Freeman Makes Villarreal Debut

Defender Makes La Liga Bow in Villarreal Rout

Alex Freeman took his first steps in European football on Monday, making his Villarreal debut as a second-half substitute in a commanding 4-1 victory over Espanyol. The 21-year-old USMNT defender entered the match in the 73rd minute with his new side already cruising at 4-0, marking the culmination of his move from MLS side Orlando City.

Freeman's January transfer saw Villarreal pay approximately $4 million up front, with the deal potentially rising to over $7 million through performance-based add-ons. The son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, he arrived in Spain as the reigning MLS Defender of the Year, having earned the honor after an outstanding 2025 campaign.

Though limited to just 17 minutes of action, Freeman showed composure in his debut, completing 11 of 12 passes while recording one clearance and winning one of two duels. He replaced Santiago Mourino, who has been Villarreal's first-choice right-back since the turn of the year.

The victory lifted Villarreal level on points with third-placed Atlético Madrid at 45, ending a disappointing run of one point from three matches. Freeman now faces competition for playing time as he settles into life in La Liga, while also keeping one eye on securing a spot in the USMNT's World Cup squad this summer after his breakthrough performances in 2025.

McKennie Keeps Scoring

Midfielder's Hot Streak Continues Amid Inter Milan Interest

Weston McKennie maintained his impressive scoring form on Sunday, netting Juventus' first goal in their dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against Lazio at the Allianz Stadium. The USMNT midfielder has now scored seven times across all competitions since Luciano Spalletti took charge in late October, establishing himself as Serie A's most prolific midfielder during that stretch.

McKennie pulled the Bianconeri back into the contest in the 59th minute, heading home Andrea Cambiaso's cross after Juventus had fallen 2-0 behind. Though he later had another effort ruled out for offside, his goal sparked the comeback that Pierre Kalulu completed with a 96th-minute equalizer.

The 27-year-old's resurgence under Spalletti stands in stark contrast to his struggles earlier in the season, when he managed just one assist in 10 appearances under previous manager Igor Tudor. Now contributing to 11 goals with seven strikes and four assists in 22 matches under the Italian tactician, McKennie has become indispensable to Juventus' setup.

However, his future in Turin remains uncertain. With his contract expiring in June 2026, reports suggest Serie A leaders Inter Milan are monitoring his situation closely, viewing him as a potential free-agent replacement for the aging Henrikh Mkhitaryan. While Juventus and McKennie are reportedly open to negotiating a new deal, his current form has attracted significant attention across Serie A.

Zendejas's Birthday Goal

Winger Celebrates Birthday with Match-Winning Performance

Alejandro Zendejas marked his 28th birthday in perfect fashion on Saturday, scoring the decisive goal in Club América's 1-0 victory over Monterrey at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. Making his first Liga MX Clausura start after missing the opening three matches, the Mexican-American winger delivered a moment of brilliance that highlighted his importance to André Jardine's squad.

After appearing in América's Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Olimpia on Tuesday, Zendejas seized his opportunity in league play. Operating on the right wing, he tormented Monterrey's defense throughout the match, creating two chances and completing all three of his dribble attempts. His persistence paid off in the 65th minute when he received Jonathan dos Santos' delivery into the box and, despite being surrounded by defenders, fired home the game's only goal.

The birthday boy's influence extended beyond his strike, as he registered two shots on target from two attempts and took four of América's six corners. However, the celebration turned to concern when Zendejas departed in the 75th minute with an injury, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming Clásico Nacional against Chivas.

His performance demonstrated the quality América had been missing during their slow start to the campaign, offering hope that the Tricampeones are finally finding their rhythm.