The Anticlimax That Set the Stage for the Next Year

On This Day in 1996, Preki and Hejduk Scored Their Firsts For the US in a Meaningless Draw with Guatemala

The business had already been handled. Five days earlier at Stanford Stadium, Brian McBride and Roy Lassiter had scored the goals that sent the United States into the World Cup's final qualifying round. The pressure had lifted. The path forward was secure. What remained was a formality—a December 21 trip to El Salvador's Cuscatlán Stadium to face an already-eliminated Guatemala side with nothing but pride to play for.

Steve Sampson saw an opportunity where others might have seen an obligation. With seven regulars rested—John Harkes injured, Eric Wynalda recovering from hernia surgery, and others held back for the gauntlet that awaited in 1997—the coach would field what newspapers politely termed "a largely experimental team." The stakes were minimal. The roster was makeshift. Yet what unfolded over 90 minutes in front of 10,000 spectators would reveal something the Americans desperately needed to know: they had depth.

The lineup Sampson sent out bore little resemblance to the team that had secured qualification. Preki Radosavljevic, the 33-year-old Yugoslav-turned-American who had received his citizenship just eight weeks earlier, would make only his fourth national team appearance. Frankie Hejduk, the UCLA product who'd played in the Olympics but had yet to start a senior international match, would anchor the backline. Jason Kreis and Jovan Kirovski, both still finding their footing at this level, would operate in midfield. Only Brad Friedel, Eddie Pope, Jeff Agoos, Claudio Reyna and Brian McBride remained from the Costa Rica victory—and even they were being asked to gel with unfamiliar partners.

Guatemala needed a miracle: a victory over the Americans combined with Costa Rica losing to Trinidad and Tobago in San José. By the time Preki collected a loose ball in the eighth minute after defender Eric Miranda's mistake, dribbled in alone, and slotted his first international goal under goalkeeper Erick Estrada, that miracle already felt implausible. Two minutes later, it felt inevitable. Juan Funes curled a corner kick directly over the line—no touch, no deflection, just bend and precision—and suddenly the score was level at 1-1.

The Americans spent the next half-hour controlling possession, playing what Sampson would later describe as "some of the best soccer we've ever played," but they couldn't find the clinical finish to match their fluidity. Guatemala, desperate and organized, absorbed the pressure and countered with purpose. A minute before halftime, Funes turned creator, delivering a pass that Juan Carlos Plata half-volleyed into the net. The Americans went to the break trailing 2-1, which would have been cause for concern in a match that mattered. Here, it was merely inconvenient.

Hejduk erased the deficit four minutes into the second half. The UCLA defender made a diagonal run into space, received Preki's pass, and finished from 14 yards with the confidence of someone who belonged at this level. The goal was his first for the national team. It would not be his last—over the next six years, Hejduk would become a fixture, representing the United States in two Olympics and two World Cups, his lackadaisical "surfer" demeanor masking a fierce competitive streak.

The match settled into a 2-2 stalemate that satisfied no one and disappointed few. Guatemala's elimination was confirmed when news filtered in from Costa Rica, where the Ticos had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 2-1. The Americans had claimed first place in Group 1 with a 4-1-1 record. More importantly, they had validated Sampson's belief that his program possessed something it had historically lacked: reliable alternatives when the first-choice players were unavailable.

"This is real evidence of the type of depth we're developing," Sampson said afterward, his satisfaction evident. "Frankie Hejduk debuted and was outstanding, scoring the tying goal. Jason Kreis at midfield, Jovan Kirovski moved back to midfield and combined well with Kreis and Reyna. Preki played the entire 90 minutes, scored his first goal and had an assist on the second. Martin Vasquez was strong, settling us in the back."

Jeff Agoos, serving as acting captain in Harkes' absence, had emerged as the team's most consistent performer across the six-game semifinal round. "The new guys showed they could play at this level," he observed. "They did it against a quality team. It's nice to know we have players who can come off the bench like this. Major League Soccer has given some players a lot of exposure."

The statement carried weight beyond its modesty. MLS, barely nine months old, was already serving its intended purpose—not just providing American players with professional opportunities, but accelerating their development to a level where they could compete internationally. Preki's journey embodied the league's promise. A decade earlier, he'd arrived from Yugoslavia to play indoor soccer in Tacoma. He'd bounced through Sweden, England, and the Continental Indoor Soccer League before MLS offered him a chance with the Kansas City Wizards in February 1996. Now, at 33—one of the oldest players ever to debut for the national team—he was scoring World Cup qualifying goals.

