Fun Matchup in Italy

Four Americans headline Juventus vs AC Milan

American stars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are set to headline a blockbuster Serie A showdown Saturday at San Siro, continuing the momentum from the USMNT's recent CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal triumph.

The match pits AC Milan against Juventus in a critical league encounter, with both teams desperate to climb the Serie A standings. Juventus sit sixth in the table, but only two points of the leaders Napoli. Milan are seventh and six points behind their opponents.

Christian Pulisic enters the match in impressive form, ranking among Serie A's top home performers. He's scored 10 goals and provided five assists in home games since last season, placing him in elite company alongside Paulo Dybala and Ademola Lookman.

At Juventus, Tim Weah has emerged as a clinical finisher. Among players attempting at least five shots in Europe's top five leagues, Weah boasts the highest scoring percentage at 57%, already setting a personal record for goals in a single season across Serie A and Ligue 1.

Weston McKennie, with 10 career Serie A goals to his name, provides midfield dynamism for Juventus. His box-to-box energy could be crucial in disrupting Milan's attacking rhythm. Yunus Musah continues to establish himself at Milan, bringing pace and positioning off the bench to Paulo Fonseca's system.

The match takes on additional significance given both teams' current positions. Juventus sits sixth, while Milan is seventh – a rare occurrence of both giants outside the top five. Their recent international break performances with the USMNT – defeating Jamaica 5-2 on aggregate – suggest the Americans are entering the match in strong form. Juventus arrives unbeaten in league play under new manager Thiago Motta, while Milan struggles with consistency under Paulo Fonseca. Statistically, the matchup favors Juventus historically. The club has won five consecutive Serie A matches against Milan after international breaks and leads the all-time head-to-head series 68-53.

Key injury concerns might impact the Americans' involvement. Juventus will be without several players, potentially creating opportunities for McKennie and Weah. Rumor has it Weah may start at the striker position. Milan appears relatively healthy, positioning Pulisic for another starting role.

Kickoff is set for 18:00 CET at the iconic San Siro, promising a thrilling encounter between two of Italian football's most storied clubs – with American talent potentially determining the outcome.

Reyna Returns to Training

Midfielder could see first minutes since September 

U.S. soccer star Gio Reyna has returned to Borussia Dortmund training after a lengthy layoff with a groin strain, potentially positioning himself to rejoin the squad Saturday against Freiburg in the Bundesliga.

The 21-year-old attacker has been sidelined since late September and experienced a setback in October that extended his absence. Reyna has only played nine minutes in the league this season, coming off the bench in a 2-0 Dortmund win over Frankfurt.

His return comes at a critical time for Dortmund, currently in seventh. Coach Nuri Sahin could benefit from Reyna's comeback as the team has matches against Freiburg, Dinamo Zagreb in Champions League, and Bayern Munich in the next week.

Pepi Expected to Start

PSV does not want to sell the striker, despite the interest

U.S. Men's National Team striker Ricardo Pepi is set to lead PSV Eindhoven's attack on Saturday, stepping in for the injured Luuk de Jong in a crucial Eredivisie match.

Manager Peter Bosz confirmed Pepi's start during a recent press conference, highlighting the 21-year-old American's development since joining the club. "He has developed very well since his arrival at PSV," Bosz said. "We have two excellent strikers, and they are two different types. Luuk is better at heading, and Ricardo is very strong in depth." PSV.nl

Pepi's emergence comes amid growing transfer speculation. Multiple Premier League clubs have reportedly expressed interest in the young forward, with potential bids of around €15 million being anticipated in the January transfer window.

Despite the external interest, PSV remains resolute in retaining Pepi. The Dutch champions have made it clear they have no intention of selling, even if a substantial offer of €30 million arrives. Pepi has impressed in recent months, scoring six goals in his last nine games for club and country.

The situation has created an interesting dynamic with De Jong, PSV's long-time captain. Local media suggests De Jong finds it challenging to cede playing time, though he has been professionally accepting of the coaching staff's decisions.

Pepi's recent international performances have further bolstered his standing. He scored during both of the USMNT's CONCACAF Nations League victories over Jamaica, demonstrating his continued development and goal-scoring prowess.

