GOAL US looks at the weekend's action for Americans Abroad, with a focus on Christian Pulisic's Milan and FA Cup hope for Fulham
What do we make of the FA Cup in 2025? The competition certainly doesn't carry its old weight. These days, it runs off fumes and vibes, surviving mostly on nostalgia and the vague promise that an upset or two is likely. We are told, every year, that a lower-league club could threaten a top-tier team. It looks less and less likely with every iteration of the competition. Still, there is football to be played, and USMNT regulars to play it. Antonee Robinson will be in the mix for Fulham, who will feel that they have a winnable tie against struggling Wigan. Josh Sargent, too, has a shot for Norwich as they take on Derby. Two Americans in the last 16 certainly wouldn't hurt.
Elsewhere on the continent, Christian Pulisic should be up to his usual antics for Milan. There aren't many good opponents for the these days. Empoli is a rare team that they routinely trounce. No way this can go wrong, right? There is poor news out of Holland, though, with scattered reports that USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi could miss the season after sustaining a knee injury against Liverpool in the Champions League – ending his best campaign yet prematurely.
Either way, there are storylines to follow all over the place, and GOAL US previews all of them ahead of what should be another interesting weekend for Americans on the continent.
AFPPulisic, Milan, look for consistency
Zoom out, and it's been a good week for AC Milan. Yes, the 1-1 draw with Inter was poor given the circumstances – they conceded late having controlled proceedings for the most part. But this was a fringe European contender against the title favorites. Take the point and move on. Wednesday was even better. Something awoke in the oft-maligned Tammy Abraham, it seems. Milan has effectively brought in his replacement in the shape of Santi Gimenez. Abraham woke up to the tune of two goals to carry Milan to a 3-1 win. Pulisic was there throughout, pulling the strings, while Yunus Musah also impressed in moments.
It would seem an opportune time, then, to face a struggling Empoli. They are a favorite opponent of Milan's. The haven't lost to them since 2017, and have won seven of their last eight against the central Italian side. Pulisic grabbed an assist in a 3-0 win last time they met. Another convincing performance — as well as a top showing from the American — would make for a pleasant weekend.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportFulham's pursuit of silverware begins
What would be considered a successful season for Fulham? A top 10 finish? European football feels unlikely at this point, with Newcastle, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Chelsea all more likely to snag the last spot. Ninth would be immense for Marco Silva's side, though, who play some truly excellent stuff. they turned in arguably their best performance of the season last weekend, coming from behind to beat Newcastle at St. James Park. it was a performance full of aggression and intent. It might have been easy to fold and get battered. Instead, they turned things around in a confidence-boosting win.
That bounce could be vital ahead of an FA Cup fourth-round tie with Wigan. The FA Cup remains an important thing for clubs such as Fulham. It is — outside of the Carabao Cup — the only competition they could realistically win. For fans of this club, it would mean the world to make a run. And while other Premier League clubs have increasingly treated the competition with disrespect by benching key names, Fulham have put their strongest side out. That will likely mean 90 minutes for Antonee Robinson, who has consistently cropped up among too-early Teams of the Season among the British press. A win here and can dream.
Getty Images SportJosh Sargent to continue his streak
Well, U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino doesn't have a choice anymore. Josh Sargent is his main man — as a result of injuries. It's not the most confidence-inspiring prospect. Folarin Balogun was option No. 1 – and then dislocated his shoulder. Ricardo Pepi – in the middle of an excellent season – was No. 2, but might be out for the season with a knee issue. That leaves a handful of choices that don't exactly inspire confidence. Sargent is a confusing player. He has proved, consistently, that he can be a top goalscorer in the English championship. Any higher, though, and he looks a little out of his depth.
Or, at least, that's the perception. Since his return from injury a couple of weeks ago, Sargent has diligently gone about doing away with that assumption. He has scored three in two starts and has put eight shots on goal across those two games. In other words, he's getting plenty of chances, and converting them. That would seem to set the table for this weekend nicely. The FA Cup is big for Norwich, and Derby – also an EFL Championship side – won't be an easy foe. If Sargent shows up, a fifth round appearance could be on the cards.
GettyTessmann and the Lyon mess
A word, too, on Tanner Tessmann. The USMNT young player of the year is caught in the mess that is Lyon. His move to the French side is looking less and less prudent by the day, with the club descending deeper into financial crisis. they endured a chaotic January transfer window and were on the verge of selling their star man Rayan Cherki — before pulling out of the deal. Tessmann, for his part, has been diligent and professional amongst it all. He was only handed a brief cameo last time out but will look to see his role increase in the coming months as seventh-placed Lyon look to turn their fortunes around.
