GOAL US looks at some of the biggest American names in Europe playing this weekend, with Weston McKennie hoping to build on first start
After a few mixed weeks in the world of Americans abroad, there's some reason for positivity.
It all starts with Weston McKennie, who turned in a memorable performance for Juventus in his first start of the season – bagging a crucial goal in the Champions League. Christian Pulisic, too, has found form, getting on the scoresheet and serving as a rare point of positivity for Milan in their European loss to Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Brenden Aaronson's unlikely resurgence has continued with the attacking midfielder received a well-earned Fans' Player of the Month award acknowledgment for his fine return to form.
Elsewhere, things can only improve. Chris Richards and Crystal Palace may have started the Premier League season in forgettable fashion – going winless through four games. But a fixture against the puzzling, inconsistent Man United might be a chance to change that all.
GOAL US takes a look at those storylines and more ahead of another enticing weekend of the USMNT'S best playing abroad.
Getty ImagesCan Weston McKennie make a second start in a row?
The mood around McKennie has been quite somber for the past month. He has faced exile from his club, a period of rest from his national team to readjust, and now finds himself battling for limited playing time under a new manager who seems hesitant to give him a fair chance. That all changed in the Champions League on Tuesday, when a McKennie stood out in a rare start, participating in an American-heavy clash between PSV and Juventus.
The center midfielder made the most of his opportunity, scoring the second goal in a pretty resounding win for the Now comes the tricky part, has he done enough to show Motta that he is deserving of another go? One start could soon become four or five if McKennie builds on Tuesday's performance.
The manager didn't tip his hand and suggest that a run in the side is imminent.
"I like Weston, like all other players,” the coach said after full time. “It was his time to start today. It’s a good result for starting the competition. Now, we must recover for the next game. Weston is part of a strong group.”
But another strong showing against Napoli could do him a world of good.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportCan Pulisic's manager save his job?
Let's make this clear now. If Paolo Fonseca gets harshly sacked after the Milan derby this weekend, it will not be the American's fault. Pulisic has, in fact, done everything he can to keep the controversially appointed Portuguese manager in a job. He was a rare bright spot against Liverpool midweek, scoring a wonderful goal to set up what could have been a famous Champions League win. Overall, Pulisic has three goals and two assists in five appearances.
Unfortunately, some things might be beyond Pulisic's control. This weekend's fixture could well be the final blow for Fonseca. Milan are a frighteningly mid-table side, while Inter are already well-positioned to repeat as Serie A champions – looking every bit the dominant team they were last year. Captain America, then, might need to make another act of heroism this weekend to keep his manager in a job.
Getty Images SportThe Brenden Aaronson revival continues
How many would have guessed that Aaronson would have finished August with Leeds' Player of the Month award in his hands? The attacking midfielder spent parts of preseason being booed by the Yorkshire faithful, while fans online made it clear that they had little interest in keeping one of former manager Jesse Marsch's top recruits around.
And how things have changed. Aaronson has been an influential presence for so far this campaign, scoring a couple of important goals, while also serving as a valuable creative player as they look to return to the Premier League. There is a long way to go here, and Aaronson will have to string together a healthy number of solid performances. But thus far, he's excelled. A fixture against last-placed Cardiff would seem to be another opportunity to show the world what he can do.
GettyChris Richards, Palace looking for their first win
What do you do if you're a team that really needs to win a football match? Play Manchester United might be a valid answer, these days. Erik Ten Hag's men are a maddeningly inconsistent outfit, one week battering Barnsley, the next crumbling against Liverpool at home. The truth is, you never know which version of the club is going to show up.
And for USMNT starting center back Chris Richards, that might just be a good thing. The 24-year-old has been steady and little more to start the campaign. But against United, he figures to have plenty of opportunities to showcase his defense. And given frailties in the back, there is a fair chance his side comes out on top, too.
