ASN: Mckennie, Sargent, Brooks, Miazga star in epic weekend filled with objectives & membership debuts

It was among the best weekend of the season as U.S. internationals like John Brooks, Weston McKennie, and Josh Sagent all had prime performances whereas Mark McKenzie and Brenden Aaronson each had club-debuts within the European-stage of their respective careers. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta breaks all of it down. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
January 24, 2021
6:00 PM

SHARE THIS STORY

Brenden Aaronson
Combine Diskerud
Andrew Wooten
Mark McKenzie

Then you definately had objectives from:

Tyler Adams
Josh Sargent
Terrence Boyd
Combine Diskerud
Weston McKennie

Amongst central defenders, John Brooks, Erik Palmer-Brown and Matt Miazga all had spectacular outings as their groups posted clear sheets. Brooks, particularly, did it in an enormous sport towards Bayer Leverkusen to maneuver into the Champions League positions.

That could be a big wave of productiveness, which didn’t embody Matthew Hoppe for an opportunity, was enjoyable to observe after two slightly subpar weekend for People throughout the globe. When it comes to enchancment, nobody was higher than Josh Sargent who ended his 10 sport Bundesliga scoring drought in spectacular trend.

It wasn’t all constructive, nevertheless, as Christian Pulisic’s outing for Chelsea in an FA Cup win wasn’t nice. Sergino Dest remained on the bench for Barcelona. Tyler Adams scored, however Leipzig’s end result was horrible and dear.

There’s a lot to breakdown and listed here are my notes from the weekend for People overseas.

McKennie shines in Juventus win

Weston Mckennie began on this one and turned in an enormous effort. He ended up being instrumental in a giant 2-0 win and scored the group’s second purpose in a 71st minute. He ended up being subbed out in stoppage time and was in all probability the very best participant on the sphere over 90 minutes.

Weston McKennie: uncooked # for Juve in 2-0 win vs Bologna89 mins53 touches1 goal5 shots34/36 passing19/34 of passes in attacking half3 probabilities created8 duels received (9 misplaced)2 dribbles2x fouled4 aerials received (4 misplaced)1 clearance2 interceptions- #USMNT– Huge outing- contact map pic.twitter.com/DEIJ2ROr0m

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 24, 2021

His excellent uncooked numbers solely inform a part of the story, nevertheless. His worth to the group is clear when watching it play. He suits a task Andrea Pirlo calls for and this enables everybody else on the group to play higher. When McKennie doesn’t play, Juventus, as a complete, struggles.

McKennie’s purpose got here from a pleasant header.

Juventus is into fourth place in Serie A and is one level behind Roma, 4 behind Inter Milan, and 7 behind AC Milan. Juventus has performed one fewer sport than every of the groups it’s chasing.

Brooks large in Wolfsburg win

On Saturday, John Brooks was a part of among the best outcomes any American participant had over the weekend. The U.S. nationwide group central defender and his Wolfsburg group travelled to go to Bayer Leverkusen in a matchup between two groups vying for a Champions League place.

In the long run, Wolfsburg got here away with an enormous 1-0 away win to maneuver into fourth place. Leverkusen remained in third and the 2 groups are even on factors with Leverkusen having the sting in purpose differential.

It was recognized heading into this sport that if Wolfsburg was going to win, it will require an enormous effort from its protection. It received simply that and Brooks did his half – main the way in which in a number of completely different classes. His clearances and win share of duels and aerials was one of many important edges Wolfsburg had en path to an enormous win.

John Brooks: uncooked # for Wolfsburg in 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen 90 mins56 touches6 duels received (4 misplaced)7 clearances3 aerials received (1 misplaced)2 tackles (3 makes an attempt)2 interceptions 3/7 correct lengthy balls- strong sport from Brooks. Huge end result#USMNT

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 23, 2021

In 2017, Wolfsburg spent some huge cash to purchase Brooks after the membership was ending close to the underside of the desk. The previous two seasons, the membership has completed in the direction of the highest and now’s aiming for a Champions League spot. The membership has loved an enormous enchancment in recent times and whereas Brooks shouldn’t be the one cause, he has performed a giant a part of that.

