A notable weekend unfolded for several U.S. men`s national team members playing in Europe, as Malik Tillman and Chris Richards secured important trophies for their respective clubs in dramatic fashion in the Netherlands and England.
Tillman found the back of the net in PSV`s 3-1 victory against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, helping PSV clinch the Eredivisie title for the second consecutive year. This completed one of Europe`s most captivating title races this season. PSV started the final day just one point ahead of Ajax. A win guaranteed the championship. Both PSV and Ajax (facing Twente) led at halftime, but Sparta equalized against PSV in the 52nd minute via Gjivai Zechiel, momentarily lifting Ajax into first place.
Ajax`s time at the top was short-lived. Just six minutes later, Luuk de Jong scored for PSV. Tillman then secured the title for the Eindhoven side, making a run into the box after Guus Til`s header. This marked Tillman`s 15th goal across all competitions this season, adding to his five assists.
Club and national teammate Sergino Dest played the full 90 minutes, having successfully returned in March from an ACL tear suffered last year and featuring in seven matches to conclude the season. Fellow USMNT player Ricardo Pepi will also receive a winner`s medal, having played 28 games and scored 17 goals in all competitions despite being sidelined by a knee injury since January.
While the final day was dramatic, the overall title race over the preceding weeks was even more intense. Ajax had a golden opportunity to win their first league title in three years but squandered a nine-point lead with seven games remaining. This lead resulted from their 14-match unbeaten run contrasting with PSV`s poor form (only two wins in nine games). However, Ajax won only three of their final seven matches, while PSV won seven straight. PSV officially surpassed Ajax on Wednesday after a 4-1 win over Heracles, aided by Ajax`s 2-2 draw at Groningen. PSV ultimately finished the season two points clear at the top.
Both PSV and Ajax will return to the UEFA Champions League next season; it will be Ajax`s first appearance since 2022-23.
Richards and Crystal Palace Claim FA Cup Glory
The excitement in the Netherlands followed a historic event in England, where Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday, securing the club`s first major trophy as a top-flight side.
Eberechi Eze scored the sole goal in the 16th minute, setting the stage for City`s relentless attacks in search of an equalizer that never materialized. This included a penalty save by Dean Henderson on Omar Marmoush`s attempt in the 36th minute. This moment was controversial, as the Palace goalkeeper could arguably have been sent off earlier for handling the ball outside the penalty area.
City ultimately took 23 shots, applying immense pressure on the Palace defense. However, several players made crucial last-ditch interventions. Chris Richards was a standout performer, making 11 clearances and six blocks at Wembley Stadium, also winning four out of five aerial duels. His defensive efforts were vital in Palace`s FA Cup win, making them only the second team outside England`s traditional `big six` to win the trophy in the last 12 years.
“We just tried to keep it one play at a time,” Richards commented after the match, according to ESPN. “The first 15 minutes, we didn`t touch the ball. So we`re just thinking, if we can just do our job and let the guys up front put one or two in, that`s exactly what we`re gonna do. And I think our first attack, we scored. So I mean, we`re a really tight group. A shutout starts from the front, so all 11 that played, 11 that started today, was a part of the clean sheet.”
Richards joins his Crystal Palace and USMNT teammate Matt Turner as an FA Cup champion. Turner made three appearances in the competition before first-choice keeper Henderson took over in the quarterfinals. They are now the second and third Americans to win the FA Cup, following Tim Howard`s triumph with Manchester United in 2004.
