All posts by h716a5.icu

USMNT star Chris Richards shared a hilarious response to a question regarding his first goal for Crystal Palace.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Chris Richards scores first Palace goalDefeat Burnley 3-0USMNT star shares why he chose to use headWHAT HAPPENED?

After scoring his first-ever goal for Crystal Palace, the USMNT defender shared some insight as to why he opted for a low-driven header. His opening goal, which arrived midway through the second half, helped Palace to a 3-0 victory over 10-man Burnley.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT CHRIS RICHARDS SAID

Richards was asked by the official Crystal Palace website if he "thought about volleying it instead" in the moment of his brilliant goal. Tongue in cheek, the USMNT defender replied "Nah, nah, no – I grew the Fro out so I could head it, I was ready for it."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

After a slow start to his Selhurst Park career following a 2022 move from Bayern Munich, Richards has finally broken into the first team on a regular basis this season. His versatility has proved particularly useful for the Eagles, with his 21 appearances coming in three different positions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHRIS RICHARDS AND PALACE?

Crystal Palace report for action again next Saturday when they take on Tottenham Hotspur. New boss Oliver Glasner will look to make it two wins in two after securing three points in his first match on Saturday.

[ad_pod ]

It is funny how quickly things can change.

When Fernando Llorente missed an incredible chance to register against Watford on Wednesday night, the Tottenham Hotspur fans may have thought it was going to be another one of those nights for the Spaniard.

The 33-year-old is currently being tasked with leading the line in the absence of Harry Kane, which is not exactly the easiest thing in the world.

Overall, Llorente had a difficult night against Watford, but there proved to be a fairytale ending for the former Athletic Bilbao man as he netted an 87th-minute winner in Spurs’ 2-1 victory.

As expected, there were wild celebrations when Llorente registered and it could well be a turning point for the Spaniard, who was linked with an exit this month by The Daily Mail in December.

The Tottenham fans did a flip when Llorente – earning £75,000 a week according to Spotrac – scored the winner, with a large number taking to social media to lavish praise on the centre-forward.

A selection of the reaction from the club’s supporters can be seen below:

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas which Arsenal players would get into the Tottenham team ahead of the North London Derby – Check out the video below…

Argentina U17 starlet Claudio Echeverri recreated a Lionel Messi-esque finish to complete his hat-trick against rivals Brazil in the U-17 World Cup.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Echeverri recreated Messi's 2012 finish Both players scored a hat-trick in their respective matchesBrazil at the receiving end on both occasions WHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine U17 starlet scored an incredible hat-trick in a win over Brazil to fire his side into the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Jakarta on Friday. He opened the scoring with a brilliant sole attempt just minutes before the half-hour mark and then doubled the lead in the 59th minute with a tight finish from the edge of the box. Whereas, his third goal was the cherry on the top as it not only helped him complete a hat trick but also closely resembled a 2012 finish of Messi. On both occasions, the forwards dribbled past the keeper and then pushed the ball into an empty net after latching onto a defence-splitting through ball from midfield.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIP@ArgentinaTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Echeverri's goal has some other uncanny similarities to Messi's strike over a decade back. Apart from the electric finish, both players wore the No. 10 shirt during their respective matches and Brazil found themselves at the receiving end of such a genius onslaught. In fact, Echeverri's hat trick was the first since Messi's 2012 heroics against their arch-rivals. Back in his homeland, comparisons are already being made with the 2022 World Cup winner but Echeverii believes that his style is more like Pablo Aimar who is a part of the national team staff.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Doc. LOC WCU17/BRYWHAT NEXT FOR ECHEVERRI?

The River Plate starlet will hope to carry on with his rich vein of form in the remaining two matches of the U-17 World Cup and emulate Messi by lifting the trophy in the finale on December 2.

Novak Djokovic says he talked “about everything” during his latest meeting with Lionel Messi and considers the Argentine to be “a phenomenon”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

All-time greats met in New YorkBoth boast record-setting trophy haulsHave worked hard to become the bestWHAT HAPPENED?

Two all-time greats have crossed paths on a couple of occasions during their record-setting careers, with their latest chat coming in New York. Messi was in the Big Apple while on MLS duty with Inter Miami, while tennis icon Djokovic is chasing down US Open glory at Flushing Meadows.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi has U.S. Open Cup glory of his own to aim at over the coming weeks, having helped to book a place in the final of that competition, and has already landed the 44th trophy of his remarkable career when inspiring Inter Miami to the inaugural Leagues Cup crown.

