Striker Makes First Start of the Season in Defeat to Lille
Folarin Balogun made his much-anticipated return to Monaco's starting lineup for their 1-0 defeat to Lille, completing 90 minutes after missing the opening day victory over Le Havre due to a minor calf injury. Manager Adi Hütter had revealed that the USMNT striker was suffering from a very minor calf injury and confirmed before the match that the former Arsenal forward was ready to feature.
Despite being cleared fit to start, Balogun endured a frustrating evening at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. The 24-year-old managed just 25 touches throughout the match - the fewest of any outfield player to complete the full 90 minutes. His limited involvement was reflected in his attacking statistics, registering only one shot that failed to find the target and missing Monaco's most significant chance of the encounter.
Balogun's passing remained reliable with 87% accuracy, completing 13 of his 15 attempts, though he struggled to impose himself in the final third with just two touches in the opposition penalty area. The defeat highlighted Monaco's continued reliance on their star striker's fitness and form. While Balogun's return from injury was welcomed by the Principality club, his subdued performance against a well-organized Lille defense suggested he may need more time to regain full match sharpness following his preseason setback.
Fullback Subs On for the First Time This Season in Draw With Manchester United
Antonee Robinson made his much-anticipated return to Fulham's matchday squad for their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, though his comeback was limited to a 29-minute cameo appearance. The United States international had been sidelined following minor knee surgery during the summer and missed Fulham's season opener against Brighton, where Calvin Bassey admirably filled the left-back void.
Manager Marco Silva's cautious approach to Robinson's fitness proved prudent, as the 28-year-old was eased back into action from the bench. Despite the brief appearance, Robinson showed encouraging signs of his pre-injury form, completing 16 of his 18 passes with 89% accuracy and creating one scoring chance for his teammates.
The defender's return couldn't have come at a more crucial time, with Ryan Sessegnon also nursing a knock sustained during pre-season. Robinson's presence provides Silva with much-needed depth at left-back, particularly given his status as one of last season's standout full-backs in the Premier League.
While his defensive statistics were modest - recording just one clearance and being dribbled past once - Robinson's return represents a significant boost for Fulham's defensive options. His accurate passing and ability to contribute in the final third, evidenced by his 50% cross completion rate, suggest he's well on his way to reclaiming his regular starting position as Fulham navigate the early stages of the new campaign.
Centerback Played Well Both Matches as Toulouse Starts Season With Two Clean Sheets
Mark McKenzie's performance in Toulouse's 2-0 victory over Brest epitomized the kind of understated excellence that defines top-level center-backs. While Frank Magri grabbed the headlines with his two goals, the American defender provided the defensive foundation that allowed Toulouse to maintain their perfect start to the Ligue 1 season.
Operating off the left of Toulouse's back-three, the 26-year-old delivered a masterclass in positional awareness and game management. McKenzie completed 90 minutes without committing a single foul or being dribbled past, showcasing the discipline and reading of the game that have made him such a reliable presence in French football. His distribution was equally impressive, completing 86% of his passes and helping Toulouse build from the back with composure.
McKenzie's defensive work was particularly crucial in nullifying Brest's attacking threats. He registered four blocks and four clearances, including two headed clearances. Despite Brest's persistent pressure, especially in the later stages when they desperately sought a way back into the game, McKenzie remained unflappable in his positioning. Toulouse preserved their clean sheet and secured three crucial points that kept them level at the top of the Ligue 1 table alongside Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.
Striker Nets Two as the Sky Blues Roll to Another Big Win
Haji Wright etched his name into Coventry City folklore on a day when everything seemed destined to fall perfectly into place. The American striker's two-goal performance in the Sky Blues' breathtaking 7-1 demolition of Queens Park Rangers wasn't just about finding the net—it was about delivering when history demanded it most.
