Reyna's Goal After a Six-Month Lay-off

On This Day in 2005, the US Captain Scored in His Second Game Back for Manchester City

When Claudio Reyna reaggravated his left quadriceps injury during Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on November 13, 2004, it marked the beginning of a frustrating six-month battle for fitness for the American captain. Having already been sidelined since September 18, this setback was particularly cruel for Reyna, who had joined City for £2.5 million in August 2003 with high hopes of making his mark in the Premier League.

The long road back to fitness tested Reyna's patience and resolve. "It has been a difficult period for me," he admitted during his rehabilitation. "At times, I was pretty down because I just didn't know how long it would take before I could play again." Only after coming through several reserve team appearances unscathed in early March did the former Rangers and Sunderland player finally feel confident his injury troubles were behind him.

After months of careful rehabilitation, Reyna made his long-awaited return to first-team action on March 7, 2005, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat to Bolton. It was just his second appearance in nearly six months, but the American showed no signs of rust. Twelve days later, under newly appointed manager Stuart Pearce, Reyna would remind the City faithful exactly what they had been missing.

On March 19 at White Hart Lane, with City trailing 1-0 to a Jermain Defoe header, Reyna seized his moment just before halftime. Robbie Fowler, showing exquisite touch, chipped a delicate ball into the area with the outside of his boot. Reyna, timing his run perfectly, met the ball with a sweet left-footed volley that kissed the post before nestling in the net. The equalizer showcased his technical ability and the attacking instincts that had made him such a vital presence in City's midfield.

Though the match ended in a 2-1 defeat thanks to a late Robbie Keane winner, Reyna's performance signaled he was back to his best. He continued the run of form by playing 90 minutes in the World Cup Qualifying defeat to Mexico during the international break before he would prove this point further on April 16, scoring his second goal of the campaign in a 1-1 draw with Fulham. The goal was a fitting punctuation mark on a season that, while interrupted by injury, demonstrated the resilience and quality that had made Reyna such a respected figure in English football.

These late-season performances were particularly sweet for Reyna, who made thirty appearances in his first season with City. Those goals served as a reminder of his enduring class and helped wash away the frustration of those long months in the treatment room. His return to form significantly boosted City's midfield, adding experience and composure during the crucial final weeks of the Premier League campaign.

Dempsey's Chip Against Juventus

On This Day in 2010, Deuce Chipped in the Winner from Distance in the Europa League Semifinals

Sometimes, the most significant moments in football come from taking an impossible risk. "Nine times out of ten, you won't make it," Clint Dempsey would later reflect, "but sometimes you've got to take a risk." Standing at the edge of the penalty area at Craven Cottage, with Fulham's epic Europa League battle against Juventus hanging in the balance, the American midfielder attempted the unthinkable.

The path to this historic moment had begun with promise. Fresh off signing a contract extension through 2013, Dempsey had started the 2009-10 season brilliantly, scoring his first European goal against Amkar Perm in August and performing so well that Italy's prestigious La Gazzetta dello Sport named him among the Premier League's top eleven players of the season by December.

But then came the setback. On January 17, 2010, Dempsey suffered a cruel blow when he sustained knee ligament damage in a 2-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers. The injury threatened to derail not just his season with Fulham but also his World Cup preparations with the United States. True to his tenacious nature – forged in the small town of Nacogdoches, Texas, where he had once played MLS games with a broken jaw – Dempsey fought back to fitness in seven weeks.

His return came in the first leg against Juventus in Turin, where he appeared as a late substitute in a 3-1 defeat. A week later, on March 18, with England manager Fabio Capello watching from the stands, Dempsey would transform from a first-team regular to a club legend.

The night had started disastrously for Fulham when David Trezeguet scored after just 90 seconds, putting Juventus ahead 4-1 on aggregate. But the momentum shifted after Bobby Zamora's quick response seven minutes later and Fabio Cannavaro's red card midway through the first half. Zoltan Gera scored twice to level the tie, setting the stage for Dempsey, who had come off the bench.

