Playmaker Earned Another Call-up Following a Successful January Camp and Start to the MLS Season
Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna has been named to Mauricio Pochettino's 23-player roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Finals. The 21-year-old playmaker will join the U.S. Men's National Team as they pursue an unprecedented fourth consecutive Nations League title.
Luna, who earned MLS Young Player of the Year honors in 2024 after recording eight goals and 12 assists for RSL, is one of six MLS-based players selected from January's camp. He joins Patrick Agyemang and Brian White as one of three players earning their first USMNT call-up during an official FIFA international window.
The Sunnyvale, California native significantly impressed Pochettino during January's friendlies, particularly in a courageous performance against Costa Rica. Despite suffering a broken nose early in the match, Luna refused to leave the field and provided an inch-perfect assist to Brian White for the game-winning goal.
"I think that showed a lot about my mentality and the kind of determination that [Pochettino] likes," Luna said. "I think he saw that I'm not your typical US player or your typical number 10."
Pochettino valued Luna's grit, calling him the following day to check on his condition and later praising his "big balls" refusal to exit the match.
Luna's unconventional path to the national team has been marked by bold decisions and personal growth. He left the San Jose Earthquakes academy at 15 for Barcelona Residency Academy, then developed through the USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive before joining RSL in 2022.
"It's been years of being underestimated," Luna reflected. "I feel very grateful to look back and realize that I've worked hard to be here and that I deserve this opportunity."
Luna will join the squad in Los Angeles on March 16, following RSL's weekend match against Houston.
On This Day in 1998, the Former All-Time US Cap Leader Scored His Final Goal in a Friendly Tune-up
With the World Cup just three months away, the U.S. men's national team searched for answers. A three-game scoring drought had raised serious concerns about the Americans' offensive capabilities as they prepared for their opening match against Germany in Paris. The team hadn't found the net since Preki's stunning winner against Brazil in the Gold Cup on February 10th, and coach Steve Sampson was openly questioning his attacking options. But on a March afternoon in San Diego, it would be a defender who provided the spark – and added another memorable moment to his legendary career.
Marcelo Balboa, the iron man of American soccer who had anchored the national team's defense for a decade, was already making history that day at Qualcomm Stadium. His 126th international appearance moved him past England's Peter Shilton into third place on the all-time international caps list, trailing only Saudi Arabia's Majed Abdullah (147) and Sweden's Thomas Ravelli (143). It was a homecoming for the former San Diego State star that would prove unforgettable.
The March 14 match started ominously for the Americans when Denis Caniza put Paraguay ahead in the 15th minute, taking advantage of some hesitant defending. But the U.S. showed resilience, and Chad Deering – who had defied his German club Wolfsburg's wishes to join the national team – equalized six minutes later with a powerful header from Eric Wynalda's corner kick.
But Balboa's diving header in the 50th minute would steal the headlines in the Americans' 2-2 draw with Paraguay. After fellow defender Alexi Lalas looped a cross from the left flank, Balboa – who had pushed forward into the attack – threw himself horizontally at the ball, making contact just inches above the grass. His improbable effort sailed into the upper corner, stunning Paraguayan goalkeeper Ruben Ruiz Diaz and giving the U.S. a 2-1 lead.
"It was just one of those things," Balboa said afterward. "I think I overran the ball, Alexi kind of played it behind me, and I didn't think I could plant my feet and hit the volley left-footed. So, with the momentum, I just kept on going and dived to see if I could put it on target somewhere. I never thought I'd put it up there, though."
The lead wouldn't hold, as Francisco Arce converted a controversial 75th-minute penalty after a disputed foul by goalkeeper Juergen Sommer. Still, the performance offered hope for a U.S. team preparing for a challenging World Cup group that included Germany, Iran, and Yugoslavia.
However, the draw proved to be one of the final bright spots for Balboa and the U.S. in 1998. With new players added to the fold and a switch to the 3-6-1, the older and "slower" center-back just made the roster. At the World Cup in France, internal discord and tactical changes by coach Steve Sampson led to three straight losses and a quick exit. Balboa, who had been a mainstay of the team through the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups and had earned U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year honors in both 1992 and 1994, saw only eight minutes of action in the team's final match against Yugoslavia.
The San Diego goal would be Balboa's 13th and final strike for the national team, a fitting spectacular finish for a player who had previously scored on a bicycle kick against Trinidad and Tobago in 1991 and had nearly repeated the feat on the world's biggest stage against Colombia in the 1994 World Cup. He would make his final appearance for the U.S. in a friendly against Iran in January 2000, ending his international career with 128 caps – a then-record for American outfield players. Balboa would retire from professional soccer in 2003.