The draw gave the Americans a brief respite before the real work began. They would reassemble at Chula Vista on January 8 for the U.S. Cup, a four-nation tournament featuring Mexico, Peru, and Denmark, with three matches in San Diego and Pasadena. After that, a two-game tour of China. Then, in late February and early March, the hexagonal final round would commence—a double-round-robin featuring the United States, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica and El Salvador, with the top three advancing to France '98.

On paper, the U.S. and Mexico looked strongest. Jamaica remained the only participant never to reach a World Cup. Canada had defeated El Salvador twice and figured to finish ahead of the Salvadorans, but might struggle against Costa Rica. The Americans would open on March 2 at Jamaica, beginning a marathon that would stretch through November with home-and-home series against all five opponents.

But on a December night in El Salvador, with qualification secure and experimentation yielding validation, the future felt manageable rather than daunting. The program that had scraped into the 1990 World Cup through Paul Caligiuri's miracle shot and been granted entry as 1994 hosts was now expected to qualify on merit. The depth that Alexi Lalas had praised after the Costa Rica victory—the ability to replace world-class players with world-class alternatives—had been tested against Guatemala and proven genuine.

Two goals from players making their first starts. A 2-2 draw that meant nothing in the standings but everything for confidence. The Americans had eight weeks to prepare for Jamaica, for Mexico, for the hexagonal grind that would determine whether they belonged in France. The anticlimax in El Salvador had told them what they needed to know: when it mattered, they would be ready.

Americans in Gladbach's Defeat

Reyna and Scally Both Started in the Bundesliga loss to Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund extended their remarkable home dominance over Borussia Mönchengladbach with a 2-0 victory on Friday, but the match held special significance for two American internationals on the visiting side.

Gio Reyna made his first return to the Westfalenstadion since departing Dortmund for Gladbach last summer, earning just his third straight league start. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder played 65 minutes in an attacking role but struggled to make an impact against his former club. He managed one shot that didn't find the target and completed 26-of-33 passes, though his defensive contributions included two interceptions and a clearance.

"Obviously, giving up a goal early is always hard to overcome at a stadium like Dortmund, but I thought for 50 to 60 minutes of the game, we were there, we had chances, we were in good areas," Reyna said. "So, a little bit more ruthless in front of goal and I think we could walk away with a point."

Joe Scally featured the full 90 minutes at right wing-back for the visitors, though he also found little joy in attack. The 22-year-old completed just 17-of 25-passes. His dribbling attempts were unsuccessful, and his crossing accuracy left much to be desired. Gladbach managed only one shot on target throughout the entire match, reflecting how thoroughly Dortmund controlled proceedings. Julian Brandt's early strike and Maximilian Beier's stoppage-time goal secured Dortmund's 12th consecutive home victory against Gladbach, leaving both Americans to endure a frustrating evening.

Americans Face-off in the Premier League

Aaronson Will Face Richards as Leeds Hosts Crystal Palace Saturday

Leeds United welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road on Saturday night, with American internationals featuring prominently for both sides in a crucial Premier League clash.

Brenden Aaronson could earn a rare start for the Whites after seeing his playing time diminish under Daniel Farke's new 3-5-2 system. The 25-year-old midfielder has started just nine of Leeds' 15 league matches this season, accumulating 837 minutes while contributing one goal and two assists. In his most recent start against Aston Villa, Aaronson demonstrated his value with an 86% pass completion rate and 8 defensive actions, though his finishing remains a concern. Farke may deploy him just behind striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored in four consecutive Premier League games to fuel Leeds' survival bid.

For Palace, Chris Richards is guaranteed to start at center-back after manager Oliver Glasner confirmed his lineup in advance. The defender has been a fixture for the Eagles this season, starting all 16 league matches and logging 1,433 minutes. Richards will anchor a back three alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix as Palace look to maintain their push for European qualification while sitting fifth in the table.

Both Americans face pivotal moments: Aaronson seeks to prove his worth in Leeds' relegation fight. At the same time, Richards aims to help Palace extend their strong campaign despite coming off a disappointing loss to Manchester City.

Adams Injury Update

Midfielder Out Three Months With MCL Injury

Tyler Adams faces a challenging road ahead after suffering a torn MCL in Bournemouth's dramatic 4-4 draw with Manchester United. The midfielder lasted just five minutes before being forced off, and manager Andoni Iraola confirmed the severity, estimating a two-to-three-month recovery period—a significant setback for both club and country.