WHAT THEY SAID

Djokovic, who has a historic haul of 23 Grand Slam titles to his name, enjoys picking the brains of Messi and has told of his latest meeting with the Argentine superstar: “It's a second time we met with each other. We talked 15 minutes about everything, I would like to meet him and talk about everything again. Messi is a phenomenon. He's a huge champion, I have a huge respect for him.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi emerged victorious in nine successive fixtures upon joining up with Inter Miami, but was shut out in a 0-0 draw with Nashville during his latest MLS outing and still has work to do in order to help the Florida-based franchise book a place in the post-season play-offs.

The USWNT midfielder scored a big goal as she continues to put this summer's disappointment behind her.

After deploying a super strong team in a 3-0 rout against China over the weekend, Twila Kilgore shook things up on Tuesday. In a match against the same opponent, Kilgore gave some new faces a chance, with varying success.

In the end, it resulted in a 2-1 win over China, one that saw the U.S. women's national team come from behind to seal the win. It wasn't nearly as one-sided as the first match, but it was equally impressive, as the USWNT eventually figured out China's low block to erase any frustration from a lackluster first half.

In the end, several newer faces stole the show. Both goalscorers are players that were not part of the World Cup squad, but will now have realistic Olympic dreams. Those preparations remain ongoing but, for a few players in the team, this will have been a big step forward on the road to next summer's tournament.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Toyota Stadium…

GettyWINNER: Sam Coffey

In the months leading up to the World Cup, USWNT fans were all left wondering: where is Sam Coffey? When the actual World Cup started, those questions grew louder. Given the team's issues in midfield, how could Coffey be left out?

Well, Coffey is continuing to make the outside world wonder "what if". More importantly, though, she's continuing to prove that the past is the past, and that she should be part of the USWNT's present and future.

The goal was an obvious exclamation point, one that left even Coffey stunned. The smile on her face said it all and, after the match, she admitted that she couldn't even fully remember how it all happened. Coffey was as shocked as anyone after scoring her first USWNT goal.

She doesn't get many, and that's not why she's here. Coffey is with the USWNT to help run the midfield, and she's shown she can do that a bit too.

The question is if she can do it as a single No. 6. Played next to Emily Sonnett here, can Coffey hold things down in a way that allows Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle to bomb forward? We'll find out eventually, as it seems Coffey is here for good after being left out for far too long.

AdvertisementLOSER: Ashley Hatch

Hatch is in something of a weird spot. With a legend like Alex Morgan and young guns like Sophia Smith and Mia Fishel behind her, Hatch is a player caught between two generations, in a way.

Because of that, Hatch faces something of an uphill battle for an Olympic spot, and that battle didn't get any easier after Tuesday night. Hatch provided plenty of energy and enthusiasm, making some things happen in her 45 minutes. She couldn't quite get the goal, though, and that will be held against her once again.

Fairly or unfairly, Hatch's history shows that she hasn't quite been able to bring her NWSL goalscoring to the USWNT. She's held to a tough standard, considering those around her, and it'll take something special for her to hold off a rising star Fishel, given what we've seen. With roster spots at a premium and time running out ahead of the Olympics, Hatch will need to start 2024 on fire to keep her name in the mix for a spot up top.

GettyWINNER: Jaedyn Shaw

She may only be 19, but Shaw seems ready for whatever the USWNT can throw at her.

That's two goals for her now, both in memorable stadiums. The first came in front of her club's hometown crowd and the second came in front of her actual hometown crowd. If the World Cup final was in a city that meant something to Shaw, history shows that no one would be able to stop her!

The goal was a cool one for the youngster, who really placed her shot to win the game. It was, however, not her only moment as Shaw showed signs throughout her time on the field. In the first half, she seemed oh so close, having a few good moments just failing to come off right at the end.

It all worked out eventually, and, so far in her USWNT career, everything seems to be going Shaw's way. It won't always be that way but, despite her age, Shaw's showing she has more than enough to her game to contribute in the short term, not just the long term.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

LOSER: Emily Fox

Not a loser in the traditional sense, as Fox's stock didn't drop in the slightest. No, Fox is a loser because, physically, she's gonna feel this one for quite a while!

