Draw With Trinidad in Qualifying

On This Day in 1989, Charles' Late Equalizer Stuns USA in World Cup Qualifying

The dream of returning to soccer's grandest stage after a 40-year absence hung in the balance as the United States Men's National Team continued their treacherous journey through CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. The path had already proven perilous for a young American squad still finding its identity under coach Bob Gansler. A disappointing 1-0 loss in Costa Rica had been partially redeemed by a dramatic 1-0 victory in the return fixture in St. Louis, where Tab Ramos' deflected goal and David Vanole's heroic penalty save in the final seconds had given the team new life and confidence.

With Costa Rica setting the early pace in the five-team CONCACAF final round with four points, the Americans knew their home matches would be crucial. As Trinidad and Tobago prepared to visit for their group stage opener, the United States players understood the stakes perfectly – securing all available points at home would be essential if they hoped to claim one of the two coveted World Cup berths.

The build-up to the May 13, 1989, clash was marked by unusual drama. Oliver Camps, Trinidad and Tobago's outspoken manager, had boldly guaranteed victory on American soil – a proclamation Vanole found particularly motivating.

"Making predictions that they're going to win is not right, especially in our home country," the goalkeeper said before the match. "I could see them making predictions at home, but not here. We respect them, but we're at home and we should win. That will just help us focus."

The pre-match tension escalated further when sprinklers mysteriously activated during Trinidad and Tobago's practice session at Torrance Park, soaking the visiting players and interrupting their training. Coach Everald Cummings, a former NASL star with the Atlanta Chiefs and New York Cosmos, immediately suspected foul play.

"Maybe they thought we shouldn't be training, so they put on the sprinklers to get rid of us," Cummings complained. "What was strange was that the sprinklers went on in the middle of the field from one goal to the next. They came on because somebody knew what they were doing." While Gansler vehemently denied involvement, the incident added another layer of intrigue to a match that was already significant.

Trinidad and Tobago entered the qualifier riding momentum from their impressive qualifying campaign thus far. After defeating Guyana 4-0 and 1-0 in the first round, they had advanced past Honduras in the second round with a pair of draws, winning the tiebreaker by scoring an away goal. The Caribbean side remained confident after missing forward Richard Chinapoo, who was committed to a Dallas Sidekicks playoff game in the Major Indoor Soccer League. 

On a brisk, overcast afternoon, approximately 10,000 fans filed into Murdock Stadium on the campus of El Camino College, located about 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Among them were several hundred passionate Trinidad and Tobago supporters who brought drums, cowbells, and boundless enthusiasm to the modest venue. The hard, bumpy field – with grass that clearly needed cutting – seemed an unlikely stage for such a crucial international contest. Yet as the teams took the field, the atmosphere crackled with tension befitting the match's importance.

From the opening whistle, the Americans controlled possession but struggled to break down Trinidad and Tobago's organized defense. The visitors showed their physical talent early, with Marvin Faustin creating their best chance of the half when he broke away on the left side, feinted past an American defender, and unleashed a rocket shot that required a spectacular save from Vanole, who tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The United States nearly claimed an early lead in the seventh minute when an apparent handball violation in the Trinidad penalty area went undetected by Italian referee Luigi Agnolin, much to the displeasure of the American players and fans. The Americans' most glaring missed opportunity came in the 32nd minute when John Harkes delivered an excellent cross that eluded the Trinidad and Tobago defense, including goalkeeper Earl Carter. The ball found Bruce Murray unmarked at the far post with a gaping net in front of him, but somehow the midfielder steered his shot wide from just three feet away, drawing groans from the American supporters.

About five minutes later, Harkes narrowly missed on a 15-yard shot off an indirect kick, adding to the growing frustration as the teams reached halftime locked in a scoreless draw.

The halftime break did little to disrupt the United States' momentum, and just three minutes into the second half, they found their breakthrough. Tab Ramos, the skilled midfielder who had scored the winner against Costa Rica two weeks earlier, controlled a high pass before floating the ball skillfully into the goalmouth.

