Fullback, Who Missed Nations League Finals, Not on Injury Report Ahead of FA Cup Clash
Antonee Robinson is experiencing the best season of his career, emerging as a standout left-back for Fulham with 10 Premier League assists – second only to Mohamed Salah. At 27, Robinson has become a pivotal player both for his club and the United States Men's National Team, with his performances attracting interest from UEFA Champions League clubs.
Robinson has recently revealed he's been battling tendinopathy throughout the season, which led to his withdrawal from the USMNT's recent CONCACAF Nations League camp. Despite this challenge, he's remained remarkably consistent, making 30 appearances across all competitions and not missing a single Premier League match this season.
The left-back has been integral to Fulham's European qualification push and continues to be a key player for the national team. He's earned 50 caps for the USMNT since his debut in 2019, maintaining his position in the squad through multiple coaching changes and tournament campaigns.
Under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, Robinson has been versatile, playing as a left winger and even in central midfield during recent international matches. It was clear the US missed his steady presence on the left side of the defense during the Nations League failure.
Robinson is candid about the team's need to develop more grit, citing Pochettino's example of how Argentina combines skill with a fighting spirit. He acknowledges the differences between structured European leagues and the more physical CONCACAF competitions.
For the upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, Robinson looks set to return to the lineup. Fulham manager Marco Silva is optimistic about the team's cup run, viewing it as an opportunity to create history, particularly as the club approaches its 50th year since last reaching a major domestic final.
After a Tough International Window, Winger Ready to Continue Strong Season at Milan
Christian Pulisic finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. He faces intense scrutiny following the USMNT's disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals while simultaneously maintaining his crucial role at AC Milan.
The 26-year-old captain's recent international tournament was marked by criticism, with performances that left fans and pundits questioning his impact. Against Canada, Pulisic managed just 21 touches in 69 minutes, registering zero shots on goal and creating no significant chances. These statistics sparked a broader conversation about his effectiveness in this national team setup.
However, Pulisic has been resolute in his response. "This team is everything to me," he emphasized, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the national team. Renowned football pundit Thierry Henry has been particularly supportive, cautioning against unfair expectations and arguing that Pulisic should be appreciated for his unique leadership style.
"Stop forcing him to be something he's not," Henry argued, highlighting Pulisic's strengths as a technical player rather than an aggressive, vocal leader.
Despite the international disappointment, Milan continues to view Pulisic as an indispensable player. Heading into their crucial match against Napoli, the Italian club will rely heavily on the American star as Pulisic is Milan's second-top scorer this season, with 15 goals across all competitions.
Coach Sergio Conceiçao sees Pulisic as critical to the team's tactical approach, expecting significant offensive contributions in terms of both goals and assists. His ability to provide defensive balance and challenge opponents is a key element of Milan's strategy.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Pulisic remains a pivotal figure for both Milan and the USMNT, with the potential to silence critics and redefine expectations through his performance through the end of the club campaign and the Gold Cup this summer.
Tottenham Transfer Speculation Fuels Midfielder's Confidence
Johnny Cardoso is embracing the transfer speculation surrounding his future. Tottenham Hotspur holds a £21 million option to sign the 23-year-old United States international this summer. The player, who joined Betis in January 2024, has quickly become a key figure in Manuel Pellegrini's side and is approaching the potential move with excitement and professionalism.
In an interview with Diario de Sevilla, Cardoso candidly addressed the transfer rumors: "I can't lie, and it's true that it's something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I'm doing a good job." However, he remains committed to his current team, adding, "But I always try to improve and do my best for the benefit of the group and grow as a person on and off the field. Right now, my focus is only on Betis."
The transfer option emerged from last summer's negotiations involving Giovani Lo Celso's move to Betis, giving Tottenham a two-week window to secure Cardoso's signature in the upcoming transfer window. Despite the potential move, the midfielder is laser-focused on Betis' immediate objectives, particularly their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Currently eight points behind Athletic Club for the final Champions League spot, Betis has been in impressive form, winning their last five league matches. Cardoso is optimistic about the team's chances, stating, "With each passing game, we're growing more ambitious. We believe in the group and in our work, and if we continue like this, why not dream?"