In a personal sense, every player on the field will have gone into this one looking to avoid injury. It's the last game of 2023, after all. After this, each of these players will go on a well-deserved vacation to get some much-needed rest ahead of a huge 2024. Fox, though, will start that vacation a bit beat up.

The fullback was fouled har several times, taking a beating throughout her 45 minutes. She nearly came out early after having her legs swiped on the edge of the box and ultimately did come out of the match at halftime due to concussion protocol.

Overall, it was a tough one for Fox, who didn't get the send-off she deserved after a fantastic 2023.

Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United will face each other in thrilling showdowns during their pre-season tours in the United States this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

PL powerhouses to head to the USA Will lock horns against each other in pre-season friendlies Arteta "looking forward" to Stateside return GOALWHAT HAPPENED?

The action-packed schedule kicks off with a high-profile encounter between Arsenal and Manchester United at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 27. Next up, Liverpool will square off against Arsenal at the historic Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on July 31 and this clash promises to be a spectacle as two of England's footballing giants battle it out on American soil.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The excitement will continue as Liverpool will make their way to South Carolina to take on Manchester United at the prestigious Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia on August 3. This match marks Liverpool's return to the U.S. after a hiatus of five years, which will further fuel the excitement and anticipation of supporters who are eager to witness their favourite team in action. Chelsea and Manchester City will also cross the Atlantic during the 2024-25 pre-season and will go head-to-head in Columbus, Ohio.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

For Manchester United, this tour presents an opportunity to strengthen their bond with their American fanbase. Manchester United's football director John Murtough said: "The popularity of English football is continuously growing in the US, and we’ve come to expect passionate and enthusiastic support from our U.S. fan base. They didn’t disappoint last year and everyone at the club is looking forward to reconnecting with those fans again this summer.”

Whereas, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: "Our tour last year was a real success and it’s always an amazing experience to play in front of our passionate supporters in the US. We’re looking forward to returning and seeing everyone again.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Before they embark on their journey to the United States, the three English giants will be looking to excel in their respective domestic and European commitments. Jurgen Klopp's men are on the brink of lifting their first silverware of the season as they are set to lock horns with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Whereas, Arsenal and United will be in action in the Premier League against Newcastle United and Fulham respectively on Saturday. on Saturday.

The forward has seemed lost all season but now he looks utterly uninterested – what is eating away at United's biggest star?

It is hard to think of a sharper fall from grace for a footballer who should be enjoying the peak years of his career. Just under a year ago, Marcus Rashford was in the form of his life and looking like one of the best players in the world. It is no exaggeration to say that he was rivalling Kylian Mbappe as the top left-sided forward on the planet, and Paris Saint-Germain were interested in signing him as a potential replacement for the want-away France superstar.

But now Rashford looks a shadow of the player he was 12 months ago. The forward who scored 30 times in all competitions last season has just two goals to his name five months into this campaign.

It is not just his lack of goals that is attracting criticism. Rashford is barely creating any chances, for himself or his Manchester United team-mates, and he is not helping his team out by tracking back or supporting the defence. And with United looking abject whenever they play a half-decent team like Newcastle, his lack of work-rate is harming the team. He also looks thoroughly miserable.

So what is eating away at United's homegrown superstar and how can United help him get back on track?

GettyOne goal every 540 minutes

Rashford's lack of goals this season is particularly remarkable given how much football he has played. He has started every league game bar one when he was injured, playing 1081 minutes, only trailing Bruno Fernandes and Andre Onana in time on the pitch.

Despite his repeated opportunities, he has scored just twice, a cracking goal against Arsenal in September and a penalty against Everton in November, which Fernandes allowed him take in a bid to lift his confidence. Suffice to say, Fernandes' gesture is yet to have the desired effect.

He has also played four out of five games in the Champions League, only missing the trip to Galatasaray as he was suspended, and has failed to score at all in Europe's top competition.

AdvertisementGettyOne shot every two hours

You often hear a manager defending an out-of-form striker who keeps missing chances by saying that the positive thing is they are getting in the right positions, making the right moves and the goals will soon come.