Midfielder Could be Available After the International Break
Malik Tillman is on the verge of returning to action for PSV Eindhoven after a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury that required surgery in January. The 22-year-old has officially rejoined training sessions with the Dutch club, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.
Tillman participated in Thursday's training following PSV's Champions League match against Arsenal Wednesday, making what sources described as a "good impression" during the session. While he's unlikely to feature in this weekend's fixture, the club hasn't ruled out his potential involvement in the crucial upcoming match against Ajax later this month.
The American midfielder's return represents a remarkable recovery timeline, considering the severity of his injury. After suffering a serious ankle injury in mid-January during PSV's 5-4 KNVB Cup victory over Excelsior, Tillman underwent surgery in Dubai before continuing his rehabilitation in Germany. Initial reports suggested a prolonged absence that could have entirely ended his 2024-25 campaign.
PSV manager Peter Bosz provided a positive update in late February, indicating Tillman might return sooner than expected. The rehabilitation process has progressed steadily, with Tillman working through a carefully structured program to strengthen his ankle and gradually resume football activities.
In early February, the midfielder expressed optimism about his recovery from injury. Tillman was enjoying a stellar season with PSV, contributing 11 goals and four assists across all competitions. His absence coincided with several key fixtures, including PSV's Champions League Round of 16 tie against Arsenal and important league matches as the Eredivisie title race intensified.
The midfielder expressed optimism during his recovery, stating in early February: "Right now, I don't have much pain. So yeah, I'm feeling positive." Though acknowledging the unfortunate timing of his injury, Tillman maintained a professional outlook, noting: "It's bad timing, but it's part of football. So I work hard to come back even better than I was before."
His return significantly boosts PSV's squad depth as they continue to compete on multiple fronts in the final months of the season. Their last Eredivisie fixture is scheduled for May 18.
Defenders Called Up Before Facing Club's Rival on Sunday
Celtic's formidable defensive duo of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty will make the 22-hour round trip to America next week after being named in Mauricio Pochettino's USA squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Panama.
Their call-up is no surprise given their outstanding performances for the Scottish champions. Celtic currently sits 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and concedes less than a goal per game on average. The pair's defensive prowess has been instrumental in Celtic's pursuit of a domestic treble. They already secured the Scottish League Cup with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Rangers before winning on penalties.
Carter-Vickers and Trusty built their chemistry at the under-20 World Cup in 2017 under coach Tab Ramos. Still, their partnership at the senior level for the USA has yet to blossom—the duo has yet to play with each other.
Since Trusty's £5 million move from Sheffield United in August, the pair have established themselves as one of the league's most dominant defensive partnerships. Their success has not gone unnoticed, with Carter-Vickers reportedly attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Brighton, Everton, and Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old defender, who initially joined Celtic on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 before making a permanent £6 million move, has reportedly had a £20 million price tag placed on him by manager Brendan Rodgers.
Before departing for international duty, the American duo will face a crucial test this weekend as Celtic take on Rangers in what could be a pivotal match in the title race. A victory would move Celtic closer to clinching yet another Scottish Premiership crown and further cement the reputation of Carter-Vickers and Trusty as one of the most effective defensive partnerships in Europe.
Manager Pochettino Names 23-Man Roster Ready for Four-peat
U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled his 23-player roster for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League finals. The squad will compete to claim the CNL trophy for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time.
The USMNT will face Panama in the semifinal on March 20 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The winner will advance to face either Mexico or Canada in the championship match on March 23.
"This is a massive opportunity to win a trophy, and that is our clear objective," Pochettino stated. "We must continue to show our quality, our bravery, and our commitment to each other."
Several key players return to the national team fold, including midfielder Tyler Adams, who makes his first appearance since Copa América 2024. Adams has been in excellent form for Bournemouth in the Premier League. Gio Reyna also received his first call-up under Pochettino despite limited playing time with Borussia Dortmund.
MLS players feature prominently in the selection, with six domestic-based players making the cut. Patrick Agyemang, Diego Luna, and Brian White—all standouts from January's camp—earned their first call-ups for an official competition. Luna particularly impressed Pochettino, who noted: "It's important for him to feel the confidence from us."
The roster balances experienced veterans and emerging talent. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, key contributors in previous Nations League triumphs, headline the attacking options. Currently in outstanding form with Norwich City, Josh Sargent leads the forward line alongside Agyemang and White, who help compensate for Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun's injury absences. Haji Wright, last year's Nations League hero, missed out after just returning for Coventry City from injury.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of maintaining hunger despite past success in the competition. "Many players have already won this competition and always the hunger is lost a little when you win; we want to continue with that hunger," he said.
