Macclesfield Upsets Crystal Palace 2-1 in FA Cup

Macclesfield, a sixth-tier club from the National League North, pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in FA Cup history by defeating defending champions Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round on Saturday at Moss Rose Stadium.

The victory marked the first time in 117 years that a non-league side has eliminated the cup holders, surpassing the gap Palace themselves created in 1909 when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ranked 117 places below Palace in the English football pyramid, Macclesfield became the lowest-ranked team still in the competition. Captain Paul Dawson opened the scoring just before halftime, heading in a free kick from Luke Duffy past Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead in the 61st minute, flicking in a deflected shot to send the home crowd into raptures.

Palace, who won their first major trophy by beating Manchester City at Wembley seven months ago, struggled to find rhythm on the artificial pitch. Managed by Oliver Glasner, the Premier League side failed to register a shot on target in the first half despite fielding England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, along with winger Yeremy Pino. Substitutions at...