Robinson Seals Shootout Victory

The Fullback Converted the Final Fulham Penalty Before in the FA Cup Win

In a dramatic FA Cup fifth-round clash at Old Trafford, Antonee Robinson showcased his leadership qualities as he captained Fulham to a memorable penalty shootout victory over Manchester United, booking the Cottagers' place in the quarter-finals.

The left-back, who has become one of Marco Silva's most trusted lieutenants at Craven Cottage, was restored to the starting lineup after being rested against Wolves in a tactical decision that proved masterful. Robinson's energy and composure were evident throughout the tense encounter as he consistently troubled United's Noussair Mazraoui down the flank.

Calvin Bassey broke the deadlock with a tidy header just before halftime, giving Fulham a well-deserved lead. However, Bruno Fernandes eventually equalized in the 71st minute with a stunning strike from outside the box. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, the match remained deadlocked at 1-1 through extra time, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

It was here that Robinson truly stepped up. After Bernd Leno saved Victor Lindelof's penalty attempt, the American defender calmly approached the spot and coolly sent André Onana the wrong way, putting Fulham on the brink of victory. Subsequently, Leno denied Joshua Zirkzee, securing Fulham's progression. Robinson was the first to hug Leno after the save.

Robinson's stellar performance highlights the American players in the FA Cup this weekend. Alongside three other USMNT stars still in the competition—Matt Turner, Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), and Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)—Robinson will now prepare for a quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace as Fulham chase FA Cup glory.

Johnny Equalizes Against Madrid

Midfielder Heads Home Equalizer for First La Liga Goal of the Season in a Victory over Real Madrid

Johnny Cardoso chose the perfect moment to open his La Liga scoring account for the season, netting a crucial equalizer in Real Betis' impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Real Madrid on Saturday. The 23-year-old powered home a 34th-minute header from an Isco corner to cancel out Brahim Diaz's early opener for the visitors.

The goal showcased Cardoso's growing influence at Betis. He took advantage of slack marking in the Madrid box to meet Isco's delivery with a decisive header. Former Madrid star Isco would later complete the comeback, converting a 54th-minute penalty after Antonio Rudiger fouled Jesus Rodriguez in the box.

"I am very happy here, I feel very comfortable with the city, the team, and the people around me," Cardoso stated after the match, addressing rumors linking him with Tottenham Hotspur, who reportedly hold a preferential option to sign him for 25 million euros next summer.

The New Jersey-born midfielder has become a mainstay since joining Manuel Pellegrini's side in January 2024. He has started 25 games this season, including 10 consecutive league matches. His performance against Madrid demonstrated why he's become such a valued presence at the Benito Villamarín, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking threat.

Beyond his goal, Cardoso even produced a highlight moment when he outmaneuvered Madrid's veteran midfielder Luka Modric with a clever piece of skill during the match. The victory was significant for Betis, lifting them to sixth place in the La Liga standings and boosting their hopes for European qualification. However, Madrid's defeat proved costly in the title race, leaving them level on points with Barcelona, who now have a game in hand.

Cardoso's goal marked a rare achievement for American players. He became the second USMNT player to score against Real Madrid in the past 20 years, following Christian Pulisic's goal for Chelsea in the 2020-21 Champions League semifinals.

Under contract with Betis until 2030, Cardoso's commitment to the club appears strong despite interest from the Premier League. His integration into Pellegrini's system and the warm reception from Betis supporters have cemented his desire to continue his development in Seville rather than pursue a move elsewhere.

Murray's Last International Goal

 On This Day in 1993, Converting a Penalty to Tie the Match, Murray Set the Early US Record

By the spring of 1993, Bruce Murray found himself in an unfamiliar position with the U.S. Men's National Team - fighting to maintain his place in a rapidly evolving squad. Three years earlier, he had been an integral part of the 1990 World Cup team, even scoring against Austria in the Americans' return to soccer's biggest stage. Entering the year, his record 19 international goals and 74 caps had made him the face of American soccer throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

But under coach Bora Milutinovic's new system emphasizing speed and a single-forward formation, Murray increasingly found himself pushed to the margins. He found the net in the 2-2 draw with Denmark to start the year, but a severe lower back strain had kept him out of the following three matches, watching from afar as the team struggled to find its identity in the build-up to the 1994 World Cup on home soil.