On This Day in 2018, the Midfielder's Equalizer Was His Last in a Red Bull Shirt
Before making his name in Europe, Tyler Adams turned heads in the New York Red Bulls youth system. The midfielder's journey from academy prospect to first-team star represented everything the club's vaunted development pathway promised, progressing from the Regional Development School through Red Bulls II to the senior team—the first player to do so.
Even at age 11, Adams' reputation preceded him. Red Bulls II coach John Wolyniec, then on the academy staff, would watch him train "three, four, five nights a week," noting the youngster's raw potential. That dedication paid off when Wolyniec made Adams Red Bulls II's first-ever signing, and he made his professional debut in 2015 at 16 years old. What set Adams apart wasn't just his technical ability but his remarkable maturity.
By 2017, Adams had established himself as a regular starter, displaying the fearless energy and tactical intelligence that would become his trademark. That season, he scored his first MLS goal—actually a brace—against D.C. United while helping lead one of the league's youngest squads.
But it was on March 13, 2018, at Red Bull Arena that Adams would deliver perhaps his most memorable moment in a Red Bulls shirt. In the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Club Tijuana, with the aggregate score delicately poised, Adams rose to the occasion. After falling behind early, it was the then 19-year-old who leveled the match in the 28th minute, helping propel the Red Bulls to a historic 3-1 victory (5-1 on aggregate).
"We knew we weren't going to come out there and play scared," Adams said after the match. "Obviously [everyone] knows our philosophy. Tijuana knew what they were going to get today, and that’s exactly what we gave them. I think for us personally, moving on and being the first MLS team to advance – beating a Mexican team – feels pretty special."
The goal and victory marked a watershed moment—it was the first time the Red Bulls had reached the CCL semifinals and only the third time an MLS club had eliminated a Mexican team in the tournament's knockout stages. Even Tijuana's manager, Diego Cocca, acknowledged the young American's impact, praising the team's organization and counter-attacking prowess.
By this time, Adams was one of the new faces of the US Men's National Team, earning his first cap at the end of 2017 and a second during the January camp. Adams continued representing the US during its friendly-heavy schedule in 2018, playing in eight matches that year. The highlight was scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory over Mexico in September.
Adams' 2018 campaign would be his farewell season with the Red Bulls. Following the departure of veterans Sacha Kljestan and Felipe in preseason trades, Adams embraced an even more significant role in midfield alongside Sean Davis. True to his character, Adams remained focused on the task at hand. He started 26 of 27 matches, tallied a career-best seven assists, and helped drive one of the Red Bulls' best-ever seasons before his eventual transfer to RB Leipzig in January 2019, where he reunited with former manager Jesse Marsch.
On This Day in 1991, Murray Scored Late in a Draw With Mexico in the First Match Under Kowalski
The phone lines between Los Angeles and some of soccer's biggest available coaching names were buzzing in early 1991. Alan Rothenberg, the newly appointed president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, was on a mission. "We don't have a specific date for naming a new coach... I'm hoping we could announce something in the next few weeks, but we're not working with any specific timetable," he told reporters. Bob Gansler, who had led the United States to its first World Cup in 40 years, had just stepped down after five consecutive games without a goal.
With Franz Beckenbauer and Kenny Dalglish ruled out, Bora Milutinovic was the prize. The Yugoslav coach who had worked miracles with Mexico in 1986 and Costa Rica in 1990 was clearly the leading candidate. "I foresee the possibility to work with the American team," Milutinovic said in a telephone interview from Mexico City. "I expect an offer to be made. I'd like to work with the American team. I think it is a big challenge."
In the meantime, the federation turned to John Kowalski, a Polish-born coach from Pittsburgh with an unlikely path to the national team. As the coach of the U.S. national five-a-side team and Robert Morris College, Kowalski was the ultimate interim solution. "I'm just glad to help out," he said, which helped the players relax. "Psychologically and mentally, I am preparing myself today as if I would be the coach, but whatever happens happens."
The March 12 match against Mexico to start the 1991 North American Nations Cup came in the middle of this coaching transition saga. At the Los Angeles Coliseum, with 6,261 fans – most supporting Mexico – the U.S. Men's National Team took the field under Kowalski's interim leadership. The match against Mexico, a team that had lost to the U.S. only twice in 23 previous encounters, seemed destined to follow a familiar script of disappointment.
Dante Washington, a 20-year-old Radford University student making his first US appearance, broke the tension, scoring a point-blank goal just before halftime. But Mexico's Alberto Garcia Aspe and Misael Espinosa turned the match around, pushing the U.S. toward another inevitable defeat.