His commitment to the club is evident. Cardoso responded emphatically when asked about potentially playing in the Champions League with Betis: "Of course. It's a team that's been my home since I arrived, and I feel very good here."
The midfielder has been a standout performer this season, making 33 appearances and catching the eye of both club and national team management. He was forced to withdraw from the recent USMNT CONCACAF Nations League Finals due to a muscular strain and never made the trip to the United States. He has been spotted in training this week and could be available for Betis as the club hosts Sevilla on Sunday.
World Cup Captain Demonstrated Leadership in the Face of Defeats
Tyler Adams emerged as a voice of measured leadership and accountability following the United States Men's National Team's devastating CONCACAF Nations League Finals showing. Despite the tough defeats, Adams demonstrated his maturity by refusing to blame head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the team's performance.
"I've never blamed a coach in my entire career," Adams stated emphatically after Cecilio Waterman's injury-time winner for Panama eliminated the US from the tournament. He emphasized that the loss ultimately rests on the players' shoulders, acknowledging that while they knew their strategic objectives, they failed to execute with the necessary competitiveness.
The matches at SoFi Stadium were a stark reminder of the challenges facing the US National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. As a midfield leader, Adams recognized the critical nature of the moment. His comments reflected a nuanced understanding that tactical instructions are only as good as their implementation on the field.
Pochettino and the team leadership, including Adams, seem acutely aware that performances like these are unacceptable, especially with a home World Cup on the horizon.
As the US reflects on their Nations League disappointment, Tyler Adams turns his attention to an exciting FA Cup quarter-final challenge. Bournemouth will host Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium, hoping to repeat their surprise 2-1 league victory from November. Manager Andoni Iraola sees this as a historic opportunity, acknowledging the massive task of defeating the Premier League giants. "Anyone who steps on the pitch has to be ready to give everything, and even that might not be enough to beat City," Iraola said.
For Adams, this match represents another chance to showcase his competitive spirit and leadership after the national team's recent setback. Bournemouth aims to reach their first-ever FA Cup semi-final, with the midfielder likely to play a crucial role in what promises to be a passionate and challenging encounter against one of the world's top teams.
On This Day in 2009, Altidore and Hejduk Inspired a Late Comeback in San Salvador
The road to the 2010 World Cup is rarely smooth, and on a humid night in El Salvador, the United States Men's National Team discovered just how treacherous that path could be. Just weeks after Michael Bradley's heroic performance against Mexico in Columbus, the Americans faced an entirely different challenge in the cauldron of Estadio Cuscatlan.
DaMarcus Beasley's memories of El Salvador stretch back to 1999, when he was a young under-17 player experiencing Central American soccer's raw, unfiltered passion. During a corner kick, he vividly recalled a fan throwing a dead chicken head at his feet, the crowd erupting in laughter. "It was pretty crazy," Beasley would later remember, "but it's something you experience when you play in those countries."
The March 28 match against El Salvador was more than another qualifying game. It was a test of character, a moment to prove the team's mettle under extreme pressure. The US lineup looked vulnerable with key players missing—Tim Howard was suspended, and Steve Cherundolo was injured. Brad Guzan, stepping into the goalkeeper's role, carried the weight of unexpected responsibility.
The match unfolded like a nightmare for the visiting Americans from the opening whistle. Eliseo Quintanilla struck first in the 15th minute, exploiting a costly Beasley giveaway. The goal sent the 30,500 fans into a frenzy, their voices rising like a thunderous wave across the stadium. In the 72nd, Cristian Castillo doubled El Salvador's lead, seemingly confirming the home team's dominance.
"El Salvador played with a tremendous amount of energy," US coach Bob Bradley said. "We found ourselves behind by two goals, and that wasn't part of the plan."