Murray would write the final chapter of his remarkable international scoring career on a cool March 3 evening at Orange Coast College's LeBard Stadium. The U.S. entered the match against Canada winless in 1993, desperately seeking momentum with World Cup qualifying on the horizon. In front of 5,743 fans, the Americans quickly grabbed the lead through Dominic Kinnear but found themselves trailing 2-1 at halftime after defensive lapses led to Steve McDonald's and John Catliff's goals.

The defining moment came in the 64th minute when Canadian defender Mark Watson brought down Jean Harbor in the penalty area. What followed was a brief but telling exchange that epitomized Murray's veteran status and determination to reassert his leadership:

"Let me take it," called out young forward Joe-Max Moore.

"No," Murray replied firmly.

"Are you serious?"

Murray was indeed serious. With the confidence that had produced so many crucial goals over his eight-year international career, he stepped up to the spot. He converted his 21st and final international goal - extending his American record that had defined an era of U.S. soccer.

"I think I need to be more vocal on this team," Murray reflected afterward. "I need to get in the best shape of my life and set an example. I'm very thankful that I came back from this injury. Quite frankly, I thought I'd never play again."

But the goal would be Murray's last hurrah in a U.S. shirt. He played just one match in the US Cup in early June, and by July, after an unimpressive Copa America, his US Soccer contract expired. With Milutinovic's tactical evolution favoring faster players, the federation announced Murray's release on July 30. The 27-year-old midfielder who had led Clemson to the 1987 NCAA title and been the cornerstone of American soccer's revival was free to pursue opportunities in Europe.

"We appreciate the efforts Bruce Murray has made on behalf of U.S. Soccer over the years and his contribution to the game in the United States," said U.S. national team general manager Bill Nuttall in the announcement.

By August 9, Millwall had signed Murray on a free transfer, where he would join fellow Americans Kasey Keller and John Kerr in the Football League First Division, today's EFL Championship. On August 14, the 'all-American' striker notched his first English goal, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the season opener. He scored another goal against Nottingham Forest in November and finished his time at Millwall with 13 league appearances before being loaned out to Stockport County in March.

Murray was left off the World Cup roster, and his last appearance for the national team came in the 1993 Copa America. But that night in Costa Mesa, while securing a 2-2 draw against regional rivals Canada, Murray had one final moment to add to his legacy as America's most prolific scorer of his generation. His penalty kick, for the then-record 21st of his international career, not only saved the U.S. from defeat but served as a fitting bookend to a career that helped lay the foundation for American soccer's modern era.

Tillman Back "Sooner than Expected"

 Midfielder Hopes to Play by the End of the Season

Positive news has emerged for U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Malik Tillman as he progresses in his recovery from a serious ankle injury. The 22-year-old PSV star, who has been sidelined since mid-January, appears ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation process.

According to recent updates from PSV head coach Peter Bosz, Tillman is expected to return to Eindhoven this week to begin individual training. This development comes after he underwent surgery in Dubai and continued his recovery in Germany. The accelerated timeline offers hope that the attacking midfielder could return before the Eredivisie season ends, which concludes on May 18.

This represents a significant boost for both Tillman and PSV, as initial projections following his injury during a 5-4 KNVB Cup victory over Excelsior had been less optimistic. Tillman himself had previously stated he would "be out for a few months" but remained hopeful of making a comeback before the season's end.

Unfortunately, Tillman will miss PSV's crucial Champions League Round of 16 matches against Arsenal in March. However, his potential return for the final stretch of the Eredivisie campaign would be valuable for the Dutch club. PSV is currently leading the league standings, and Tillma contributed 11 goals in 26 appearances before his injury.

The faster-than-expected recovery also has implications for Tillman's international prospects. Though he was predictably left off the USMNT roster for the upcoming March Nations League fixtures, returning to fitness before the season's end could put him in contention for selection to the Gold Cup squad this summer.

Tillman's focus remains on successfully completing his rehabilitation. "I'm feeling positive. No pain, that's important," he previously stated, demonstrating the optimistic mindset that may be contributing to his faster-than-anticipated recovery.

