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The global stage is absolutely buzzing with American talent, and this past week proved it once again! From crucial goals to midfield masterclasses, our stars are making their mark.
Key Points:
- Auston Trusty continued his goal-scoring momentum, netting Celtic's opener in their League Cup rout.
- Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest combined for a vital goal, propelling PSV to a much-needed win.
- Sebastian Berhalter delivered another standout 90-minute performance for Middlesbrough, proving indispensable.
- George Campbell donned the captain's armband for West Brom, while Gio Reyna grabbed a preseason assist.
Trusty's Goal Rush at Celtic Park
There's a new center-back who can find the back of the net, and his name is Auston Trusty! After making an impression at the World Cup, the American defender has seamlessly transitioned his scoring touch to Celtic. He bagged the opening goal in a dominant 4-0 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup Round of 16.
His 22nd-minute header, a perfectly angled flick from a Benjamin Nygren corner, marked his first of the season. With Celtic now boasting a perfect 10-1 aggregate score across their first three wins, Trusty's early contribution highlights his growing influence and a clear continuation of his impressive form.
PSV's American Dynamic Duo: Pepi & Dest Deliver
When a team needs a lift, sometimes you just need that American connection! PSV got exactly that from Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest this weekend, securing a vital 2-1 win against Excelsior. This all-American goal could be the turning point in their early campaign.
After taking an early lead, PSV conceded in the 54th minute, but just three minutes later, Pepi sprang into action. Finishing a sublime assist from his USMNT teammate Dest, Pepi restored the lead and ultimately clinched all three points. Following a 4-0 Super Cup defeat and a 2-2 draw in their league opener, this victory, fueled by their American talents, is precisely what the Dutch giants needed to get back on track.
USMNT’s Boro Boys Get the Job Done
Sebastian Berhalter is quickly making an impression in England. After registering an assist on his debut, the USMNT midfielder backed it up with another strong performance for Middlesbrough, showing that his first outing was no one-off. If his opening two games are any indication, Berhalter could become a key part of Boro’s plans this season.
The former Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder made his second consecutive start and played all 90 minutes. After falling behind early, Middlesbrough fought back through a Will Lankshear brace, with the striker scoring in the 62nd minute before finding the net again in stoppage time.
While Berhalter didn’t provide an assist this time, he once again made his presence felt. He completed 85% of his passes and delivered four accurate crosses from nine attempts, underlining the threat he can provide when he has the ball.
Elsewhere, Max Arfsten came off the bench, while Aidan Morris missed another game through injury. For the second consecutive week, Berhalter emerged as the standout performer for American soccer’s increasingly popular Championship side. The wait to see all three USMNT players on the pitch together continues, but Berhalter’s early form gives fans plenty of reason to be excited.
PSV Get a Boost From USMNT Duo
PSV Eindhoven received a timely boost from two USMNT stars this weekend, with Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest combining to help the Dutch giants secure a 2-1 victory over Excelsior.
PSV took the lead in the fifth minute but surrendered the advantage when Excelsior equalized in the 54th. Just three minutes later, Pepi restored PSV’s lead, finishing off an assist from his USMNT teammate Dest to secure all three points.
The victory could prove important for PSV after a difficult start to the season. They suffered a 4-0 defeat to AZ in the Super Cup before drawing 2-2 with Fortuna Sittard in their league opener. With Pepi and Dest combining to deliver the decisive moment, this win could provide the spark PSV need to get their campaign moving.
USMNT Moments You Might Have Missed
- John Tolkin did not feature in Holstein Kiel’s 2-2 draw with St. Pauli.
- Benja Cremaschi is nearing a return to full training with Parma but was not cleared in time to feature in the club’s 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Catania.
- George Campbell, West Brom’s new captain, started in the 2-1 victory over Norwich.
- Alex Freeman played two minutes off the bench as Villarreal opened their La Liga campaign with a lively but disappointing 2-2 draw against Racing Santander.
- Gio Reyna registered an assist as Strasbourg drew 1-1 with Newcastle in their final preseason friendly.
