Pulisic Shines While Musah Struggles in Milan's Draw with Fiorentina
AC Milan's 2-2 draw against Fiorentina on Saturday highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two American players. While Christian Pulisic continued his impressive season by providing his 10th assist, Yunus Musah endured a night to forget.
Musah's difficult evening began just seven minutes into the match when his misjudgment contributed to an own goal by teammate Malick Thiaw. Three minutes later, his defensive lapse allowed Moise Kean to volley in Fiorentina's second goal. Manager Sergio Conceição made the difficult decision to substitute Musah after only 24 minutes - the third time he's been pulled before halftime this season.
Visibly distraught, Musah headed straight to the locker room amidst boos from the crowd. Teammates Alessandro Florenzi and Strahinja Pavlovic were sent to console him, and he later returned to the bench where Conceição embraced him.
In stark contrast, Pulisic demonstrated why Milan president Paolo Scaroni recently named him one of two players the club wants "with us for a long time." His intelligent through ball to Tammy Abraham set up Milan's first goal, helping spark the comeback. Pulisic's consistent performances have been a bright spot during Milan's inconsistent season, with his creativity and leadership proving invaluable to the Rossoneri.
Despite sharing points with Fiorentina, Milan remains ninth in the Serie A table, four points behind their eighth-placed opponents.
Diego Luna delivered a standout performance for Real Salt Lake, scoring both goals in their 2-0 victory over defending MLS champions LA Galaxy. The talented 21-year-old midfielder's clinical finishing proved decisive as the Galaxy's disastrous start to the 2025 season continued.
Luna opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a well-taken strike, benefiting from the setup work of Alexandros Katranis and Diogo Gonçalves. Five minutes later, Luna showcased his brilliance by doubling the lead with an impressive solo effort. This brace marked his third goal of the 2025 campaign and his 16th in 73 appearances for Real Salt Lake.
Real Salt Lake's goalkeeper Rafael Cabral faced minimal pressure, making just one save in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet. While Real Salt Lake celebrates its third win of the season, the Galaxy's crisis deepens as it remains winless (0-5-2) in what has become the worst start by a defending champion in MLS history.
On This Day in 1996, a Shot That Started It All: the Striker and the Goal That Launched American Soccer's New Era
The most significant moments in sports come when they're needed most. "I wouldn't have dared to write a script that had that kind of a corny ending," MLS Chairman Alan Rothenberg would later reflect. As Major League Soccer's inaugural match between the San Jose Clash and D.C. United ticked into its final minutes at Spartan Stadium, the sellout crowd of 31,683 and league officials alike faced the one outcome no one wanted to see: a scoreless draw. After all, this was Major League Soccer's debut – the new dawn of professional soccer in America, a league the country had been without since the North American Soccer League folded in 1984.
The path to this historic moment began with a promise. One of the stipulations for the United States being granted the 1994 World Cup was that the US Soccer Federation establish a new Division One league. When Major League Soccer presented its proposal in December 1993, it outlined a single-entity structure that would oversee all teams and focus on domestic player development. The plan won the backing of USSF president Rothenberg, securing 18 votes compared to the American Professional Soccer League's five and the innovative but radical League 1 America's zero.
The early days were humble. Deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis described arriving at World Cup offices only to find "there was no banner that said Major League Soccer; nobody knew what that was. I had a desk in a corridor of the main thoroughfare – I didn't have a telephone or a computer." Despite the World Cup's success, American sports fans had seen soccer booms before. The NASL had exploded in the mid-70s only to collapse under the weight of rapid expansion and unsustainable spending on aging foreign stars. MLS faced the challenge of convincing fans this league was built to last.
To ensure sustainability, MLS implemented strict cost containment through a salary cap reported between $1.1m and $1.3m. George Steinbrenner, principal owner of the New York Yankees, was said to have described the model as "communism one minute and brilliant the next." The league also emphasized bringing home American talent playing abroad while attracting international stars like Carlos Valderrama, Jorge Campos, Roberto Donadoni and Hugo Sanchez.