Sargent’s surprise purpose vs. Hertha

Josh Sargent got here into this weekend with only one purpose on the Bundesliga season however Saturday’s opponent, Hertha BSC, marked an excellent event to interrupt out of the droop. The U.S. worldwide scored twice on Hertha final season and has typically performed effectively towards them in his profession.

On this sport, Sargent really started the sport on the bench however got here into the sport within the 32 minute on account of damage with Werder up 2-0. Sargent performed very effectively over his 52 minutes and was rewarded within the 77th minute with a surprise purpose from distance. It was among the best strikes of Sargent’s younger profession.

What scoring droop?? Stunning purpose from Sargent. Wow! #USMNT pic.twitter.com/yky1e3QBvA

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 23, 2021

As this web page has been writing for a while, Sargent hasn’t been enjoying unhealthy – regardless of the shortage of objectives. This sport was reflective of that. Over 52 minutes, Sargent’s effort was robust in all sides.

Josh Sargent: uncooked # for Werder in 4-1 win vs. Hertha BSC58 mins33 touches1 goalazzo1 shot1 key pass16/20 passing8 duels received (6 misplaced)2 clearances0 dribbles1x fouled1 sort out (2 makes an attempt)5 aerials received (4 misplaced)1 interception- Sturdy outing for Sargent#USMNT

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 23, 2021

This was an important purpose for Sargent and it will likely be fascinating to see what it does for his confidence within the weeks forward. There must be newfound optimism over him.

Miazga’s stellar outing

Making an attempt to push into the highest three of the Belgian desk, Anderlecht was presupposed to have a simple time with Waasland Beveren on Friday. Sadly, the group’s ending was off and Anderlecht stumbled to a 0-0 draw towards the second-to-last place group within the Belgian Professional League. Anderlecht was let down with two pictures that hit the celebrity and 4 top-notch saves from Waasland Beveren keeper Nordin Jackers.

Miazga, 25, was glorious on this sport in central protection and was remarkably comfy defensively. He received all of his duels and all of his aerials. Essentially the most notable numbers for Miazga had been in his passing. General, he related on 72/77 of his makes an attempt however his lengthy ball passing was on one other stage with the New Jersey native finishing 13/14 of his passes over 35 yards.

90 minutes
87 touches
72/77 passing (94%)
13/14 correct lengthy balls
1 key move
2 duels received (0 misplaced)
3 clearances
3 interceptions
2 aerials received (0 misplaced)

Miazga was in all probability Anderlecht’s finest participant on the day and it’s straightforward to see why the membership is exploring choices to convey him again subsequent season on a switch or one other mortgage from Chelsea. This present mortgage is understanding for all events concerned however protecting him in Brussels received’t be low-cost for Anderlecht.

In the meantime, Miazga’s case to be a U.S. nationwide group starter is getting stronger.

Inexperienced scores for furth in wild draw

On Friday, Greuther Furth performed Fortuna Dusseldorf to a 3-3 draw within the 2.Bundesliga. Julian Inexperienced began for Furth and Alfredo Morales began for Fortuna in a matchup between two groups vying for promotion into the Bundesliga.

In the long run, Greuther Furth was probably the most dissatisfied group by far on this sport because it had a 2-0 lead after which a 3-2 lead which is squandered within the 83rd minute. Julian Inexperienced scored his fifth purpose of the season within the twenty ninth minute to offer Furth a 2-0 lead.

Inexperienced, 25, continues to arguably have his finest season of his profession however promotion will probably be a detailed name because it now sits outdoors of the highest three and is 2 factors behind Fortuna. His purpose confirmed a pleasant diploma of talent in how he managed a protracted looping ball into the field together with his chest to assist arrange a simple end from close-range.

Morales, 30, was first rate however unspectacular within the win. Each groups struggled with their protection and in closing down house within the midfield. This sport was huge open and the 3-3 end result mirrored the shoddy defending.