Defender Steve Trittschuh, who had played on the 1988 Olympic team, trapped the ball expertly with his chest, turned, and fired a powerful shot into the roof of the Trinidad net from close range. The Trinidad players appeared caught flat-footed, perhaps expecting an offside call that never came from referee Agnolin.

The goal energized the American team and their supporters, who sensed a crucial victory was within reach. With the lead secured, the Americans seemingly retreated into a defensive shell. Vanole continued his strong performance in the 59th minute when, leaning the other way, he managed to get a leg on a shot by Russell Latapy to preserve the advantage.

The United States appeared on course for its second consecutive World Cup qualifying victory as the match entered its final minutes. However, in the 88th minute, disaster struck for the home side.

Trinidad and Tobago's increased offensive pressure finally paid dividends when Clayton Morris found Marlon Morris on the right flank. Morris executed what Vanole would later describe as a "dummy play" that deceived two American defenders and the goalkeeper himself. With the American defense in disarray, Hutson Charles suddenly found himself with space, whirled around a defender, and fired a low shot past Vanole from about 20 yards.

"It all happened so fast," lamented Vanole afterward. "After playing such a good game, it hurts to let that one go. They had to take chances 'cause they wanted to leave here with a tie. It paid off when it had to... It was a good play, a dummy play... I just blew it."

Long after disconsolate American fans had filed out of Murdock Stadium, the drums and cowbells continued their celebratory rhythms in the stands as Trinidad and Tobago's supporters reveled in their team's last-gasp heroics. The draw left the United States with a 1-1-1 record and 3 points in the qualifying tournament, behind Costa Rica, which led with 4 points from a 2-2 record. Guatemala stood third with 2 points from a 1-1 record, while Trinidad and Tobago's debut tie gave them 1 point. El Salvador had yet to play its first match in the group.

"I can't explain it," said a visibly frustrated Gansler of the late defensive lapse. "I guess we think that after we score, we have it won, and we let up."

The tie made the United States the first team in the group not to win a home match – a worrying sign for their qualification prospects. With away matches looming on the horizon, Gansler delivered a sobering assessment of his young team's performance: "We have to make better decisions if we're going to stay in the hunt. The tactical discipline is not what it should be. We have young players who sometimes don't make the right decisions."

For Ramos, who had grown up in New Jersey during the heyday of the New York Cosmos when crowds of 70,000 regularly filled Giants Stadium, the stakes couldn't be higher. The 22-year-old midfielder, born in Uruguay before moving to the United States at age 8, understood all too well what qualification for the World Cup would mean for soccer in America.

"If we don't qualify, it will be incredibly bad for the sport," Ramos explained in the weeks following the match. "There'd be really nothing left to look forward to. But if we do make it to Italy, our games will be on TV, and people back home can watch them. It will be devastating if we don't qualify."

Before their crucial upcoming qualifier against Guatemala in New Britain, Connecticut, on June 17, the United States would receive a much-needed confidence boost by defeating Portugal's Benfica 2-1 in the Marlboro Cup at Giants Stadium, with Trittschuh once again finding the net. That victory, against one of Europe's most storied clubs, provided some reassurance that this young American team could still navigate the challenging road to Italia '90.

"We keep preaching to the young men that we learn by winning," Gansler said after the friendly victory, "and a win against teams of this caliber is a confidence booster."

For the United States Men's National Team, the journey to qualify for their first World Cup in 40 years remained fraught with challenges. The heartbreaking concession against Trinidad and Tobago had made their path significantly more difficult. However, with five qualifying matches remaining, hope persisted that American soccer could finally return to the world's biggest stage.

White's Brace Rescues Point

Striker Scores Twice Ahead of Champions Cup Final in a Few Weeks

Brian White proved his goalscoring prowess once again, netting both goals in Vancouver Whitecaps' impressive comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Los Angeles FC on Sunday. The American striker's heroics maintained Vancouver's position atop the Western Conference standings with 27 points from their impressive 8-1-3 record.

