Pepi Scored and Injured

 Striker Was Key in Win Over Liverpool in the Champions League but Sustained a Knee Injury

In what proved to be a bittersweet Champions League night for Ricardo Pepi, the American striker delivered a crucial performance in PSV's 3-2 victory over Liverpool before suffering a significant knee injury. Pepi netted the winning goal in the historic result, which secured PSV's place in the Champions League Round of 16. However, his evening was cut short in the 76th minute when he had to leave the field due to a knee injury.

While initial fears of an ACL tear have been alleviated, the news remains concerning for club and country. PSV manager Peter Bosz confirmed that Pepi will be sidelined for "a very long time," though he declined to specify the exact nature of the injury. Sources indicate the 22-year-old could miss anywhere from one to three months of action, dealing a significant blow to PSV's campaign and potentially his international duties.

The timing of the injury is miserable, given Pepi's exceptional form this season. The El Paso native has been prolific for PSV, scoring 18 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. However, many of these contributions have come as a substitute behind regular starter Luuk de Jong. His performances had even attracted interest from the Premier League, with West Ham United reportedly making a $25 million bid that PSV rejected, underlining his importance to the Dutch club.

The injury also raises questions about Pepi's availability for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, where the United States is scheduled to face Panama on March 20. Having scored in both quarterfinal legs against Jamaica, Pepi's potential absence would be a significant loss for the national team, especially considering his impressive international record of 13 goals in 33 appearances. With fellow striker Folarin Balogun also sidelined and Haji Wright just returning from injury, Josh Sargent's recent return to form for Norwich City could prove timely for the USMNT's upcoming fixtures.

Despite the setback, Pepi has maintained a positive outlook. "I'm extremely sad, but I'm a positive person. We will go for the best possible treatment and the best possible recovery, so hopefully, I will come out of it stronger. The club and I will make a decision together to achieve this," he stated, emphasizing his determination to return stronger from this obstacle in what has otherwise been a breakthrough season for the young American striker.

Birnbaum's Late Winner

On This Day in 2016, the Center-Back Heads Home Late Winner in a Friendly Victory over Iceland

The call came suddenly for Steve Birnbaum. After just one national team appearance in January 2015, the D.C. United defender had spent nearly a year away from the U.S. setup before Jurgen Klinsmann found himself short on defenders ahead of the 2016 January camp.

"I got the call Friday morning, and they said, can you be in on Monday," Birnbaum recalled. "I said, 'Yeah. I'm in Irvine. I'll just drive up.'"

The timing was critical. After a difficult 2015 that saw the U.S. fail to reach the Gold Cup final for the first time in 12 years and lose a Confederations Cup playoff to Mexico, Klinsmann entered 2016 facing mounting pressure. With World Cup qualifying, Olympic qualifying against Colombia, and the Copa America ahead, the German coach needed fresh energy in his aging squad.

That short drive to Carson would prove momentous. When Brad Evans departed at halftime with a hamstring injury during the January 31 friendly against Iceland, Birnbaum seized his opportunity. Early in the second half, he rose above two defenders to head Jozy Altidore's cross to Michael Orozco, who nodded home to make it 2-2.

But Birnbaum wasn't finished. In the final minute of regulation, after substitute Jerome Kiesewetter's pace drew a free kick in a dangerous position, Michael Bradley delivered a curling ball toward the far post. Birnbaum met it perfectly, powering home a header for his first international goal to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.

The win helped kickstart Klinsmann's youth movement, as seven players under 26 featured that day. "Our intention is to transition to the next generation," Klinsmann said after the match. "And give them as much support and as much patience and time as we can."

For the 25-year-old Birnbaum, who considered himself "a middle guy" despite just his second cap, the winner offered hope of a permanent place in the squad. Yet the path forward remained challenging. When World Cup qualifying resumed in March, Klinsmann would have four World Cup veterans and two Premier League center-backs available. His versatility on the wing could prove crucial.

"I wanted to improve and to be in the mix for the national team constantly. I wanted to prove something to them, that I should be here," Birnbaum said. "And hopefully, I'm going to keep doing that."

