Americans Face-Off in Germany

Tillman and Leverkusen Travel to Scally and Gladbach in the Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach meet Saturday at Borussia-Park in a Bundesliga clash featuring American talent on both sides, with Malik Tillman lining up for the visitors and Joe Scally expected to start for the hosts.

Tillman arrives in red-hot form, having scored three goals in his last three matches. The 23-year-old midfielder netted a brace against Villarreal in the Champions League before adding another in Leverkusen's 3-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. His clinical finish from inside the penalty area doubled Leverkusen's lead just before halftime, showcasing the composure that has made him instrumental to their recent resurgence.

"It's about time I scored more often," Tillman said following the Frankfurt victory. "We didn't start the year so well, but I think we're slowly finding our feet again."

Indeed, Leverkusen have won four consecutive matches after opening 2026 with three straight defeats. They currently sit sixth with 35 points, just four behind fourth-placed Stuttgart.

Scally's Gladbach, meanwhile, are struggling in 12th place with 21 points and winless in four matches. Fellow American Gio Reyna remains doubtful after missing their last fixture with muscular problems, leaving Scally as the lone U.S. representative for the hosts. Gladbach will hope to snap their poor run against a Leverkusen side unbeaten in 12 consecutive meetings.

Weah's Coupe De France Assist

Winger Delivered Early Assist in Marseille's Victory Over Rennes

Tim Weah delivered a crucial performance for Marseille on Tuesday, providing an assist in their commanding 3-0 Coupe de France Round of 16 victory over Rennes. The U.S. men's national team versatile winger helped Roberto De Zerbi's side bounce back from consecutive disappointing results.

Weah's tenacity was evident from the opening whistle. Just two minutes into the match, his relentless work rate paid dividends when he won possession back deep in the Rennes penalty area. The American then set up Amine Gouiri for a close-range finish that gave Marseille an early 1-0 advantage they would never surrender.

The assist marked Weah's second in his last four appearances across all competitions, showcasing his growing influence at the Orange Velodrome. Beyond the goal contribution, his all-around effort was impressive—he completed three tackles, won four duels, and recorded six defensive recoveries throughout the contest.

Mason Greenwood doubled the lead early in the second half, netting his 21st goal of the season, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed the victory with seven minutes remaining. The clean sheet victory was particularly welcome for Marseille after their Champions League elimination at Club Brugge and a frustrating 2-2 draw against Paris FC. Weah now faces his biggest test yet this season—Le Classique against league leaders Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

Pepi's Transfer Saga

Striker Remains With PSV After Fulham Move Fell Through

Ricardo Pepi's high-profile transfer to Fulham collapsed on deadline day, but the Premier League club hasn't given up hope. The 23-year-old U.S. international was poised to leave PSV Eindhoven after Fulham submitted a €32 million bid, yet the deal unraveled when the Dutch giants couldn't secure a replacement in time.

Currently sidelined until March with a broken forearm, Pepi has nonetheless been impressive this season, netting 11 goals with three assists across 22 appearances. His strong form for the Eredivisie leaders has attracted widespread interest from clubs across England, Germany, and Italy, though his injury further complicated negotiations.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fulham manager Marco Silva remains determined to bring Pepi to Craven Cottage and plans to revive talks during the summer window. The west London side is actively seeking a long-term replacement for 34-year-old Raúl Jiménez, whose contract expires in June, and views the American striker as an ideal solution.

PSV acquired Pepi from Augsburg for €11 million in 2023, and he's since proven his worth with 37 goals in 90 career appearances. With his contract running until 2030, the Dutch club is positioned to demand maximum value. For now, Pepi will focus on recovery and finishing the season strong with PSV before potentially making his Premier League move.

McKennie's Acrobatic Goal

Midfielder Continued His Stellar Start to 2026 With Scissor-Kick Goal

Weston McKennie delivered a standout performance on Sunday as Juventus dismantled Parma 4-1 at Stadio Ennio Tardini, with the 27-year-old American scoring a spectacular goal and playing a key role in one of the Bianconeri's best displays of the season.

McKennie made his 23rd consecutive start for Luciano Spalletti's side, and his goal came just before halftime when Pierre Kalulu's right-wing cross found the midfielder in space. McKennie executed an acrobatic scissor kick volley that flew into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Edoardo Corvi, doubling Juventus' advantage after Gleison Bremer had opened the scoring from a corner in the 15th minute.

The goal marked McKennie's fourth of 2026 and his sixth of the overall season, placing him among the most productive midfielders in Serie A. He completed 83% of his 59 passes, registered nine touches inside the opposition box, and created two chances for teammates. Defensively, he contributed three tackles, three clearances, and four recoveries while winning 71% of his ground duels.

Beyond the goal itself, McKennie was also involved in the buildup to Juventus' third strike. His headed effort from a short free kick struck the crossbar, but the rebound fell to Jonathan David, with Bremer ensuring the ball crossed the line to restore Juventus' two-goal cushion after Parma had pulled one back through an own goal.