The statistics seemed grim. El Salvador, ranked 106th in the world, was dismantling the 17th-ranked United States. The Americans had not fallen behind El Salvador in a match for 16 years, and now they were staring at a potentially embarrassing defeat.
But this US team was built of sterner stuff. In the 77th minute, Jozy Altidore—a young striker with a growing international reputation—provided a lifeline. Receiving a perfectly weighted cross from Frankie Hejduk, he powered a header past the goalkeeper, injecting hope into the American effort.
Then, with just minutes remaining, Hejduk himself became the hero. Off a Landon Donovan corner kick that deflected off a defender, he rose unmarked and headed home the equalizer. The 2-2 draw was more than just a point - it was a statement of resilience.
"To come back with 30 minutes left and get a point is a positive," Guzan said, relief evident in his voice. "It shows just how good this team is."
The draw kept the US atop the CONCACAF qualifying group, maintaining their trajectory toward South Africa. The next challenge awaited in Nashville, where an electric atmosphere was already building for the match against Trinidad and Tobago. The excitement was palpable, with ticket sales already surpassing 18,000 and fans from across the country preparing to pack LP Field. Adding an intriguing subplot to the unfolding World Cup narrative, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had just joined the US World Cup bid committee a couple of days after the El Salvador victory. While he viewed the 2018 tournament as a long shot for the United States, he remained optimistic about future opportunities.
"I don't think we have a huge chance in 2018," Kissinger admitted. "I think it will probably go to Europe. But just as our 1986 bid set us up for 1994, I believe our bid for 2018 will position us perfectly for 2022."
For the players on the field in El Salvador, such long-term strategies meant little. Their focus was singular: qualification, one hard-fought point at a time. And on this night, against all odds, they had secured just that. The road to the World Cup continued, as unpredictable and exciting as ever.
After Netting a Hat-Trick in a Monaco Youth Match, the Forward Could Feature This Weekend
Folarin Balogun has overcome a challenging shoulder injury that sidelined him since December, and he will be available for Monaco in the club's match against Nice on Saturday.
The injury saga began in October during a match against Stade Rennais, where Balogun suffered a dislocated shoulder. A brief return in late November proved premature, as the shoulder issue flared up again during a match against Olympique de Marseille. Medical experts ultimately recommended surgery to fully resolve the persistent problem.
Balogun's path to recovery took a significant turn this week with a remarkable comeback performance. In a friendly match against Brighton's U23s at La Turbie, he scored a stunning 16-minute hat-trick. The youth side secured a 3-2 victory, with Balogun playing the first half before being substituted under the watchful eye of AS Monaco manager Adi Hütter.
The Austrian manager's confidence in Balogun's recovery is palpable. Hütter confirmed the forward's availability for the upcoming Derby de la Côte d'Azur against OGC Nice, stating, "He is back and available. He played a really good game for the Groupe Élite. He is ready to play."
This comeback is more than just a return to the pitch for Balogun. Fans and teammates alike will eagerly anticipate his return to competitive match action, hoping his goal-scoring prowess will continue to shine for AS Monaco.
On This Day in 2022, Behind a Pulisic Hat-Trick, the US "Mathematically Certain" of World Cup
The United States entered their penultimate World Cup qualifying match against Panama riding a wave of cautious optimism. Having just secured a hard-fought goalless draw with Mexico at the imposing Estadio Azteca, the Americans were now positioned to virtually secure their return to soccer's grandest stage after the heartbreak of missing the 2018 tournament. With memories of that fateful night in Trinidad still haunting the program, this new generation of players had the opportunity to write their own redemption story in Orlando.
For the Americans, the path forward was clear but challenging. A loss to Mexico would have been devastating, but the scoreless draw at altitude kept their qualification hopes firmly on track. Coach Gregg Berhalter's young squad had created several golden opportunities at the Azteca. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah narrowly missed in the first half, followed by another Pulisic chance and a Jordan Pefok opportunity after the break. Gio Reyna's mesmerizing run was the most memorable, which prompted Berhalter to invoke Diego Maradona's legendary goal.