That determination earned him another chance days later against Canada, as Birnbaum started the match and went the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win. Birnbaum had made his case, turning an emergency call-up into a moment of magic that would help earn him a spot on the 2016 Copa America Centenario roster and in World Cup qualifying matches later that year before earning his final US caps in the January camp in 2017.

McKennie Captained Juventus for the First Time

 Midfielder Donned the Captain's Armband in the Champions League Defeat

On Wednesday, Weston McKennie reached a significant milestone in his Juventus career. In his 159th appearance for the Italian giants, he wore the captain's armband for the first time. The honor came in Juventus's Champions League group stage finale against Benfica, though the occasion was somewhat dampened by a 2-0 home defeat. McKennie, who has previously captained the U.S. men's national team three times, was deployed at left-back due to the defensive selection crisis.

The captaincy represents a remarkable turnaround for McKennie, who has repeatedly fought his way back from the brink at Juventus. Over the past two seasons, he was seemingly surplus to requirements under both Max Allegri and current manager Thiago Motta. Last year, the club went as far as to give away his locker and parking spot, yet McKennie responded by leading the team in assists and becoming one of their most-used players. This season began similarly, with Motta publicly suggesting McKennie should find a new club, only for the American to earn a contract extension and become an integral part of the squad, making 24 appearances and scoring four goals while displaying his versatility across multiple positions.

Despite the disappointing result against Benfica, Juventus's Champions League journey will continue in the knockout stages, where they face an intriguing matchup against PSV Eindhoven. The tie will be a rematch of their September encounter, which saw McKennie score in a 3-1 Juventus victory. The two-legged series is scheduled for February, with McKennie hoping to lead his team to the quarter-finals while continuing his remarkable renaissance in Turin.

Reyna's Back-Heel Assist

Midfielder Notched his First Assist of the Season in Champions League Victory

Gio Reyna impacted Borussia Dortmund's 3-1 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, providing a moment of brilliance with his fifth career Champions League assist. Coming off the bench in the 64th minute to replace Julian Brandt, the 22-year-old American midfielder helped secure Dortmund's victory with an ingenious piece of skill in the 79th minute.

The highlight came when Reyna connected with Ramy Bensebaini in a clever give-and-go sequence. Despite being pressured by two Shakhtar defenders, Reyna showed exceptional composure. He used his first touch to create space before delivering a perfectly weighted back-heel pass that found Bensebaini's continued run into the box. The defender finished the move to seal the victory and secure Dortmund's position as the 10th seed in the Champions League's new format.

This performance comes at a conflicting time in Reyna's career at Dortmund. After missing the early part of the season with a groin strain, he has gradually worked his way back into the team's plans, appearing in 12 of their last 13 matches. However, with only three starts this season and 351 minutes of total playing time, questions remain about his role at the club. While transfer rumors linking him to AC Milan have cooled, the appointment of new manager Niko Kovac, who will take charge after Sunday's Bundesliga match against Heidenheim, could represent a fresh opportunity for Reyna to establish himself as a regular starter. The immediate future holds a Champions League playoff matchup against either Sporting CP or Club Brugge, where Reyna hopes to continue making an impact and proving his worth to the new manager.

Comeback Against the Reigning European Champions

On This Day in 1993, a Grueling Calendar Begins with a Draw Versus Denmark

The U.S. Men's National Team opened 1993 with renewed optimism, settling into its new year-round training facility in Mission Viejo. It embarked on its most ambitious schedule before hosting the 1994 World Cup. 1992 was challenging for the Americans, finishing with a 6-4-11 record (WDL) in full international matches. At least the year ended with a 5-2 victory over the Ivory Coast for third place in the King Fahd Cup, a precursor to the Confederations Cup.

Gone were the nomadic days of living out of suitcases - some players had spent more than 200 days on the road the previous year - with coach Bora Milutinovic now able to implement twice-daily training sessions in a professional environment.