"The move to Major League Soccer was so important to so many people," Eric Wynalda, who played for VfL Bochum in Germany then, said. "It would have been wrong if I didn't come home." Wynalda joined other American internationals, including Alexi Lalas, Jeff Agoos, John Harkes and Tab Ramos, in returning to establish the foundation of the new league. By February 1996, most allocated players were in place, and teams had about two months to prepare for the season's launch.
MLS introduced several innovations to make the game more entertaining: a countdown clock instead of the traditional format, shootouts to decide drawn matches, and expanded substitution rules. There would also be a playoff system familiar to American sports fans. "This is poised to become the fifth major sports league in the United States," San Jose Clash coach Calloway declared before the inaugural match. "We can honestly call it major league. You don't have Eric Wynalda playing in a minor league. You don't have Donadoni playing in a minor league or Valderrama."
As the sun set on April 6, 1996, the atmosphere at Spartan Stadium crackled with anticipation. "The atmosphere was fantastic," Wynalda, who won 106 caps for the United States, recalled. "I had experience of playing in a World Cup and had already seen an environment like that. But it had a big effect on some of my teammates, who were perhaps experiencing an atmosphere like that for the first time."
With the game in its final embers and the clock showing just three minutes remaining, the ball ping-ponged around in the Clash's half before arriving at the feet of Nigerian midfielder Ben Iroha on the left. Iroha cut inside, ghosting into the opposition's half, easily eluding a late tackle attempt by D.C. United's Thor Lee. He played the ball to Wynalda, whose first touch took him towards the edge of the box as defender Jeff Agoos – his U.S. teammate – backpedaled. The decibel level rose slightly.
Wynalda had faced United goalkeeper Jeff Causey in a similar position during a pre-season friendly weeks earlier, missing the chance at the near post. "All of that went through my head when I took the shot," Wynalda said. "I remembered the play, I remembered the way he read it, and I remembered the way he addressed the position."
On the sideline, Clash general manager Peter Bridgewater was already making his way down to the field in anticipation of a penalty shootout. MLS deputy commissioner Gazidis, also expecting a shootout to end what he described as a "total disaster" of a game, was returning from the bathroom. Sunil Gulati, who had overseen the league's development from the start, watched anxiously from the stands.
Remembering his previous encounter with Causey, Wynalda juked past Agoos and unleashed a curling shot with the inside of his foot. "The truth is, I just tried to hit it hard with the inside of my foot and inside the far post," Wynalda said. "I missed it to a certain extent. I caught it a little underneath because the grass was a bit longer than most fields we played on – but it ended up looking great."
The ball soared into the top corner of the net, causing the crowd to erupt. Wynalda rushed to the sideline and slid to his knees – a defining moment for a league under the microscope. The Clash fans, clutching the Eric Wynalda posters they'd been given upon entering the stadium, roared their approval.
"My comment at the time was: 'Thank God for Eric Wynalda,'" Gulati, later the USSF president, recalled. "I don't think anyone in the world would have believed if we had told them it was a 0-0 draw, that it was an exciting game and that it was a great weekend. What they would have written was that it was 0-0 on July 17, 1994 [in the World Cup final between Brazil and Italy] and 0-0 again today, and nothing has changed."
The game finished 1-0 minutes later, with Calloway "dancing up and down like a man possessed" when the final whistle sounded. "Well, you know, Waldo [Wynalda] is Waldo, isn't he?" Calloway said afterward. "He gets sort of frustrated on a number of occasions. He was a little disturbed at halftime, which is not unusual that he wasn't getting enough of the ball. I told him he had to be patient and that things would come. He's too good a player to hold down for 90 minutes. They started pushing forward a little bit, he got that couple of yards that he needs and what a goal. He bent it in past the keeper's left hand. Eric Wynalda is Eric Wynalda. He's won so many games like that for the teams he's played for."