With eight minutes remaining and extra time looming, the American received the ball on the edge of the area. What followed was pure inspiration – a perfectly weighted chip that floated over the stranded Antonio Chimenti and into the far corner. The audacious strike completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in European soccer history. Fulham overcame Italian giants Juventus 4-1 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate in the Europa League Round of 16.

The Guardian would suggest it "might become the most famous goal in Fulham's history," and it's hard to argue otherwise. The strike not only completed an impossible comeback against one of Europe's most storied clubs but also propelled Fulham toward their first European final.

Dempsey's season culminated in another piece of history: He became the first American to appear in a major European final when he came on as a substitute in the Europa League final against Atlético Madrid. Though Fulham ultimately lost 2-1 in extra time to Diego Forlán's winner, the campaign—particularly that magical night against Juventus—cemented both Fulham's and Dempsey's place in soccer history.

For the man, they called "Deuce," the goal against Juventus represented everything that made him special – the audacity to attempt the impossible, the skill to execute it, and the determination to return from injury and make his mark on the biggest stage. In one sublime moment, he had turned what his manager Roy Hodgson called "an uphill task" into an unforgettable triumph.

Johnny to Miss Nations League

Reports State Midfielder Will Stay in Spain over Break; No Replacement Announced Yet

Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso has withdrawn from the United States men's national team roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches. He will remain in Spain to focus on his recovery from a muscle strain. The decision is a significant blow to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was counting on the in-form midfielder for the semi-final clash against Panama.

Gonzalo Tortosa reported that Cardoso and teammate Giovani Lo Celso have been receiving treatment at Betis' training facility during the team's day off. "Both have not gone with their national teams to recover, try to reach 100% in #GranDerbi and facing the important end of the season," Tortosa noted (translated).

The 23-year-old New Jersey native has become a crucial player for Manuel Pellegrini's side this season. He has made 33 appearances across all competitions and recently scored in Betis' impressive 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. His absence was already felt when he missed Betis' UEFA Europa Conference League match last Thursday due to injury. Betis sits sixth in La Liga.

Trusty Misses Derby Defeat

Defender Rested With 'Calf Knock' as Celtic Fell to Rangers

Celtic's derby disappointment against Rangers was compounded by the late withdrawal of American defender Auston Trusty. The 26-year-old center-back missed the 3-2 defeat at Parkhead due to a calf injury, leaving manager Brendan Rodgers with limited defensive options ahead of the crucial match.

"Auston picked up a slight calf knock, so he trained yesterday, and likewise, he was too sore for him to be available," Rodgers explained before kickoff.

With Liam Scales also unavailable due to injury, Rodgers was forced to call upon Maik Nawrocki to step into the defensive line against Rangers. The lack of continuity in Celtic's backline proved costly, as they conceded three goals, including a late winner from Hamza Igamane, after fighting back from two goals down.

The defeat marked Celtic's second consecutive loss to their Glasgow rivals during Barry Ferguson's interim management at Rangers. Celtic had the advantage of a whole week's rest, while Rangers had played 120 minutes against Fenerbahce in midweek European action.

Trusty received good news on the international front last week, earning a call-up to the United States national team alongside Celtic teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Panama. The pair have established themselves as Rodgers' preferred center-back partnership this season as Celtic pursue a domestic treble. But this injury calls Trusty's participation in the match Thursday as no new news about his knock has emerged at the time of publishing.

Robinson Strong Again

 Fulham's Captain was Solid in the Victory over Tottenham

Antonee Robinson delivered another impressive performance in Fulham's 2-0 victory against Tottenham, continuing to build his reputation as one of the Premier League's most reliable defenders. The win propelled Fulham to eighth place, putting them within striking distance of European qualification.

Robinson was a constant presence on the left flank throughout the match, showcasing his exceptional stamina and defensive prowess. His ability to shut down Tottenham's attacks while providing an attacking outlet himself was crucial to Fulham's success in what was described as a "strange, three-quarter-pace game."

The 27-year-old's outstanding season has fueled speculation about a potential move to Liverpool. Reports suggest he's been their first-choice left-back target. When asked about these rumors, Robinson has maintained a level-headed approach.