Adams scores however Leipzig upset

The purpose from Tyler Adams which gave Leipzig a 1-0 lead on Mainz. Presently 2-2 at HT pic.twitter.com/ed4Eid3GUR

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 23, 2021

Adams’ uncooked numbers had been fairly good. He received a ton of his duels and all of his aerials to replicate how he can deal with the grunt work of the sport effectively. He’ll assist win balls and function the disruptive power that Leipzig wants.

77 minutes
65 touches
2 pictures
1 purpose
27/42 passing
1 cross
1/4 accuarete lengthy balls
6 duels received (3 misplaced)
0 dribbles
2x fouled
2 fouls
1 taclke
3 aerials received (0 misplaced)

However Adams was enjoying on the huge proper aspect of the midfield on this sport and his contact map exhibits that he very not often received into the center of the sphere – particularly within the attacking half.

This was a really unhealthy loss for Leipzig. It not solely basically took them out of being a severe contender for the title, however it additionally dragged them into a decent race for the Champions League positions. The group remains to be in second, however this was a troublesome blow towards an opponent it ought to simply defeat.

As for Adams, maybe his robust play will transfer him again into the center within the weeks forward.

Palmer-Brown strong in win

The Austrian Bundesliga resumed participant from its winter break and U.S. U-23 central defender Erik Palmer-Brown received the beginning for Austria Vienna because it visited Ried on Saturday. The Kansas Metropolis native placed on an excellent outing on this one as Austria Vienna posted a troublesome 1-0 away win. Coming into this sport, Austria Vienna was tenth within the 12-team league however moved previous Ried by one level into ninth place.

The win was testing for Austria Vienna which scored its purpose within the 4th minute however was decreased to 10 males within the 51st minute. Ried started to step up its assault whereas up a person however it couldn’t discover an equalizer.

Palmer-Brown was a giant a part of the group protecting its clear sheet win and his eight clearances helped a number of instances in emergency defending.

Erik Palmer-Brown: uncooked # for Austria Vienna in 1-0 win vs. Ried90 mins31 touches14/18 passing4/5 correct lengthy balls2 duels received (2 misplaced)8 clearances (!)0 sort out attempts2 aerials received (2 misplaced)4 interceptions- Strong outing in clear sheet win#USMNT

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 23, 2021

Austria Vienna is unlikely to do a lot this season however Palmer-Brown has a giant incentive to proceed enjoying effectively because it might open the door to a greater mortgage subsequent season or maybe a full switch. In the meantime, U.S. U-23 head coach Jason Kries may need to discover choices to barter a launch for Palmer-Brown forward of Olympic qualifying in March.

McKenzie’s Genk debut

Mckenzie ended up going the space in a irritating 3-2 loss for Genk. Genk fell behind 1-0 however had a 2-1 lead within the second half earlier than permitting two fast objectives in a 3-2 loss. Whereas McKenzie was circuitously at fault for any of the objectives, nobody on the defensive aspect stood out for Genk. On the offensive aspect, Genk wasn’t capable of keep possession which led to its protection being beneath fixed stress.

For McKenzie, this was a studying lesson even when he was not at fault for the objectives. Brugge was typically capable of create probabilities rapidly and your entire protection needs to be higher to cease these probabilities. It was a really troublesome stage for him to make a debut.

In complete, McKenzie was 29/36 in passing, had eight clearances, and had 50 touches.

Aaronson makes Salzburg debut

Coming into this sport, Crimson Bull Salzburg was in second place on account of Fast Vienna’s win on Friday. To retake the Austrian Bundesliga lead, it needed to defeat Altach on Sunday. Contemporary off his switch from the Philadelphia, New Jersey playmaker Brenden Aaronson was on the bench for Salzburg.

The rating was 0-0 on the half however Salzburg rallied for 2 objectives early within the second half. Shortly after the second purpose within the 62nd minute, American supervisor Jesse Marsch subbed Aaronson into the sport for his membership debut.