The impact of that goal extended far beyond the three points it secured for San Jose. D.C. United would struggle initially, losing their first four matches, but eventually found their footing to win the inaugural MLS Cup, beginning a dynasty that would reach every MLS Cup final until 2000. As for the Clash, they qualified for the playoffs despite a sub-.500 record but fell to the LA Galaxy in the first round.
"I don't think we could have written a script with a better ending," Rothenberg said. "To end up with a dramatic goal by the leading goal-scorer in American soccer history before a home crowd – what else could you ask for?"
MLS's average attendance over its inaugural season exceeded expectations at 17,406. The league would face challenges in the years ahead. Still, that single moment—Wynalda's strike—provided the perfect launching point for what would become a sustainable, growing force in American sports.
"Over the years, so many people have come up to me and had their say about where they were when it happened; I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a game-changer in my career," Wynalda reflected years later. "So many people were positively affected by that goal, and it's a moment in time that you just always associate with Major League Soccer, so I'm extremely proud of that. It's a great little piece of history."
The Midfielder Opened the Scoring in PSV's Commanding Win over Groningen
Malik Tillman made an impressive return to PSV Eindhoven's starting lineup, scoring a crucial goal in their 3-1 victory over FC Groningen. The 22-year-old American midfielder opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the match with a beautiful curling effort from inside the box, demonstrating that he hasn't lost his touch despite his lengthy absence.
This marked Tillman's eighth goal of the season and made all the more remarkable as it came in just his second appearance after battling an injury that had sidelined him since January. After playing 45 minutes as a substitute in last weekend's 2-0 loss to Ajax, Tillman earned his first start back and immediately made his presence felt.
PSV coach Peter Bosz particularly praised Tillman's performance, stating: "When you see him play, you remember what you missed for three months. I enjoyed him. He's a great player." Bosz acknowledged that Tillman's absence, along with other injured players, had significantly impacted the team's performances during that period.
The win was vital for PSV's title aspirations as they remain in second place with 61 points, six points behind league leaders Ajax with just six matches remaining in the Eredivisie season. Following this encouraging performance, PSV will face Almere City next weekend as they continue their push to close the gap.
The Striker Scored a Controversial Goal in Coventry's Close Battle with Burnley
Haji Wright found himself at the center of controversy when he gave Coventry City an early lead in their Championship clash against Burnley. Just five minutes into the match, Wright demonstrated his predatory instincts by reacting quickly in a chaotic goal-mouth situation.
The sequence began when Milan van Ewijk raced onto a loose ball on the right flank before finding Jack Rudoni in the box. Rudoni's shot was tipped onto the post by Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, with Ephron Mason-Clark following up. When Mason-Clark's subsequent effort was blocked, Wright showed excellent awareness to swivel and smash home from close range.
However, replays clearly showed that the American striker was in an offside position when he turned the ball over the line. Despite Burnley's protests, the goal controversially stood, giving Coventry an early advantage in this crucial promotion battle.
Wright, who had previously impressed with a hat-trick in Coventry's last home match against Sunderland, continued to threaten and nearly doubled his tally later in the first half when he failed to connect with Jay Dasilva's excellent cross with the goal at his mercy.
Despite Wright's opener, Burnley ultimately turned the match around through Jaidon Anthony's brace, winning 2-1 to move to the top of the Championship table while pushing Coventry out of the playoff positions.
Bright Spot in Norwich City's Disappointing Defeat
Josh Sargent gave Norwich City a glimmer of hope with his clinical finish early in the second half against Plymouth Argyle. However, it wasn't enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat against the Championship's bottom-placed side.
The American striker demonstrated his predatory instincts just 46 seconds after the restart, expertly controlling Kellen Fisher's cross before firing past Plymouth goalkeeper Michael Hazard. The goal—Sargent's 14th in the league this season—briefly energized the Canaries as they attempted to mount a comeback.
Earlier in the match, Sargent had squandered a golden opportunity in the 12th minute when he stretched to meet Ante Crnac's square pass but could only manage a tame connection. That missed chance proved costly as Ryan Hardie subsequently scored twice for Plymouth to build a 2-0 lead.
