Americans Primed for Key Roles as Juventus Faces Bologna in Serie A Showdown
This Sunday's crucial clash between fourth-placed Juventus and fifth-placed Bologna at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium features two American internationals in significant roles for the Bianconeri as they battle for Champions League positioning.
Tim Weah could start at right-back in Igor Tudor's 4-3-2-1 formation, continuing his versatile role since the coaching change. Initially signed as an attacking winger, Weah has adapted admirably to defensive responsibilities while providing attacking width.
Weston McKennie remains a midfield mainstay despite nearly being sold last summer. The resurgent American has earned a contract extension through 2026 and is reportedly in discussions for a further two-year deal that would keep him at the Allianz Stadium until 2028. His box-to-box presence will be vital alongside Locatelli and Khephren Thuram in midfield.
The historical context favors Juventus, who are unbeaten in their last 25 Serie A matches against Bologna (17W, 8D) - their longest current unbeaten streak against any opponent. However, Bologna presents a formidable challenge, earning more home points (23) than any other Serie A club in 2025.
With Randal Kolo-Muani leading the attack after ending his scoring drought, Juventus will rely on their American contingent to help maintain their impressive defensive record (16 clean sheets this season) while pushing for a victory that would strengthen their grip on a Champions League position.
After Missing Last Weekend, Fullback Available for Trip to Villa Park
Good news for Fulham as American left-back Antonee Robinson is available for selection ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The 26-year-old defender missed last weekend's thrilling 2-1 victory over Southampton due to a knee problem but has now recovered and returned to training.
Robinson's return is crucial for Marco Silva's side, who will still be without Rodrigo Muniz and Reiss Nelson due to muscle and thigh injuries, respectively. The USMNT international is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup, likely forming a defensive quartet alongside Calvin Bassey, Joachim Andersen and Kenny Tete.
Robinson's availability allows Ryan Sessegnon, who scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Southampton, to move further forward into an attacking role. The tactical flexibility provided by Robinson's return gives Silva more options as Fulham look to build on their impressive form.
Despite recent transfer speculation linking Robinson with a potential move to Liverpool as a replacement for the aging Andrew Robertson, the defender remains focused on helping Fulham finish the season strongly. His defensive stability and attacking contributions will be vital against an Aston Villa side still fighting for Champions League qualification.
On This Day in 2012, the Substitute Scored the Fifth in a Rout to Seal a Runner-Up Finish in the Scottish Premier League
Right before the 2011 Gold Cup, Alejandro Bedoya was added to the roster to replace Benny Feilhaber, who suffered an injury in an MLS match a week earlier. Bedoya, who had eight caps before the tournament, would grow into the tournament and start all three knockout round matches, including the 4-2 defeat to Mexico in the final. Because of these performances, Rangers came calling, and Bedoya would make the move to the Scottish Premier side.
Rangers had agreed with Bedoya’s current club, Orebro, about the transfer, and Bedoya signed a pre-contract agreement to join in January following the conclusion of the Allsvenskan season. But after Bedoya received his British work permit, Rangers manager Ally McCoist was adamant about signing the 24-year-old, and he pushed for Bedoya’s signing over the summer; he made the transfer on August 17 for an undisclosed fee. He made his Rangers debut 11 days later as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 win over Aberdeen. By midseason, Bedoya would earn two starts and another five appearances off the bench as he struggled with injuries from the start of his time in Glasgow. Bedoya was even ill the day of his debut, spitting up blood toward the end of the match.
"I just have to try to fight through it and keep doing my best because I know I have what it takes to become an even better player here and do well for the club," he said about the injuries.
Bedoya was out for three months before returning to the starting XI for the March 17 defeat to Dundee United, where he played 83 minutes in central midfield. He would return to the bench for the next six league matches before finally substituting for Sone Aluko in the 75th minute on May 2 in the reverse fixture against Dundee.
The game was already in hand, up 4-0, when Bedoya stepped onto the field. Seven minutes later, Bedoya, coming off the left, drifted forward before receiving a through pass from fellow American Maurice Edu. Bedoya gets to the pass first and fires it past Dusan Pernis for the first of the match. It was Bedoya’s first goal in Scotland and his first goal in nearly a year.
That 5-0 win secured second place for Rangers, relinquishing the title to Celtic after winning it the previous season. Bedoya played in the last two matches of the season, coming off the bench in a goalless draw with Motherwell before providing an assist in a final-day victory over St. Johnstone. It would be the last action for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership as the club was placed into administration on Valentine’s Day and eventually dropped to the fourth tier. Like most first-teamers, Bedoya sought other clubs and returned to Sweden when he signed with Helsingborgs on August 10. Edu and Carlos Bocanegra, who signed in January, also left in the summer. Edu signed with Stoke City, and Bocanegra moved to Racing Santander on loan.
Bedoya rebounded in Sweden, but that didn’t translate back to the national team until the 2013 Gold Cup. Out of favor with new manager Jurgen Klinsmann, Bedoya eventually worked his way back into the picture, scoring his first goal for the US in a pre-tournament friendly against Guatemala. Just like in 2011, Bedoya improved as the tournament progressed and provided two assists in the semifinal and on Brek Shea’s winner in the final against Panama, though Landon Donovan may have had a touch.
Five Americans Facing Different Scenarios on the Final Day
As the EFL Championship concludes with a nail-biting finale this Saturday, several American stars find themselves in roles across the promotion and relegation battlegrounds.
Josh Sargent's 15-goal campaign has helped Norwich City secure their playoff position, with their spot already confirmed. Despite not needing points from their final match against relegated Cardiff City, Sargent will be looking to maintain his sharp form heading into the final day.
Haji Wright faces the most consequential match among his countrymen as Coventry City cling to the final playoff spot. Currently in sixth place but having stumbled with two consecutive losses, Wright's 12 goals this season have been vital. The American forward must deliver against Middlesbrough at home, knowing that only a win guarantees their playoff dream stays alive, with Millwall and Blackburn ready to pounce on any slip-up.
Ironically, Wright's playoff hopes could be derailed by fellow American Aidan Morris, whose Middlesbrough side sits ninth but still harbors playoff ambitions. Morris, with his impressive 92.2% pass accuracy, must help orchestrate an away victory at Coventry while hoping other results fall their way to sneak into the top six.
At already-relegated Cardiff City, Ethan Horvath will finish a disappointing season that sees the Bluebirds drop to League One.
Meanwhile, Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United are on the verge of glory, sitting top of the table. The creative midfielder's nine goals have helped Leeds reclaim first place, and they now only need to match Burnley's result against Millwall to be crowned champions after already securing automatic promotion.
