McKennie Dominates

Midfielder Notched an Assist as Juventus Move Closer to Champions League

Weston McKennie is hitting his stride at exactly the right time, and Juventus is reaping the rewards.

The 27-year-old USMNT midfielder was one of his side's best players on Sunday as Juventus cruised to a 2-0 victory over Bologna at Allianz Stadium, moving five points clear of Como in the race for the final Champions League qualification spot with five games remaining. It was Juventus' seventh Serie A match without a defeat, a run in which they've accumulated more points than any other side in the division over that stretch.

McKennie's influence was total. He completed 88% of his passes, made ten passes into the final third, created two chances, including one big one, and contributed defensively with tackles, blocks, clearances, and four recoveries—covering the pitch from box to box for the full 90 minutes. He was dominant throughout, combining defensive solidity with driving forward runs.

The decisive moment came in the 57th minute. Manuel Locatelli's effort was blocked, and the ball dropped to McKennie, who took a couple of touches to compose himself before delivering a pinpoint cross from the right wing onto the head of substitute Khephren Thuram, who powered his header past Federico Ravaglia to double the lead. It was the kind of intelligent, composed delivery that unlocked a well-organized Bologna defense.

Juventus had actually been in front since the second minute, when Jonathan David glanced Pierre Kalulu's cross into the bottom corner in what was the fastest Juventus goal in a Serie A home match in nearly three years. With the World Cup approaching, McKennie's form couldn't be better timed.