The weekend for Individuals overseas noticed Pepi stand out, Reyna begin, and different massive performances from Sands, Balogun, Adams, and others. Brian Sciaretta breaks down all the things for you right here.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
September 15, 2025
11:55 AM
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THERE WAS PLENTY of storylines to cowl this weekend on the planet of Individuals overseas. We noticed some good performances, some dangerous performances, and a few necessary performances. Gio Reyna made his debut at Borussia Monchengladbach and Ricardo Pepi had an enormous, massive day.
Let’s break it down beginning with the highest tales.
The highest tales
Pepi’s brace exhibits his class
Ricardo Pepi was the highest American performing participant in Europe this weekend and the middle ahead lastly appears like himself – for the primary time since his January damage. Incomes the beginning in an away match at NEC Nijmegen. In a 5-3 win for PSV, Pepi scored the primary purpose within the twelfth minute after which he struck once more within the twenty ninth minute to place PSV up 4-1.
All the pieces about that is good. Pepi is an elite Eredivisie ahead who can rating in several methods, as this recreation confirmed. His first purpose was one in every of his lightening quick turn-arounds, and his second purpose was an ideal header, preceded by good motion.
PSV has some considerations proper now, however Pepi ought to assist this workforce proceed to attain objectives.
Pepi’s return to prime type additionally places numerous stress on the USMNT striker pool. Pepi and Balogun appear to be on the prime. Everybody else is combating simply to stay within the combine to make the broad roster, together with Josh Sargent who is without doubt one of the prime forwards within the Championship.
Additionally on this recreation, Sergino Dest performed all 90 minutes – which is an important factor for him. He’s a prime Eredivisie participant and is usually at all times good in league video games for PSV. On Saturday, he assisted on the second purpose to Ruben van Bommel. However Dest, as soon as he’s totally match, shall be an enormous weapon for PSV and the USMNT.
Reyna begins for M’Gladbach
Reyna had a number of moments the place he performed nicely, and his passing sometimes resulted in one of the best offensive moments for Borussia Monchengladbach. For these trying to see if he’ll return to being a promising participant, begin there.
However defensively, he has a methods to go. He’s additionally regarded very drained within the second half earlier than being subbed out within the seventy fifth minute after his workforce conceded a penalty to fall behind 3-0.
General, he has a option to go, and the calls for of the Bundesliga require extra health and extra protection. However his sturdy factors stay sturdy.
An issue, nonetheless, may very well be Borussia Monchengladbach itself. This workforce is just not good and so they have but to attain a purpose of their first three Bundesliga video games. Standing out on a workforce battling relegation isn’t straightforward.
Joe Scally didn’t get off the bench for M’Gladbach, though he was injured in a pleasant in the course of the worldwide window and which may have performed an element in it. He’s one other American who’s beneath stress to play higher as a result of the proof factors to Alex Freeman has having overtaken him on the USMNT depth chart.
Wright meets Sargent within the Championship
Coventry hosted Norwich on Saturday within the fifth spherical of matches within the Championship. As anticipated, Josh Sargent began for Norwich and Haji Wright began for Coventry.
The sport ended 1-1, and it was Haji Wright who was in the precise place on the proper time to ta in a stoppage time equalizer. The play started with a botched Norwich clearance that then allowed a Coventry shot from Simms. The save was deflected throughout the mouth of the purpose for Wright to attain whereas falling down.
Haji Wright’s equaliser in stoppage time to safe us a helpful residence level. ???? pic.twitter.com/Hlh23pt26U
— Coventry Metropolis (@Coventry_City) September 13, 2025
Coventry is probably going not proud of the outcome, regardless of the late equalizer. The membership outplayed Norwich and had a 28-4 benefit in photographs. They botched quite a few high quality probabilities and had 64% possession within the recreation. Wright’s purpose was extra reflective of a Norwich screwup than of a high quality play from Coventry.
Nonetheless, Wright continues to be superb at this degree and moving into the precise place is a ability.
Josh Sargent, in the meantime, went 84 minutes for Norwich however couldn’t get something going. His USMNT hopes took an enormous hit over the worldwide window as he didn’t play nicely and different strikers doubtless handed him.