Despite Norwich's offensive push following Sargent's goal, with both Gabriel Sainz and Anis Ben Slimane attempting long-range efforts, they couldn't find an equalizer against the resilient Pilgrims.
Norwich manager Johannes Hoff Thorup highlighted the team's offensive capabilities in his post-match comments, noting, "We sit and talk about another poor result, and a mid-table position, yet we still have the top goal scorer of the league and Sarge is two or three behind on that list." However, the defeat effectively ended Norwich's faint play-off hopes, leaving them firmly in mid-table with defensive issues still to resolve.
Defender Sidelined for Second Consecutive Match in Palace Win Over Brighton
Chris Richards missed his second straight match due to a calf injury, which was confirmed by Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner ahead of Saturday's fixture against Brighton. The U.S. international, a cornerstone of Palace's defense with 14 consecutive starts across all competitions before his injury, was initially expected to return this weekend after sitting out Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
"Unfortunately, he was very close to training with us today," Glasner explained at Friday's press conference. "If it had been the last season's game, I think he would have played and would have started. But we can't take the risk when you see our upcoming schedule and the amount of games."
The injury apparently developed after Richards played the full 90 minutes in Palace's impressive 3-0 FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Fulham last weekend. Despite completing that match, the Alabama native experienced discomfort in his calf afterward, which intensified as the week progressed.
In Richards' absence, Palace still managed to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory against rivals Brighton in a heated affair that featured three red cards. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring early before Daniel Munoz netted the winner in a match showcasing the clubs' fierce rivalry.
Glasner will hope to have Richards back for next weekend's challenging fixture against Manchester City. The Eagles are also preparing for their FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa at Wembley on April 26.
On This Day in 1913, United States Football Association Formed
April 5, 1913, was a watershed moment for American soccer. In a meeting room at the prestigious Astor Hotel in New York City, representatives from various soccer organizations gathered with a singular purpose: to finally establish a unified national governing body for the sport. The tension in the room was palpable—years of jurisdictional rivalries and competing visions for American soccer had created a fractured landscape that desperately needed cohesion.
G. Randalf Manning, a physician with impressive soccer credentials, stood before the assembled delegates. Born in England and educated in Germany, Manning helped establish the German Football Association in 1900 before emigrating to New York five years later. As he called the historic meeting to order, his vision for American soccer was about to become reality.
The path to this moment had been turbulent. For years, two rival organizations—the American Football Association (AFA) and the newer American Amateur Football Association (AAFA)—had struggled for legitimacy. Both sought FIFA recognition in 1912, but the international body refused to choose sides, instead instructing them to resolve their differences domestically.
The brewing conflict reflected deeper tensions within American soccer. Established decades earlier, the AFA had effectively become a U.S. branch of the British Football Association. Despite its longevity, its influence remained limited to the Northeast, and it struggled to adapt to the changing soccer landscape. The AAFA, meanwhile, represented a growing coalition of state associations seeking more inclusive governance of the sport.
Thomas W. Cahill, who had served as secretary to the AAFA and represented them at FIFA's 1912 Stockholm Congress, was mainly instrumental in these efforts. Despite FIFA's rejection, Cahill had established valuable personal relationships with international delegates during his European tour following the congress.
Attempts to merge the organizations had initially failed in October 1912 when the AFA narrowly voted against unification. However, by early 1913, several key organizations had defected from the AFA to the AAFA, decisively tilting the balance of power. With this strengthened position, the AAFA convened the April meeting at the Astor Hotel.
The outcome was decisive: the United States of America Football Association (USFA) was established, with Manning elected its first president and Cahill its first general secretary. The founding delegates recognized the urgent need for centralized governance. The American soccer landscape was chaotic, with disparate state associations using inconsistent methods and rules, new leagues emerging rapidly, and waves of European immigrants bringing diverse soccer traditions to American soil.
At its inception, the USFA encompassed seven state associations. The new organization immediately implemented standardized game rules, established protocols for communication and governance, and created a system for player transfers. Later that year, the AFA, at the prodding of its president, Andrew M. Brown, finally relented and joined the USFA.