"I had visions of that while Gio was dribbling," Berhalter said afterward. "Unfortunately, he didn't finish it off or get an opportunity to finish it off."
When told of the comparison, the modest 19-year-old Reyna, who had only recently returned from injury, exchanged a playful glance with Pulisic and replied, "I don't know about that. Yeah, it was a nice run, and it didn't really pan out to anything."
Conditions in Orlando on March 27 were electric, with the sold-out crowd creating an overwhelmingly pro-American atmosphere. The tension that the Americans carried into the match—from injuries, illnesses, suspensions, and the lingering trauma of 2017's qualification failure—quickly dissipated in a flurry of early goals.
Pulisic, who had been in tears on that muggy Trinidad field in 2017, set the tone early by converting a penalty kick in the 17th minute. Six minutes later, Paul Arriola doubled the lead with a header, and just four minutes after that, surprise starter Jesús Ferreira made it 3-0 with a clinical finish. Pulisic added another from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, giving the Americans a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
"We knew we had to come out on the front foot, and getting that goal early set the tone for the whole match," defender Walker Zimmerman explained after the game. "Those goals add up, and they're huge for us."
The American captain completed his first national team hat-trick in the 65th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Pulling down a cross with silky control in Panama's penalty area, he spun in traffic and slipped past two defenders to slot home his third goal.
"Christian's a guy who's been through it before," Berhalter said, a loaded statement for anyone who had lived through the 2017 qualification failure. Pulisic had worn the captain's armband and delivered a performance worthy of it, playing like the leader Berhalter needed him to be with one match remaining.
His only missteps of the night were an awkward attempt at breakdancing after his second penalty kick and a yellow card for arguing moments before being substituted. Other key players were soon rested as well, with the Americans mindful of the job that still needed to be completed in Costa Rica.
Despite Panama's Aníbal Godoy—who had conceded both penalties—scoring a late consolation goal to make it 5-1, the Americans had firmly put themselves in control of their destiny. Their goal differential had swelled to plus-13, compared to Costa Rica's plus-3, meaning they would need to lose by six goals or more in their final match to miss out on automatic qualification.
"The goal obviously has always been to qualify for the World Cup, and this is just another step in the right direction," midfielder Tyler Adams cautioned afterward. "But at the end of the day, we still have another game to play. We haven't clinched yet."
The final step of the journey took the Americans to Costa Rica, a venue where they had never won. Unlike five years earlier, when they had traveled to Trinidad with similar confidence only to suffer a catastrophic 2-1 defeat, the massive goal difference advantage provided a crucial safety net this time.
In San José, in front of a lively sellout crowd, the United States absorbed a 2-0 defeat—Juan Pablo Vargas scoring in the 51st minute and Anthony Contreras doubling the lead in the 59th. However, unlike in 2017, when improbable results conspired against them, the margin was more than sufficient this time. The Americans had qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"The team's ecstatic, really excited to be qualified for the World Cup," Berhalter said after the final whistle. "Qualifying is a grind, and we did it."
The redemption was delightful for Pulisic, one of the few holdovers from the 2017 squad.
"That was one of the toughest days of my life, and I'll never forget it," he said, reflecting on the Trinidad defeat. "Now to be in this position qualified for a World Cup, we're all extremely proud." He paused, emotions visible. "This is where I've always wanted to be, and right now, the emotions are a little crazy."
The celebrations began cautiously in the locker room. Although the team was initially frustrated by the Costa Rica loss, pure joy eventually filtered through, and champagne and beer began to spray.
On This Day in 1994, the Veteran Scored His Last International Goals in a Draw with Bolivia
As the 1994 World Cup approached, the United States Men's National Team continued its preparations with a series of friendly matches against international competition. Coach Bora Milutinovic evaluated his squad ahead of final roster decisions, and a March 26 clash with Bolivia at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas provided another opportunity for players to stake their claim for spots on the World Cup roster.