Aaronson performed the ultimate 28 minutes and was energetic. He received a nook early and was aggressive together with his passing – which he was 3/6 with one shot. When Altach was decreased to 10 gamers within the eightieth minute, Salzburg calmly noticed out a 2-0 victory to maneuver again on prime of the Austrian Bundesliga.

Aaronson will proceed to develop with this group within the weeks forward however this was an excellent likelihood for him to get minutes in his first aggressive sport since November.

FA Cup win for Pulisic/Chelsea

On Sunday Christian Pulisic earned the beginning for Chelsea in its FA Cup 4th spherical sport towards Luton City of the second-tier Championship. Pulisic ended up enjoying 70 minutes as Chelsea performed to a cushty 3-1. Like most of Chelsea’s attackers, Pulisic hasn’t been enjoying significantly effectively these days and on this one, that continued.

On this sport, Pulisic struggled to make something occur. Typically instances he tried to do an excessive amount of by himself and probabilities got here to nothing. Pulisic is in jeopardy of shedding his beginning place within the coming weeks and all the pieces may very well be thrown up within the air if Frank Lampard is fired.

Musah & Valencia fall to Atletico

This sport was a large uphill climb for Valencia which is struggling this season in the direction of the underside of the desk. In the meantime, Atletico Madrid sits safely atop La Liga with only one loss and has been among the many finest groups in Europe this season.

New York Metropolis-born Yunus Musah, 18, received the beginning on the proper aspect of the midfield for Valencia and general struggled to get occurring either side of the ball and wasn’t too concerned. Valencia took an early 1-0 lead however Atletico asserted its dominance after falling behind and cruised to a 3-1 win.

When his contact map, he was flush towards the proper aspect and infrequently lower inward – the place he prefers.

Musah was subbed out after 79 minutes. Whereas he had somewhat affect there have been moments the place he confirmed his high quality however his last ball typically let him down towards a superior Atletico group.

79 minutes
34 touches
0 pictures
20/23 – 87%
2 crosses
0 lengthy ball makes an attempt
2 dribbles (2 makes an attempt)
0x fouled
1 foul
0 tackles, clearances, interceptions

Whereas this loss was anticipated, Valencia will want wins quickly because it now sits simply two factors away from the relegation line in La Liga. Whereas being extraordinarily promising, the final two months have been revealing simply how far he’s from the English nationwide group and {that a} choice to the USA turns into way more logical, until his coronary heart isn’t it. However that doesn’t look like the case in any respect.

De la Torre strong for Heracles

Within the Eredivisie, Luca de la Torre, 22, has quietly been impressing at Heracles. On Saturday, the American midfielder from San Diego turned in a really good efficiency in a 1-0 win over Heerenveen. Heracles was lucky to seek out an 88th minute winner after it got here from a brutal backpass from Heerenveen which sprung a counterattack.

However Heracles was the higher group on this one all through and outshot Heerenveen 9-6.

De la Torre was steadily on the ball and his passing was typically on the cash. He additionally performed strong protection and showcased his two-way potential. In eleventh place, Heracles is in a logjam within the midtable however outcomes like these might push it larger. In the meantime, it has been an excellent season for de la Torre – his first season as an expert starter.

Luca de la Torre: uncooked # for Heracles in 1-0 win vs. Heerenveen90 mins71 touches1 shot53/58 passing – 91percent2/2 correct lengthy balls3 duels received (2 misplaced)1 clearance0 dribbles1x fouled2 tackles (2 makes an attempt)1 interception- Strong shift. The U-23 CM is progressingtouch map pic.twitter.com/sOVxBT5RNd

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 23, 2021

As a veteran of the 2015 U-17 World Cup and the 2017 U-20 World Cup, de la Torre is a participant value monitoring for the U.S. group. Central midfield stays aggressive and the complete nationwide group could be a while off, but when Jason Kreis can get a launch for de la Torre to take part with the U-23 group in Olympic qualifying, he may very well be a pleasant addition.

