GOAL reviews key takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Pulisic's calf injury, more PSV scoring
The holidays are nearly upon us, and this weekend was a reminder for Americans Abroad that sometimes the soccer universse can be just as naughty as nice.
There was plenty of nice to go around in Eindhoven, for example, where PSV's Americans went wild in a big win. Everyone involved there continues to thrive and, as we continue on through the final few weeks of 2024, there's no sign of that coming to an end. PSV are cruising through the Eredivisie, scoring goal after goal with their Americans leading the charge.
As for the naughty, though, look no further than Milan. There was a big scare there as Christian Pulisic limped off early on against Atalanta, bringing back those pesky old concerns about his fitness. That injury will keep him out for the remainder of 2024 – so let it serve as a reminder of the risks that come with being a team's No. 1 superstar.
Games will becoming thick and fast now, which is usually a blessing and a curse. The final weeks of 2024 are upon us, and they promise to be pretty chaotic. GOAL looks at key takeaways from Americans Abroad this weekend.
GettyPulisic's injury concerns
Mauricio Pochettino was hammering the point home as early as October. Before he'd even managed a USMNT match, Pochettino was speaking about the importance of protecting Christian Pulisic.
Pochettino's words proved unfortunately prophetic. After several months of leading the charge for club and country, Pulisic's body finally broke down. The USMNT star was forced off in the first half of Milan's loss to Atalanta, and it was later confirmed that he'd sustained a calf injury.
The American star is now expected to miss the final few weeks of 2024, which isn't ideal but isn't a total blow for Milan, either. Pulisic is rather fortunate that the injury appears to be relatively manageable, although, given their place in Serie A, Milan will need to pick up a lot of slack and find results where they can without the USMNT star.
This feels like a warning shot from the soccer gods. Pochettino was aware of it when he called for Pulisic to be rested in October. Now, that message has been driven home with this injury setback.
AdvertisementAFPAmerica's team goes wild
If you're a fan of the USMNT and you aren't following along with PSV every week, you're missing out. The team's American stars are in the spotlight, and it's usually because of a wild goal or two.
On Friday, it wasn't a goal or two, though; it was three. Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman and Richy Ledezma each scored one a piece, leading the way in a 6-1 win over FC Twente. No matter how commonplace it's become with this team in recent weeks, it still seems surreal to see so many American players scoring week in and week out at this level.
PSV are running riot through the Eredivisie, with the club's Americans leading the charge. Pepi is second in the Golden Boot race. Tillman is fourth. Ledezma has carved out a role with Sergino Dest still waiting in the wings as he continues his road to recovery. It's already been a special season for PSV and, for American fans, there's plenty of reason to tune in so you don't miss the next goal explosion.
Getty Images SportWeah and Juventus fight back, but concerns remain
It's been a weird few weeks for Juventus. RIght now, just can't really find ways to win games, and that was the story on Saturday, too. Heavily favored against Bologna, Juve had to claw their way back to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to a late equalizer from Samuel Mbangula.
This, in general, wasn't pretty. Thiago Motta and Juventus still have a lot to figure out.
Moving Tim Weah back out wide was helpful, although he didn't look fully comfortable starting on the left-hand side. Weah picked up an early yellow and walked a tightrope all game long, struggling to really impact the attack in his 80 minutes. It just wasn't his day and, if not for two late goals, it wouldn't have been Juve's either.
Right now, something is off with this team. The return of Dusan Vlahovic has helped the attack, but things are still flat. The midfield doesn't feel totally right without Weston Mckennie. Defensively, Juve haven't been as solid as they need to be if they want to be legitimate Serie A contenders.
Right now, they aren't that, and all involved have a bit of work to do to get there.
GettyCaptain Jedi
There was a sequence in the final moments of Fulham's 1-1 draw with Arsenal Sunday in which Antonee Robinson went bursting forward. Wearing the captain's armband, Robinson darted forward on a 50-yard run, tracking down a ball that few on the field would have any reason to chase.
It was a perfect symbol of what Robinson brings to Fulham, and the perfect demonstration of why he's been handed the armband in Tom Cairney's absence.
Facing off with Bukayo Saka, Robinson was fantastic all game long as Fulham picked up a huge point against a title contender. Aside from one sequence in which a Saka goal was ruled out, Robinson really kept a lock on the Arsenal winger while making a few lung-busting runs forward himself to keep the Gunners defense honest.
By the end, Robinson had whipped in four crosses, made five passes into the final third, provided five clearances, made three interceptions and won eight of 13 duels. He was all over the field all through the 90 minutes.
It was a captain-worthy performance from Fulham's fill-in captain, who continues to play like one of the best in the Premier League.