The EFL Cup third round kicked off on Tuesday with several American players in action.
Chris Richards and Crystal Palace secured their spot in the fourth round after a 2-1 victory over QPR in a London Derby at Loftus Road Stadium. Richards played the full 90 minutes in defense as the Eagles found the back of the net once in each half.
Eddie Nketiah netted his first goal for Palace in the 16th minute before Sam Field equalized for QPR nine minutes into the second half. However, Eberechi Eze scored the game-winning goal against his former team to secure the win for Oliver Glasner’s side.
Richards operated on the right side of a back-three and managed to win four duels, make two interceptions, and five recoveries during the match.
Both teams will return to their league fixtures this weekend.
Gabriel Slonina, Barnsley suffer heavy defeat against Manchester United
League One outfit Barnsley aimed for an upset at Old Trafford but ended up on the wrong side of a 7-0 thrashing by Manchester United.
Gabriel Slonina started for Darrell Clarke’s team but saw Antony score from the penalty spot after a foul by Slonina, extending United’s lead to 2-0 in the first half.
Marcus Rashford, who opened the scoring, ended the game with a brace along with Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen, contributing to the comprehensive victory.
Donovan Pines missed out on the match due to a concussion suffered in Barnsley’s previous league defeat to Stevenage.
Duane Holmes, Preston advance past Fulham in penalty shootout
Duane Holmes and Preston North End caused an upset by eliminating Premier League side Fulham in a penalty shootout at Deepdale.
Holmes started and played 82 minutes as Paul Heckingbottom’s team prevailed 16-15 in the shootout. The match ended level after 90 minutes with Ryan Ledson scoring for Preston and Reiss Nelson equalizing for Fulham in the second half.
After eight perfect rounds of penalties from both sides, Jorge Cuenca missed in the ninth round, but Kaine Kesler-Hayden failed to capitalize for Preston on the next spot kick.
Timothy Castagne missed his penalty kick for Fulham, allowing Ledson to convert the winning kick for the Championship hosts.
USMNT left back Antonee Robinson was not included in Marco Silva’s squad for the match.
Preston will face Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Sunday, while Fulham takes on Newcastle United in EPL action the day before.
Lynden Gooch (Injured) did not play in Stoke City’s 2-1 penalty shootout victory over Fleetwood Town after the match ended 1-1 in regular time.