LAFC appeared to be cruising to victory after taking a two-goal lead within the opening half-hour. Mark Delgado opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a goalmouth scramble to fire home at the back post. Denis Bouanga doubled the advantage from the penalty spot eleven minutes later after Edier Ocampo brought down Ryan Hollingshead.

However, White immediately sparked the comeback in the 26th minute, rising brilliantly to head home Sebastian Berhalter's well-delivered free-kick. The American striker completed the revival with 20 minutes remaining when he positioned himself perfectly to nod in his second header of the match from Ali Ahmed's clever knockdown across the face of the goal.

Despite recording the fewest touches (25) of any outfield player who completed 90 minutes, White made every moment count with his clinical finishing. His aerial dominance was impressive, winning three of four aerial duels while converting both shots on target. The brace elevated White to the joint-top of the MLS Golden Boot race with eight goals in nine appearances this season, alongside Cristian Arango, Hugo Cuypers, and Tai Baribo.

This performance adds to White's remarkable form in 2025, with 13 goals in 17 games across all competitions. Vancouver's resilience extends beyond this match, as they remain unbeaten in their last eleven games across all competitions (6-0-5). The Whitecaps will need to maintain this momentum as they prepare for their historic CONCACAF Champions Cup final against Mexican giants Cruz Azul on June 1, where they aim to become the first Canadian club to win the prestigious tournament.

Dempsey's Last Tottenham Goal

On This Day in 2013, the American's Contribution Kept Tottenham's Champions League Dreams Alive, For Now

Following his heroic but ultimately heartbreaking performance against Basel in April 2013, Clint Dempsey found himself at a crossroads with Tottenham Hotspur. The disappointment of European elimination lingered, but the Premier League campaign demanded his immediate refocus. Dempsey's response was swift and emphatic, scoring in a crucial 3-1 victory over Manchester City on April 21, just ten days after the Basel defeat. This goal launched Spurs' unbeaten run as they desperately chased a coveted Champions League spot.

By mid-May, with three matches remaining in their season, Tottenham found themselves in a familiar position—chasing Arsenal for fourth place. After consecutive draws against Wigan and Chelsea, their visit to the Britannia Stadium on May 12 became nothing short of essential. The match coincided with Stoke City's 150th anniversary celebrations, with club legends like Gordon Banks and Sir Geoff Hurst in attendance, adding another layer of difficulty to Tottenham's challenge.

When Steven Nzonzi headed home Charlie Adam's free-kick in just the third minute, the celebratory atmosphere at the Britannia Stadium threatened to extinguish Tottenham's Champions League aspirations. Spurs needed an immediate response, and Dempsey delivered once again.

In the 20th minute, opportunity presented itself through misfortune, not for the first time in Dempsey's career. Scott Parker's seemingly innocuous pass confused Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and defender Marc Wilson. As the ball spilled loose, Dempsey reacted with characteristic opportunism, lobbing the ball into an empty net from 30 yards out. It was a goal that epitomized his career, born from relentless positioning, quick thinking, and technical execution when it mattered most.

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The goal shifted momentum dramatically. When Charlie Adam received a second yellow card early in the second half, Tottenham seized control of the match. Dempsey's influence grew beyond his equalizer as he turned provider for Emmanuel Adebayor's 83rd-minute winner. After receiving the ball with space to attack, Dempsey drove forward and slid a perfectly weighted pass across the goal for Adebayor to tap home. The American's ability to both score and create proved decisive.

"What we did was we kept the patience," manager André Villas-Boas remarked afterward. "It would have been very easy for us to lump it forward. We were rewarded in the end for that patience."

For Dempsey, the performance at Stoke continued his reputation as Tottenham's reliable presence in crucial moments. The Guardian named him Man of the Match, noting how his goal-and-assist combination "kept Tottenham's party plans on track." The victory moved Spurs temporarily into fourth place and maintained pressure on Arsenal in the fight for Champions League qualification.