Morris & Boro stay in first
Middlesbrough dropped their first factors of the season however nonetheless stay in first place of the Championship with 13 factors from 5 video games following a 2-2 draw away to Preston North Finish on Saturday. The sport was 1-1 till late when Preston North Finish scored within the 88th and Boro equalized late in stoppage time.
Aidan Morris continues to play an necessary position for Boro as he led the sport in touches (86) and was 63/67 in passing. Bodily, he stood up as he was fouled 4 occasions (whereas committing none) and was 6/10 in floor duels.
By way of acquisitions, Boro could be very proud of the cash they paid to the Columbus Crew to get Morris and Morris may have them in a promotion race all season.
By way of the USMNT, Morris is a robust candidate to be within the combine for October. From there, will probably be about performing nicely for the workforce.
Adams & Bournemouth win
AFC Bournemouth have a powerful 9 factors from their first 4 video games within the Premier League following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Regardless of beginning each video games over the worldwide window, Tyler Adams went 90 minutes on this recreation and was a workhorse in the midst of the sector, particularly defensively. He coated floor, put stress on Brighton gamers, and was essential to the win.
The sensation we’ve watching Tyler play pic.twitter.com/o4oYNQdHjK
— AFC Bournemouth ???? (@afcbournemouth) September 15, 2025
It’s like at any time when the USMNT wins a recreation and it turns into onerous to see the way it was attainable with out Adams. He’s in all places and he matches the system very nicely.
Sands instrumental to St. Pauli win
James Sands is taking part in at a really excessive degree proper now for St. Pauli within the Bundesliga and that was on show once more on Sunday in a 2-1 win over Augsburg the place St. Pauli fell behind early, however equalized simply earlier than the half earlier than discovering a winner within the 77th.
Sands, 25, put up excellent stats on this recreation. Over 90 minutes, he was 7/7 in aerials, 7/11 in floor duels, and had 5 tackles.
For these questioning about when Sands started taking his recreation to a different degree, it was in 2023 after he returned to New York Metropolis after a mortgage to Rangers. He advised NYCFC that he didn’t wish to play central protection anymore and as a substitute wished to give attention to being a defensive midfielder (after spending his complete profession floating between the 2 positions).
Since his give attention to being a defensive midfielder in 2023, he has seen his recreation rise to new ranges. In 2024, he was a prime MLS defensive midfielder and in 2025 he instantly carried out nicely within the Bundesliga.
As for the USMNT, it’s going to be robust for him since he has but to play for Mauricio Pochettino, on account of his damage. There’s numerous competitors at his place, however it’s onerous to argue that he shouldn’t be given no less than one look.
Additionally on this recreation, Noahkai Banks didn’t get off the bench for Augsburg. Maybe he would profit from being allowed to play on the U-20 World Cup and given presumably 5 or extra very aggressive video games.
Within the Premier League
Exterior of Adams and Bournemouth, there have been different Individuals concerned within the Premier League.
Chris Richards went the gap for Cystal Palace in a 0-0 residence draw with Sunderland on Saturday. Richards performed on the precise facet of a three-man backline (the place he performed within the center for the USMNT in opposition to Japan). He didn’t actually stand out an excessive amount of, however preserving a clear sheet means he did his job.
Brenden Aaronson began for Leeds United in a 1-0 away loss to Fulham on Saturday. Aaronson went 77 minutes and was subbed out with the sport scoreless. Fulham ended up successful in stoppage time.
For Aaronson, it was a really encouraging efficiency. His aggressive protection and his frantic assault actions made him the most effective Leeds gamers on the day. When he was subbed out, Fulham had been higher within the assault.
???? Probability! Stach finds Aaronson with a low cross who flicks it in the direction of purpose however Leno makes the save. 0-0 pic.twitter.com/MHf9xTUusC
— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 13, 2025
Aaronson must proceed to play nicely for Leeds. For no matter motive, he seems to be on the mistaken facet of the USMNT bubble proper now. However he can get again inside and he does carry the power that Pochettino desires.