Bayern maintain Hoppe scoreless

It appears bizarre to report, however American teenager Matthew Hoppe didn’t rating on Sunday for Schalke 04. Quite a lot of that’s because of the full mismatch in groups as last-place Schalke hosted leaders and reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

After scoring 5 objectives in his final three video games, Hoppe earned the beginning for Schalke on this one. He was feisty and aggressive however this was a distinct stage of opponent from Hoffenhiem, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Koln.

The issue for Hoppe, is that together with his very good scoring, Bayern was centered on stopping him. So Hoppe needed to take care of the protection from the in all probability the very best group on this planet whose chief object was stopping him.

Bayern received this battle and Hoppe was typically ineffective – and that’s primarily because of the reality the Schalke is so unhealthy for the time being and it has only a few offensive choices. The numbers for Hoppe aren’t nice however he was higher than they reveal.

72 minutes
23 touches
0 pictures
6/15 passing
6 duels received (13 misplaced)
2 clearances
1 dribble
1x fouled
3 aerials received (8 misplaced)

For one, Hoppe made a number of actually good runs on this sport that, on a greater group, would have been good probabilities. His duels and aerial losses are, as soon as once more, as a result of he was aggressive find his manner into conditions the place he had a low likelihood of succeeding.

Hoppe stays one to comply with the remainder of the season as Schalke is bound to be relegated, however the normal feeling is that he isn’t taking place with them. He’ll discover greener pastures elsewhere.

Diskerud scores in Denizlispor debut

Combine Diskerud, 30, joined Denizlispor midweek on a free switch from Helsingborg. After Helsingborg had been relegated out of Sweden this 12 months, Diskerud signed on to affix a Denizlispor group which was lifeless final in Turkey’s Tremendous Lig. Diskerud’s wild profession has taken in from Norway to Belgium, again to Norway, to New York, a bizarre switch to Manchester Metropolis, a mortgage to Sweden, a mortgage to South Korea, one other mortgage to Sweden, and now to Turkey.

His Turkish debut really went very effectively, even when it was yet one more loss for Denizlispor. Dikserud got here on within the 83rd minute with Fatih Karagumruk main 2-0. 5 minutes later, the American lower the deficit in half with a purpose the place his tried move was blocked, however he recollected it for an open shot and a purpose. 

Denizlispor is in final place with 5 factors and three different groups separating it from survival. It’s an unlikely path. It makes you surprise what’s subsequent for Diskerud. Will he go down with the membership or is that this a approach to get is foot within the door in Turkey, impress, and get offered after Denizlispor goes down? Diskerud’s profession is all the time fascinating.

Elsewhere throughout the globe

In Ligue 1, U.S. nationwide group attacker Tim Weah performed the ultimate quarter-hour off the bench for Lille in a 1-0 win over Rennes. Whereas he got here on to protect the lead for a win, he was lively throughout his time on the sphere. He received all three of his duels and his lone aerial. Had one shot. He was profitable in his solely dribble whereas additionally drawing a foul. It was a short time on the sphere however it was profitable. With the win, Lille is even on factors for prime of the league however is in second on account of an inferior purpose differential to Paris Saint Germain.

Within the FA Cup on Friday, Owen Otasowie went as an unused substitute for Wolverhampton in a 1-0 win over Chorley.

On Saturday within the FA Cup, Zack Steffen made one save for Manchester Metropolis in a 3-1 win over Cheltenham. Early within the sport Steffen made one good save on the close to publish. Cheltenham really took a 1-0 lead on this one on a play the place there was miscommunication within the again.

OMG ????

FOURTH-TIER CHELTENHAM LEAD AGAINST MAN CITY! pic.twitter.com/34TUx8sVCK

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 23, 2021

Within the FA Cup on Sunday, Tim Ream went the space for Fulham in a 3-0 loss to Burnley.

Within the Championship on Saturday, group captain Geoff Cameron went the space for Queens Park Rangers in a 1-0 loss at residence to Derby County. U.S. U-20 ahead Charlie Kelman additionally featured for QPR and was an 82nd minute sub within the loss.