Despite Tottenham's final-day victory over Sunderland—sealed by another Gareth Bale special—Arsenal's win at Newcastle consigned Spurs to fifth place and Europa League football again. Their 72-point total became their highest in the Premier League era (now third), yet it is still insufficient for Champions League qualification.

For Dempsey, attention quickly turned to international duty with the United States national team. In a friendly against Belgium just weeks after the Premier League season concluded, Dempsey scored from the penalty spot in a 4-2 defeat. This goal continued his ascent in the American record books, putting him one goal behind Eric Wynalda to become the second-highest goalscorer in U.S. men's national team history.

While most of his Tottenham teammates prepared for summer breaks, Dempsey's exclusion from Jurgen Klinsmann's preliminary Gold Cup roster suggested a summer of rest before returning to North London, though a move could be on the horizon.

Zendejas Shines as Club América Advances

Winger Scores Twice as Club América Move on to the Clausura Semifinal

Alejandro Zendejas emerged as the hero for Club América in their quarterfinal triumph over Pachuca, scoring both goals in a decisive 2-0 victory that propelled the defending champions into the Liga MX semifinals. After a scoreless first leg, the American winger delivered a masterclass performance at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, keeping América's dreams of a historic "Tetracampeonato" (fourth consecutive title) alive.

The 27-year-old broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when a deflected shot from Victor Davila fell fortuitously at his feet. Zendejas wasted no time, firing a clinical left-footed finish beyond goalkeeper Carlos Moreno into the far corner. Just twelve minutes later, he doubled the advantage with a spectacular sliding volley at the back post, connecting perfectly with Kevin Álvarez's cross to give América a commanding lead.

Zendejas was a constant threat throughout the match, registering four shots, three of which were on target, while completing 88% of his passes. His movement inside the opposition box proved problematic for Pachuca's defense, particularly as the visitors were reduced to ten men before halftime when Oussama Idrissi received a second yellow card.

The only concern for América came in the 87th minute when Zendejas appeared to suffer a hamstring injury, forcing his substitution to a standing ovation from appreciative fans. However, the winger later expressed optimism about his condition, telling TUDN: "I'm calm. I just managed to brake when I felt something was going to get to me. I don't think it's anything serious."

With this victory, Club América awaits the winner between León and Cruz Azul in the semifinals. Regardless of their next opponent, Zendejas remains focused on the team's championship ambitions: "The truth is, whoever the opponent is, we care about our own situation, and that's what was evident in this match."

Duo Scratched on Saturday

Robinson and Balogun Each Miss Their Matches Over the Weekend With Injuries

Two key U.S. Men's National Team players, Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun, were unavailable for their respective clubs over the weekend due to injury concerns. This could raise questions about their fitness ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

On Saturday, Fulham's Robinson was unexpectedly absent from the squad for their Premier League clash against Everton at Craven Cottage. The dependable left-back, who has been a consistent presence in Marco Silva's lineup throughout the season, was not even named among the substitutes for the home fixture. 

Robinson's absence was described as being for "undisclosed reasons," with no explanation provided by the club for why the 26-year-old defender wasn't available. His omission forced Ryan Sessegnon to fill in at left back, a significant adjustment to Fulham's backline structure. The timing of Robinson's absence is particularly unfortunate, with only two matches remaining in the Premier League campaign.

Without their first-choice left-back, Fulham struggled defensively, particularly in the second half. Despite taking the lead through Raúl Jiménez and dominating the first 45 minutes, the Cottagers conceded three times after the interval, including two goals in a devastating three-minute spell, as Everton secured all three points in a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage.

Meanwhile, AS Monaco striker Balogun endured another frustrating setback in an injury-disrupted season. The 23-year-old forward, who had only recently returned from a prolonged absence due to a dislocated shoulder, suffered an ankle injury during the final training session ahead of Monaco's crucial match against Lyon on Saturday.

In his post-match press conference, Monaco manager Adi Hütter provided some reassuring news regarding Balogun's condition, stating: "It isn't too serious. " He added that the American striker would be evaluated when the team returns to training on Wednesday after a three-day break. With Champions League qualification secured following their 2-0 victory over Lyon, Hütter indicated he would take no risks with Balogun for Monaco's final fixture against RC Lens.