Among those making the strongest case was midfielder Hugo Perez, a veteran on a developing American squad. The El Salvador native had been a bridge between generations of American soccer, providing leadership during the late 1980s when the team was primarily composed of college-age players. A technical midfielder with scoring ability, Perez had overcome missing the 1990 World Cup due to injury - torn ligaments suffered while playing for French Second Division club Red Star Paris - and had rebounded to win U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year honors in 1991.
Before 26,835 spectators—the largest soccer crowd in Dallas then—the Americans found themselves trailing early. In the 12th minute, Bolivia's Julio Baldivieso converted a perfectly placed free kick from 25 yards out. U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola could only get a hand to the shot but couldn't keep it out.
Perez, who entered the match second on the all-time U.S. scoring list, equalized in the 31st minute. After Cobi Jones was fouled by Luis Cristaldo in the penalty area, Perez stepped up to convert the spot kick, drawing the Americans level before halftime.
The El Salvador-born midfielder gave the U.S. the lead just three minutes after the restart. The goal came when Jones played a pass to Chris Henderson on the right side, who beat a defender and drew out Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Trucco before centering the ball to an unmarked Perez. The midfielder made no mistake from eight yards out.
"It was candy," Perez said afterward of his simple finish, which gave the Americans a 2-1 advantage.
The U.S. lead held until the 76th minute when their defense faltered. Luis Cristaldo found space in the left corner and crossed to Ramiro Castillo at the near post, who one-touched the ball past Meola to level the score at 2-2.
The Americans nearly snatched victory in the dying moments. Substitute a Claudio Reyna (pictured above) header struck the crossbar and bounced down on the goal line before being cleared away by a Bolivian defender as time expired.
"The important thing is we didn't lose," Perez said after the match. "This is not the World Cup, and I'm happy that we came out without a loss."
Despite the draw - the third consecutive tie against Bolivia in eight months - Perez's performance solidified his position for the upcoming World Cup. When the tournament arrived that summer, Perez made the final roster, earning a spot in the squad that advanced to the knockout stage on home soil. His World Cup experience culminated in an appearance in the Round of 16 match against eventual champion Brazil on July 4, 1994.
By the time he retired in 1996 with Salvadoran club FAS, Perez had accumulated 73 international caps and scored 13 goals for the United States, with this brace being his final two at the international level. His contributions to American soccer would later be recognized with his induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008.
On This Day in 2007, Wearing the New Copa Kit, Donovan Became the First American to Score Two International Hat-Tricks
After the disappointment at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the United States men's national team looked to rebuild and refocus on the long road toward South Africa in 2010. Under interim head coach Bob Bradley, the Americans had already shown promising signs with victories over Mexico and Denmark, establishing a foundation for the four-year journey ahead.
For Bradley, a New Jersey native who took over on an interim basis in December following Bruce Arena's eight-year tenure, status titles mattered little in the high-pressure world of international soccer. "You learn when you're involved in professional sports that there's so many things you can't control that you don't worry about it," Bradley explained before the match. "You worry about what you can control, and that's the group that we have and how we go about our business each day."
Despite being the most successful coach in Major League Soccer history—with more wins than any other manager, playoff appearances in nine seasons, and two Coach of the Year awards—Bradley wasn't U.S. Soccer's first choice for the national team position. The federation had initially pursued Germany's Jurgen Klinsmann, who had led his home country to a third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup, but negotiations had fallen through.
On a sunny March 25th afternoon at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the Americans unveiled their new royal blue and white pinstripe jerseys before a record crowd of 31,547—the largest to ever see a U.S. men's national team friendly in Florida. The spectators had barely settled into their seats when Landon Donovan, wearing the captain's armband for the first time under Bradley, made an immediate impact.
Just 35 seconds into the match, Donovan took one touch at the top of the penalty box and unleashed a left-footed missile from 20 meters that sailed past a surprised Ecuador goalkeeper, Rorys Aragon. The early strike electrified the pro-American crowd, but Ecuador responded quickly. In the 11th minute, Felipe Caicedo received a pass from defender Neicer Reasco, dribbled past several defenders inside the box, and beat goalkeeper Tim Howard to level the score at 1-1.