The victory propelled Juventus into fourth place in Serie A with 45 points, 10 behind league leaders Inter Milan. McKennie played 74 minutes before being substituted as Spalletti rotated ahead of a congested schedule that includes a Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Atalanta on Thursday and a two-legged Champions League playoff tie against Galatasaray later in the month.

Balogun's Assist in Monaco Win

Forward Provided the Setup to Monaco's Opener in Victory Over Rennes

Folarin Balogun played a crucial role in AS Monaco's return to winning ways on Saturday, providing the assist for the opening goal in a commanding 4-0 victory over Stade Rennais at Stade Louis-II, though his evening was cut short due to an apparent injury.

The 24-year-old United States international delivered a well-placed pass in the 33rd minute that allowed Ansu Fati to convert with a clinical, low-angled finish. It marked Balogun's third assist of the Ligue 1 season, and his involvement in the buildup to another goal helped Monaco secure their first victory of 2026 after a difficult start to the calendar year.

Despite playing just 56 minutes before being substituted by Mika Biereth, Balogun's contribution was vital to Monaco's dominant performance. He registered one shot on target from a tight angle late in the first half and completed 80% of his passes, though he struggled in physical duels, winning none of his six contested battles. His brief appearance yielded 10 touches, with two coming inside the opposition's penalty area. Apparently, the early substitution was a precaution for some hamstring tightness.

While questions persist about his league goalscoring form—just four Ligue 1 goals this season isn't sufficient for a striker of his caliber—Balogun's creative contributions demonstrate his value to Sébastien Pocognoli's system. The victory was particularly significant for Monaco, which had secured Champions League playoff qualification against Juventus midweek and needed momentum heading into the competition's knockout stages.

Off the pitch, Balogun joined teammate Timothy Weah in expressing concern about ticket prices for this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. "It is difficult for me to resonate because I'm not buying the tickets, but growing up, I watched the World Cup on TV, and it has a magical effect," Balogun told reporters. "The World Cup is always memorable for people for different reasons. Of course, I'd want it to be affordable."

Johnny's First 90 Minutes in La Liga This Season

Midfielder Continues to Progress as Atletico Drew With Levante

Johnny Cardoso endured a challenging evening at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Saturday as Atletico Madrid were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Levante, a result that left Diego Simeone's side nine points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

The 24-year-old American midfielder completed his first full 90 minutes in La Liga this season, having previously only played a complete match against Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey on January 13. His performance was characterized by industry and composure in possession but ultimately reflected Atletico's broader struggles to create meaningful attacking opportunities.

Cardoso completed the most passes of any player on the pitch with 54 successful deliveries from 59 attempts, achieving an impressive 92% accuracy rate. He also led all participants with 81 touches, attempting to dictate tempo from central midfield. His defensive contributions were significant, registering six tackles, two interceptions, two clearances, and five recoveries while winning 64% of his ground duels.

Despite his industrious display, the statistics highlighted Atletico's offensive deficiencies. Cardoso registered zero touches in the opposition penalty area and created no chances, though he did attempt 10 passes into the final third. His lone shot was blocked by Levante's defense, with Nico Gonzalez firing the rebound into the side netting just before halftime in one of Atletico's few threatening moments.

The match represented another difficult away performance for Simeone's side. While Cardoso provided stability and ball retention, Atletico desperately lacked the creative spark needed to unlock a determined Levante backline fighting for survival. With concerns mounting over injuries to Alexander Sorloth and Pablo Barrios from the same fixture, Cardoso's durability offers some consolation.

Tillman's Third Goal in Four Days

After a Brace in the Champions League, Midfielder Scored Again Over the Weekend

Malik Tillman's red-hot form continued on Saturday as Bayer Leverkusen defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1, with the American midfielder netting his third goal in two matches following his brace against Villarreal in the Champions League.

The 23-year-old United States international delivered a composed finish just before halftime, picking out the bottom-right corner from just inside the penalty area to double Leverkusen's advantage after Arthur had opened the scoring in the 26th minute. The strike showcased Tillman's clinical edge, converting his only shot of the match.

"It's about time I scored more often," Tillman said afterward. "We didn't start the year so well, but I think we're slowly finding our feet again. And every win obviously boosts our confidence. Hopefully it continues like this."

Tillman's recent scoring run has been crucial for Leverkusen's resurgence after a difficult start to 2026. The victory at Deutsche Bank Park marked their third consecutive win following three straight defeats to open the calendar year. His six goals this season trail only Alejandro Grimaldo's 11 and Patrik Schick's nine among Leverkusen players in all competitions.

Beyond his goalscoring contribution, Tillman completed 89% of his passes during his 82 minutes on the pitch, winning half of his ground duels and contributing defensively with two tackles. His all-around performance helped Kasper Hjulmand's side maintain control despite Frankfurt's second-half pressure after Robin Koch pulled one back early in the restart before Aleix Garcia sealed the win with a goal in second-half stoppage time.

