GOAL reviews key takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Austin's start, Pulisic's goal-scoring return for Milan
There was a moment of American-on-American crime during AC Milan's clash with Juventus. Weston McKennie, playing in his new left-back spot, received the ball with Christian Pulisic closing down on him. McKennie flicked the ball over his longtime friend and fired a pass across the field.
You know they'll be laughing about it at some point.
Pulisic, though, got the last laugh. Pulisic and Yunus Musah, that is. In a massive clash of U.S. men's national team stars, Milan emerged victorious over Juventus Friday, largely thanks to their two Americans.
It was Pulisic who scored the first of Milan's goals. Musah directly created the second. As a result, Milan won 2-1 to advance to the Supercoppa Italiana final on Monday. A good day for Pulisic and Musah, a tough one for McKennie, despite his bit of skill.
In England, there was a feel-good moment for a player who has long been outside of the USMNT pool. Brandon Austin, a former youth international, got his long-awaited chance for Tottenham, stepping in for the club at a time of need. Spurs didn't get their win amid their debilitating injury crisis, but Austin certainly kept them in it throughout.
There were plenty of storylines, from the top of the USMNT chain to those not even in the pool. GOAL looks at key takeaways from Americans Abroad.
Getty/GOALPulisic, Musah huge in Italy's USMNT derby
Friday's Supercoppa Italiana semifinal seemed a must-win for both Juventus and Milan. Yes, it's a random midseason tournament. Yes, it was being played in Saudi Arabia. And, no, winning this would have no real bearing on the Serie A season. But in terms of vibes, both teams really needed something positive.
Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah provided that positivity, contributing to both late goals in Milan's 2-1 win. Pulisic scored his from the penalty spot. Musah banked his off Federico Gatti and into the back of the net. Neither was particularly pretty, but both were very effective as Milan escaped with a come-from-behind win that books their spot in the finale.
For Milan, it was a perfect start under new coach Sergio Conceicao. There were certainly questions about both Pulisic and Musah entering his tenure, but both showed plenty in the new boss' first game. They face an uphill battle to get back in Serie A's top four, but they'll hope this win over Juve, and a potential trophy lift against rivals Inter, could turn their season around.
And for Juve? They too find themselves in a odd place. They're still unbeaten in the league but staring up at the top four, due to all of their Serie A draws. It's unlikely they'll collect a trophy this season as McKennie and team look to salvage the season. It didn't come this weekend. Back to the drawing board for Juve, as Milan push on for a chance at a trophy.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBittersweet weekend for Robinson
It was a special weekend for Antonee Robinson. The Fulham star was surprised with U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year honors, recognizing his spectacular 2024. He earned it, too. Robinson has long been one of the USMNT's most consistent stars, and now he has hardware to show for that consistency.
Unfortunately, the good feelings didn't fully carry over into Sunday's game against struggling Ipswich as Fulham had to come from behind in a 2-2 draw.
Robinson played his usual sort of game, getting up and down the line often. He had plenty of touches, plenty of passes and numerous crosses in the attacking third. He also had a few good defensive moments, too. The endless energy was there, as it always is, even if Fulham never quite got it together against a team they should have beaten.
Given the circumstances, they'll take a point, though. Two Raul Jimenez penalties, including one in stoppage time, were just enough. Three would have been great as they push for Europe, but sometimes you take what you can get.
As for Robinson, there isn't much time to celebrate his USMNT honor. Fulham are back at it on Thursday against Watford in the FA Cup. Everything is moving quickly now, even for the Player of the Year.
Getty Images SportAustin's long-awaited moment in the spotlight
Brandon Austin has had a wild journey, to put it mildly. The former U.S. youth international was in the spotlight, though, as he finally got his moment at his boyhood club.
Faced with a goalkeeping crisis, Tottenham turned to Austin the club's third-string goalkeeper. At 25, Austin made his first appearance for Tottenham, making two saves in a 2-1 loss to Newcastle. It was a loss for Tottenham but, when taking into account his path to this moment, it had to seem a win for Austin.
A Spurs academy product, Austin never actually played for Tottenham. In fact, despite his age, he'd played just 19 professional games – 14 came at Viborg in 2019-20, and five with Orlando City in 2021.
Ever since, he's been waiting.
Austin is a former U.S. U18 goalkeeper, having represented the U.S. back in 2017. Given his lack of activity, he obviously fell out of the player pool, and one start against Newcastle won't bring him back. It is, however, a feel-good story for a player who fought and fought for this moment and, when it came, he rose to give his team a chance.
Getty Images SportTrusty scores big goal for Celtic
Auston Trusty doesn't score many goals, so Sunday's finish will be meaningful for the USMNT centerback. The defender headed home his first Celtic goal, finishing from a corner to give his side a 2-0 lead in a straight-forward win over St. Mirren.
The goal was just the ninth of his career, although it is his second of the season, having scored a cup goal for Sheffield United before making his move to Scotland during the summer transfer window.
Trusty's finish comes after a run of four games out of the Celtic XI. On Sunday, he was slotted alongside fellow American Cameron Carter-Vickers. The two have shown plenty of chemistry when paired together, although the talent difference between Celtic and the rest of the Scottish league has to be taken into account when assessing them.
It was was a big moment for Trusty, who showed his new club what he can do on both sides of the field as he continues to adjust to life in Glasgow.