Haji Finally Back

Forward Subbed On For His First Minutes Since November

Haji Wright made his long-awaited return to action as Coventry City continued their remarkable Championship resurgence with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Oxford United. The American striker's comeback from a lengthy injury layoff significantly boosted Frank Lampard's in-form squad as they climbed into the playoff positions for the first time this season.

Wright, who had been sidelined since November 9 with an ankle injury, entered the fray for the final 16 minutes of Saturday's contest. His introduction added fresh attacking impetus as the Sky Blues secured a hard-fought win that propelled them to fifth place in the table – an astonishing turnaround for a team that sat just two points above the relegation zone when Lampard took charge three months ago.

The 26-year-old American's return is perfect for Coventry, who have won an impressive eight of their last nine league matches. Wright had been in excellent form before his injury, netting seven Championship goals in the first part of the season. His availability provides Lampard with another potent offensive option as the Sky Blues push for promotion.

“You understand what it takes to make the playoffs, and when you have got ground to make up, you have got to probably average two points a game and needs a run like we have been on,” Lampard said.

Saturday's victory was secured by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto's 71st-minute winner after a see-saw battle that saw Oxford twice fight back to level terms. Wright's introduction in the latter stages helped Coventry maintain their advantage and see out another crucial victory.

The Sky Blues' transformation under Lampard has been nothing short of remarkable. From relegation candidates to genuine playoff contenders, Coventry now looks well-positioned to challenge for Premier League promotion with just 11 games remaining. Wright's return from injury could be the final piece of the puzzle as Lampard's men continue their charge up the Championship table. Coventry will look to extend its impressive run when it hosts Stoke City on March 8. As he builds back to full match fitness, Wright will likely see increased playing time.

Trusty's Head Scare

Defender Subbed Out Early, Required Stitches

During the team's recent 5-2 victory over St Mirren, Celtic defender Auston Trusty suffered a concerning head injury. The injury required medical attention and forced him off the pitch in the first half. The American center-back, who has established himself as a key starter alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers since his summer move from Sheffield United, sustained a nasty head clash that required five stitches.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the injury in his post-match comments, providing a cautiously optimistic update: "Auston got a bang in the head and had to get five stitches. He should recover." The injury came during an otherwise successful outing for the Hoops, who secured a commanding three-goal victory, thanks mainly to a standout performance from Hyunjun Yang.

Trusty's replacement, Liam Scales, stepped in admirably, according to Rodgers, who noted, "Scales came in and did really well." This is particularly noteworthy as Scales has seen limited game time this season compared to his more regular appearances last term, which has caused some rust in his performance.

The timing of Trusty's injury could be problematic as Celtic prepares to face an in-form Hibernian side in the Scottish Cup this Sunday. Hibs arrive at Celtic Park on an impressive fifteen-game unbeaten run, with their last defeat ironically coming against the Hoops in December.

Despite initial concerns, the prognosis appears favorable. Rodgers' comments suggest Trusty should be available for selection soon, which will come as welcome news to Celtic supporters who have witnessed the defender's growth since his somewhat unsteady start at the club.

Mathis Regained Form Ahead of the 2002 World Cup

On This Day in 2002, the Forward Cemented His Spot on the World Cup Roster with a Double in a Tune-up Victory

Clint Mathis was on the rise in 2000 leading into 2001. 

He was an MVP candidate for the MetroStars, scoring 16 goals and nine assists in 26 MLS and playoff matches, including five goals in a game against Dallas Burn in August 2000. Two months later, Mathis was called up to the U.S. Men's National Team camp, where he earned his fourth cap and assisted in the win over Mexico on October 25.

The Georgia native scored his first US goal in the next match against Barbados in November, and his stock would continue to rise. He was a catalyst off the bench in the late February 2-0 win over Mexico in World Cup Qualifying, nabbing an assist on Josh Wolff's match-winner after coming off the bench. He scored against Brazil and Honduras in consecutive matches before assisting Wolff again in a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in qualifying.

Mathis was enjoying his best MLS season in 2001 until a devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear in June threatened to derail his World Cup dreams. He would miss the rest of the MLS season and was slowly reintroduced to the national team, making his return in the Gold Cup Quarterfinal win over El Salvador in late January 2002. Mathis would also come off the bench in the semifinal and final, helping the US secure the trophy.