"What we've been doing is surrealistic," forward Peter Vermes explained. "We just can't do that. It's so hard to perform at the level we're trying to perform on a part-time basis."

The US would average a match every 10 days in 1993, and the change was welcomed by veteran goalkeeper Tony Meola, who noted, "It's going to be like an AC Milan atmosphere, where you go in every day, and the starting lineup is not determined until Thursday or Friday. The competition will be good. It makes guys work every day."

That new preparation was tested on January 30, when the team faced European champions Denmark in Tempe. With Brian Quinn sidelined by an ankle injury and Hugo Perez away playing in Saudi Arabia, Milutinovic started Janusz Michallik and Dominic Kinnear alongside Chris Henderson, rookie Joe-Max Moore, and veteran Bruce Murray in midfield.

The Americans struggled early, conceding to Mark Strudal in the 29th minute, as Denmark dominated the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. However, the insertion of Jean Harbor, Cobi Jones, and Desmond Armstrong after halftime changed the match's complexion. Harbor's physical presence proved particularly influential, drawing multiple defenders and creating space that Murray exploited in the 58th minute when he headed home his landmark 20th international goal to equalize.

Though Jakob Kjeldbjerg restored Denmark's lead in the 85th minute, the Americans showed their fighting spirit. Harbor collected the ball at midfield and found Moore, who played a quick combination with Mike Sorber before firing home his first international goal from 12 yards out to secure a 2-2 draw. Moore celebrated with a cartwheel and backflip, having made good on his prediction from the day before that he would score.

"This was a good way to start the year," Murray reflected. "In the first half, we pushed forward, but there was nowhere to go. We stunk. We played terrible. But you have to stay with it. The draw shows no matter how difficult the conditions, we can get a favorable result."

Even Denmark's coach Richard Moeller Nielsen, who brought only three players from his European Championship squad, acknowledged the Americans' potential: "It was frustrating for us to throw a victory away, but the USA deserved a draw. It was as difficult for us as we expected. When they get all their players, they can be a really dangerous team for all nations."

The match came at a crossroads for Murray, the team's all-time leading scorer with 79 caps since 1985. His USSF contract was set to expire in May, with Scottish Premier Division side Partick Thistle expressing interest after he trained with them in November. With dual citizenship through his Scottish parents and a family home near Royal Troon golf course, the opportunity seemed perfect - yet the dream of playing in a home World Cup still pulled at him. Eventually, when his contract with USSF ran out, Murray would earn a move to Millwall in England in August.

A lot of draws, and a few would follow for the US over the next few months leading into a jam-packed summer. The Americans would play eight more matches, including a draw with Romania a week later, before securing the first victory of 1993 — a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia on April 9.

Twellman's Hat-Trick Against Norway

On This Day in 2006, Twellman Scored the Ninth USMNT Hat-Trick in a Victory over Norway

Taylor Twellman had become one of Major League Soccer's most lethal strikers, leading the league with 17 goals during his 2005 MVP campaign. Yet the New England Revolution star struggled to translate that form to the international stage, managing just one goal in his first 14 appearances with the U.S. Men's National Team.

"Everyone expected me to score a boatload of goals right away," Twellman reflected. "For me, I knew good things would happen. I knew the goals would come."

Everything finally clicked on January 29 before a hopeful crowd in Carson, California. The tenacious 25-year-old forward, who had already scored 64 goals in 98 MLS matches since joining New England in 2002, unleashed his full attacking arsenal against Norway. 

Twellman opened the scoring in just the fifth minute with a precise left-footed strike past goalkeeper Espen Johnsen. Twelve minutes later, he powered home a header to double the lead. As the Americans dominated possession and peppered the Norwegian goal with 24 shots, Twellman completed his hat trick - only the ninth in USMNT history - with another thunderous header in the 76th minute.

"It is always gratifying to score and even more when it's three goals," Twellman told reporters after the 5-0 victory. "If we keep this up, we should have a decent World Cup."

U.S. manager Bruce Arena seemed equally impressed. "If what Taylor is seeking is a spot on the final roster that is traveling to Germany, he is definitely on the right track with a hat-trick performance," he said after the match.