The upcoming match represents a significant opportunity for Pepi to showcase his abilities in De Jong's absence. With multiple Premier League clubs monitoring his progress, a strong performance could further increase his transfer valuation.

Bosz praised the returning internationals, noting, "The guys who have played internationals have come back well, fit. There have been no injuries. Ricardo and Ismael still scored, others just played well." PSV.nl

While transfer rumors continue to swirl – including reported interest from Borussia Dortmund – PSV remains committed to Pepi's long-term development within their system. Saturday's match provides Pepi another chance to prove why the club values him so highly and why other clubs have expressed interest.

Zendejas Key in Victory

USMNT international Alejandro Zendejas played a pivotal role in Club America's dramatic playoff victory over Tijuana Xolos on Thursday, contributing significantly despite not scoring in the match.

Zendejas, who had just returned from the international break, delivered a crucial assist in stoppage time, providing a perfect cross that set up Cristian Borja's equalizing goal. He also appeared to score what seemed like a match-winning goal, though it was ultimately disallowed due to a handball. During the intense penalty shootout,  Zendejas missed his attempt, which initially gave Tijuana hope. However, Club America ultimately prevailed 3-2, securing the seventh seed in the Liga MX playoffs.

The match at Estadio Caliente was a back-and-forth affair, with Zendejas playing a key role in America's late-game offensive push. His cross to Borja in the dying moments of regulation demonstrated his offensive capabilities and vision on the field.

Club America will advance to the quarterfinals, with Zendejas looking to build momentum in the postseason tournament.

LDLT Close to Return

Midfielder just missed the squad this weekend

American midfielder Luca de la Torre is nearing a return to Celta Vigo's squad, though he remains just short of playing in Saturday's match against Barcelona.

After two months sidelined with a right ankle injury, de la Torre has been participating fully in training, signaling his imminent comeback. However, his future at Celta remains uncertain, with the 26-year-old midfielder seemingly on the periphery of coach Claudio Giráldez's plans.

Currently the only Celta player without a single minute of official play this season, de la Torre faces a critical career crossroads. San Diego FC has emerged as a compelling alternative, offering the California native a chance to play in his hometown during the MLS franchise's inaugural season.

The potential move presents a major dilemma for de la Torre, who has spent most of his career pursuing a European football dream. Since leaving for Fulham's academy in 2013, he has built a career focused on competing in European leagues.

San Diego FC's ambitious project, which includes high-profile signings like Hirving Lozano, provides an attractive option. The club aims to become the "Real Madrid of MLS" and views de la Torre as a potential cornerstone of their first campaign.

With his contract at Celta running until 2026, a transfer seems increasingly likely. Celta is eager to streamline its roster, and de la Torre's limited involvement suggests he may be expendable. The upcoming transfer window will be crucial. While San Diego offers hometown appeal and guaranteed playing time, de la Torre must weigh this against his long-standing European aspirations and national team prospects ahead of the next major international tournament.

Luna in the Dark

MLS Young Player of the Year Diego Luna remains in international soccer limbo, with neither the U.S. Men's National Team nor Mexico showing interest in calling him up to their senior squads.

The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake playmaker has been left in the dark since his senior national team debut in January. He was also controversially omitted from the U.S. Olympic roster last summer.

Luna, eligible for both the U.S. and Mexico through his heritage, has maintained a patient approach to his international aspirations. 

"I am just continuing to work and waiting for my chance to get that call-up, and like I have been saying, to prove myself in those opportunities that I get," Luna said. "I have not had any conversations or phone calls with any of the U.S. staff." CBS Sports

USMNT Starts 2025 Against Venezuela

January camp will take place in Fort Lauderdale

The U.S. men's national soccer team will kick off its 2025 schedule against Venezuela on Jan. 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The match begins at 3 p.m. EST.

Since the friendly falls outside a FIFA international window, it offers an opportunity for emerging MLS players to compete ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

"We are looking forward to getting to know many of the MLS players and see the potential talent we have here in the United States," U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. US Soccer

Venezuela enters the match following strong performances in 2024, reaching the Copa America quarterfinals and drawing against both Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifying matches.

The U.S. leads the all-time series 3-1-2, though Venezuela won the most recent meeting 3-0 in 2019. The U.S. remains undefeated in Fort Lauderdale with a 4-0-1 record.