"Transfer rumours and stuff like that, I try not to look at," Robinson recently said. "Especially like with the Liverpool one – all my friends and family are from Liverpool, so it's more of them messaging me than me seeing newspaper stuff. And I have to say, 'Look, it's just, just a story in the paper and anyone who's doing well is going to get linked to a team'."

Despite his Liverpool connections—he grew up on Merseyside but was born in Milton Keynes—Robinson remains focused on his Fulham duties. His performances have drawn praise from teammates, including Joachim Andersen, who remarked, "I've never seen a guy who sprints so much like him."

Robinson's consistent performances will be crucial as Fulham manager Marco Silva looks to guide his team to European qualification. His display against Tottenham was another example of why he's become one of the Premier League's most sought-after full-backs.

Aaronson's First Professional Goal

On This Day in 2019, Dubbed the Medford Messi, the 18-year-old Scored on His Philadelphia Debut

When Brenden Aaronson stepped onto the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019, he was living out a dream years in the making. The 18-year-old Medford, New Jersey native, who had joined the Philadelphia Union Academy at age 11, was about to make his professional debut against the defending MLS champions Atlanta United. Few could have predicted the storybook moment that would follow.

The path to this debut had been carefully crafted. After initially committing to Indiana University, Aaronson chose instead to sign a Homegrown Player deal with the Union in September 2018. Manager Jim Curtin had seen enough in training to trust the teenager with a crucial role, especially after Marco Fabian's suspension created an opening in the starting lineup.

"I'm not scared to start him," Curtin had declared before the match. "He has shown that he can handle pressure, can handle tight spaces, can handle all the things that you ask of a top MLS player. Age is just a number, and Brenden is a guy who has certainly pushed and impressed the coaching staff."

From the opening whistle, Aaronson showed why his manager had such faith. Within the first minute, he forced a corner kick, displaying the relentless work rate that would become his trademark. In the 21st minute, he nearly opened his account, coming inches away from connecting with an Alejandro Bedoya cross that left Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan sporting a black eye.

But it was in the 47th minute that Aaronson truly announced his arrival. Collecting the ball outside the box, he unleashed a right-footed shot that took a fortunate deflection off defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez's leg and found its way past Guzan. The Union had their first goal from open play of the season, and Aaronson had his first professional goal.

Though Atlanta eventually equalized through Ezequiel Barco to secure a 1-1 draw, the night belonged to the Union's newest star. His performance went beyond just the goal. Aaronson's movement and vision were fully displayed when he threaded a through ball to Fafa Picault. This nearly resulted in another goal, showcasing the playmaking ability that had excited the Union's coaching staff.

The debut would prove to be no fluke. Aaronson became a fixture in Philadelphia's lineup, appearing in 24 of the team's next 27 games as the Union climbed to third place in the Eastern Conference. His consistent performances caught the attention of U.S. Under-23 National Team coach Jason Kreis, who called him into camp by May. Though he finished second in the MLS Rookie of the Year voting to Colorado's Andre Shinyashiki, Aaronson's impact on the Union was undeniable.

For Aaronson, the goal in Atlanta was just the beginning. By the end of the season, he had accumulated three goals and two assists in 28 appearances, with 25 starts. More importantly, he had established himself as one of the brightest young talents in American soccer. This set the stage for his international senior debut in 2020 and what would eventually become a multi-million dollar transfer to Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.

That March evening in Atlanta marked more than just a teenage midfielder's first professional goal – it represented the Union's academy vision coming to fruition, proving that the path from academy to first team could produce not just players but stars.

Three-Peat: The US and the Nations League

USMNT's Dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League

The United States Men's National Team has established unprecedented dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League, winning all three editions since its inception in 2019-2020.