For Bournemouth, losing Adams represents a tactical dilemma. Iraola acknowledged he's "a very unique player, very specific player in what he does," with alternatives like Alex Scott and Lewis Cook offering different qualities than the defensive shield Adams provides. His absence is particularly painful given his strong form this season, featuring 15 league appearances and memorable contributions, including that spectacular long-range goal against Sunderland last month.

The injury's timing creates uncertainty for the United States national team as well. Adams may miss crucial March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal—the final camp before World Cup squad selection. Though the timeline suggests he should recover before the home tournament begins, his persistent injury troubles raise concerns. Adams has struggled to maintain consistent fitness, appearing in only 10 of Mauricio Pochettino's 22 matches as manager.

Still, there's cautious optimism. Unlike a more severe ACL injury, this MCL tear shouldn't derail Adams' World Cup dreams entirely, giving him potential months to regain match sharpness before the summer showcase.

Dest's Strike at AZ Alkmaar

On This Day in 2023, Dest's Clinical Finish Caps PSV's Perfect League Campaign Before the Winter Break

The return to his homeland had been unconventional, but by December 2023, it was proving to be exactly what Sergino Dest needed. After a disappointing loan spell at AC Milan the previous season, the Netherlands-born American had found himself surplus to requirements at Barcelona. When PSV Eindhoven came calling in late August with a loan offer that included an option to buy, it represented a chance at redemption—a return to the Eredivisie where he had first made his name with Ajax.

The move reunited Dest with former Barcelona teammate Luuk de Jong at a club with serious ambitions. PSV weren't just competing for domestic honors; they were navigating the Champions League group stages alongside Arsenal, Sevilla and Lens. For Dest, it was an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and prove he could still operate at the highest level.

By mid-December, PSV had transformed into an unstoppable force under Peter Bosz. 15 consecutive Eredivisie victories had them cruising toward the winter break with a commanding 10-point lead at the top of the table. They had drawn 1-1 with Arsenal in midweek—a Champions League encounter that confirmed their place in the knockout rounds—and now faced one final domestic hurdle before the holidays.

AZ Alkmaar awaited at the AFAS Stadion, a venue that historically posed problems for visiting sides. Despite sitting third in the table, AZ arrived in disarray. Their disappointing elimination from the Europa Conference League just days earlier—a 2-0 defeat in Poland to Legia Warsaw—had ended their European campaign at the group stage. Pascal Jansen's side had managed just three wins in their last 10 matches across all competitions, and the pressure was mounting.

Bosz made his intentions clear with his team selection on December 17, reverting to the lineup that had dismantled Heerenveen the previous weekend. Dest returned at left back, De Jong led the line, and fellow American Malik Tillman occupied a position in attack. The message was simple: maintain perfection.

What followed was a masterclass in attacking football that left AZ shell-shocked. PSV didn't just win—they obliterated their hosts from the opening whistle. The onslaught began in the sixth minute when Tillman drew a clumsy challenge in the box, earning a penalty that De Jong converted with his trademark composure. Five minutes later, Ismael Saibari doubled the advantage with a composed finish, and the floodgates had opened. AZ's defense was in shambles, unable to cope with PSV's relentless pressing and fluid movement. The third goal, arriving in the 16th minute, showcased everything that made PSV so dangerous.

Tillman, operating in that dangerous space between midfield and attack, received possession near the center circle. Shielding his marker with his body, the American turned and spotted Dest making an aggressive run from his left-back position. The through ball was perfectly weighted, splitting AZ's backline and releasing Dest into acres of space. The execution was clinical. Dest took one touch to control the ball as he entered the penalty area, then another to set himself before drilling a low shot across goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst and into the bottom-right corner. It was a striker's finish from a defender, the kind of goal that epitomized PSV's attacking philosophy under Bosz.

"I haven't experienced this football before at PSV," De Jong would say afterward, marveling at the quality his team was producing. For Dest, the goal represented his first for the club since arriving four months earlier—a breakthrough moment in what had been a solid but not spectacular loan spell. Pascal Jansen responded with a triple substitution before halftime, desperately trying to stem the tide, but PSV's dominance was absolute. AZ managed zero shots in the first half, completely overrun by their visitors' intensity. De Jong added a fourth goal just before the hour mark with a towering header, and PSV cruised through the remainder of the match, restricting their hosts to a single shot across the entire 90 minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a 4-0 demolition and, more significantly, a 16th consecutive Eredivisie victory. PSV had completed the calendar year unbeaten in the league, accumulating 103 goals in the process—a staggering average of more than six per game. Bosz's side went into the winter break with that 10-point cushion intact, looking every bit the champions-in-waiting. For Dest, the performance validated his decision to return to the Netherlands. Playing in a dominant team that encouraged fullbacks to attack had unleashed a confidence that had been missing during his struggles in Italy. The combination with Tillman added another dimension—two Americans thriving in tandem, contributing to a potential title-winning campaign.