The timing of these injuries to key USMNT players will certainly concern national team coach Mauricio Pochettino. With frienlies and the Gold Cup on the horizon, the recovery timeline for both players will be closely monitored by fans and coaching staff alike.

McKennie Assist in Draw With Lazio

Midfielder Provided the Cross on the Match's Opening Goal as Juventus Had to Settle for a Draw

Weston McKennie again proved his value to Juventus, delivering a perfect assist in their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. McKennie's contribution highlighted his tactical versatility and importance to Igor Tudor's squad in a match, which had significant implications for Champions League qualification.

Six minutes into the second half, McKennie showed his vision and technical ability by floating an inch-perfect cross from the left flank that found an unmarked Randal Kolo Muani, who headed home from close range to give Juventus the lead. The assist demonstrated McKennie's ability to create chances even when not playing in his preferred position, as Tudor continues to utilize the American in different roles across the midfield.

The match took a dramatic turn when Pierre Kalulu received a red card nine minutes after Juventus' goal, forcing the Bianconeri to defend with ten men for the remainder. Despite a valiant defensive effort, Lazio found an equalizer through Matas Vecino in the sixth minute of stoppage time, sending the Stadio Olimpico into wild celebrations.

The draw leaves Juventus in fourth place in Serie A, level on points with Lazio but ahead on head-to-head record. With just two matches remaining in the season, the race for Champions League qualification remains exceptionally tight, with Roma just one point behind and Bologna and Fiorentina also in contention.

Off the pitch, McKennie showed his lighthearted side in pre-match interviews, joking about his unconventional pasta recipe combining pesto, tomato, chicken and chili oil—which has apparently failed to convince his Italian teammates—and commenting humorously on the recent election of the first American Pope, Leo XIV, saying "now English is the first language in Italy!"

Pulisic Honors Mom With Match-Winner

Milan Completes the Comeback Against Bologna, the Appetizer for the Coppa Italia Final

Christian Pulisic delivered yet another clutch performance for AC Milan, scoring the go-ahead goal in their 3-1 comeback victory over Bologna on Friday night. The American star, who wore his mother Kelley's maiden name "Harlow" on his jersey as part of Milan's Mother's Day tribute, celebrated his 17th goal of the season by pointing to her name and making a heart gesture toward the San Siro faithful.

The USMNT captain's 79th-minute strike proved decisive when he pounced on a blocked João Félix shot to fire home, putting Milan ahead after falling behind to Riccardo Orsolini's second-half opener. Pulisic also contributed an assist on Santiago Gimenez's equalizer, showing quick feet to thread a perfect pass to the Mexican striker, who finished through goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski's legs.

"We've found some consistency now, which is important for us," Pulisic told Sky Sport Italia after the match. "We know that we have a great spirit, but we're playing really good games at the moment."

The victory marks Milan's fourth consecutive win across all competitions and provides perfect momentum heading into Wednesday's Coppa Italia Final - a rematch against Bologna at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on May 14. While Milan sits 17 points behind league leaders Napoli and currently eighth in the Serie A table, a Coppa Italia triumph would secure European football next season and give them their second trophy of the campaign after January's Supercoppa Italiana.

"If we win two trophies in one season, you cannot say that is a normal campaign," Pulisic added. "Of course, we're not satisfied with where we are in Serie A, but we're doing well right now, and it is important that we end the season well."

With Pulisic just one goal away from matching his personal best scoring season, the Rossoneri will look to their American talisman to lead them to glory on Wednesday night.

Pulisic's Brace Against Cagliari

On This Day in 2024, the Winger Scored Twice to Power Milan to a 5-1 Victory Over Cagliari, Setting the Stage for Copa America

Coming into the match against Cagliari at San Siro on May 11, AC Milan had been struggling through a difficult stretch. The Rossoneri had failed to win any of their last four games in Serie A, earning just three points during that stretch and it was their longest winless run since February 2023. The team was in desperate need of a response after a disappointing 3-3 draw against Genoa the previous weekend, where their performance had been lackluster from the beginning.