In the inaugural 2019-2020 tournament, the USMNT topped Group A with 9 points, matching Canada but advancing on goal differential. In the finals, delayed until June 2021 due to COVID-19, they faced Honduras in the semifinal, securing a 1-0 victory through Jordan Pefok's late headed winner. The championship match against Mexico at Denver's Empower Field at Mile High proved dramatic. After falling behind twice, the Americans equalized both times through Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie. Christian Pulisic ultimately sealed the victory with a penalty kick in the 114th minute of extra time, while substitute goalkeeper Ethan Horvath saved Andrés Guardado's late penalty to preserve the 3-2 win.

The 2022-2023 tournament saw the USMNT again dominate their group, finishing with 10 points. Under interim coach B.J. Callaghan, they defeated Mexico 3-0 in a heated semifinal that ended prematurely due to homophobic chants after four players received red cards. In the final against Canada at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun scored first-half goals to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory. Reyna provided both assists before being substituted at halftime due to injury.

For the 2023-2024 competition, the Americans narrowly advanced past Trinidad and Tobago in the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate score. After falling behind early in the semifinal against Jamaica, they forced extra time with a 95th-minute equalizer before substitute Haji Wright scored twice to win 3-1. The final against Mexico featured another commanding performance, with Tyler Adams scoring just before halftime and Reyna adding a second goal to complete the 2-0 victory at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

These unprecedented three consecutive championships demonstrate regional strength and the USMNT's growing strength in the region while establishing a new rivalry hierarchy within CONCACAF.

USA vs Panama - Historical Preview

Since the First Meeting in 1993, the US Has Dominated, But Not as of Late

The United States Men's National Team will face Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on Thursday, March 20. This match marks the 29th meeting between these nations, and the USMNT holds a commanding 18-7-3 all-time record against Los Canaleros in regulation. The teams have gone to penalties in three of those draws, with Panama winning two.

Despite their historical dominance, the Americans enter this semifinal with cautious optimism following one of their most recent encounters with Panama. Their meeting during the 2024 Copa América group stage ended in disappointment for the USA, as Panama secured a 2-1 victory over a 10-man American side. After Tim Weah's early red card, Folarin Balogun briefly gave the USA hope with a 22nd-minute strike. Still, Panama capitalized on their numerical advantage, with César Blackman equalizing four minutes later and José Fajardo scoring the winner in the 83rd minute.

Under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who debuted with a 2-0 friendly victory over Panama last October, the USMNT aims to reclaim their Nations League crown. The Americans have established unprecedented success in this tournament, winning all three previous editions (2021, 2023, 2024). A fourth consecutive title would further cement their regional dominance.

Panama enters as a dangerous opponent with growing confidence. Under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, they've risen from 81st to 43rd in the FIFA rankings since 2020. Their recent tournament performances have been impressive: They finished as runners-up in the 2023 Gold Cup and reached the semifinals in the previous two Nations League tournaments.

The semifinal winner will face Mexico or Canada in the final, with the USA hoping to continue its perfect Nations League championship record. After its Copa América setback against Panama, this match presents an opportunity for revenge and another step toward regional supremacy under Pochettino's leadership.

A Convincing Win Over the Northern Rival

On This Day in 1997, the US Earned Its First Win in the Final Round of World Cup Qualifying

In early 1997, the United States Men's National Team was at a crossroads. After going winless in their previous six matches (0-4-2) and opening the final round of World Cup qualifying with a scoreless draw in Jamaica, pressure mounted on Steve Sampson's squad heading into a crucial home qualifier against Canada at Stanford Stadium.

The match on March 16 was particularly significant. The Americans desperately needed three points to keep pace in the six-team CONCACAF final round, where only three nations would qualify for France '98. Sampson made bold lineup changes, notably dropping forward Brian McBride and turning to the team's growing German connection.

"The key is to not become tense and tight because of the pressure," Sampson stated before the match, acknowledging the weight of expectations on his squad. His tactical gamble involved partnering Eric Wynalda with David Wagner, a German-born son of a U.S. serviceman who had just 90 minutes of international experience. The decision to pair the two seemed natural - as Wynalda later revealed, "A lot of people thought we would have trouble communicating, but we just spoke German all the time."