The organization's rapid progress continued when, in August 1913, FIFA granted the USFA provisional recognition as America's official soccer governing body. The following year, at the June 1914 FIFA Congress in Oslo, Norway, the USFA was unanimously accepted as a permanent member, becoming one of FIFA's earliest member organizations and the first from North and Central America.
Manning's acceptance speech reflected the optimism of the moment. He highlighted soccer's rapid growth across the United States and announced ambitious plans to send an American team to the 1916 Olympics in Berlin. He invited international teams to visit America, confidently predicting they would "meet worthy opponents."
The USFA resolved to work through state associations rather than directly with leagues or teams. It established national protocols for interstate competition and player transfers, and began planning a national championship. In the fall of 1913, the National Challenge Cup (now the U.S. Open Cup) was established, open to both professional and amateur clubs. The Dewar Challenge Trophy, previously donated for the AAFA championship, would henceforth be awarded to the winner of this new national competition.
The organization that began that spring day in Manhattan would evolve through several name changes—from the United States of America Football Association to the United States Soccer Football Association, then the United States Soccer Federation, and finally to U.S. Soccer—but its essential mission remained consistent. From its early offices in the Empire State Building to its current headquarters in Chicago, the legacy of that April meeting continues to shape American soccer to this day.
Morris Controlled the Midfield as Middlesbrough Edge Closer to Championship Playoff Spot
Aidan Morris put in another commanding performance as Middlesbrough secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Friday, strengthening their Championship playoff hopes. The win propelled Michael Carrick's side to fifth in the table, extending their impressive run to five victories in their last seven matches.
Morris, who joined Boro after over 100 appearances for Columbus Crew in MLS, was statistically the standout performer at Ewood Park. The 23-year-old won 14 duels (the most in the match), completed an impressive 92% of his passes, and drew five fouls from the opposition – again leading all players.
Learning under former Manchester United star Carrick has been instrumental in Morris's English football development. "Cristiano Ronaldo was my hero, for sure. But when I started learning more and understanding my position, it was guys like Scholes and Carrick," Morris told Sky Sports. "I just try and show up every single day and let him know, 'Give me as much information as you can. I'm here to learn and grow.'"
The Florida native has quickly adapted to the Championship's physical demands, noting: "You never get a pass off without contact. Someone will always be on you, hitting you." His ability to "control the chaos" was evident against Blackburn, where his composed midfield presence helped Boro maintain control throughout the match, even contributing three interceptions and 11 recoveries defensively.
With six games remaining, Morris and Middlesbrough now sit three points clear of seventh place as they continue their push for Premier League promotion.
Jedi Faces Liverpool Amid Transfer Interest as a Little USMNT Controversy Swirls
Antonee Robinson finds himself at the center of attention this weekend as Fulham prepares to host Premier League leaders Liverpool amid swirling transfer speculation and controversy over his recent national team absence. The American left-back, who grew up in Prescot on Merseyside, has caught Liverpool's eye with impressive performances, including a Man of the Match display in Fulham's 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this season.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acknowledged Robinson's quality ahead of Sunday's match, "He is definitely a threat. I saw this when Fulham played Arsenal and against us. He is having a great season." Slot also highlighted the tactical implications of facing an attack-minded fullback like Robinson, suggesting Mohamed Salah could exploit spaces left behind.
The 27-year-old defender has drawn criticism from USMNT legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard after withdrawing from recent Nations League matches, citing tendinopathy, only to start Fulham's subsequent Premier League fixtures. Donovan expressed disappointment, saying it showed the Nations League was "at the bottom of his priority list."
Despite the controversy and persistent Liverpool transfer links, Robinson has maintained focus, telling ESPN: "Transfer rumors and stuff like that, I try not to look at." With over 130 Premier League appearances, the former Everton trainee will be key to Fulham's efforts to derail Liverpool's title charge, which currently sees them holding a 12-point advantage.
