Tag: USMNT

USMNT star Christian Pulisic had a weak explanation for his Donald Trump dance goal celebration

If you’re going to make a political statement, stand by it.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election for a second presidential term, we’ve seen several athletes signal their support for Trump by copying a dance the president-elect has been known to do at his rallies. But when it came time to explain the dance, they all had similar answers.

U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic was no different.

Pulisic — who is enjoying a career-best season at AC Milan — scored the opening goal in the USMNT’s CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal win against Jamaica on Monday. And when Pulisic made his celebratory trot to the corner flag, many were surprised to see Pulisic break out that same Donald Trump dance we’ve already witnessed from Brock Bowers and Jon Jones.

Now, Pulisic is entitled to his political opinions — no matter how divisive they may be. And it’s no secret where he stands in that regard. But what was odd was how he brushed off the dance as simply something he saw as “funny.”

Pulisic said after the match via The Athletic:

“Well obviously that’s the Trump dance,” Pulisic said when asked whether he intentionally celebrated with viral moves. “It was just a dance that everyone’s doing. He’s the one who created it. I just thought it was funny.”

He continued:

“I saw everyone doing it yesterday in the NFL, I saw Jon Jones do it,” Pulisic said after the game. “We’re just having a bit of fun, so I thought it was a pretty fun dance.”

…

“No, not at all,” Pulisic said. “It’s not a political dance. It was just for fun. I saw a bunch of people do it and I thought it was funny, so I enjoyed it. I hope some people did, at least.”

And while teammates Weston McKennie (a vocal Trump critic) and Ricardo Pepi joined Pulisic on the dance, it’s awfully disingenuous for Pulisic to dismiss a clearly political dance as something he happened to see in the NFL and UFC. It’s an inherently political statement, and if you’re going to make one, at least have the courage to stand by it and explain it.

When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality, he didn’t shy away from questions. When USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe did the same, she was also able to answer for it. She wrote an entire piece about it.

If Pulisic wants to use his platform as the face of the USMNT to do that dance, he should be brave enough to give an honest explanation. He wasn’t willing to do that on Monday.

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USMNT vs. Jamaica odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s USMNT vs. Jamaica odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

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The USMNT welcomes Jamaica to CITYPARK in St. Louis Monday for the second of a 2-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal battle. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the USMNT vs. Jamaica odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

The USMNT will be playing their fourth game under coach Mauricio Pochettino. They won 1-0 at Jamaica in the first leg Thursday, but somewhat managed 6 fewer shots despite 60% possession. The USMNT struggled in the group stage of Copa America, failing to qualify for the knockout stage, but are expected to improve with their new coach. The USMNT is 2-1-2 in 5 matches since the July tournament.

Jamaica has only played in 5 Nations League battles since also bowing out of Copa America in the group stage. They lost to Mexico 1-0, Ecuador 3-1, and Venezuela 3-0 in that tournament and are 2-2-1 in their Nations League competitions since. Jamaica had a strong home showing despite a 1-0 loss Thursday. Jamaica ended with 1 more foul and 1 fewer shot on frame.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

USMNT vs. Jamaica odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated at Sunday at 11:36 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USMNT -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Jamaica +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Draw +370 (bet $100 to win $370)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -157 | U: +117)

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USMNT vs. Jamaica picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 2, Jamaica 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

There’s no good value here.

The USMNT are playing at home and should come out on top, but at almost 3 times your wager for a unit of return, there’s no way taking a team that had fewer shots than their opponent in the game prior is a good wager.

Similarly, Jamaica hasn’t beaten a good opponent in quite some time, and they will struggle to really keep pace, especially on the road. Avoid any moneyline play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+117).

The USMNT have a strong backline full of talent from the English Premier League, one of the top leagues in the world. However, they have consistently struggled to use similar talent to produce offensively. They have gone Under in 4 straight matches and in 7 of their last 9 outings.

