McKennie Scores from Unlikely Position

Playing left-back again, the American volleyed home Juventus' opener 

Weston McKennie demonstrated his versatility and offensive instincts as he helped Juventus secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Monza at the U-Power Stadium on Sunday, ending the Bianconeri's 43-day wait for a Serie A win.

The American international, who started at left-back for the second game running before transitioning through multiple positions during the match, made his mark early by scoring the opening goal in the 14th minute. McKennie capitalized on a corner kick opportunity, showcasing his ability to find space in the box and convert set-piece chances.

"To win was very important, we have drawn too many games recently: three points before Christmas was crucial for us, for the fans, for each and every family. We're happy and we're moving forward," McKennie said. Juventus.com

His goal set the tone for Juventus, who were desperate to break their streak of four consecutive draws in the league. Though Monza would eventually equalize through Samuele Birindelli, Nico Gonzalez's winner ensured McKennie's contribution proved decisive in securing all three points.

Manager Thiago Motta praised McKennie's adaptability after the match, telling DAZN: "Gonzalez and McKennie are open to taking roles that they don't always hold, but they do it very well because they have a high level and it is a pleasure for a coach to work with lads who have this attitude."

McKennie's positional flexibility was on full display as he moved from left-back to midfield and even operated as a false nine before being substituted in the 89th minute. While his defensive statistics were modest, including nine recoveries and two interceptions, it was his attacking contribution that proved crucial in helping Juventus maintain their unbeaten record in Serie A this season.

Tillman Scores His 10th in All Competitions

Midfielder scores PSV's third in Victory over Feyenoord

Malik Tillman capped off a dominant PSV performance with a sublime strike as the Eredivisie leaders extended their advantage at the top with a convincing 3-0 victory over Feyenoord at the Philips Stadion on Sunday.

The American midfielder, who had shown his intent early in the match by testing Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow in the fifth minute, eventually got his reward in the 63rd minute. With PSV already leading 2-0, Tillman struck a decisive blow to Feyenoord's title hopes, finding the far corner with an expertly placed shot from outside the area to make it 3-0.

The goal came at a crucial moment in the match, just minutes after Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez had struck the crossbar at the other end. Tillman's clinical finishing effectively ended any hopes of a Feyenoord comeback and highlighted the gulf in quality between the two sides.

It was his seventh goal in the Eredivisie this season and 10th overall, with three scored in the Champions League. The 22-year-old's best season came for Rangers during the 22-23 season, where Tillman scored 11 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions — he has played 24 matches so far this season.

Statistics from the match underscore Tillman's influential performance beyond his goal. The midfielder recorded perfect shot accuracy, with all three of his attempts finding the target, while creating two chances for his teammates. Defensively, Tillman contributed significantly, winning seven of his twelve ground duels and completing two tackles. His all-round display helped PSV maintain control of the midfield and contributed to Feyenoord failing to register a single shot on target in the first half.

The victory, which extended PSV's lead over Feyenoord to ten points at the halfway stage of the season, served as a statement of intent from Peter Bosz's side. For Tillman, his goal and performance exemplified PSV's dominance on a night when they dealt a significant blow to their rivals' championship aspirations.

Aaronson Scores and Assists in Leeds Win

Midfielder Scores Sixth League Goal of the Season in Victory over Oxford

Brenden Aaronson continued his impressive run of form as Leeds United cruised to a 4-0 victory over Oxford United at Elland Road on Saturday, with the American midfielder both scoring and assisting in a dominant display.

The 24-year-old played a crucial role in Leeds' second goal of the match, combining effectively with Jayden Bogle on the right flank in the 58th minute. Their quick exchange of passes created the opening for Bogle to calmly slot home into the bottom corner, doubling Leeds' advantage.

Nine minutes later, Aaronson turned from provider to scorer, notching his sixth goal of the season. Manor Solomon, who had been influential throughout the match, slipped a well-timed pass to find Aaronson's run into the box. The U.S. international demonstrated some calmness with a well-composed right-footed strike to make it 3-0.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the match, offered a balanced assessment of Aaronson's performance: "Brenden could sometimes be a bit more tidy but he is still a young lad and his numbers are quite good. He scores goals and he assists. Sometimes he has the tendency to put the ball over the crossbar but it was a really well-taken goal. That ice-cool finish will be good for his confidence."