Within the 3.Liga, there was a Munich Derby on Friday and Chris Richards began and performed the complete 90 for Bayern Munich II in a 0-0 draw towards Tuerkguecue Muenchen.

In Serie B, Andrija Novakovich began and went the space for Frosinone in a 1-1 draw with Reggina. Giuseppe Barone remains to be awaiting his debut and was an unused sub for Salernitana in 2-0 win over Pescara.

In Belgium’s Professional League, Colorado native and central defender Brenden Hines-Ike went the space and picked up a yellow card for Kortrijk in a 2-1 residence loss to Cercle Brugge. U.S. U-23 midfielder Chris Durkin additionally went the space for St. Truiden in a 2-0 residence loss to Royal Excel Mouscron.

In Austria, American ahead Andrew Wooten made his membership debut for FC Admira in a 2-2 draw with St. Poelten. The previous Philadelphia Union ahead was lively on this one for an Admira group seeking to fend off relegation within the months forward.

In Ligue 2, U.S. nationwide group ahead Niko Gioacchini began and performed 77 minutes for SM Caen began in a 2-1 residence loss to Rodez. It was a foul loss for SM Caen as Rodez is close to the underside of the desk. Caen is now in ninth place and is now not a severe contender for promotion

Within the Bundesliga, American supervisor Pellegrino Matarazzo and his VfB Stuttgart group misplaced to Freiburg 2-1 after scoring the opening purpose. It was the second straight unhealthy loss for Stuttgart which is now in tenth place of the Bundesliga.

Within the 2.Bundesliga, St. Pauli as soon as appeared destined for relegation however at the moment are making a giant push after securing their second straight win. On Sunday St. Pauli defeated Jahn Regensburg 2-0 to maneuver one-oint away from the relegation zone. U.S. U-20 defensive midfielder and left again Leon Flach performed the ultimate 16 minutes within the win. German-American attacking midfielder Jan George (who had two objectives and an help final weekend) performed 90 miutes for Jahn Regensburg within the loss.

Additionally within the 2.Bundesliga, former U.S. worldwide Bobby Wooden was an unused sub for leaders Hamburg in a 4-2 win over Eintracht Braunschweig. Wooden is rumored to be leaving the membership after this season.

In Germany’s 3.Liga, American ahead Terrence Boyd scored a stoppage time winner in a 1-0 victory over Magdeburg.

Okay… yay or nay? Was Terrence Boyd’s stoppage time winner for Hallescher at the moment a #WPIOOTBGW? It might go both manner pic.twitter.com/Uod5FWVzEN

— When Taking part in It Out of the Again Goes Incorrect (@wpiootbgw) January 23, 2021

Within the Swiss Tremendous League, Jordan Siebatcheu performed the ultimate 18 minute for leaders BSC Younger Boys in a 0-0 away draw to FC Vaduz in Liechtenstein. Vaduz play in one of many world’s most scenic stadiums.

Within the Swiss Tremendous League, American ahead Jordan Siebatcheu in on the bench for BSC Younger Boys as they go to FC Vaduz. Being on the bench in a go to to Vaduz has its advantages as a result of you could have time to soak up the wonderful surroundings. On of the very best views of any stadium pic.twitter.com/v5hxloi5TM

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) January 24, 2021

Within the Greek Tremendous League, American-born attacking midfielder and 2015 U.S. U-23 veteran Gboly Ariyibi performed the ultimate 13 minutes for Penetoilikos because it was held to a 0-0 draw at residence by Lamia.

Each Sergino Dest and Konrad de la Fuente had been unused substitutes for Barcelona in a 2-0 away win over relegation battling Elche.

In Brazil’s Serie A, league leaders Internacional posted a 2-1 win over Gremio in a bitter Porto Alegre derby. United States nationwide group midfielder Johnny Cardoso was an unused sub for Internacional.

Lastly, in Vietnam, Lee Nguyen began and performed 74 minutes for Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in a 2-0 win over Hong Linh Ha Tinh