Every Match Week Dos a Cero will help you keep up with how our USMNT players are performing during their European club season.
First, we’ll take a look at the highs and lows from a USMNT perspective this weekend. There was more good than bad, with Pulisic, Tillman, Sargent, and Aaronson all scoring nice goals and Robinson being named to the Premier League team of the week for the second week in a row.
Next, we’ll review the player performances from the matches we spotlighted in our weekend preview article.
Our USMNT supporter Match of the Week saw Christian Pulisic score his first of the 24-25 season, tapping home a cross from Rafa Leao. Musah started but was replaced by new signing Youssouf Fofana in the 67th, perhaps foreshadowing future playing time. The American duo showed more energy than most of the lackluster Milan side, tracking back to cover for teammates multiple times.
Scally, Wright, and Richards were all frankly average in their matches. Balogun was a serious disappointment, as he was dropped to the bench after a poor outing last week. Making matters worse, the starting #9 was subbed out, and Balogun still didn’t get on the pitch. Hopefully that trend reverses soon.
the full story
Up next, let’s look at how the boys did – examining the performances in each part of the field, attack, midfield, defense, and goal.
In attack, Josh Sargent continued his hot form with a well-taken goal in his only goal-scoring opportunity. In Liga MX, Brandon Vazquez scored for Monterrey, and Cade Cowell was a creative force for Chivas.
Tillman and Brenden Aaronson both scored this weekend out of midfield. PSV routed Almere City 7-1 in Eredivisie, so we aren’t getting too excited about Tillman’s goal, or Ricardo Pepi’s. Aaronson impressed in Leeds’ victory over Sheffield Wednesday, opening the scoring in the 24th minute with a composed cut back and left-footed finish under pressure.
Gio Reyna made a brief appearance for Dortmund. Reyna is still speculated to be on the way out, though there aren’t concrete rumors or specific offers on the table. There wasn’t much other action in midfield as McKennie was an unused sub for Juve, Tessman was left out for Venezia given his pending transfer to Lyon, and most of the rest of the midfield is injured.
Antonee Robinson shone in defense and was named to the Premier League’s team of the week. All our CBs started, Richards, Carter-Vickers, McKenzie, Ream, and Miles Robinson. Ream arguably had the best game of the 5, but now that he’s in MLS how impressive is that? Joe Scally defended well against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen but was forced into numerous turnovers by Leverkusen’s press.
In goal, Matt Turner was again left out of the Forest squad. Turner transfer news has been painfully quiet, with only 5 days remaining in this transfer window. Ethan Horvath recovered from last week’s horror show and was “decent” this week. Gaga Slonina continues to play well, though his competition isn’t as fierce in EFL League One.
As you know by now, part of our mission is to bring new fans into the US Soccer family. As such we’re including a glossary in our weekend recap for the first time, so feel free to share this one with friends and family who you hope will get into the beautiful game.
most recent usmnt Player Updates
10.4 – Weekend Recap
The last match window before the USMNT all gather in Austin for Pochettino’s first camp was action packed.
Pulisic scored, and was Milan’s best player, again! It’s almost every game this year he’s been either the best player by the data or as voted by fans. …But we get some bad vibes from his teammates twice stripping him of the PK responsibility against the coach’s orders. Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham both had their PKs saved by David de Gea – so they probably should have let Pulisic, who is 10/10 in his career, take them.
September 2024 “team of the month”
This is basically how the USMNT would line up in our first matches under Pochettino – if he made his decisions based ONLY on current club form. He obviously won’t do that – but it’s a cool way to look at who is playing well, and who isn’t, for the USMNT.
10.4 – Weekend preview
Best matches of the weekend, brought to you by #DosACero. This is the final match window before the guys head to #Austin for the FIRST CAMP WITH POCHETTINO. Here’s hoping for a strong set of performances, with everyone coming in hot. LFG!