The victory played out in front of 36,646 fans and marked Leeds' ninth consecutive win at Elland Road, helping maintain their promotion push. The result kept them in second place in the Championship, three points behind leaders Sheffield United. Aaronson's successful return to Leeds in 2024 continues to gather momentum as the team heads into their Boxing Day clash with Stoke City.

Adams Solid Again as Bournemouth Rolls

 Midfielder Strong in Cherries' Victory

Tyler Adams delivered a commanding midfield performance as Bournemouth secured a historic 3-0 victory at Old Trafford on Sunday, helping the Cherries climb to fifth place in the Premier League at Christmas.

The American midfielder, continuing his impressive return from injury, controlled the center of the park during his 89-minute display. Adams' influence was particularly evident in the build-up to Bournemouth's second goal, where he regained possession before Justin Kluivert was fouled in the penalty area.

Statistics highlight Adams' typical all-action display: he won four out of five tackles, made three interceptions, and emerged victorious in seven of his ten ground duels. His defensive prowess helped Bournemouth maintain control throughout the match, while he completed 32-of-42 passes.

The victory marked Bournemouth's second consecutive 3-0 win at Old Trafford, with goals from Dean Huijsen, Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo securing the points. The result puts Andoni Iraola's side just three points off the top four.

For Adams, the performance showcased his importance to Bournemouth's system as he approaches full fitness. His return to form coincides with the Cherries' impressive surge up the table, having now accumulated 28 points from 17 games - six more than at this stage last season.

Richards' First Start Since September

 Defender Had a Tough Day in Defeat to Arsenal

Chris Richards earned his first start in 12 matches for Crystal Palace but endured a difficult afternoon as Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The American defender replaced Trevoh Chalobah in Palace's back three as manager Oliver Glasner opted to shake up his defense following their midweek Carabao Cup defeat to the same opposition.

Despite completing 88% of his passes (42-of-48) and making six clearances, including four with his head, Richards struggled to contain Arsenal's attacking threats. The defender was part of a backline that conceded early, with Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring after just six minutes. Arsenal scored twice more in the first half before piling it on in the second. 

This was Richard's first start since the goalless draw with Manchester United on September 21st. Richards had managed just 10 minutes for Palace since that start and was even left on the bench for both of the United States' wins over Jamaica in November. The defeat leaves Palace searching for defensive solutions as they head into the holiday period.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" - USMNT edition

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the States,
The soccer fans pondered the national team's fates.
Pulisic and McKennie were scoring with flair,
While hopes for World Cup glory filled the night air.

The players were scattered across Europe's best teams,
Some living out all of their Champions League dreams.
Weah in Turin, and Adams on the south coast,
While Jedi at Fulham was holding his post.

When at Copa América there arose such a clatter,
As Panama and Uruguay made our hopes scatter.
Away to a group-stage exit we flew,
With Berhalter's second tenure soon waving adieu.

Then what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But Pochettino bringing tactics so clear.
With the Nations League victories fresh in our mind,
The path to success we started to find.

"Now, Pulisic! Now, Weah! Now, Musah and Pepi!
On, McKennie! On, Adams! On, Turner and Balo!
To the top of CONCACAF! To answer the call!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As fans look ahead to twenty-six near,
When the World Cup at home will finally be here.
Twenty-three players, all ready to go,
Bringing hope to U.S. Soccer, putting on quite a show.

So Merry Christmas to all who wear red, white and blue,
As we dream of the conquests in twenty-six too.
And we'll train through the night with all of our might,
"Merry Christmas to soccer, and to all a good night!"

Johnny Sends Betis Through in Conference League

 Midfielder Pressed and Scored the Lone Goal in Victory

U.S. international Johnny Cardoso proved to be the hero for Real Betis on Thursday, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over HJK Helsinki that secured the Spanish side's place in the Europa Conference League knockout stages.

The 23-year-old American midfielder capitalized on a crucial defensive error in the 27th minute at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. When Helsinki's goalkeeper Nijhuis attempted a risky pass to a teammate, Cardoso pounced on the loose ball, skillfully dribbled past goalkeeper Thijmen Nijhuis and calmly slotted it into an empty net. It was his first goal of the season and second since joining Betis.

Under manager Manuel Pellegrini, Betis controlled much of the match against their Finnish opponents, who hadn't played a domestic league match since October 19 due to their winter break. Despite facing several absences due to injuries and suspensions, Pellegrini trusted Cardoso to anchor the midfield alongside Sergi Altimira, and the American's performance justified that decision. Cardoso went the full 90 minutes over the weekend in a resilient 2-1 win over Villareal.

