McKenzie's Throw-In Assist

After Missing Last Weekend, Defender Notched an Assist on a Short Throw in a Win Over Stade Brest

Mark McKenzie made a triumphant return to Toulouse's starting lineup on Sunday, providing the assist for the opening goal in their 2-0 victory over Stade Brestois after missing the previous weekend's 5-1 rout of Nice due to a foot injury.

The 26-year-old American center-back demonstrated his versatility and creative thinking in the 27th minute with an assist that caught the Brest defense completely off guard. Taking his time during a throw-in on the left wing, McKenzie executed what was described as a "long throw-in dummy" before playing a short pass to new signing Pape Demba Diop. The Senegalese central midfielder took a touch just outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful 25-meter strike that found the back of the net, opening his Ligue 1 account for Toulouse.

McKenzie's creative contribution helped unlock what had been a tight contest, allowing Toulouse to take control before Yann Gboho doubled the advantage just before halftime with his sixth goal of the season.

Beyond his attacking contribution, McKenzie delivered a commanding defensive performance over the full 90 minutes. Operating as part of a three-man defensive partnership with Charlie Cresswell and captain Rasmus Nicolaisen, he recorded seven clearances—five of them headers—while winning all three of his ground duels and both aerial challenges. He also made two tackles, one interception, and eight recoveries without being dribbled past once.

The Philadelphia native completed 40 of his 45 passes for an 89% accuracy rate, including two successful long balls and eight passes into the final third, demonstrating his comfort in possession and ability to initiate attacks from deep.

The victory marked Toulouse's third consecutive win across all competitions, lifting them to within two points of sixth-place Racing Club de Strasbourg and European qualification. McKenzie's return from injury proved crucial as Toulouse continued their impressive push toward continental competition.