Pressure had been mounting on manager Stefano Pioli, who admitted in his pre-match press conference that he was concerned about his players' commitment in the season finale. The coach made significant changes to his starting lineup, benching captain Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez, and Rafael Leao. For Christian Pulisic, however, this match represented an opportunity to continue what had already been his best season statistically in European football.

The American had been enjoying a renaissance since his summer move to Milan. After struggling for consistent playing time at Chelsea in his final two seasons, Pulisic had found a new home in Italy. He had already reached double figures in Serie A with his sublime left-footed strike against Lecce on April 6, surpassing his previous best of nine goals in the 2019-20 Premier League season with Chelsea.

The match started slowly, with Milan patiently maintaining possession against a Cagliari side content to sit back. The Rossoneri broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Ismael Bennacer turned home a loose ball after Chukwueze's shot was blocked. Milan took that 1-0 lead into halftime.

Pioli made three changes at the break, bringing on Leao, who would play a crucial role in what followed. The Portuguese winger nearly made an immediate impact, hitting the crossbar just four minutes after coming on. But it was in the 59th minute when the dynamic between Leao and Pulisic produced magic for Milan's second goal.

Leao drove forward with characteristic pace before slipping a perfectly weighted ball through to Pulisic, who timed his run expertly to stay onside. The American showed his clinical finishing ability, expertly beating Cagliari goalkeeper Simone Scuffet to double Milan's advantage. It was Pulisic's 11th Serie A goal of the season, further extending his personal best in league play.

Though Nahitan Nández pulled one back for Cagliari four minutes later with a nice flick finish, the Rossoneri quickly restored their two-goal cushion when Tijjani Reijnders unleashed a stunning right-footed effort from about 30 yards out. Leao added a fourth in the 83rd minute, rounding the keeper and poking home. But Pulisic wasn't finished. In the 86th minute, Noah Okafor delivered a precise cross that the American met with power and precision. Though Yerry Mina attempted to clear the ball off the line, it had already crossed, giving Pulisic his first brace in a Milan shirt and Milan's fifth goal of the night.

The 5-1 victory was Milan's first time scoring five goals in a game all season, a dominant performance that helped secure mathematical qualification for the next edition of the Supercoppa Italiana and kept them firmly in second place in the Serie A standings with 74 points.

For Pulisic, the brace capped what would become his most productive season in European football. He would finish the campaign with 15 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, establishing himself as perhaps the best Italian signing of the 2023-24 season. His performances would earn him a place on the 3-man shortlist for Serie A Midfielder of the Season alongside Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Teun Koopmeiners, and ultimately a spot in the 2023-24 Serie A Team of the Season.

As the season concluded, Pulisic shifted his focus to the upcoming Copa America with the United States Men's National Team. In interviews, he expressed that he was feeling the best he had ever been, both on and off the field.

"From a soccer standpoint, everyone looks and, yeah, individually pretty good season," Pulisic shared, "but I will say, yeah, away from the game I'm doing really well, maybe the best I've ever been. I'm feeling like I'm in a good place."

Heading into the Copa America without the burden of the struggles that had weighed on him during his final years at Chelsea, Pulisic carried newfound confidence from his successful season at Milan. For the first time in years, he would enter a major tournament in excellent form, ready to lead the USMNT on home soil with the momentum of his Italian renaissance behind him.

"This season, all the soccer aside, I'm just happy to be here," Pulisic said. "I'm happy to be with the national team and then get some time off after and enjoy that. I'm definitely feeling in a good place going into the summer."

Pulisic and Musah Play Friday

Milan Hosts Bologna as Key Match Approaches

As AC Milan prepares to face Bologna on Friday in both a Serie A fixture and a preview of their upcoming Coppa Italia Final, Christian Pulisic remains central to the Rossoneri's plans both on and off the pitch.