The USMNT have held a clean sheet twice in their last 3 games. Jamaica has gone Under in 4 of their last 5 matches. They have scored a total of 4 goals in their last 5 contests and haven’t scored in 3 of them. Considering those trends, back UNDER 2.5 (+117).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Jamaica vs. USMNT odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Jamaica vs. USMNT odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

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Jamaica welcomes the USMNT to National Stadium Independence Park Thursday for the first of a 2-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal battle. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the Jamaica vs. USMNT odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

The USMNT will be playing just their third game under a new regime, one guided by coach Mauricio Pochettino. This will be his first real game of importance, having lost 2-0 to Mexico on Oct. 15 and having beaten Panama 2-0 on Oct. 12. The USMNT had a terrible Copa America showing, bowing out in the group stage and is 1-1-2 (2 losses) in their 4 friendlies since.

Jamaica also failed to do much of anything in the summer tournament, losing to Mexico 1-0, Ecuador 3-1 and Venezuela 3-0 in the group stage. It has played in 4 CONCACAF Nations League match days since and went 2-2-0 in those. Jamaica’s most recent match was a 0-0 home draw with Honduras, ending with 9 fewer shots despite having 61% possession.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Jamaica vs. USMNT odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated at 6:51 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Jamaica +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | USMNT +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Draw +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +129 | U: -173)

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Jamaica vs. USMNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 2, Jamaica 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET USMNT (+100).

The USMNT should have a new fire under Pochettino, and star F Christian Pulisic is playing at one of the highest levels in his career with AC Milan. They also bringing a star-studded backline led by Fulham D Antonee Robinson and Crystal Palace D Chris Richards. The USMNT, although at home, did put 25 shots on Jamaica and had 4 more shots on frame in a March CONCACAF battle as well.

Jamaica was rocked against quality teams in Copa America, losing all 3 games and dropping its last 2 matches against Ecuador and Venezuela by multiple goals. Despite winning or drawing all 4 since, it only had more shots against Cuba.

Considering Jamaica recent struggles, BACK USMNT (+100).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-173).

Neither side has consistently scored over the last few months. Jamaica scored 1 goal in 3 Copa America games and tallied 4 goals against inferior opponents in its Nations League battles since.

The USMNT have gone Under in 3 straight matches, scoring just 3 goals in those. They have gone Under this total in 6 of their last 8 games.

Considering these trends, TAKE UNDER 2.5 (-173).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Mexico vs. USMNT odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Mexico vs. USMNT odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

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Mexico welcomes the USMNT to Estadio Akron in Guadalajara for a friendly Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (TNT / Telemundo / Max). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the Mexico vs. USMNT odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

The USMNT had their first game under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, and that resulted in a 2-0 win over Panama at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas Saturday. The USMNT played 2 friendlies in September, drawing New Zealand 1-1 in Cincinnati and losing to Canada 2-1 in Kansas City. Those came on the back of a disappointing Copa America, in which the USMNT went 1-0-2 (2 losses) and failed to qualify for the knockout stage.

Mexico was also in Copa America. With a 1-1-1 record, it also failed to qualify for the knockout stage. In those June games, Mexico beat Jamaica 1-0, lost to Venezuela 1-0 and drew Ecuador 0-0. Since, Mexico has beaten New Zealand 3-0 in an international friendly Sept. 7 and drew Canada 0-0 in a friendly Sept. 10. Mexico has played 5 friendlies this season, going 2-2-1.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Mexico vs. USMNT odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated Monday at 11:17 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Mexico +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | USMNT +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Draw +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -190)

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Mexico vs. USMNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 2, Mexico 2

Moneyline (ML)

BET DRAW (+220).

Mexico and the USMNT have played relatively close games over the last few years. While the USMNT has won a combined 5-0 in its last 2 matches — 2-0 in March and 3-0 in June 2023 — the 2 prior matches were draws.

The last 2 times these teams played in Mexico, they tied  — a 0-0 draw in March 2022 and a 1-1 draw in June 2017. Plus, Mexico has drawn 2 of its last 3 games.

The USMNT has dominated the rivalry recently, but those were at home and not in a hostile environment with a new coach. The Americans have drawn 2 of their last 7 games and have had a one-score difference in 3 of those 7. So, their games have been close recently.

For the value, BACK DRAW (+220).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+130).

The most enticing play here is the Draw, but taking Over given these odds also presents a reasonable option. The USMNT has gone over this total in 2 of its last 5 matches.