The victory lifted Leverkusen to sixth in the Bundesliga table, just one point behind fifth-placed RB Leipzig with a game in hand. Frankfurt's struggles continued, extending their winless run to six matches and marking their seventh consecutive defeat against Leverkusen. Manager Hjulmand praised his team's first-half performance while acknowledging room for improvement as they prepare for a DFB-Pokal quarter-final against St. Pauli on Tuesday.

Agyemang's Monster Header

Forwards Skied to Score Derby County's Fourth Goal in Big Win Over Bristol City

Derby County's emphatic 5-0 victory over Bristol City on Friday saw American striker Patrick Agyemang continue his impressive debut season in English football, netting his ninth goal of the campaign.

The 25-year-old forward delivered the fourth goal of Derby's dominant display at Ashton Gate in the 66th minute. Rising above Bristol City defender George Tanner, Agyemang powerfully headed home Joe Ward's cross from the right wing, directing the ball back across goal and into the bottom corner. The goal marked his third in four appearances for the Rams.

Despite losing the most duels in the match with 14 unsuccessful challenges and winning just 30% of his aerial battles, Agyemang's clinical finishing proved decisive. His performance included four total shots with one on target, completing 79% of his passes during his 71 minutes on the pitch.

The comprehensive victory propelled Derby from 11th to seventh place in the Championship table, closing in on a coveted play-off spot. John Eustace's side had raced into a commanding 3-0 lead within 36 minutes through Rhian Brewster, Ben Brereton Diaz, and Bobby Clark before Agyemang extended the advantage after the hour mark. Substitute Lars-Jorgen Salvesen completed the rout late on, making it five different scorers.

For Derby, this represented their largest Championship win since March 2019 and their first 5-0 away victory since 1959. The result also marked their fourth victory in six league matches, demonstrating the Rams' strong form heading into crucial home fixtures against Ipswich Town and Swansea City, where Agyemang will look to maintain his scoring momentum.

Freeman to Villarreal

Defender Makes the Move to Europe After Breakout Year With the National Team

Alex Freeman completed his move to La Liga side Villarreal on Thursday, signing a six-and-a-half-year contract that runs through June 2032 in a transfer worth up to $7 million from Orlando City.

The 21-year-old right-back joins the Spanish club following a breakout 2025 season that saw him transform from reserve player to one of Major League Soccer's premier young talents. Villarreal cited Freeman's physical power, attacking prowess, and impressive athletic qualities as key attributes, noting his versatility to operate in advanced positions from the right flank.

Freeman's remarkable rise included just three MLS appearances before 2025, but he secured Orlando's starting right-back position and never looked back. His stellar performances earned him MLS All-Star selection—becoming the youngest player ever chosen—a spot on the MLS Best XI, and the league's Young Player of the Year award. He finished the campaign with six goals and six assists across all competitions.

Orlando City general manager Ricardo Moreira praised Freeman's development: "He showed maturity and commitment at every level, rising from a young prospect to an MLS All-Star and one of the league's top emerging talents."

The Baltimore native, son of former Green Bay Packers receiver Antonio Freeman, also established himself internationally under manager Mauricio Pochettino. He earned 13 caps for the United States in 2025, highlighted by a brace against Uruguay in November that marked his first senior international goals.

Pochettino expressed confidence in the transfer, saying he had spoken with Freeman beforehand and emphasized supporting players who seek growth opportunities. Freeman appears well-positioned for World Cup selection, though maintaining form at fourth-placed Villarreal will prove crucial with the tournament just months away.

Trusty's Wild Week

Centerback Scored Again in Europe After a Domestic Red Card at the Weekend

Auston Trusty's crucial header secured Celtic's passage to the Europa League knockout play-offs as they held off a spirited Utrecht comeback to win 4-2 at Parkhead on Thursday.

The 27-year-old American defender delivered the decisive moment in the 66th minute, meeting Arne Engels' delivery with a glancing header that found the top-right corner. The goal restored Celtic's two-goal cushion after Utrecht had threatened to complete an unlikely comeback, having reduced a three-goal deficit to 3-2.

Celtic had raced to a commanding lead within 19 minutes—the third-earliest a Dutch side had trailed 3-0 in European competition history. However, Utrecht struck twice without reply, first through Dani de Wit's curling effort before halftime, then Adrian Blake's counter-attacking finish just after the hour mark, creating genuine anxiety around Celtic Park.

Trusty's intervention proved perfectly timed. Manager Martin O'Neill praised the defender's composure during what had become an increasingly nervy encounter, with Trusty completing the full 90 minutes and registering eight defensive contributions alongside his attacking heroics.

The goal marked a welcome moment of redemption for Trusty following a difficult week. He had faced criticism after receiving a controversial red card during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Hearts—a VAR-upgraded dismissal that Celtic unsuccessfully appealed—and had endured defensive struggles in the previous match against Bologna, where Celtic played over an hour with ten men, and Trusty notched his first goal of the season.

Celtic finished 21st in the 36-team standings, securing their knockout stage berth and setting up a play-off tie against either Ferencvaros or Stuttgart, with the first leg scheduled for Glasgow on February 19.