But on March 2, Mathis showed he was back in full force, scoring twice in a dominant 4-0 U.S. victory over Honduras at Seattle's Safeco Field — his first goals for the national team in almost a year. The performance, alongside strike partner Brian McBride, made a powerful statement about his readiness for the upcoming World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Landon Donovan scored the other two goals in the victory.

"I actually think that injury helped," Mathis had said about his ACL recovery. "It could have happened at a lot worse time. The World Cup was still a year away, and I knew I had plenty of time to get into shape. It also took me out of the spotlight for a short time. But one thing I did not expect was to have the success I had so quickly when I came back."

That success was on full display in Seattle. In the 14th minute, Mathis opened the scoring when Jeff Agoos floated a diagonal ball to the far post. McBride headed it back across goal where unmarked Mathis directed his own header inside the left post beyond Honduran goalkeeper Victor Coello.

Mathis doubled his tally in the 59th minute after a clever buildup play between DaMarcus Beasley and substitute Eddie Lewis. Lewis whipped in a cross that McBride dove to head, deflecting it into Mathis' path for a clinical finish. He nearly had a hat trick when his 20-yard free kick rattled both the crossbar and right post.

"I think this was a really good afternoon for us," U.S. coach Bruce Arena said after the match. "We played really well and got a good effort out of the guys today."

The performance helped cement Mathis' place in Arena's World Cup plans. He was transforming into exactly the kind of homegrown American soccer star the program had been seeking to develop. As teammate Brad Friedel noted: "He's a pure goalscorer, no other way to describe him. Wherever he is on the field, he wants to score."

The goalscoring form would continue for Mathis in the lead-up to the 2002 World Cup, with two more against Germany, another against Mexico, and a final against Jamaica. Mathis would make the World Cup squad and score a memorable goal in the Americans' 1-1 draw with South Korea, further raising his profile. European clubs took notice - both Bayern Munich and Perugia opened negotiations with MLS that summer, with a reported asking price of $5 million for the striker's services.

Dempsey Salutes in Tune-up Victory

On This Day in 2006, Where the US Would Face Italy in Three Months, Dempsey Scored as the Snow Poured Down in Germany

In early 2006, the United States Men's National Team was riding high. Ranked 7th in the world and fresh off a commanding World Cup qualification campaign, Bruce Arena's squad was building momentum toward the summer tournament in Germany. But questions remained about how the team would fare on European soil, where they had historically struggled.

The March 1 friendly against Poland in Kaiserslautern carried extra weight. It marked a rare opportunity for Arena to field his Europe-based players together, which had proven difficult during recent friendlies. The match would also serve as a dress rehearsal at Fritz-Walter-Stadion, where the Americans would face Italy in their crucial second World Cup group stage match just three months later.

"This trip is too condensed," Arena admitted before the match, highlighting the challenges of assembling his scattered squad. "Some of the players flew in today. Some played Saturday, and some played Sunday. Some haven't played since last Wednesday." 

The American roster showcased the team's growing presence in European football. It featured goalkeeper Kasey Keller, Gregg Berhalter, and Steve Cherundolo playing in Germany, Carlos Bocanegra, Eddie Lewis, and Bobby Convey in England, and midfielder DaMarcus Beasley from Champions League semifinalist PSV Eindhoven. Mixed with MLS talents like the New England Revolution duo of Clint Dempsey and Taylor Twellman, who had just scored a hat trick in a 5-0 win over Norway, the U.S. team represented a blend of players from domestic and abroad.

The United States, unbeaten in 2006, faced a Polish side ranked 22nd in the world and drawn into Group A with host Germany for the upcoming World Cup. Despite the minimal ticket sales reported just days before - only 11,000 sold through Monday - the proximity to Ramstein Air Base meant strong American support was expected in the stands.

What began under cold conditions soon became a remarkable winter spectacle as heavy snow blanketed the field. "I never played in a game when that much snow came in at the same time," Dempsey would later recall. "I never saw little flurries turn into big snow like that."

The decisive moment came in the 48th minute when Eddie Lewis delivered a precise long pass into the penalty area. Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who had just entered as a second-half substitute, attempted to punch the ball away but deflected it off Twellman directly to Dempsey, who headed it into an empty net.

