Americans Abroad: Steffen returns, Reyna injured again

The international window has come and gone, leaving USMNT figures to shine with their respective clubs.

Throughout Europe, Americans made an appearance, seeing Zack Steffen return for Middlesbrough and Christian Pulisic provide the game-winning assist for Chelsea. Weston McKennie also made an impact over the weekend, inspiring the second goal in Juventus' 3-0 victory over Bologna.

Here's everything you missed on Americans abroad...


1. Middlesbrough manager backs Zack Steffen

Middlesbrough manager backs Zack Steffen after injury. | Michael Regan/GettyImages

Zack Steffen has returned to Middlesbrough’s starting 11, coming back from a knee injury that sidelined him during for USMNT’s last friendlies ahead of the World Cup. 

The goalkeeper’s injury also forced him to miss four league matches earlier this season, seeing a rough start with Middlesbrough after arriving ahead of the 2022/2023 campaign.

Now, back in action, Steffen has two months to prepare for the international competition.

2. Christian Pulisic assist

Christian Pulisic enters the field for Crystal Palace vs Chelsea FC. | Visionhaus/GettyImages

The USMNT frontman inspired Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, coming off the bench in the 84th minute to set up Conor Gallagher’s go-ahead goal in the road win.  

Pulisic played the final 10 minutes for Graham Potter’s side, making the necessary impact for Chelsea. Despite conceding a seventh minute goal, Chelsea found the equalizer later in the first half before doubling down and earning the three points.

3. Weston McKennie assist

Weston Mckennie provided the assist on Juventus' second goal over the weekend. | Marco Canoniero/GettyImages

Juventus finally snapped their five-match winless run on Sunday, with a 3-0 home victory against Bologna. 

USMNT figure Weston McKennie played an integral role in the win, providing the assist for the team’s second goal. The 24-year-old delivered a dangerous cross into the Bologna box in the 59th minute to Dusan Vlahovic, who headed it home.

4. Gio Reyna injured again

Gio Reyna got injured during the USMNT's match against Saudi Arabia. | Aitor Alcalde/GettyImages

The Borussia Dortmund player will be sidelined for 7-10 days with a muscle injury. Reyna also experienced difficulties while on international duty with the US men’s national team. 

After earning the start against Saudi Arabia, the player made an early exit, signalling some type of discomfort to the bench. Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has since confirmed the muscle injury will keep him out for under two weeks, but expects a return for the Champions League match against Sevilla.

5. Honorable mentions

Josh Sargent played for Norwhich. | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Josh Sargent featured in Norwich City’s 1-0 win over Blackpool.

Brenden Aaronson played 76 minutes for Leeds United against Aston Villa.

Zack Steffen made three saves in Middlesbrough’s 1-0 loss to Coventry City.

Ethan Horvath led in goal in Luton Town’s 2-0 win over Hull City.



Source : 90min