an early lead.

Adams' second assist proved equally important, coming in the 61st minute when he perfectly teed up Dango Ouattara for what would become part of his hat-trick. This moment encapsulated Adams' growing confidence as he jumped the lazy pass in midfield and released Ouattara with the through pass.

Overall, he completed 23-of-27 passes (85%) while completing two tackles and two interceptions. Bournemouth's victory was part of an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak, with Adams playing a pivotal role in their recent success. After battling injury issues earlier in the season, he now appears fully fit and in form.

"It was a great result," Cherries manager Andoni Iraola said. "We knew we were facing a very good team and that they were also coming in a very good run, but in this game, I think scoring first is key. In most of their last games, they’ve been winning from the first half, and then it becomes the game they want. The goal from Justin in the beginning helped us and made the game look better for us."

The win propelled Bournemouth to sixth place, just one point off a top-four spot. As Bournemouth prepares to face league leaders Liverpool next, Tyler Adams has shown he's no longer just a defensive midfielder but a complete, game-changing player capable of turning matches with his intelligence, technique and ever-expanding skill set.

Pepi's Eventual Winner

 Striker Sealed the Victory with Late Goal as PSV Almost Squander the Lead Late

In a thrilling Eredivisie encounter, Ricardo Pepi emerged as the hero for PSV Eindhoven on Saturday, scoring a crucial late goal in a pulsating 3-2 win against NAC Breda. The 22-year-old came off the bench in the 79th minute and delivered the decisive strike four minutes into stoppage time. Pepi's goal capped a remarkable comeback for PSV, who had initially fallen behind to Leo Sauer's early opener. Guus Til's brace before halftime turned the match on its head, putting PSV 2-1 up. 

Pepi timed his run well and received a pass from Ismael Saibari. He broke through NAC Breda's backline and slotted home PSV's third goal. The ball hit the goalkeeper's hand but was fired too strongly for him to handle. The American's clinical finish proved pivotal, as Kacper Kostorz immediately responded with a goal for NAC Breda.

Pepi's goal was more than just a match-winner. It continued his remarkable scoring form this season, bringing his tally to 11 Eredivisie goals in under 700 minutes – a rate that has propelled him to second place in the league's Golden Boot race. He has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season.

The victory, which extended PSV's lead at the top of the Eredivisie to four points over Ajax, sets up an intriguing Champions League fixture against Liverpool. This match will be crucial, as PSV's progression hangs in the balance. For Pepi, it was another moment that highlighted his transformation from a promising talent to a reliable match-winner off the bench.

Sargent's Brace

 Forward Scores Twice in First Start Since Return from Injury

Josh Sargent made a triumphant return to Norwich City's starting lineup, scoring twice in a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Swansea at Carrow Road on Saturday. Making his first start since October following groin surgery, Sargent was pivotal in the Canaries' resounding win.

"Josh is a quality striker, and we have obviously missed him," coach Johannes Hoff Thorup said. "You could see what a difference he made today."

Sargent opened the scoring just before halftime, finding space in the penalty area to slam the ball past goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. After Swansea's Liam Cullen equalized in the 62nd minute, Sargent immediately responded, firing into the bottom corner within 30 seconds for his six Championship goal of the season.

Despite being carefully managed - Thorup limited his time to 65 minutes - Sargent demonstrated his importance. "He's a big voice in the dressing room and a big player on the pitch," Thorup noted. "Two quality finishes, and he showed how good he is running behind defenders and finding space."

The goals continued Sargent's impressive form, bringing his tally to 17 goals in his last 20 Championship home appearances. Thorup praised his striker's exceptional timing and movement, calling him a "top striker in the league."

Lewis Dobbin, Ante Crnac and Emiliano Marcondes completed the scoring as Norwich cruised to victory, moving to ninth in the Championship standings.

Zendejas Leads América's Dominant Win

 Winger Shines in His First Match of the Season

Alejandro Zendejas delivered a standout performance in Club América's commanding 4-1 victory over Santos Laguna, earning man of the match honors with two crucial goals. The winger struck in the 61st and 70th minutes, helping to secure a comprehensive win that propelled América to the top of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 table.

Zendejas was a constant threat, taking three shots on target and contributing to the team's attacking display. His goals complemented Victor Dávila's earlier strike, which Zendejas assisted, and Érick Sánchez's goal just before halftime.

Highlights (Link)

The match saw América deploy a 4-3-3 formation under manager André Jardine, with Zendejas playing a pivotal role in the attacking trio. His performance continued his recent impressive form, following a strong Apertura campaign where he netted four goals and five assists in 19 games.

In a recent development, the club rejected an offer from Orlando City SC for Zendejas, underlining his importance to the team. The 26-year-old has been a key player in América's recent success, winning three consecutive Liga MX titles. The victory leaves América leading the league with 7 points, while Santos remains at the bottom of the table with zero points.

An Exciting Win to End January Camp

 White, Clark and Agyemang All Scored in an Entertaining, Friendly Victory

Mauricio Pochettino's MLS-based United States Men's National Team concluded its January training camp with an impressive 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida. The victory showcased the depth and potential of some of the league's most promising Americans. The match was a testament to Pochettino's ability to integrate new talent quickly. Eight players made their USMNT debuts during the two-friendly camp. Brian White, Caden Clark and Patrick Agyemang scored the goals in the victory.