The conditions became so challenging that by the midpoint of the second half, even basic soccer actions became adventurous. Landon Donovan described the visibility challenges: "There was a period of 15-20 minutes where you couldn't see more than 10 yards." The referee even switched to a yellow ball to improve visibility against the white field.

The victory proved significant for several reasons. First, it marked only Arena's second win in Europe (2-7-2 record), both victories coming against Poland. Second, it was played at the same venue where the U.S. would later face Italy in their second World Cup group stage match. A crowd of 13,395, including many American service members from nearby Ramstein Air Base, provided a preview of the support the team could expect during the tournament.

Horvath Making a Case

Despite FA Cup Defeat, Goalkeeper Made Countless Saves in a Productive Week

Ethan Horvath delivered an outstanding performance despite Cardiff City's 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in Friday's FA Cup fifth-round clash. The American goalkeeper made seven crucial saves at Villa Park, frustrating the Premier League side for over an hour before Marco Asensio finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute.

Horvath's heroics included denying Ollie Watkins at close range early in the match, producing a save from Leon Bailey's powerful strike, and stretching to full length to tip away John McGinn's low drive. His most impressive moment came against Marcus Rashford when he tipped away a fierce, deflected effort that seemed destined for the net. Statistics confirm Horvath's excellence, with 1.06 goals prevented based on the quality of chances faced.

Coach Omer Riza praised Horvath's performance, calling it "superb" and highlighting his shot-stopping and distribution skills. Despite facing 25 shots, 10 of which were on target from the Champions League-bound hosts, Horvath maintained composure throughout, completing 81% of his passes and successfully executing seven long balls.

This performance followed Horvath's midweek heroics in Cardiff's 1-0 victory over Hull City, where he kept a clean sheet in his first league start since August. Though he faced less pressure against Hull, making just one save from Alfie Jones's header attempt, the victory significantly moved Cardiff six points out of the Championship relegation zone.

Horvath's back-to-back strong performances couldn't have been better timing for his international prospects. The U.S. men's national team goalkeeper situation remains fluid, with presumed starter Matt Turner struggling for playing time at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Zack Steffen is just beginning his MLS season with the Colorado Rapids.

With Turner receiving limited minutes and Steffen still finding his rhythm in the new MLS campaign, Horvath's commanding displays for Cardiff in both cup and league competition may position him for a more prominent role in the U.S. goalkeeper hierarchy. His patience behind Jak Alnwick at Cardiff is paying off, with Alnwick's thigh injury potentially opening the door for Horvath to cement his place as the Bluebirds' first-choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the Championship season.

Richards On a Roll

Center-back Had a Productive Week as Palace Won Back-to-Back Matches

Crystal Palace's Chris Richards has continued his impressive form as a key defensive pillar in Oliver Glasner's resurgent Eagles squad. The 24-year-old American defender has been instrumental in Palace's recent success, helping the team secure two significant victories in the past week.

Against Fulham at Craven Cottage, Richards played a crucial role in Crystal Palace's surprising 2-0 upset over fellow American Antonee Robinson's side. The victory was secured through an Andersen own goal and a Daniel Munoz strike assisted by Jean-Philippe Mateta. Despite controlling only 38% of possession, Palace's disciplined defensive performance, with Richards at its core, helped them climb to 13th in the Premier League table.

Midweek saw Richards deliver another standout performance as Palace dominated Aston Villa in a convincing 4-1 victory at Selhurst Park. The US international was solid defensively but contributed offensively by forcing a save from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, leading to Ismaila Sarr's opening goal. Sarr would later complete his brace, with Mateta and Nketiah also finding the net in the comprehensive win.

Richards's consistent performances have been crucial to Palace's impressive 2025 form. Since the start of the calendar year, the team has won seven of its ten matches across all competitions. His inclusion in the starting lineup for eleven consecutive matches since December underscores his importance to Glasner's defensive setup.

Looking ahead, Richards is expected to retain his place in the squad for Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round London derby against Millwall at Selhurst Park. With Marc Guehi available after midweek treatment and Palace losing just one of their last ten games against lower-league opposition, the Eagles will be confident of progressing to the quarterfinals as they continue their impressive run of form.