But that is not the case with Rashford. The forward is averaging a shot on target every 120.9 minutes this season, the lowest rate of his entire United career. Last season, Rashford was averaging a shot on target every 57.8 minutes. In the 2019-20 season, his previous best, it was every 60.3 minutes.

And it is not the case that his team-mates are not passing to him or that he is not getting forward enough. He leads the United squad in progressive carries and progressive passes received.

United fans have got used to a very familiar sight this season, of Rashford tearing up the pitch down one of the flanks in a good position, only to be tackled, blocked or over-run the ball and send it out for a goal-kick.

GettyPerforming badly in a bad bunch

Rashford is far from alone in underperforming for United. Despite his woeful showings, he is the team's third-top scorer in the league, and his fellow forwards are faring even worse.

Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial have scored once, both against Everton, while £72m ($90m) signing Rasmus Hojlund is yet to score in domestic competition, although he has done very well in the Champions League, notching five goals.

But the fact United's forwards are struggling in general should be little consolation to Rashford. As the club's highest-paid player and one of their longest-serving, it is up to him to spearhead the team's attacking threat.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty'Even Antony was more effective'

Rashford's body language during the Newcastle game was heavily scrutinised by pundits, with Jermaine Jenas describing it as "shocking" on and Alan Shearer claiming on that the forward "didn't look interested".

Rashford's stroppy reaction at getting hauled off in the 61st minute got a lot of attention on social media, but he also seemed to play without desire the whole time he was on the pitch.

As Jim White put it in : "Here’s how wretched his performance was at St James’: when Antony came on to replace him, finally the team in red had a presence on the ball. For Rashford, that is as dark an indictment of a performance as you can get, when Antony is more effective than you are."

Gio Reyna has endured his fair share of injuries, with spells on the sidelines leading to the United States international kicking a video game habit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Midfielder has struggled with knocksEnjoying full fitness at presentHas changed routine off the pitchWHAT HAPPENED?

The Borussia Dortmund playmaker is still just 20 years of age, but he is into a fifth season in senior football. Reyna has passed the 100-appearance mark in Germany, but would have liked to have reached that mark much earlier than he did.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fitness issues have held him back at times, but stints on the treatment table have allowed the highly-rated midfielder to change his personal life for the better. Reyna has told Tim Ream’s podcast: “You learn things that you try to add into your rhythm, so it’s not just training, coming home, sitting alone, playing video games. Try to get more healthy habits into your day-to-day life, whether it’s going for a walk, or I don’t know, reading something, or just trying to pick up a new little habit.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Reyna has taken important lessons from his injury setbacks and feels he has become a stronger player and person because of them. He added: “You learn a lot in the process of being injured, not only physically but mentally. I’m only 20 and I feel like in the last few years I’ve gained so much more experience that I even try to give to younger guys here, and the younger guys at Dortmund too. Football can eat you up and spit you out at times. It’s a ruthless business, which everyone knows, and you face it at some point in your career.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Reyna has returned to the USMNT squad during the latest international break. He was included from the off by Gregg Berhalter in a friendly date with Germany – with 65 minutes taken in as United States attempt to come up with a system that allows them to get their best players into the same starting XI.

In his postgame press conference, USMNT head coach boss Gregg Berhalter criticized Sergino Dest over his 'inexcusable' red card.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

USMNT boss Berhalter rips into Dest over red cardFullback sent off for two yellows within 20 secondsUSA lose to Trinidad & Tobago but still advanceWHAT HAPPENED?

In a true moment of madness, Sergino Dest was sent off against Trinidad and Tobago after picking up two yellow cards in 20 seconds for dissent. The fullback was even pulled away by teammates after the first, but he refused to listen, and was removed from the match. U.S. boss Berhalter spoke on the incident postgame, saying he's disappointed in the 23-year-old, but doesn't want the issue to develop into a "witch hunt" either.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Berhalter has already had one major player-coach incident during his tenure with the USMNT, after the Gio Reyna situation following the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Now, the last thing the U.S. needs is another top young player suffering a similar incident with the head coach. However, after the antics from Dest – including his inability to listen to his teammates and essentially insult them – Berhalter clearly has a lot of thinking to do over the fullback's future with his program.