The season would ultimately deliver that championship, though Dest's role would be cut short by a cruel ACL injury in April that ended his campaign prematurely. Yet his contributions during those crucial months had been vital, and PSV's appreciation was evident. When his Barcelona contract wound down in the summer, the Dutch club made the move permanent on a free transfer, handing Dest a contract through 2028. "PSV believes in me, and I am greatly appreciated here," Dest would reflect on making the transfer permanent. "I got to know the club, and it is incredibly warm, like I have never experienced anywhere before."

That December afternoon in Alkmaar, with snowflakes beginning to fall and PSV sitting atop Dutch football, Dest had found what had eluded him for two frustrating seasons—a place where he belonged. One goal, one assist from a fellow American, and one perfect league campaign before the winter break. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why Barcelona had paid €20 million for him in the first place, and why PSV was willing to bet on his future.

Agyemang Double

Forward Scored Twice in Derby County Win

Patrick Agyemang delivered a commanding performance, scoring twice to lead Derby County to a convincing 3-0 victory over struggling Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Monday. The United States striker's goals, combined with Liam Thompson's first Championship strike, ended Derby's three-game winless streak and lifted them to 12th in the table, just four points shy of the playoff positions.

Agyemang opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after pouncing on another Wednesday defensive error. Receiving Bobby Clark's pass inside the box, he cleverly maneuvered past Dominic Iorfa before firing a precise low shot into the far corner. Thompson doubled the lead early in the second half with a well-taken finish from Craig Forsyth's free kick before Agyemang sealed the victory in the 62nd minute, slamming home from close range following Rhian Brewster's cross.

The £7.3 million signing from Charlotte FC has now netted five goals for Derby. However, manager John Eustace revealed Agyemang was "disappointed" not to complete his hat-trick after being denied by goalkeeper Pierce Charles' excellent late save. Eustace praised the striker's finishing while noting that his performances continue to improve.

For Wednesday, the defeat extended their winless run to 14 matches, leaving them rooted to the bottom, 29 points from safety after 18 points were deducted for financial troubles.

Adams' Knee Injury

Midfielder Subbed After Five Minutes in Wild Draw With Manchester United

Tyler Adams sustained a concerning knee injury just five minutes into Bournemouth's dramatic 4-4 draw with Manchester United on Monday. The U.S. midfielder went down in pain after blocking a shot from Matheus Cunha, with their simultaneous contact causing him to immediately signal for medical attention.

Manager Andoni Iraola described the injury as "the worst news from the game," suspecting medial collateral ligament damage. While Adams managed to walk off the field independently, he showed a noticeable limp and shook his head after briefly attempting to jog, clearly unable to continue.

The timing could hardly be worse for both club and country. Adams had been instrumental for Bournemouth this season, starting all but one Premier League match and even winning November's goal of the month award for a spectacular 47-yard strike. His absence leaves a significant void in their midfield.

For the USMNT, concerns mount ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which begins June 12 against Paraguay. Adams, who captained the team at the 2022 World Cup, has battled injuries throughout his career, missing over a year of Premier League action in 2023-24. The severity of this latest setback remains unclear pending medical scans, with MCL injuries potentially sidelining players anywhere from one week to several months, depending on severity.

Americans Feature in Marseille's Dramatic Victory

Balogun's Disallowed Goal Leads to Greenwood's Winner as Marseille Beat Monaco

Mason Greenwood's late strike secured Marseille a vital 1-0 home victory against Monaco. Still, the match will be remembered for American striker Folarin Balogun's frustrating evening that saw him denied by an offside decision.

Balogun endured a particularly cruel moment in the 80th minute when he thought he had given Monaco the lead. Racing onto Maghnes Akliouche's through ball, the 24-year-old striker calmly lifted his shot over Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, only to see VAR overturn the goal for offside. Just over a minute later, Greenwood punished Monaco at the opposite end with the match-winner.

Despite the disappointing result, Balogun demonstrated his quality throughout the 90 minutes. He completed the most dribbles in the match with four successful take-ons, won the most duels with seven, and was fouled more than any other player. His attacking threat was evident with 10 touches in the opposition box with three shots, including one on target. However, three offsides undermined his efforts, including one that nullified Lamine Camara's goal early in the second half.