The game's dramatic opening came from Diego Luna, who continued playing despite suffering a bloody nose after an early collision. Pochettino highlighted Luna's resilience, saying, "He showed great character because he wanted to stay, he wanted to play. This is a player that we are definitely going to consider for the future."

Then, Luna set up White's opener in the 21st minute, with the striker becoming the oldest American to score his first international goal since Matt Besler in 2016. Clark doubled the lead in the 77th minute with a crisp left-footed shot before Agyemang sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen, returning to the national team after nearly three years, made crucial saves that underscored the team's defensive solidity. It was his first clean sheet since the goalless draw in Mexico in March 2022 in World Cup Qualifying. He was particularly proud of his performance, noting, "It's always nice to make some of those top-handed saves."

The match was part of Pochettino's broader strategy to evaluate and develop talent ahead of the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semifinals against Panama in March. With most European-based players unavailable, the coach used the opportunity to cast a wide net in player evaluation.

"When I watch after 90 minutes, it's not like we've had one or two weeks working together -- it looks like we are working for six months," Pochettino told broadcasters, praising the team's quick adaptation to his tactical approach.

The victory continued the USMNT's momentum, extending their streak to four games and providing excitement for the upcoming Nations League competition. With 20 of 21 players in the camp coming from MLS, the performance highlighted the league's growing importance in developing national team talent.

Pochettino's final message was clear: These friendlies were an audition for future opportunities. 

"I told them from the beginning that they need to take these two games very seriously because if they perform, they will have the possibility to show us in the future," the manager said.

Haji Remains Out

 Striker Still Not Training As Transfer Rumors Cool

Frank Lampard explained striker Haji Wright's prolonged injury absence, revealing the player's return is taking longer than initially anticipated. "It's taken a bit longer, probably," Lampard said. "It was a difficult ankle injury. So as much as you try to estimate how long these things take, you're always waiting for that moment of the last bit to get on the pitch."

Wright has been sidelined for nearly three months since an ankle injury at Sunderland on November 9. Lampard emphasized the cautious approach, stating, "We have that duty to do that, and Haji will want exactly the same. It's obviously a frustration for us all."

While Wright remains out of training, transfer speculation swirls around his future. The Mirror reported that Ipswich Town is considering Wright as a potential replacement for Liam Delap, who is expected to depart at the end of the season. Coventry values Wright at £16-20 million, reflecting his significant impact since joining the club.

Lampard remains optimistic about Wright's eventual return, noting, "Having a player of his level back will be a big bonus for us. I absolutely don't underestimate that." The manager highlighted Wright's clinical goal-scoring ability and impact since arriving at the club.

Wright continues his rehabilitation, and Lampard hopes for his return in the next two to three weeks. The striker's absence has opened opportunities for other players, but the Coventry City staff and fans eagerly anticipate his eventual comeback.

Johnny to Wolves?

 The Struggling Premier League Side is the Latest Rumor for the Midfielder

Wolves have emerged as the latest club interested in signing Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis. Fabrizio Romano confirmed their genuine interest. The 23-year-old American defensive midfielder has made 13 appearances in La Liga this season.

Tottenham's existing €25 million (£21.1 million) buy option, negotiated as part of the Giovani Lo Celso deal last summer, complicates the potential transfer. This clause gives Spurs a significant advantage in any possible negotiations.

Currently, talks between Wolves and Betis have not advanced significantly. According to Relevo, the Midlands club is still considering making an offer, but Betis views Cardoso as an essential player. Spurs previously showed serious interest in bringing Cardoso forward this January, but they were worried about potential competition from Atletico Madrid and AC Milan. Therefore, they may wait to exercise their option in the summer.

Cardoso remains under contract with Betis until 2029, giving the club a strong negotiating position. While transfer interest is mounting, it appears more likely that he will stay at Betis until the summer transfer window. Wolves manager Vitor Pereira is keen to strengthen his midfield as the club fights for Premier League survival, making Cardoso an attractive potential target.

Maloney to Mainz

Midfielder Completed Move to Different Bundesliga Club

German-born U.S. midfielder Lennard Maloney has secured a transfer to Mainz. He signed a contract until 2028 after leaving Bundesliga rival Heidenheim, where he was a key player in the team's promotion to the Bundesliga.

Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert praised Maloney's qualities, saying, "Maloney has been able to prove himself in the Bundesliga over the last year and a half. His preferred position is as a number six, and as a player, he's the perfect fit for Mainz 05."

The transfer comes after Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt dropped Maloney in December, citing a lack of commitment. Schmidt had previously stated he could "only count on players... who are 100% focused on the interests of Heidenheim."

Heidenheim CEO Holger Sanwald confirmed the player's desire to move, noting, "Lenny had informed us that he would definitely sign for Mainz after his contract with us expires in the summer, but that he would like to make the move during this winter transfer window."

Maloney expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, "Mainz 05 is a great fit for me, both in terms of the way we play and the overall culture."

The transfer represents a significant moment for the 25-year-old, who has made two appearances for the United States national team. With the move, Maloney leaves Heidenheim, currently in the relegation playoff spot, for sixth-placed Mainz, which is on course for potential European qualification.