The victory was crucial for Betis, who had experienced a mixed European campaign thus far. After starting with a defeat in Warsaw and a draw against Copenhagen, they managed to steady their course with victories over Celje and Petrocub, though they also suffered a setback against Mladá Boleslav. Thursday's win ensures their progression to the knockout phase, where they'll compete in a playoff round before the round of 16.

Currently sitting ninth in La Liga, Betis will look to build on this momentum when they visit Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in their final match of 2024, before returning to action in the Copa del Rey against Huesca in the new year.

Versatile McKennie

 The American Played Left-Back Tuesday, His Seventh Position at Juventus

Weston McKennie continues to prove his remarkable versatility for Juventus, adding yet another position to his impressive repertoire during Tuesday's 4-0 Coppa Italia victory over Cagliari. The U.S. men's national team midfielder showcased his adaptability by playing the full 90 minutes at left-back, marking his first appearance in that role during his five-season tenure with the Italian giants.

The performance at left-back adds to McKennie's growing list of positions since joining Juventus in August of 2020. While primarily deployed as a central or defensive midfielder, the American has demonstrated his tactical flexibility by effectively operating across the midfield spectrum - from left and right midfielder to attacking midfielder. This season has seen him extend his versatility even further, with successful stints as a second striker and now as a left-back.

Tuesday's victory, which saw Juventus advance to the next round of the Coppa Italia, came at a crucial time for the club, who had previously managed just one win in December - a significant upset over Manchester City in the Champions League. The team had drawn five of their previous seven matches before the Cagliari clash.

McKennie's ability to adapt to new roles has made him an invaluable asset for Juventus and the United States. In the 3-1 victory over Jamaica in the Nations League Semifinal in March 2024, McKennie was deplyed out at right back for the second half. His performance against Cagliari, which helped contribute to a clean sheet and comfortable victory, further cements his reputation as one of the most versatile players in Serie A, capable of meeting tactical demands across multiple positions while maintaining consistent performance levels.

Pulisic Back Earlier Than Expected?

 Pulisic Recovery Ahead of Schedule as Milan Plans Contract Extension

Christian Pulisic's injury absence could be shorter than initially feared, with the U.S. international potentially returning to action before the year's end. The winger, who suffered a low-grade tear in his right calf's soleus muscle following a challenge from Atalanta's Mario Pasalic in early December, is showing significant signs of improvement according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

While Monday's clash with Hellas Verona comes too soon, Pulisic is targeting a return to the bench for Milan's December 29 fixture against Roma at San Siro. His return would be a significant boost for the Rossoneri, who have struggled to maintain their attacking fluency in his absence.

Meanwhile, off the field, Milan is moving to secure Pulisic's long-term future. The club is reportedly close to finalizing a contract extension that would keep the American at the San Siro until 2028 or 2029, with an improved salary of €5 million per season. The new deal would reward Pulisic's impressive form this season, which has seen him contribute five goals and five assists in 14 league appearances, plus three goals in the Champions League.

Maloney Dropped

 Midfielder Will Not Feature in Heidenheim's Last Match of 2024

Lennard Maloney has been left out of Heidenheim's final match of 2024 due to concerns over his focus, manager Frank Schmidt confirmed on Friday. The 25-year-old midfielder, who missed last week's match against Stuttgart with a head injury, was also absent for Thursday's 1-1 Europa Conference League draw with St. Gallen.

Schmidt made it clear that Maloney's omission wasn't injury-related, but rather due to the player's current mindset. "He's fit and has been training again. But I decided not to nominate him because he's not in the right shape to be able to fully focus on the sporting task at the moment," Schmidt explained during Friday's press conference. kicker.de

The decision comes amid growing speculation about Maloney's future, with his contract set to expire next summer. While Schmidt insisted the situation isn't directly related to contract negotiations, he acknowledged that "the situation of how things will continue in the winter plays a major role." kicker.de

Since joining from Borussia Dortmund II in 2022, Maloney has been a key figure for Heidenheim, helping the club achieve promotion to the Bundesliga and earning his first two USMNT caps in late 2023. Recent reports suggest the club would demand €3-4 million for a January transfer.

Jan Schöppner and Niklas Dorsch are expected to form the defensive midfield partnership for Sunday's match against last-placed VfL Bochum.