On the opposite side, American winger Tim Weah put in a solid shift for Marseille in their crucial victory. The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes on the left wing, recording two shots with one on target and creating three chances for teammates. Weah completed 34-of-41 passes and registered five touches in Monaco's penalty area, contributing to Marseille's attacking pressure throughout the contest.

The win was essential for Roberto De Zerbi's side, who returned to Champions League qualification spots after failing to win their previous two league matches. Marseille's home form remained exceptional, as they continued their impressive goalscoring record at Orange Velodrome. For the Americans involved, it was a tale of contrasting fortunes in a tightly contested Ligue 1 battle.

McKenzie Sturdy Again

Defender Continues a Strong Season in France

Mark McKenzie delivered another composed defensive performance as Toulouse secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Paris FC on the road, helping his side maintain their solid campaign in Ligue 1, where Toulouse moved up to eighth in the table. The 26-year-old American center-back has been a pillar of consistency for Toulouse throughout the 2025-26 season, starting 14 of 15 matches and accumulating 1,268 minutes.

Against Paris FC, McKenzie partnered with Charlie Cresswell and Rasmus Nicolaisen in a defensive trio that frustrated the hosts despite surrendering 65% of possession. The United States international completed 90 minutes without committing a single foul, maintaining his discipline while winning all three of his ground duels. His passing accuracy stood at an impressive 93%, completing 39-of-42 passes as Toulouse absorbed pressure and struck with clinical efficiency.

The visitors controlled the match through moments of quality rather than sustained possession. Santiago Hidalgo broke the deadlock after Djibril Sidibé's cross found him unmarked in the 29th minute, following a saved penalty on Sidibé. Yann Gboho then curled a magnificent effort past Kevin Trapp eight minutes later before completing his brace in the 69th minute, capitalizing on Sidibé's second assist.

McKenzie's defensive partnership ensured Paris FC created minimal danger despite their territorial advantage, limiting the hosts to just two shots on target throughout the encounter. His ability to organize the backline and maintain concentration proved crucial as Toulouse managed the game professionally in the closing stages.

This season, McKenzie has been remarkably reliable. He has registered one assist while collecting three yellow cards, demonstrating his ability to defend aggressively without crossing the line. His recent form includes a strong showing against Uruguay in November, where the USMNT triumphed 5-1. Toulouse's defensive solidity, anchored by McKenzie's steady presence, continues to provide the foundation for their attacking players to flourish, even if their penalty conversion remains problematic—they've missed three of seven awarded this season.

Pepi Scores in Four Straight

Striker Scores Again While Dest Sets Up the Winner PSV's Seven-Goal Thriller

PSV Eindhoven survived a pulsating seven-goal thriller at Philips Stadion, defeating Heracles Almelo 4-3 in a match that showcased both their attacking brilliance and defensive vulnerabilities. The victory extended their lead at the top of the Eredivisie table to nine points, with American duo Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest playing pivotal roles in securing the crucial three points.

The match was dominated by spot-kicks in the opening half, with three penalties awarded before the break. Pepi opened the scoring by converting PSV's first penalty after being fouled by Damon Mirani, demonstrating composure from twelve yards. The 22-year-old striker, who scored his fourth goal in four matches in all competitions, finished the match with five total shots, despite managing just 26 touches—the fewest of any outfield player who completed the full 90 minutes.

PSV appeared comfortable at 2-0 following Ismaïl Saibari's successful penalty conversion, but Heracles responded through Jizz Hornkamp's spot-kick to make it 2-1 at halftime. The visitors, managed by former PSV player Ernest Faber and languishing in 16th position, refused to surrender quietly. Luka Kulenovic and Hornkamp struck again after the interval, completing an improbable comeback to level the contest at 3-3.

However, PSV's determination proved decisive in the closing stages. Dest, who completed 90 minutes and maintained an impressive 91% pass accuracy, delivered the crucial assist for Guus Til's winner. The 25-year-old right-back registered 85 touches throughout the match while contributing defensively with three tackles and two interceptions.

Til's late strike secured his 10th goal of the season, maintaining PSV's commanding position in the title race. While Peter Bosz's side demonstrated their attacking potency, conceding three goals highlighted defensive concerns that must be addressed. For Heracles, the defeat leaves them dangerously close to the relegation zone, one point above the drop despite their spirited performance.