Additionally on this recreation, Antonee Robinson was unused for Fulham. It’s regarding and getting a learn on his well being and health is hard.
Within the Championship
Ehtan Horvath made two saves however conceded three objectives for Sheffield Wednesday in a 3-0 loss at residence to Bristol Metropolis. Via 5 video games, Sheffield Wednesday has only one level. The one workforce under them are rivals Sheffield United who’ve misplaced all 5 video games to begin the season. It’s going to be an extended season for Horvath.
Patrick Agyemang made his Derby County debut when he got here off the bench within the 69th minute away in opposition to West Bromwich Albion and was awarded an assisted (though it was fortuitous) for the sport’s solely purpose within the 84th minute. For a participant who made a transfer over the summer season and was coping with an damage since then, Agyemang performed nicely and will finally work his approach into the beginning lineup. Derby wants him as this was the membership’s first win of the season. However Agyemang ought to succeed at this degree.
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) September 14, 2025
In the meantime, Daryl Dike stays out injured for West Brom.
Charlie Kelman earned the beginning for Charleton Athletic in a 1-1 draw in opposition to Millwall. Kelman hasn’t discovered the again of the online this season regardless of being the main scorer in League One final yr. He wasn’t in a position to generate a lot on this recreation earlier than getting pulled within the 61st minute.
Additionally on this recreation, Damion Downs didn’t play for Southampton and Caleb Wiley remains to be on the lookout for his debut for Watford.
In Serie A
Weston McKennie began for Juventus in a high-profile matchup in opposition to Inter Milan on Sunday. Juventus gained an exciting recreation 4-3 with McKennie subbed out within the 79th minute, simply two minutes after Inter Milan took a 3-2 lead. The USMNT veteran was not on the sector for the final two Juventus objectives.
It was a tricky task for McKennie who performed on the left facet of the midfield and was tasked with defending Denzel Dumfries. To that finish, he did nicely as Dumfries didn’t stand out. McKennie additionally made some good runs into the assault and was a part of some harmful build-ups.
General, it was efficiency from McKennie when measured by what he was requested to do. Does this imply McKennie’s spot within the beginning XI is safe? No. It’s nonetheless robust to learn how he shall be used this yr. However for now, this was recreation even when he left the sector along with his workforce trailing.
Yunus Musah made his debut for Atalanta in a 4-1 blowout win over Lecce. Musah entered the sport within the 76th minute along with his workforce successful 4-0. He practically had a spotlight in his debut when he thought he assisted on a purpose to make it 5-1, but it surely was later known as again for offside within the build-up. General, the finished 13/15 of his passes albeit in opposition to a workforce that was resigned to defeat. Discovering an area within the beginning XI gained’t be straightforward, but it surely was a pleasant brief shift for Musah and he can construct from this.
Christian Pulisic got here off the bench within the sixty fifth minute for AC Milan in a 1-0 win over Bologna on Sunday. Whereas the purpose had already been scored when he entered, Pulisic was harmful throughout his time on the sector and created a number of probabilities to double the lead. His greatest second got here within the 78th minute when he beat three gamers off a dribble earlier than being taken off the ball for what he appealed for a penalty. AC Milan isn’t nice proper now, however Pulisic continues to be arguably their greatest participant.
In Serie B
In Italy’s second tier, Gianluca Busio left the sector within the 77th minute in what he thought was an excellent efficiency in opposition to Pescara as his Venezia held a 2-0 lead on the street at the moment. Sadly, Venezia’s protection collapsed and needed to accept a 2-2 draw – which has them in seventh place.
Jonathan Klinsmann and Cesena defeated Sampdoria 2-1 on the street to maneuver into third place though the current USMNT call-up didn’t need to make a single save on this recreation.
Andrija Novakovich was an unused substitute for Reggiana in a 0-0 away draw at Juve Stabia.
Within the Bundesliga
Kristoffer Lund began for Cologne at left again in a wild 3-3 draw at Wolfsburg on Sunday. Lund was subbed out within the 78th minute with Cologne down 2-1. However in 14 minutes of stoppage time, Cologne scored twice and Wolfsburg scored as soon as. It was a good efficiency from Lund however he didn’t stand out.