Wright's opening goal after 12 minutes provided the perfect start to what would become Coventry's most prolific afternoon in decades. The strike emerged from a beautifully orchestrated team move that showcased Frank Lampard's tactical vision in full flow. Beginning with Liam Kitching's precise diagonal pass to Victor Torp, then wide to Milan van Ewijk on the right flank. When the full-back's cutback, Wright was perfectly positioned to drill his first-time finish through the legs of QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh.
What made Wright's opener even more special was the tribute that followed. The USA international recreated Claus Jorgensen's iconic skipping celebration from twenty years earlier, when the Danish midfielder had scored the very first goal at the stadium. It was a touching nod to history that perfectly captured the significance of the moment—Wright's goal would forever be remembered as the first scored at a stadium truly owned by Coventry City.
His second goal arrived just before halftime and demonstrated a different facet of his finishing ability. After Brandon Thomas-Asante's intelligent buildup play created the opportunity, Wright showed his clinical edge by reversing a shot into the bottom left corner to make it 4-0. The goal highlighted his composure under pressure and his ability to convert chances from various angles and positions.
Wright's brace was instrumental in establishing the foundation for Coventry's record-breaking afternoon. His goals not only sparked the rout but also embodied Lampard's praise for his team's clinical finishing—a marked improvement from previous struggles with converting high-quality chances into goals.
Fullback Delivers Assist While Forward Returns for His First League Appearance
PSV Eindhoven's 4-2 victory over Groningen showcased two American players at vastly different stages of their respective journeys this season.
Sergino Dest delivered a complete performance at right-back, demonstrating the versatility and attacking threat that have made him such a valuable asset to Peter Bosz's system. The 24-year-old was a constant presence down PSV's right flank, contributing to the attacking flow while maintaining his defensive responsibilities throughout the full 90 minutes.
Dest's influence extended well beyond his defensive duties. He registered an assist during the entertaining affair, showcasing his ability to create danger from wide positions. His attacking instincts were on full display as he ventured forward regularly, creating three chances for his teammates while completing the majority of his passes. The fullback also showed his technical skills, successfully completing several dribbles past Groningen defenders and contributing eight passes into the final third.
For Ricardo Pepi, this match represented something far more significant than the brief five-minute cameo might suggest. After six months on the sidelines with an injury, the 22-year-old striker finally returned to competitive action, replacing Ivan Perisic in the closing stages of the match. Pepi's return had been eagerly anticipated following his lengthy rehabilitation. Having missed matches against Sparta Rotterdam and FC Twente, his appearance against Groningen marked the beginning of what PSV hopes will be a successful comeback.
Both Americans Played Well as Boro Edges Norwich City
In Middlesbrough's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norwich City, two American players found themselves on opposite sides of a compelling narrative that would ultimately define the afternoon's proceedings.
For Aidan Morris, this was a coming-of-age performance in a Middlesbrough shirt. The 23-year-old midfielder orchestrated play from the heart of the pitch, his aggressive pressing setting the tempo that would eventually overwhelm Norwich's midfield. Morris didn't just break up play—he drove his team forward with purpose. His finest moment came in the build-up to Middlesbrough's crucial second goal just before halftime. After winning the ball, Morris found space on the byline and delivered a precise cutback that allowed Tommy Conway to tap home with minimal fuss. It was the kind of unselfish, intelligent play that caught the eye of manager Rob Edwards, who praised Morris's ability to dictate the rhythm of the match alongside Daniel Hackney.
On the other side of the pitch, Joshua Sargent endured a very different kind of afternoon. The Norwich striker found himself isolated for long periods, starved of quality service as Middlesbrough's midfield dominance limited his opportunities. Two glaring first-half chances went begging—both headers from promising positions that should have tested the goalkeeper more severely.
As Norwich trailed by two goals and faced the prospect of playing with ten men after Jack Wright's dismissal, Sargent's frustration was evident. With five minutes remaining and his team desperately seeking a lifeline, Sargent demonstrated the predatory instincts that define top-level forwards. When Kenny McLean's speculative through-ball found him in space, there was no hesitation. His delicate lob over Sol Brynn was executed with the kind of composure that belied the pressure of the situation.
