Trio of Americans Score in Rout

Tillman, Ledezma and Pepi all score in the victory

PSV continued their dominant Eredivisie campaign with a crushing 6-1 victory over FC Twente, with Americans Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Richy Ledezma marking the occasion with a goal each

Despite an early setback when Sem Steijn scored from a controversial free kick, PSV quickly turned the match around. Noa Lang equalized within ten minutes, setting the stage for the Americans to shine. Malik Tillman took center stage in the 34th minute, scoring from a loose ball after a cross. Richard Ledezma added to the rout with a well-placed strike from a difficult angle in the 63rd minute. Ricardo Pepi, who started over Luuk de Jong, played a crucial role in creating opportunities and ultimately scored PSV's final goal with a stylish chip in the 85th minute, completing the Americans' impressive showing.

The team has now won 14 of 15 matches, scoring an incredible 56 goals in the Eredivisie—the highest tally after 15 matches since their own 1987-88 season. PSV's victory extends their lead to seven points over second-place Utrecht, underlining their dominance in the league. The win sets up PSV perfectly for their upcoming Champions League match against Stade Brest, with the team showing no signs of slowing down.

Pulisic Off Injured

Winger Sustained Calf Tear in Defeat to Atalanta

AC Milan’s American winger Christian Pulisic faces an unexpected setback after suffering a minor calf muscle tear during Friday's 2-1 defeat to Atalanta. The injury, which forced him off the field in the 38th minute, threatens to disrupt his terrific season in Italy.

Pulisic, who has been AC Milan's leading scorer this season with eight goals and six assists in just 20 matches, will likely be sidelined until January. The club confirmed on Monday that an MRI revealed a muscle tear in his right calf, ruling him out of several crucial matches.

The timing couldn't be more challenging for Milan, who are currently seventh in Serie A and competing in the Champions League. Pulisic will miss the upcoming Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade, as well as Serie A games against Genoa, Hellas Verona and Roma. His potential return is anticipated for the Jan. 3 Italian Super Cup semifinal in Saudi Arabia.

This injury marks a stark contrast to Pulisic's recent consistency. After struggling with injuries during his time at Chelsea, he has been remarkably durable since moving to Milan. In the 2023-24 season, he played 50 games in all competitions. He had only surpassed 40 matches in a season three times prior.

Fortunately, the injury is not expected to impact Pulisic's availability for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Panama in March.

Gio vs Scally

Scally Shined While Reyna Came Off the Bench in Draw 

On Saturday, Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach battled to a 1-1 draw, with Americans Joe Scally and Gio Reyna playing contrasting roles in the encounter.

Joe Scally demonstrated a strong defensive performance for Gladbach, recording six clearances, three interceptions and two blocks, one of which was near the goalline on a Serhou Guirassy scissor kick. Scally also completed 21-of-28 of his passes. Jamie Gittens was Scally's main defensive assignment put Dortmund ahead in the 65th minute with a solo goal, continuing his impressive run of scoring in four consecutive matches. Scally allowed the winger to dribble and when Franck Honorat came over to double-team, Gittens cut inside on Honorat and scored off the crossbar. 

Kevin Stoger's penalty six minutes later leveled the score, preventing Dortmund from securing their first away win of the season.

Gio Reyna, in a limited 12-minute appearance, showed glimpses of his potential. He completed 10-of-13 passes, achieved a 100% success rate in ground duels, and created a chance. That chance came after he took a corner two minutes into extra time. After it was partially cleared, the ball came back out to Reyna on the right wing. He curled in an inviting cross for Guirassy to nod home the winner, only for the header to bounce wide.

The result leaves Dortmund fifth in the Bundesliga, 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Gladbach sits 11th, with the match ending dramatically as they were reduced to 10 men after late substitute Tomas Cvancara received two quick bookings. Despite the Americans' efforts, neither Scally nor Reyna could decisively influence the match's outcome.