A quick read ahead of the weekend:
- Richards and the FA Cup Final
- Tillman and PSV Poised for Eredivisie Glory
- Richards and the FA Cup Final
As Crystal Palace prepare to face Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final, American defender Chris Richards stands on the verge of making history. If Palace triumph at Wembley, Richards would become just the third American player to win the prestigious trophy in its 153-year history, following Tim Howard (Manchester United, 2004) and Julian Sturgis (Wanderers, 1873).
The 25-year-old Alabama native has overcome significant challenges this season, battling back from injury and reinserting himself in the Palace starting XI. He hasn't missed a match since being left on the bench for the Boxing Day draw with Bournemouth.
Richards brings a traditional defender's mentality to Palace's back three alongside Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix: "I would rather have a shut-out than connect a pass the whole game. I like getting stuck in, I like getting physical, I like slide-tackles, I like headers, I like being what a defender is."
Palace face a formidable challenge against Manchester City, who are desperate to avoid their first trophyless season since 2016/17. While City are clear favorites, Palace can take confidence from their spirited 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park in December and their impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-finals. Manager Oliver Glasner believes his side is ready to upset the odds and claim the club's first major trophy in their history.
- Tillman and PSV Poised for Eredivisie Glory
PSV Eindhoven stands on the verge of completing a remarkable title turnaround in the Dutch Eredivisie, with American internationals Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest playing crucial roles in their championship push. After trailing Ajax by nine points with just five matches remaining, PSV has seized control of the title race dramatically.
Wednesday's fixtures proved pivotal in the championship battle as PSV demolished Heracles Almelo 4-1 at the Philips Stadion while Ajax stumbled to a 2-2 draw against Groningen after conceding a heartbreaking equalizer nine minutes into stoppage time.
American midfielder Tillman was the star of the show for PSV, netting twice in their comprehensive victory. His clinical finishing helped Peter Bosz's side leapfrog their rivals into a one-point lead at the top of the table with just one match remaining. Meanwhile, fullback Dest continued his impressive form since returning from injury, providing an assist in the victory.
"It's something you wouldn't even dare to dream," admitted PSV captain Luuk de Jong after the match, reflecting on their incredible comeback.
PSV now need just a victory against 11th-placed Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday to secure the Eredivisie crown, regardless of Ajax's result against Twente. With six consecutive wins and 22 goals scored in their last six matches, PSV appears ready to help deliver a championship that seemed impossible just weeks ago.
- Americans in the Bundesliga
Saturday marks an intriguing finale to the Bundesliga season, featuring several American players facing off against each other. In a unique coincidence, John Tolkin of Holstein Kiel will meet Gio Reyna's Dortmund, while Joe Scally's Borussia Mönchengladbach hosts Wolfsburg, where Kevin Paredes is on the roster.
Though Kiel's relegation is already confirmed after their 2-1 defeat to Freiburg last weekend, Tolkin has been a bright spot since joining from New York Red Bulls in January. The 22-year-old left-back has started eight matches for the Storks, who will look to end their maiden Bundesliga campaign with dignity against Champions League-chasing Dortmund.
Meanwhile, Reyna's frustrating season continues at Dortmund, where he's made just 15 appearances with only three starts. Despite being part of a Dortmund side that's surged back into Champions League contention with just one defeat in their last seven matches, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been an unused substitute in recent games.
In Mönchengladbach, Scally has been one of the few consistent performers for Die Fohlen during their disappointing campaign. The right-back has started 30 of 31 appearances this season, though Gladbach's European hopes have vanished following a poor run of form (0-2-4) in recent weeks.
Scally won't face his injured compatriot Paredes, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue for Wolfsburg's trip to Borussia-Park. The 21-year-old winger has struggled with injuries this season, making just two appearances since returning from a foot problem.