The USMNT totaled 11 shots and allowed 13 against Panama, so it didn’t necessarily heavily limit its opponent. Mexico is 1-1 O/U in its post-Copa America friendlies. In Mexico’s last 4 friendlies, it has gone Over in 3 of them.

Considering these trends, TAKE OVER 2.5 (+130).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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USMNT vs. Panama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s USMNT vs. Panama odds and lines, with expert soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

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The USMNT welcomes Panama to Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Saturday. Kickoff in the international friendly is set for 9 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the USMNT vs. Panama odds, and make our best soccer picks and predictions.

New USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino will make his debut leading the team. The Americans, 18th in the last FIFA rankings, are coming off a disappointing result, drawing New Zealand 1-1 in Cincinnati on Sept. 10. The USMNT’s last tournament resulted in a group stage exodus in Copa America, losing to Panama 2-1 following an 18th-minute red card to F Timothy Weah in 1 of those 3 games.

The Panamanians, who are 37th in the FIFA rankings, have not played since a 5-0 quarterfinal loss to Colombia in Copa América on July 6. They did have a much better tournament showing than the USMNT. Panama lost to Uruguay 3-1, beat the USMNT 2-1, and finished up the group stage with a 3-1 win over Bolivia to qualify for the quarterfinal where they were throttled by Colombia.

The U.S. has an all-time 17-3-7 mark against their Central American counterparts since the 1st meeting in 1993. Following Saturday’s contest, the USA heads to Guadalajara to visit El Tri on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

USMNT vs. Panama odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated Friday at 10:58 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USMNT -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Panama +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Draw +320 (bet $100 to win $320)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: -115)

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USMNT vs. Panama picks and predictions

Prediction

USMNT 3, Panama 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Many of the top USMNT players should be in action in this game, including star F Christian Pulisic, who could start under his new coach and see 70-plus minutes.

With that excitement should come a result; however, the USMNT are far too expensive to play to win outright. One would find better value in playing that their offense helps push the total Over, which is the suggested route here.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-125).

If the Panama defense showed anything during Copa America, it is that, against quality opponents, it is going to struggle immensely. It gave up 3 goals to Uruguay to open the tournament and then was eliminated by allowing 5 to Colombia. While its offense was nothing too impressive, it did net 4 goals in the group stage and scored in every game. Each of its 4 Copa America matches went Over this total.

The USMNT should see some new and hopefully improved tactics offensively. They are 2-2 O/U this total in their last 4 games. Their game with Panama went north of this total as 19 shots were tallied. The USMNT has allowed a goal in its last 4 games as well. Considering those trends, take OVER 2.5 (-125).

It might even be worthwhile to consider something on the Alternative Over 3.5 (+196) for a chance to double up.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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Fans were so fired up after U.S. Soccer finally announced Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT head coach

It is FINALLY official.

When U.S. Soccer parted ways with former U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter, the federation knew that it was going to have to be ambitious with the coaching search. The USMNT — despite boasting the most talented roster in the program’s history — was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America and lacked any optimism for the 2026 World Cup.

The USSF had to get the hire right, and technical director Matt Crocker pulled off just about the best hire he could have made.

After literal weeks of speculation and reports of an imminent announcement, the USSF finally introduced Mauricio Pochettino as USMNT head coach ahead of the team’s friendly against New Zealand.

https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1833634121333281182

Pochettino — most recently the manager at Chelsea FC — gives the USMNT a coach who has led the biggest clubs and players in the world. He took Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final. He won Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain. He also previously worked with Crocker at Southampton where Pochettino led the club to its best-ever finish in the Premier League. He also coached Chelsea at the same time as now-USWNT head coach Emma Hayes who was leading the Chelsea women’s squad.