Gladbach Edged Ahead of Parma for the American's Signature
Giovanni Reyna's prolonged transfer saga appears to be reaching its conclusion, with Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach reportedly reaching an agreement in principle for the USMNT midfielder's permanent move.
Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg broke the news, reporting: "BREAKING | Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach have now reached an agreement in principle over a permanent move of Gio #Reyna. The deal includes at least €3m fixed plus a significant amount in potential bonuses."
However, the transfer isn't complete yet, but this development comes after Mönchengladbach successfully hijacked Parma's pursuit of the 22-year-old American.
Reyna has struggled in recent years, managing just two goals and a couple of assists in 49 appearances over the past two seasons, including a disappointing loan stint at Nottingham Forest. His Estimated Transfer Value has plummeted from €50 million in November 2021 to just €7.8 million.
Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg reports that Mönchengladbach "can only afford a deal worth a maximum of €3–4m plus bonuses" and that "Reyna keen to join BMG over Parma if the clubs find an agreement." With only a year remaining on his Dortmund contract, the Bundesliga club appears ready to move on under new head coach Nico Kovac. The decision now rests with Reyna as both clubs vie for his signature.
Paxten Completed His Move to the MLS for Nearly $8 Million
The Colorado Rapids have completed a landmark signing, acquiring U.S. men's national team midfielder Paxten Aaronson from Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt on a five-year contract through 2030. The deal represents a club-record transfer fee, reportedly worth up to €7 million ($8 million), surpassing the €4.5 million ($5.2 million) previously paid for Rafael Navarro.
Aaronson, who turns 22 next Tuesday, will occupy a designated player slot on Colorado's roster. The Medford, New Jersey native most recently spent the 2024-25 season on loan at FC Utrecht in the Netherlands' Eredivisie, where he impressed with nine goals and six assists in 37 league appearances, earning a nomination as a finalist for the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year award.
Rapids president Pádraig Smith praised the acquisition, stating, "he has proven himself in Europe, gained valuable experience on the international stage with the U.S. Men's National Team, and brings a dynamic, creative presence to our midfield."
Aaronson has earned four senior caps for the United States and was part of the squad that won the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League and reached the 2025 Gold Cup final. He also represented the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympics, starting all four matches.
Defenders Header Sealed a First Leg Victory for Panathinaikos
Erik Palmer-Brown delivered a crucial moment for Panathinaikos in their Europa League playoff against Samsunspor, scoring what proved to be the winning goal in their 2-1 comeback victory at the Olympic Stadium. The American center-half found the net through a corner kick situation. Palmer-Brown's header found its target to complete Panathinaikos' turnaround after they had fallen behind 1-0 in the 51st minute to Logi Tomasson's opener.
The goal represents a significant moment for both Palmer-Brown and his Greek club. For the defender, who has built his career across multiple European leagues including stints in France with Troyes and Austria with Austria Vienna, this strike could prove pivotal in securing Panathinaikos' passage to the Europa League group stage.
The victory marked Panathinaikos' first official win of the season after struggling through three draws and a defeat in their previous four European qualifiers. Palmer-Brown's decisive contribution gives the Greens a crucial advantage heading into next week's second leg, putting them within touching distance of European competition's main phase. His goal exemplifies the defensive leader's ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch during critical moments.
On This Day in 2022, the American Winger's Historic First Goal Helped Leeds Demolish Chelsea in a Famous Victory
The path to Elland Road had been anything but straightforward for Brenden Aaronson. After exploding onto the MLS scene with Philadelphia Union and helping them capture their first trophy in 2020, the Medford-born playmaker had taken the scenic route to English football's top flight. His $6 million move to Red Bull Salzburg in 2021 raised eyebrows—why choose Austria over more glamorous destinations?—but the decision proved prescient. Under Jesse Marsch's guidance, Aaronson flourished in Salzburg's high-intensity system, winning two Austrian league titles and helping the club reach the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time.