The match remained tightly contested through the first hour, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the deadlock. The U.S. featured eleven players from their 2006 World Cup roster, including five who had played in all three matches in Germany: DaMarcus Beasley, Steve Cherundolo, Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu, and veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute through a well-crafted team move. Defender Oguchi Onyewu played a long ball out of the back that Brian Ching—who had briefly left the match in the first half with a bloody nose after being kicked in the face—settled near midfield. With a defender on his back, Ching wheeled and found a streaking Donovan, who outpaced his marker before slotting a shot past Aragon.
"I knew the last defender was marking me, and I saw Landon just take off," said Ching, who had played with Donovan at San Jose in MLS. "And he's going to beat pretty much anybody in a footrace."
Before Ecuador could regroup, Donovan struck again less than a minute later. DaMarcus Beasley drove deep into the left corner before cutting back and sliding a ball to an onrushing Donovan at the top of the box. The U.S. captain unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from 20 meters that found the upper right corner of the goal, completing his hat-trick and sealing the 3-1 victory.
It was only the 10th hat-trick by a U.S. national team player in history and Donovan's first since scoring four goals against Cuba in 2003. The three goals gave him 30 in a U.S. uniform, moving him into a tie with Brian McBride for second on the all-time scoring list, just four behind record-holder Eric Wynalda. As the final whistle approached, Donovan, arms extended above his head, took a slow jog toward the U.S. sideline, clapping in appreciation toward the crowd. The hat-trick represented a significant personal redemption for a player who had been sharply criticized after a disappointing performance at the 2006 World Cup.
"At the end of last year and the World Cup, as bad as that was for me personally, I feel like I learned a lot from it," Donovan reflected afterward. "I think I grew up a lot."
Bradley, the first U.S. national coach to win his first three games, praised Donovan's goal-scoring prowess and evolving leadership. "Throughout this camp, you could tell that he had really stepped things up in terms of his role on the team," Bradley said. "He really came through with the goals and good movement off the ball, which is something that he does really well."
The victory continued the Americans' impressive start under Bradley, adding further weight to his case for removing the "interim" tag from his title. The U.S. team was building valuable momentum with the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa America tournaments approaching in the summer.
The Americans had little time to celebrate, as they had a quick turnaround before facing Guatemala at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, just three days later. The team would face China on June 2 in San Jose, California, before beginning their summer tournament schedule.
As representatives of the U.S. and Ecuador federations exchanged gifts after the match—the United States presented a crystal with a hologram of a player, and Ecuador received a statue of an Andean falcon, Ecuador's national bird—it was clear that Bradley's team was establishing a new identity in the post-Arena era, with Donovan once again at its heart.
Despite Staying on the Bench for the Semifinal, Midfielder Showed Spark in Start Against Canada
Amid the United States' disappointing CONCACAF Nations League campaign, Diego Luna emerged as a rare bright spot for the national team. The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake player brought creativity and energy to a largely uninspired squad during the third-place match against Canada.
Luna's ability to inject life into the team's midfield was inspiring. He provided a crucial assist for Patrick Agyemang's equalizing goal, showcasing his vision and creativity. Despite the team's ultimate 2-1 loss, Luna was willing to take risks and create opportunities that other midfielders seemed hesitant to attempt.
The young midfielder's performance was especially notable given his limited previous involvement in the tournament. Fans and commentators were puzzled by his absence in the earlier match against Panama, making his appearance against Canada all the more impactful. Luna acknowledged his approach, stating that creativity and risk-taking have been key to his success.
Mauricio Pochettino praised Luna's hunger and readiness, highlighting the player as a potential bright spot for the future. While the tournament was largely a disappointment for the US team, Luna provided a glimmer of hope and excitement for supporters looking ahead to future competitions.
