McKennie Returns; Nets Spectacular Goal

 Compatriot Provides Cross For Midfielder's Scissor Finish

In a crucial Champions League clash at the Juventus Stadium Wednesday, Weston McKennie came off the bench to deliver a splendid and decisive goal that sealed Juventus' 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

After Dusan Vlahovic had broken the deadlock with a powerful header in the 53rd minute, McKennie entered the game as a substitute and made an immediate impact. In the 75th minute, he received the ball from fellow American Timothy Weah, who also subbed on with McKennie, following a well-orchestrated counterattack and the midfielder unleashed a stunning volleyed finish past Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

"I was falling over honestly," McKennie said jokingly. "No, I'm just playing. You've seen it before. I did it also against Barcelona so I got it in the locker every once in a while." CBS Sports

McKennie's goal came during a brief but crucial cameo, playing just 21 minutes but making a significant contribution. He completed 4-of-6 passes, including the pass to release Weah before his goal. After Weah's initial cross was blocked, he delicately crossed the ball to the open McKennie in a perfect position to strike.

The American midfielder's late goal not only secured the win for Juventus but also compounded Manchester City's difficulties in the Champions League. The victory leaves City in a precarious position, sitting 22nd in the group standings with just two matches remaining. Juventus are now 14th in the group standings, still in shouting distance of a knockout-round position.

"It was definitely a big moment," McKennie said. "We knew it was going to be a difficult game because Man City is a team that's all about possession and can punish you with the one action, so we knew what type of game it was going to be. And with the situation, we wanted to win this game to boost our confidence to keep going forward in the league." CBS Sports

McKennie's goal was a testament to his ability to make an immediate impact as a substitute, turning the game decisively in Juventus' favor. His finish, similar to one he scored against Barcelona in the Champions League four years earlier, epitomized the Italian side's clinical counterattacking strategy, which frustrated Manchester City throughout the match.

"The big thing is being in that eight position," McKennie said. "I like whenever I'm not really contained when I have the freedom to just run and let my energy out because I'll always be able to get back to my position. So if I have a coach that you know allows me to do that and make my runs in behind and arrive late in the box, then (I'll) have more opportunities to score more goals. It just depends on if it goes in the back of the net or not." CBS Sports