Full-length Replay: USMNT Kit Grades, Pulisic’s Coppa Italia Loss, and Messi’s Heated MLS Clash
It was a dramatic week for USMNT players abroad, with headlines coming from Italy, the Netherlands, England, and beyond. In Coppa Italia action, Christian Pulisic started for AC Milan as they sought their first cup title since 2003, but it was Bologna who stole the spotlight. Dan Ndoye—whom the USMNT will face in June with Switzerland—scored the only goal to lift Bologna to their first major trophy in 51 years. AC Milan now looks ahead to Sunday’s critical Serie A matchup against Roma, while Juventus faces Udinese the same day. Elsewhere, Inter take on Lazio, and Parma host Napoli in key matchups that could shake up the title race. Over in the Eredivisie, Malik Tillman turned heads with a brace in PSV's 4–1 win over Heracles, while Sergiño Dest returned to form with an assist. Ajax conceded a 90th-minute equalizer, keeping PSV atop the table by a single point with one game remaining. In the English Championship playoffs, Sunderland dramatically advanced past Haji Wright and Coventry thanks to Dan Ballard’s 120th-minute goal. The USMNT's fall schedule is taking shape, with two September friendlies announced. The U.S. will face South Korea on September 6 and Japan on September 9. These matches follow the USMNT’s Gold Cup title bid this summer on FOX. Stateside, MLS Rivalry Week brings intense matchups. Columbus Crew face in-state rivals FC Cincinnati in the Hell is Real Derby. The always-heated Portland vs. Seattle clash follows LAFC’s 4–0 rout of Seattle and Portland’s 0–0 draw with RSL. In Southern California, LA Galaxy take on LAFC after blowing a lead in a dramatic 3–2 loss to Philadelphia.