When Marsch arrived at Leeds United in February 2022, inheriting a club teetering on the brink of relegation, Aaronson was immediately identified as a priority target. Leeds had tried twice to sign the American in January, both offers rejected, but survival on the final day of the season opened new possibilities. The reunion became official in May when Leeds paid a staggering $30 million—making Aaronson the second-most expensive American transfer in history behind Christian Pulisic.
The expectations were immediate and immense. Leeds had lost their creative spark, Raphinha, to Barcelona, and their midfield anchor, Kalvin Phillips, to Manchester City. In their place came a collection of Marsch's trusted lieutenants, led by the 21-year-old American who would need to fill the considerable void left by the Brazilian's departure. The pressure only intensified when Aaronson's Premier League debut against Wolves ended in controversy—he had forced what appeared to be his first goal, only for it to be credited as an own goal to Rayan Aït-Nouri.
"I touched it, I was in there, and it came off my shins somewhere in there," Aaronson insisted afterward. "I am taking credit for it." The Americans' relentless pressing and work rate had caught the eye, but the goal column remained stubbornly empty. Two weeks later, on August 21, Chelsea would arrive at Elland Road carrying the weight of a £170 million summer spending spree and Thomas Tuchel's expectation of immediate improvement.
The fixture represented more than just three points for Leeds. This was their first meeting with Chelsea since returning to the Premier League after nearly two decades in football's wilderness, their first chance to test themselves against one of England's traditional powers. The Yorkshire crowd, already deafening before kickoff, sensed something special brewing in the August sunshine.
Aaronson had been Leeds' most threatening player in the opening half-hour, his pressing and movement causing constant problems for Chelsea's back line. When the breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, it arrived through the kind of relentless pursuit that had become his trademark. Thiago Silva's routine backpass toward Édouard Mendy should have been a simple piece of housekeeping. Still, the Chelsea goalkeeper's first touch was heavy, the ball bouncing awkwardly as he attempted a Cruyff turn.
The American never stopped running. While other players might have assumed the danger had passed, Aaronson's pressing instincts kicked in, chasing down what seemed like a lost cause. Mendy's second touch was even worse; the ball squirmed away from him barely a yard from his own goal line. Suddenly, the most expensive goalkeeper in football history found himself watching helplessly as Aaronson arrived to stroke the ball into an empty net with a composed no-look finish.
The roar that erupted from Elland Road was primal, years of frustration and expectation released in a single moment. Aaronson wheeled away in celebration while Marsch charged down the touchline, his tactical gamble vindicated emphatically. This wasn't just a goal—it was validation of everything Leeds had tried to build since their return to the top flight.
"I could sense before the game that there was no fear," Marsch said afterward. "Last year, every game there was fear. It means we can go out and perform better."
The goal opened the floodgates. Four minutes later, Jack Harrison's free kick found Rodrigo unmarked to head home a second, and Elland Road transformed into a cauldron of noise and celebration. When Harrison completed the rout with twenty minutes remaining, the crowd's taunts toward their Chelsea counterparts echoed around the stadium. Kalidou Koulibaly's late red card merely added insult to injury for the visitors.
For Aaronson, the moment carried significance beyond Leeds' first victory over Chelsea in twenty years. He had become the first American player to score a Premier League goal under an American manager, doing so in one of English football's most storied rivalries. More importantly, he had announced himself as a genuine threat in the world's most competitive league, his tireless pressing and clinical finishing serving notice that American players could thrive at the highest level.
The performance embodied everything Marsch had hoped to bring to Leeds. Where previous seasons had been defined by fear and desperation, this was a statement of intent, a declaration that Leeds belonged among the Premier League's elite. The crowd sang Marsch's name from all four sides of the stadium, the American revolution at Elland Road complete.
As Aaronson looked ahead to the World Cup in Qatar, where he would face England in the group stage, his stock had never been higher. The scenic route through Salzburg had led him exactly where he needed to be—at the center of Leeds United's renaissance, with the whole world finally taking notice of what American soccer could produce.