And while negotiations over a Chelsea buyout held up the announcement, the USSF was able to see the process through and get the deal done. USMNT fans were overwhelmingly fired up for the new head coach who will make his debut in October.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

https://twitter.com/herculezg/status/1833634696024007074

https://twitter.com/MenInBlazers/status/1833634386379677959

https://twitter.com/Ceruti/status/1833636880170057902

https://twitter.com/BlakeKBullock/status/1833635028338676032

https://twitter.com/ManagerTactical/status/1833634205957271700

https://twitter.com/King_TylerB/status/1833636719994016109

https://twitter.com/sophwwfc/status/1833634304548651162

https://twitter.com/NocturnalGunner/status/1833634353840312367

https://twitter.com/Nabhuto/status/1833635595262046651

https://twitter.com/MatterallM/status/1833634736742277534

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USMNT announces October friendly vs. Mexico in Guadalajara

The teams will meet at the Estadio Akron, one of Mexico’s three World Cup 2026 venues

The U.S. men’s national team has announced it will face Mexico in a friendly on October 15 in Guadalajara.

The match will take place at the Estadio Akron, home to Liga MX power Chivas, and one of the three venues in Mexico hosting matches in the 2026 World Cup.

Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET, with the game set to be broadcast on TNT and Max. 

The match looks likely to be the second in charge for Mauricio Pochettino, with the Argentine and U.S. Soccer reportedly reaching an agreement over a deal to take over as USMNT head coach.

The move hasn’t been announced yet, and ESPN has reported that ex-U.S. under-20 head coach Mikey Varas is set to lead the team as an interim for two September friendlies.

That would make Pochettino’s debut as USMNT head coach an October 12 friendly against Panama in Austin, Texas, which will be followed by a trip to Mexico.

USMNT on record run vs. Mexico

The game in Guadalajara will give the USMNT a chance to build on a program-record run of seven matches unbeaten against El Tri.

The two sides most recently met in March, with the USMNT easily defeating Mexico 2-0 in the Nations League final.

Though the USMNT and Mexico meet on a frequent basis, the occasion rarely happens south of the border.

Of the past 16 meetings between the USMNT and Mexico, only two have been in Mexico: World Cup qualifying matches in 2017 and in 2022, which both ended in draws. The last friendly between the two teams in Mexico was in 2013.

Each team is coming off a disappointing Copa América group-stage exit, with both sacking their managers in the wake of the summer tournament.

Mexico fired Jaime Lozano last month, and later confirmed the appointment of Javier Aguirre for a third stint as head coach.

The USMNT, meanwhile, sacked Gregg Berhalter and now appears on the verge of naming Pochettino as his successor.

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Musah sparks stunning AC Milan comeback vs. Torino with assist

Pulisic overcame an injury to suit up for Milan, but Musah ended up making the bigger impact in a dramatic late comeback

Yunus Musah played a major role as AC Milan escaped a potentially troubling start to the 2024-25 Serie A season.

The U.S. men’s national team midfielder came off the bench to notch an assist in stoppage time as the Rossoneri recovered from a two-goal deficit after 88 minutes to secure a 2-2 draw with Torino.

Saturday’s clash was a debut for new manager Paulo Fonseca, but it looked destined to be an opener to forget for Milan. Malick Thiaw’s 30th-minute own goal seemed to suck the air out of the San Siro, and — moments after a Milan penalty was overturned by VAR — Duvan Zapata made it 2-0 to the visitors.

Fonseca turned to his bench, first giving Spain striker Álvaro Morata his competitive debut before bringing Musah on for his USMNT teammate Christian Pulisic.

Largely setting up at right back, Musah played a major role as Milan conjured up a stunning late escape. Opta credited him with playing a part in a whopping seven shot attempts after entering the match in the 73rd minute.

First, the 21-year-old’s long-range effort eventually became Morata’s first Milan goal. Musah struck with power, only for a Torino defender to provide a block. The rebound fell to Tijjani Reijnders, who fizzed a ball in for the veteran striker to calmly guide home in the 89th minute.

Musah was a bigger factor in the equalizer. Receiving the ball in space on the right, the USMNT midfielder swung in an inch-perfect cross for Noah Okafor, who didn’t have to break stride to volley past Torino’s Vanja Milinković-Savić.

Pulisic, meanwhile, started as Milan’s No. 10 on the day, a possibility Fonseca discussed coming into the season.

While Saturday wasn’t the USMNT star’s best day at the office — his last action of the match was a shot over the bar from point-blank range — it will come as a relief nonetheless. Pulisic was an injury doubt heading into the match, with his status unclear until Milan released its starting lineup on the day.