Then came Bruce Murray's moment of magic.
In the 89th minute, with Mexico attempting to run out the clock, Murray stepped up to a free kick from 35 yards out. "I was hitting them from there in practice yesterday," Kowalski would later say. The ball rocketed over a wall of defenders, finding the top left corner of the net just seconds before the final whistle.
"It was the shot of a lifetime," Murray said. "I'm not sure the keeper ever saw it."
Goalkeeper Tony Meola captured the team's newfound spirit perfectly. "It's no secret John Kowalski has recharged this team," he said. "I definitely would like to see him get more time. Look how we came back tonight in what was basically a road game."
Two days later, the U.S. defeated Canada 2-0, finishing second in the tournament. Though they didn't win the cup on goal difference, something had changed. The team scored again, played with renewed spirit, and generated excitement.
On March 27, Milutinovic was officially introduced as the new head coach. His ambitions were audacious. "I'll be most happy when I win the World Cup championship in 1994," he declared. When questioned about the seemingly impossible goal, he was unequivocal. "All I said is achievable," he insisted. "If you don't dream, you can't get there."
Rothenberg echoed this sentiment, quoting poet Robert Browning: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for." The U.S. would be hosting the 1994 World Cup, and they were dreaming big.
Despite support to stay on as a coach, Kowalski returned to Robert Morris College, where his interim role was complete. But the momentum he had started would not be forgotten. The late goal against Mexico was more than just a moment of athletic drama—it was a symbolic turning point for a national team on the brink of reinvention.
On This Day in 1981, FIFA Challenged American Soccer Over Rule Dispute
March 11 was a day of mounting tension in the soccer world. In Zurich, FIFA spokesperson René Courte's frustration boiled over. "They are taking us for fools," he declared, his voice sharp with anger. His target of ire was the North American Soccer League (NASL) and its brazen approach to the world's most popular sport.
The conflict had been brewing for years, tracing back to the NASL's ambitious attempts to transform soccer into an American spectacle. Since its founding in 1968, the league had been pushing boundaries, introducing innovations that would have been unthinkable in traditional soccer markets. The league attracted international stars like Pelé and Giorgio Chinaglia, bringing unprecedented glamour to American soccer while challenging established international norms.
Their innovations were bold and unapologetic. A 35-yard offside line, three substitutions instead of two, and a shootout to resolve tie games were not merely rule changes but a fundamental reimagining of the sport. FIFA saw these modifications as a direct challenge to its authority, a rebellious act that threatened the global standardization of soccer.
At the heart of the dispute was a fundamental clash of philosophies. FIFA saw itself as the guardian of soccer's traditional spirit, while the NASL viewed the game as a product to be marketed to American audiences. The league had powerful allies, including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who served as the NASL's honorary chairman and penned a passionate four-page letter to FIFA President João Havelange.
The ultimatum was clear: comply with international regulations or face expulsion. FIFA's rules were non-negotiable: two substitutions, standard offside lines and no shootouts. The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) was caught in the crossfire, and USSF chair Kurt Lamm frantically traveled to Madrid to prevent a complete breakdown of relations.
Just hours before the NASL's season opener on March 28, the league reluctantly complied. But the drama was far from over. A cryptic letter from Havelange provided ambiguous permission for the NASL to continue its practices, leading to further confusion and accusations of deliberate misinterpretation.
Phil Woosnam, a key NASL official, perfectly captured the league's defiance. "Is that how we define democracy?" he asked, criticizing FIFA's "dictatorial manner." The soccer war was as much about cultural differences as it was about rule books. The NASL represented a uniquely American approach—entrepreneurial, innovative, and unapologetically disruptive.
Ultimately, a compromise emerged. The NASL would continue its unique rules through the 1981 season, after which it would fully conform to international standards. The shootout remained, with modifications to the scoring system, but the 35-yard line was discontinued.
The conflict was more than a mere rules dispute. It was a pivotal moment highlighting the challenges of globalizing a sport deeply rooted in international tradition. The NASL's innovative spirit would eventually contribute to its downfall, with the league ceasing operations by 1985. Yet, its legacy of innovation would continue to influence American soccer's evolution.
By challenging FIFA, the NASL fought an administrative war that would reshape how the world viewed soccer in the United States. Though ultimately unsuccessful, their rebellion planted seeds for future soccer development in America. The league might have fallen, but its spirit of innovation would live on in Major League Soccer and its continued growth in the United States.
USMNT Announces Summer Friendlies Against European Quarter-Finalists
The U.S. Men's National Team will face strong European opposition this June. Matches against Turkey and Switzerland have been announced as key preparation fixtures for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino's squad will host Turkey at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, on June 7, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Three days later, the team will travel to Nashville's GEODIS Park for a June 10 match against Switzerland, which will serve as the official "Send-Off" match before the Gold Cup competition begins.