The American roster showcased an increasing European influence, mainly from Germany. Besides Wagner, who played for Schalke 04, the lineup featured German-born Thomas Dooley and Bundesliga-based Claudio Reyna of Bayer Leverkusen. It would later introduce Michael Mason of Hamburg SV - another German-born player who had only received his U.S. passport a month earlier after being discovered through an email from a fan club member. The German contingent represented a new wave of dual-nationals strengthening the American player pool, with Dooley already a veteran of 64 international appearances.

The United States, facing a Canadian side reeling from a 4-0 defeat to Mexico, found their breakthrough early. In the seventh minute, Canadian goalkeeper Craig Forrest collided with Reyna in the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick that Wynalda converted for his 29th international goal. The lead doubled six minutes later when Eddie Pope headed home his first international goal off a Jeff Agoos corner kick that Wagner had cleverly flicked on.

While the Americans controlled much of the play, outshooting Canada 11-3 in the first half, defensive uncertainties still showed. "This is something we have to improve upon," Sampson admitted, particularly noting the relationship between midfielders Reyna, John Harkes, and Dooley needed strengthening. One constant remained the reliable presence of goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who extended his shutout streak to 550 minutes of international play, dating back to an own goal against Brazil in January 1996.

The match's final flourish came in the 89th minute through another German-American connection. Mason, making his U.S. debut as a second-half substitute, received a pass from Wynalda and delivered a brilliant ball to Ernie Stewart, who finished confidently to seal the 3-0 victory. Despite Mason's decisive assist, Sampson remained measured in his assessment: "Obviously, the assist on the goal was a brilliant pass, but defensively I was not pleased."

The win moved the Americans into a first-place tie with Mexico and marked Canada's worst defeat to the United States in almost 71 years. A crowd of 28,896 witnessed what Alexi Lalas later characterized as smart tournament soccer: "You look to get points when you are away. And you make sure to get 3-point victories when you're at home."

The victory proved timely as the U.S. faced an upcoming qualifier in Costa Rica. They had already lost during the first qualifying round in a match marred by objects thrown from the stands. However, they would face that challenge without Stewart, who picked up his second yellow card of qualifying against Canada, ruling him out of the next match. Stewart's absence would be keenly felt, as he had been arguably the best American player against Canada, patrolling the right side of midfield.

Pulisic Helped Save Milan

Winger Scored the Equalizer as Milan Came Back to Beat Como

Christian Pulisic continued his remarkable scoring form on Saturday, finding the net in AC Milan's 2-1 comeback victory over Como at the San Siro. The American star's 15th goal of the season helped the Rossoneri secure their second consecutive comeback win following inconsistent results.

The 26-year-old has now equaled his career-best goal tally in all competitions, achieving the milestone in just 38 appearances compared to the 50 games it took last season. Pulisic's consistent performance makes him the first Milan player to score 15-plus goals in their first two seasons since Zlatan Ibrahimovic accomplished the feat in 2010-2012.

After Como took the lead through Lucas Da Cunha's 33rd-minute strike, Milan fans expressed frustration with loud jeers at halftime. The home side's fortunes changed in the second half when Pulisic swept home the equalizer from a tight angle after receiving a delicate pass from Tijjani Reijnders.

"I can't give you a reason; we want to start the game stronger, and I don't know why this season we're always in trouble in the first half. The important thing is to do better in the second," Pulisic said after the match. "We have to be more positive because we have won two games in a row. We have the chance to get where we want, but we think game by game."

Reijnders later secured the winner in the 75th minute, converting a backheeled pass from Tammy Abraham to complete Milan's comeback. The victory propelled Milan to seventh place in the Serie A standings, offering momentum before the international break.

Following the match, Pulisic expressed his commitment to Milan amid reports of a new contract extending his stay until 2028, with an option for 2029. "Milan and my teammates gave me confidence. It's a pleasure to play here, and I want to score more goals and provide more assists. This club gives me a lot of confidence, and it's a pleasure to be here every day. I want to continue here," the American winger stated.

With 47 goal contributions (30 goals, 17 assists) since joining Milan, Pulisic has firmly established himself as one of the club's key performers.