Watch Musah’s dramatic late assist

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Amid transfer interest, USMNT’s Sargent off the mark for Norwich City

Sargent showed why Norwich City is reportedly placing a $25 million valuation with his first goal of the Championship season

Josh Sargent isn’t letting the transfer rumors swirling around him distract from his job at Norwich City.

The U.S. men’s national team forward scored his first goal of the 2024-25 season, offering up a powerful finish in what became a 2-2 Championship draw with Blackburn.

Sargent also provided an assist as the Canaries took a second-half lead through Borja Sainz, but Norwich had to settle for a point after Yuki Ohashi’s late equalizer for the visitors.

With his side trailing 1-0 in the 65th minute, Sargent made his mark. Defender Callum Doyle’s clever pass found the USMNT man in a seam in Blackburn’s defense, but Sargent still had plenty to do.

Facing a somewhat tricky angle, Sargent could have cut the ball back, or tried to round his man to get to the endline for a cross. Instead, the 24-year-old called his own number, smashing a left-footed rocket past goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.

Sargent would do much of the heavy lifting as Norwich took the lead eight minutes later. The Missouri native won the ball at midfield, pushed into the Blackburn half, instigated a one-two to break through the visitors’ back line, and zipped a low cross in for Sainz to finish on the doorstep.

The good second half made up for a first half in which Sargent, by his own coach’s account, should have had a hat trick. However, Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup praised Sargent for brushing off the misses and getting the job done.

“We made some adjustments at halftime and came out way stronger in the second,” said Hoff Thorup. “Imagine [Sargent] going in at half-time knowing he could have scored a hat-trick? But he kept on going and showed the right attitude.”

Sargent will be hoping he can be just as prolific this season as he was last year. Despite missing a long spell due to ankle surgery, Sargent scored 16 times in 26 league appearances for the Canaries, at one point scoring 11 goals over a 14-game span.

That good form sparked some significant transfer interest in Sargent. GiveMeSport reported that FC Cincinnati offered as much as $20 million to bring the USMNT forward to MLS, only for Norwich to insist on a valuation over $25 million. Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that St. Louis City is also interested in Sargent’s signature.

Watch Sargent score his first goal of the season

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Horvath literally takes eyes off the ball as Cardiff suffers Burnley rout

Horvath and Cardiff City have gotten off to a nightmarish start to the 2024-25 season

Ethan Horvath and Cardiff City have not exactly gotten off to a good start in the 2024-25 Championship season.

The U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper made an embarrassing mistake in the early stages of the Bluebirds’ league clash at Burnley on Saturday, conceding the first goal in what turned into a 5-0 rout.

Cardiff City’s Championship schedule has 44 more fixtures left to play, and the Wales-based club will be hoping its first two outings are its worst back-to-back games of the season. After two rounds of play, the Bluebirds have lost twice, conceding seven times and scoring none.

At Turf Moor, the game seemed to be settling into a very normal rhythm in its first nine minutes, with the visitors regaining possession after a series of loose balls in the midfield.

Around 25 yards from goal, center back Dimitrios Goutas received a simple pass and turned to scan for his next option. With pressure arriving, the Greek defender changed his mind, and calmly played a slow roller back to Horvath for the kind of long clearance forward that is a universal occurrence in the sport.

Just one problem: as the pass arrived at his right foot, Horvath glanced upfield, losing track of the ball. The USMNT man didn’t get much (if any) of a touch, and Goutas’ pass carried on past Horvath, rolling over the line for a debacle of a goal.

“We conceded an unlucky goal. The mistake that happened with our goalkeeper,” Bluebirds manager Erol Bulut told reporters after the match. “This can happen, and we are fully behind Ethan. He has saved many goals for us in other games.”

Adding insult to injury, official Championship stat-keeping eventually ruled that the goal will go into the record books as a Horvath own goal.

Burnley would manufacture a goal of its own in the 31st minute, with U.S.-eligible winger Luca Koleosho getting on the scoresheet. For Cardiff, things only got worse, with Burnley scoring three second-half goals to turn the match into a blowout.

Cardiff City has eight days to sort itself out before its next match, a Welsh derby against Swansea.

Watch Horvath’s error for Cardiff City

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