Cole Campbell got here off the bench for Borussia Dortmund within the 74th minute of a 2-0 win over Heidenheim. He was feisty along with his pace however didn’t make a lot of an impression. Nevertheless it was good to see him get on the sector. The U-20 World Cup is approaching and we’ll discover out quickly if BVB will launch him to play there – the place he’s a starter.
Lennard Maloney went unused for Mainz in a 1-0 loss at residence to RB Leipzig. Maloney remains to be searching for a job throughout the workforce.
Within the 2. Bundesliga
John Tolkin was as soon as once more superb for Holstein Kiel as he has been each recreation this season. Tolkin went all 90 minutes at left wingback in a 1-0 win away over Schalke. He was a menace getting ahead and he created a number of probabilities to attain whereas additionally drawing three fouls.
Don’t be shocked if Tolkin is topic to switch rumors this winter if Holstein Kiel is just not in a great place within the standings.
Das sieht doch intestine aus bislang ????????_22. | 0:1 | #S04KSV #KielAhoi pic.twitter.com/GCoqdy7cI0
— Holstein Kiel (@Holstein_Kiel) September 13, 2025
Santiago Castaneda additionally had an excellent efficiency for Paderborn in a 1-0 win over Bochum. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder from Tampa is definitely an American participant to observe within the coming years. He sometimes doesn’t get ahead a lot, however he’s a disciplined participant deep within the midfield who matches nicely into Paderborn’s system. Paderborn sits eighth after this weekend.
With a number of Individuals taking part in nicely in Germany’s second tier to begin the season, Mael Corboz may be the top-performing American within the 2.Bundesliga. The 30-year-old midfielder from New Jersey scored the second purpose for Arminia Bielefeld in a 2-0 win over Magdeburg to maneuver his membership into third place. Corboz is Arminia Bielefeld’s captain and was the three.Liga participant of the season final yr. He was instrumental of their run to the German Cup closing in Could. His rise since turning 30 is exceptional.
Johan Gomez performed 90 minutes for Eintracht Braunschweig in a 2-1 loss away to Darmstadt.
Julian Inexperienced performed the final 17 minutes whereas Max Dietz is injured for Greuther Furth in an unpleasant 3-0 loss at residence to Kaiserslautern
Yanks in Ligue 1
For Individuals in France, it was about crimson playing cards and collapses. Three of the league’s 4 American gamers had been concerned in video games with crimson playing cards and two noticed their workforce collapse in ugly losses.
Folarin Balogun continues to be very sturdy following his return from damage. He scored simply earlier than the worldwide break after which he performed nicely for the U.S. workforce. On Sunday, Balogun picked up an help on the primary purpose of the sport within the forty fifth minute of a 2-1 win over Auxerre. He was subbed out within the sixty fifth minute whereas Monaco held a 1-0 lead.
General, Balogun was harmful however he missed a number of good probabilities to attain objectives of his personal. However he’s nonetheless within the progress of getting again into type and he’s on path to doing that.
Tim Weah went 61 minutes for Marseille in a 4-0 romp over a foul Lorient workforce that was decreased to 10 males within the tenth minute. Weah was subbed out along with his workforce up 3-0 and the USMNT winger compelled save within the forty fifth minute when he acquired a header on body. There isn’t a lot to remove from this recreation for Weah as Lorient was overwhelmed as soon as down a person.
Tanner Tessmann performed all 90 minutes for Lyon in a 3-1 away loss to Rennes. Lyon’s Tyler Morton was despatched off within the seventy fifth minute with Lyon up 1-0. From that time, Lyon collapsed, and Rennes scored three late objectives to win, with the final two coming in stoppage time. Tessman was stable as much as Morton’s crimson card with him taking part in nicely on each side of the ball. He’s one other participant within the operating for an October call-up however will probably be robust as the middle midfield place is the deepest of the pool.