Both European opponents reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, providing valuable high-level competition for the Americans. Switzerland currently sits 20th in FIFA's rankings, four spots below the U.S., while Turkey holds 28th.
"These matches will provide the USMNT with one of its few opportunities to face European opposition before the World Cup," U.S. Soccer stated in Monday's announcement, highlighting the strategic importance of these fixtures with just over a year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
The U.S. holds a 2-1-1 record against Turkey, last facing them in 2014 before that year's World Cup in a 2-1 victory. Against Switzerland, the Americans have struggled historically with a 1-4-4 record and no victories on U.S. soil.
However, club commitments will likely impact these friendlies, as several potential USMNT players could be unavailable due to the FIFA Club World Cup running concurrently with the Gold Cup. Players from qualifying clubs like Juventus (Weston McKennie, Tim Weah), Borussia Dortmund (Gio Reyna), and Seattle Sounders (Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Jesús Ferreira) may be retained by their clubs.
The Gold Cup begins June 14. The USMNT will seek to reclaim the trophy after winning it in 2021 and being eliminated by Panama on penalties in the 2023 semifinals. The tournament draw will take place on April 10.
On This Day in 1990, The US Records First Win Over European Side in 10 Years in Prep for Italy 90
Less than a month after a humbling 3-1 loss to the Soviet Union at Stanford Stadium—a match that painfully exposed the United States Men's National Soccer Team's limitations against world-class soccer teams—the national team sought redemption. The Soviet match had revealed stark differences between the Americans and established international sides, with the US struggling to maintain a competitive footing against even a partial-strength Soviet squad.
Before that, a narrow 1-0 win over Bermuda had done little to boost confidence. Coach Bob Gansler was still wrestling with lineup challenges, rotating players in preparation for the World Cup, and seeking to build a cohesive team capable of competing internationally.
The March 10 match against Finland in Tampa Stadium was more than just another friendly. It was an interesting opportunity for the U.S. team to demonstrate its progress. Though the Finnish didn't qualify for the 1990 World Cup, the US hadn't beaten a European side since the 2-0 win over Luxembourg in 1980, going 0-3-2 (WDL) over the decade. The US achieved more than just a victory on that crisp March night. The 2-1 win against Finland was pivotal in the team's journey toward its first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
The match unfolded against a backdrop of uncertainty and competition. Gansler had been juggling 24 players, constantly rotating lineups. With no established professional league providing consistent high-level competition, Gansler's strategy was to keep players sharp and evaluate talent through ongoing assessments.
The evening began with anticipation. Between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators filled Tampa Stadium, creating an atmosphere of patriotic excitement. The crowd represented a cross-section of soccer enthusiasts—youth players, military personnel from nearby bases, and supporters eager to witness the national team's growth.
Paul Caligiuri, the hero of the Trinidad & Tobago qualifying match that secured America's World Cup berth, opened the scoring in the first half. After Eric Wynalda, who was making his fifth cap, stole a pass along the right sideline and crossed into the box, Bruce Murray's diving header was saved by Finnish goalkeeper Petri Jakonen. However, the rebound fell perfectly to Caligiuri, who quickly guided the ball into the net in the 29th minute.
Finland equalized early in the second half when forward Kimmo Tarkkio capitalized on a defensive breakdown, slipping past the U.S. defense to beat goalkeeper Kasey Keller. The goal momentarily deflated the American side but also ignited their competitive spirit.
The match's decisive moment came approximately 23 minutes from full-time. Bruce Murray, struggling with a scoring drought, rediscovered his shooting touch. After receiving a pass from Caligiuri, Murray skillfully maneuvered between defenders Jouko Vuorela and Jari Europaeus, leaving them on the ground before delivering a composed finish past Jakonen.
"I hoped I could get it going again," Murray later reflected. "I was a little nervous to be upfront, but as the game went on, I got more confident. It was very encouraging."
Coach Gansler saw the match as an essential developmental opportunity. "I've seen a lot of improvement in our offense," he commented, "but we still have plenty of work on finishing our attack. This was a good test for us. We will only improve from it."
It wouldn't be the last chance the US would play European competition in the lead-up to the World Cup. The Americans would travel to Budapest in 10 days before a match in East Berlin against the East Germans on March 28 — both eventual defeats. The US would finally get back to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Finland in St. Louis on April 8. In the final 10 matches in the run-in to the World Cup, the Americans played nine European sides, really preparing for what lay ahead in June.