But when Arena announced his 23-man World Cup squad in May, Twellman's name was missing, with Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff, Brian McBride and Brian Ching selected as the team's forwards. Arena admitted it was an agonizing decision, revealing that Twellman had moved between being included and excluded multiple times during the selection process.

"We looked at our overall roster and tried to find the right balance," Arena explained. "There's no question in my mind that Taylor could have been included in that group. There was such a fine line, there's not one fact that made a difference."

Twellman was back at Revolution training in the pouring rain the following day, refusing to let the disappointment derail him. "He could stick his head between his legs, or he could stand up and get on with it," Revolution manager Steve Nicol observed, "and this morning, he stood up and got on with it."

Twellman has reflected on the snub over the years and, most recently in 2022, said, "I did the best I could. I scored a ton of goals and the manager at that given day was like, 'you know what? I don't want him to be part of the team.' I've got to find a way to live with that and fortunately enough, I've got enough grace to understand it, but I ain't gonna lie to you guys, you know me well enough, it's not easy. Like, it is what it is and we've got to move on and I have actually in a weird way."

The World Cup dream would ultimately prove elusive for Twellman. By the time the 2010 tournament arrived, the former MLS MVP had been forced to retire at age 30, his promising career cut short by seven documented concussions. That January afternoon in Carson, when everything aligned for three magical goals, would stand as the peak of his international career and a bittersweet reminder of what might have been.

Paredes' First Bundesliga Goal

On This Day in 2023, a Year After Signing in Germany, the Teenager Netted His First for Wolfsburg

When Kevin Paredes was transferred to VfL Wolfsburg on January 28, 2022, managing director Marcel Schäfer praised the 18-year-old's "exceptionally gifted left foot" while noting the $7.35 million fee was a modest investment by Bundesliga standards. The Virginia native's first year in Germany was one of adaptation, making just two appearances totaling 13 minutes as he adjusted to life abroad. Living alone in a new country and learning a new language, Paredes had to grow up quickly. "I turned into a man quickly," he would later reflect.

The 2022-23 season started with Paredes seeing more time off the bench. He made six appearances before earning his first start on October 22. A calf problem limited his action before the World Cup break, which gave Paredes a chance to reset. Following the pause, the teenager began making regular appearances off the bench, including an assist against Freiburg on January 21, his first direct goal contribution in German football. That moment set the stage for what would happen a week later at the Weserstadion in Bremen.

On January 28, Wolfsburg entered their match against Werder Bremen looking to maintain their push for European places. The hosts, however, had other ideas as Niklas Füllkrug's brace put them in control of the match. With his side trailing 2-0, Niko Kovac looked to his bench in the 82nd minute and called on Paredes to provide an attacking spark in the closing stages.

The moment arrived in the 90th minute following a Wolfsburg corner kick. The ball was partially cleared but fell invitingly to Paredes at the top of the Bremen box. The former D.C. United academy product connected perfectly with his left foot. His shot was precise, finding the bottom-right corner of the net for his first Bundesliga goal. While it proved only a consolation in the 2-1 defeat, the strike was historically significant - Paredes became just the sixth American teenager to score in the Bundesliga since the start of the 2017-18 season.

"I'm really grateful," Paredes would say a month later about his growing opportunities with Wolfsburg. That gratitude showed in his performances, as the goal against Bremen was part of a strong run of form that put him in contention for the U.S. Men's National Team as a new World Cup cycle began. The winger would make another 12 appearances off the bench, registering two assists to close out the Bundesliga season.

Paredes would become more of a starter in the 2023-24 season, scoring three goals in 28 Bundesliga matches. He earned his US call-up for the August matches against Uzbekistan and Oman, with his first cap coming in the latter. He came off the bench vs Germany in October and made his first start in the 3-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in November. The performances throughout the season earned Paredes a spot on the 2024 US Olympic team, where he scored two goals and added an assist in four matches during the tournament over the summer.

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.