Mark McKenzie performed all 90 minutes of Toulouse’s 2-1 loss to Lille on Sunday. Toulouse took a 1-0 lead within the fiftieth minute however had a participant despatched off within the eightieth minute. They then conceded two objectives in stoppage time to lose. Even earlier than the crimson card, Lille dominated possession (and it completed 70-30 of their favor) and McKenzie spent a lot of the recreation being pinned again, the place he performed on the precise facet of a three-man backline. McKenzie did nicely in emergency defending however wasn’t requested to cross a lot. Lille moved into second with the win whereas Toulouse is in tenth.
Yanks within the Premiership
In Scotland, Celtic remained even atop the desk with Hearts after a 2-1 away win over Kilmarnock. Cameron Carter-Vickers went all 90 minutes, practically scored off a set piece with a shot after a seventh minute nook kick, and accomplished 101/103 of his passes. Celtic was the higher workforce, but it surely took a penalty within the sixth minute of stoppage time to safe the win. Auston Trusty remained out injured.
Aberdeen and Livingston performed to a 0-0 draw. Dante Polvara went the ultimate 18 minutes for the hosts, Aberdeen, whereas Scott Pittman went 90 minutes for Livingston. Neither American stood out in what was a boring recreation.
Different leagues
In La Liga, Johnny Cardoso was an unused sub for Atletico in a 2-0 win over Villarreal. It was the primary win of the season for Atletico, and it stays to be seen if Cardoso faces competitors for minutes or if he was being rested for Atletico’s journey to Liverpool on Wednesday within the Champions League.
Within the Eredivisie, Taylor Sales space performed the final 31 minutes for Twente in a 2-2 draw with NAC Breda. Whereas the workforce scored twice with him on the sector, the Utah native was quiet with solely 18 touches and 4/7 in passing. It’s been a tricky begin to the season for Twente with simply 4 factors from 5 video games.
In Portugal, Tondela remained in final place after a 1-0 loss to Alverca over the weekend. Jordan Pefok performed the ultimate 13 minutes in his membership and league debut. Tondela has scored simply two objectives from 5 video games this season.
Additionally in Portugal, attacker Korede Osundina performed the ultimate 34 minutes for Casa Pia in a 2-0 win over Arouca on Saturday. Casa Pia sits ninth.
In Belgium’s Professional League, Westerlo handed St. Truiden its first misplaced of the season with an enormous 3-0 win on the street. Each proper again Bryan Reynolds and proper wing Griffin Yow began for Westerlo. Yow scored the second purpose of the sport when he transformed a penalty (drawn by a teammate) simply earlier than halftime. Yow was harmful in his 71 minutes and he hit the submit from shut vary within the fiftieth minute.
?? 49′ ?? DOELPUNT ?? Ferri gaat neer in de zestien en Westerlo krijgt een strafschop. Yow zet zich achter de bal en legt de bal binnen. 0-2! #STVVWES 0??-2?? pic.twitter.com/I54IFaKVgD
— KVC Westerlo (@KVCWesterlo) September 14, 2025
Marlon Fossey additionally had an excellent recreation for Normal Liege in a 1-1 draw with Mechelen the place he went 90 minutes and was closely concerned within the assault whereas making runs ahead from the precise again place. Normal sits in twelfth place with eight factors from seven video games.
In Greece’s Tremendous League, Erik Palmer-Brown was on the mistaken finish of a 3-2 loss when he performed all 90 minutes in central protection as his Panathinaikos dropped a 3-2 loss to Kifisia. Nicholas Gioachini was unused for Asteras Tripolis in a 2-2 draw with Larissa.
In Poland, Aziel Jackson performed the ultimate half-hour for Jagiellonia Bialystok in a 1-1 draw with Piast Gliwice. Leon Flach was unused.
In Austria, Altach defeated LASK 1-0 with George Bello having a tricky recreation at left again within the loss, earlier than he was subbed out within the second half. Samuel Adeniran performed the final seven minutes for LASK, which is even on factors for final place – three factors in six video games.
In Uruguay’s Primera, fourth-place Boston River performed Racing to a 0-0 draw. Agustin Anello began at proper wing and performed 79 minutes.