The American star has been in stellar form since joining Milan from Chelsea in 2023. He has led the team with 16 goals this season while adding 11 assists. His consistent performance has made him a cornerstone of the club's future planning, with reports indicating Milan intends to rebuild around Pulisic and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

For Pulisic, this elevated status could result in a significant pay increase from his current $4.56 million annual salary to approximately $5.7 million per year, with a proposed contract extension through 2029. His importance to the team is underscored by him becoming the first player since Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score at least 15 goals in his first two seasons with Milan.

Friday's match carries special significance beyond just football tactics. Milan players will wear their mothers' surnames on their jerseys instead of their own as part of a Mother's Day initiative. The club will also support approximately 70 young teenage mothers through a fundraising campaign that includes auctioning the match-worn jerseys.

The fixture represents more than just league points for both clubs. With Milan currently struggling in ninth place in Serie A, their best chance for European qualification next season may rest on winning the Coppa Italia final against this same Bologna opponent on May 14.

Load management may become a concern for Pulisic in the coming months. After playing nearly 4,000 minutes of combined club and international football this season, questions remain about his potential involvement in the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup, especially with the 2026 World Cup next summer.

Bocanegra Scored in French Cup Final

On This Day in 2009, the Defender Rose to Nod Home Stade Rennes' Opener in the Stade de France Final, but EA Guingamp Stormed Back to Win the Trophy

After barely avoiding relegation during the 2007-08 season, Fulham released eight players, including Carlos Bocanegra. The USMNT captain played four-and-a-half seasons in London in the Premier League, scoring eight goals in 116 league appearances. Within a month, Bocanegra signed a three-year deal with Stade Rennes in Ligue 1 in France with aspirations of helping the club reach the UEFA Champions League after a sixth-place finish the previous season.

Bocanegra became essential to the national team in 2007, when he captained the side that beat Mexico 2-1 in the Gold Cup Final. He used that momentum to play 22 matches for Fulham during the following season, including captaining the side for the first time in a Premier League match, a 3-3 draw with Tottenham on September 1. But, Fulham needed three wins in the final three matches to remain safe in England’s top flight — Bocanegra was left on the bench for those final games.

After being released and signing in France, Bocanegra hit the ground running, moving straight into the starting XI at left back. The American would start all 38 matches for Rennes in Ligue 1, scoring once, resulting in a 2-0 win over AJ Auxerre on March 8. He needed to play well for Rennes as the US had World Cup Qualifying starting in June. Bocanegra would captain the Americans in 8 of 11 qualifying matches before the conclusion of the 2008/09 club season. Rennes also made a cup run in the Coupe de France, beating FC Sochaux, Saint-Etienne, FC Lorient, Rodez AF and Grenoble to reach the final, a May 9 match with Guingamp.

Rennes was coming off a league win over Paris Saint-Germain six days earlier and was sitting seventh in Ligue 1, while their opponent, Guingamp, was a bottom-half team in Ligue 2. But the team from northwest France made a magical cup run to the final, beating Le Mans, Sedan and Toulouse in the final three rounds. The match remained scoreless until midway through the second half, with Rennes piling on the pressure. They finally made the breakthrough in the 69th minute, following a set-piece. Bruno Cheyrou curled in the ball with his left foot from the right side, and Bocanegra rose to nod home the opening goal.

“It was probably one of the best atmospheres I've had outside of a World Cup game, which is pretty special,” Bocanegra said in 2011. “(After the goal), it was just really loud. I don't remember. It was just that was a nice feeling, you know? It popped up on a set piece, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough.”

Guingamp would instantly respond with Eduardo equalizing in the 72nd minute. 10 minutes later, Eduardo would strike again, scoring the winner after a scramble in the box. The second-division side would hold on for the 2-1 victory and the trophy. Rennes collected four points from their final three league matches to finish seventh in Ligue 1. It was a successful first season in France for Bocanegra, and that success transferred to the national team. He scored the winner in the US’s 2-1 victory over Honduras on June 6 in World Cup Qualifying before captaining the side, in the knockout rounds, to a second-place finish at the Confederations Cup.