WHAT BERHALTER SAID

The USMNT boss said: "It is concerning because that's not what we want to represent. That's not who we are as a group. We pride ourselves on staying mentally disciplined, battling through any type of conditions, whether they're good decisions or bad decisions. We're supposed to keep going and respond in an appropriate way, and that obviously wasn't the right response from Sergino. He apologized to the group. He said it's not going to happen again. As a team, players, the staff, we need to hold him accountable because it's inexcusable. It really is and we were very firm with our words after the game. He put a number of guys in jeopardy and made a number of guys do a lot of extra work in this weather and it's inexcusable.

“I've been asked three or four questions about Sergino already and I don’t want this to become a witch hunt. He’s a young player, he’s a fantastic part of this team. He's going to learn and grow. He made a dumb mistake and he knows that. He apologized to the team and we will move forward.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?

Berhalter's squad have no remaining matches on their 2023 calendar, so 2024 now awaits the group, with three major tournaments on the horizon: The CONCACAF Nations League, the Copa America and the Olympics, although the latter will see the U-23 squad, coached by Marko Mitrovic, play at the games.

The USWNT striker hasn't scored for her country since February, and another big miss won't silence any doubters.

This was Alex Morgan's chance. After several months of hearing about it, this was the night she could finally end her goalscoring drought. She was handed the perfect opportunity, a chance from the penalty spot that could silence any doubts.

She missed it. Morgan's shot smashed off the post. The drought continues.

It was the best chance the USWNT had in a 0-0 draw with Colombia that saw both teams largely nullify the other's threat. Save for Morgan's penalty and one more clear-cut chance for the USWNT striker, the U.S. was largely quiet. Colombia, too, were not quite a it, with their star player, Linda Caicedo, marshalled well by the USWNT defense.

Overall, it was more of the same for the USWNT, who looked a lot like the team that fell short at the World Cup this past summer. The Olympic countdown is on, and the U.S. remains a team that could use a bit more life.

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from America First Field…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defense

Alyssa Naeher (6/10):

Barely had to do anything as Colombia had just two shots, with only one on target.

Crystal Dunn (6/10):

A bit quiet in the first half but got more involved as the game wore on. Came off in the second half with one eye on the NWSL playoffs.

Alana Cook (6/10):

Not bad, but looked a bit slow at points, especially whenever Caicedo was anywhere near her.

Naomi Girma (7/10):

It's just a constant at this point: Girma is good every time she's on the field. Was shifted to the right to help defend Caicedo, and did a great job in keeping her quiet.

Emily Fox (8/10):

A fantastic performance from the fullback, who limited the other team's best player while having a few impressive moments of her own.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Andi Sullivan (6/10):

Solid defensively but didn't do much to help the attack. Part of the downsides of playing her alongside another No.6.

Emily Sonnett (6/10):

Similar to Sullivan. Definitely helped control the pace, but the U.S. had no real attacking edge with this midfield group.

Lindsey Horan (6/10):

Created a few good moments, but didn't have many options at points. Took a scary hit near the end, but thankfully avoided a serious head injury.

GettyAttack

Lynn Williams (6/10):

Plenty of effort, but it took a bit of time for her to get into the game on the attacking end. Was definitely active, though, so a good performance overall.

Alex Morgan (4/10):

Missed one chance that was on a silver platter and then botched the penalty. The goalless streak goes on.

Trinity Rodman (7/10):

Was willing to try things and solid on the ball, even if she didn't quite have the end product. A dangerous player almost every time she plays.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Becky Sauerbrunn (6/10):

Great to have her back. The long-time captain played 45 impressive minutes as she looks ahead to one last Olympic run.

Ashley Hatch (6/10):

Had a fantastic chance in the 75th minute that produced a great save. Was dangerous after coming on.

Savannah DeMelo (7/10):

Brought a whole lot of life into the game. End product wasn't quite there, but you can't fault her effort or energy.

Casey Krueger (6/10):

Nearly gave away a penalty, but the key word there is nearly. Otherwise, solid defensively.

Sophia Smith (6/10):

Could have scored in the final moments, but was unlucky as her shot hit the post. Still, a good runout.

Jaedyn Shaw (N/A):

Welcome to the USWNT! Came on very late, but definitely added something. Would be nice to see more of her going forward.

Twila Kilgore (5/10):

Lineup choices left you wondering what we were supposed to learn from this. There were so many dynamic, young players in the team, but Kilgore opted for more of the same in a friendly that could have been a good litmus test for new players.