Positive weekend for USMNT players in Europe’s top tiers

The United States men’s national team couldn’t score in two games during the FIFA international break of September, the last one prior to the start of the World Cup and this had the head coach, Gregg Berhalter somewhat worried. Fortunately, things are looking better as two of their key attacking players found the back of the net for their respective teams in Europe’s top tier over the weekend.

Christian Pulisic

The 23-year-old started for the first time under manager Graham Potter and scored his first goal of the season in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Wolverhampton. Pulisic picked up the return ball from Mason Mount and chipped to bag his first Premier League goal of the current campaign. The USMNT captain also reached 20 career goals in England’s top tier and became the third American to reach this milestone after Clint Depmsey and Brian McBride.

Ricardo Pepi

The American striker is on peak form and he already has four goals in four appearances with FC Groningen in the Eredivisie. Ricardo Pepi scored a brace in the 3-2 defeat against RKC Waalwijk over the weekend.

The former FC Dallas striker has scored in the last three league games to extend his positive streak and he is making a positive impact since arriving on loan from Augsburg to Groningen over the summer.

USMNT strikers on target

Other American players that found the back of the net last weekend are striker Josh Sargent, who notched his seventh EFL Championship goal of the season for Norwich City, and defender Auston Trusty, who scored twice for Birmingham. Both players are expected to make it to the World Cup squad.