Which USMNT players are playing in the knockout stage in the UCL

For the first time in US Soccer history at least nine players have seen minutes in back-to-back seasons in the UEFA Champions League. The ‘golden generation’ is getting experience from Europe’s most important club tournament and after the conclusion of the group stage, five United States men’s national team players will participate in the knockout stage this season.

Zack Steffen - Manchester City

The American goalkeeper made his debut this campaign in the last match of the group stage. Zack Steffen couldn’t keep a clean sheet in Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat against RB Leipzig, but he had some key saves during the game. The USMNT goalkeeper serves as the second option for Ederson, so most likely he won’t play against Sporting CP in the round of 16.

Brenden Aaronson - RB Salzburg

The USMNT player has adapted well to the Bundesliga side since joining in January of this year. Brenden Aaronson has made six appearances in this edition of the Champions League and he has started in all six games. He will be an important player for RB Salzburg when they match up against FC Bayern Munich.

Christian Pulisic vs Tim Weah

Chelsea will face Lille OSC during the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Christian Pulisic could face USMNT teammate Tim Weah during the two legs. Pulisic played the last three group stage matches with Chelsea and he has provided one assist. The 23-year-old has been used mostly as a substitute this season and he has only played 113 minutes in the competition.

On the other hand, Tim Weah missed two games during the group stage with Lille OSC due to an injury, but he has seen a bulk of minutes (224) with the French side in the tournament. The striker has made four appearances and three of them were as a starter, unfortunately he has not been able to find the back of the net so far.

Weston McKennie - Juventus

Weston McKennie’s future is up in the air with the Italian giants as they are accepting bids during the next transfer window. Regardless of his situation, the 23-year-old has earned a starting role under manager Massimiliano Allegri. McKennie has five appearances and three of them as a starter. If he stays with Juventus he will most likely start in the two legged series against Villarreal.

Full Champions League round of 16 draw

Salzburg vs Bayern Munich

Sporting CP vs Manchester City

Benfica vs Ajax

Chelsea vs Lille

Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United

Villarreal vs Juventus

Inter Milan vs Liverpool

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid