ريتشاردز يحصد الكأس بعد تألق ديست وسارجنت: الأمريكيون في الخارج يتألقون في افتتاح الموسم

As soft launches go, the weekend for Americans Abroad was an unconditional success. Many of the European club heavy-hitters are still waiting to kick off, but the opening weekend of the season proved to be no mere appetizer. From trophy lifts to momentous goals, some of the U.S men’s national team’s big stars made their mark.

Chris Richards and كريستال بالاس were the headliner as they won the درع المجتمع with a shootout win over Liverpool. He wasn’t the only American cornering, either, as both Sergino Dest and Josh Sargent found the back of the net, while Damion Downs made his own mark in his ساوثهامبتون debut by contributing to a late goal.

More games are ahead as players all over Europe begin their seasons. The USMNT, then, will hope this is a sign of things to come.

BALLGM looks at the major takeaways from this weekend’s Americans Abroad.

As soft launches go, the weekend for Americans Abroad was an unconditional success. Many of the European club heavy-hitters are still waiting to kick off, but the opening weekend of the season proved to be no mere appetizer. From trophy lifts to momentous goals, some of the U.S men’s national team’s big stars made their mark.

Chris Richards and Crystal Palace were the headliner as they won the Community Shield with a shootout win over Liverpool. He wasn’t the only American cornering, either, as both Sergino Dest and Josh Sargent found the back of the net, while Damion Downs made his own mark in his Southampton debut by contributing to a late goal.

More games are ahead as players all over Europe begin their seasons. The USMNT, then, will hope this is a sign of things to come.

بالجم looks at the major takeaways from this weekend’s Americans Abroad.

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, as the saying goes. In truth, Damion Downs’ first impression at Southampton came with a goal in his preseason debut. Then, on Saturday, in his first real game in the Championship, Downs marked his debut with an assist, helping the Saints win in the final seconds.

Down a goal against media darlings ريكسهام entering second-half stoppage time, Southampton pulled level in the 90th minute. Then, six minutes later, they won it, with Downs flicking the ball straight to Jack Stephens to steal three points at home in the first match of the season. It was an incredible tone-setter – and it wouldn’t have happened if not for Downs.

The former Koln midfielder, who joined Southampton after earning his first USMNT caps this summer, didn’t start the match. He came on in the 60th minute and did little, in truth, until his assist, amassing just six touches across his 30 minutes. It took him just that one late to help change the game.

It may not have been totally intentional but they all count. So, too, do the three points.

We’ll have to see how Downs progresses with Southampton, and that progress will ultimately determine his World Cup candidacy. Saturday will be a huge confidence boost for a young player in a new environment who has clear hopes of achieving more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Josh Sargent was not making a first impression. His pedigree is well-known in the Championship. He’s a Golden Boot contender, as he has been over the last two years and – while his pursuit of that trophy is up in the air due to transfer speculation – he’s off to a good start.

To be fair, Sargent’s season-opening goal was handed right to him. Millwall goalkeeper Steven Benda banked his clearance off of him and into the back of the net. Sargent won’t get many easier goals than that. You can call it good fortune, if you want, but Sargent will surely say that strikers make their own luck.

Norwich, unfortunately for the striker, went on to lose 2-1. It was a rough start for a club hoping to finally make that promotion push. With Sargent, they’ll have hopes of making it happen, even with this early loss. Without him, though, it could be tough.

With a few weeks left in the transfer window, Sargent’s future will be a major talking point around the USMNT. He’s a player who clearly has something to prove and, given his struggles scoring for the national team, Championship goals may not be enough to prove it. They all help, though, and with this start to the season, Sargent is off and running.

He scored last week to help seal a trophy and he scored this week to help PSV to a lopsided win. Sergino Dest is well and truly back, and USMNT fans should be celebrating.

Dest was far from the only standout in a 6-1 beatdown of Sparta Rotterdam in Saturday’s Eredivise opener. He smashed in his goal just before halftime, making it 3-0 en route to the lopsided win. It was a fantastic finish for a fullback, but anyone who has followed his career knows that Dest is not just a fullback – when fit, he’s an attacking force, one that the USMNT has sorely lacked.

PSV are benefitting from his return, as his ACL injury seems behind him. Dest could be a true difference maker for PSV this season as they look to claim yet another league title. They’ll likely have to ease him back into things in these opening weeks and, of course, there will be adjustments when he does make his first appearances under Mauricio Pochettino with the USMNT.

Two goals in two weeks, though, exemplify Dest at his best. The USMNT will need that desperately over the next year.

Chris Richards and Crystal Palace had hopes of another Wembley triumph. They were back as a reward for winning the FA Cup, playing for a Community Shield for the first time. In their way? The defending Premier League champions Liverpool. Not easy but, in the end, Richards and Palace outlasted them in a shootout, sealing another legendary win in England’s most famous stadium.

Two of Liverpool’s new stars, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremy Frimpong, got on the scoresheet, but Richards and Palace stood strong. A late goal forced a 2-2 draw and a shootout and, once there, Liverpool blinked. Palace won, 3-2, sending their fans into euphoria for the second time in a matter of months.

Richards, in particular, was solid. He was inches away from blocking Ekitike’s opener in his one down moment of the day, but he otherwise handled Liverpool’s big-money, high-octane attack. He was also dangerous on set pieces, putting in a decent first shift of the season.

If this was a sign of things to come, Richards will have a strong season ahead. And that’s good news for Palace, as they celebrate another trophy lift.

+ While Dest did his thing for PSV, Ricardo Pepi was held out due to reported fitness issues as he continues to be eased back from a knee injury.

+ Charlie Kelman played 71 minutes in his debut for Charlton Athletic, who scored a stoppage-time winner to defeat واتفورد, 1-0. Caleb Wiley was left out of the Watford squad.

+ Haji Wright, who left the USMNT’s Gold Cup squad with an Achilles injury, came off the bench in the 67th minute in Coventry City’s 0-0 draw with Hull City.

+ Aidan Morris put in a strong shift in midfield, completing a game-leading 95 percent of his passes in a 1-0 win over سوانزي City.

+ George Campbell made his Championship debut, entering in the 89th minute to help West Brom see out a 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers.

+ Bryan Reynolds played all 90 minutes while Griffin How went 45 in Westerlo’s 1-0 loss to KV Mechelen.

Richards Claims Trophy, Dest & Sargent Impress: Americans Abroad Thrive

The new European soccer season is underway, and Americans abroad are already making their mark. From silverware secured to standout performances, it’s been a positive start for USMNT players plying their trade in top leagues. This article dives into the highlights, focusing on Owen Richards’ trophy win, Sergino Dest’s promising debut with PSV Eindhoven, and Lynden Gooch and Josh Sargent’s impactful contributions.

Owen Richards Secures Super Cup Victory with AZ Alkmaar

المدافع Owen Richards started the season on the highest note, lifting the Johan Cruijff Shield (Dutch Super Cup) with AZ Alkmaar. The young center-back played a crucial role in the victory over Feyenoord, demonstrating composure and strength in defense. This early success is a significant boost for Richards, who is looking to establish himself as a key player for AZ in the الدوري الهولندي الممتاز. His performance highlights the growing talent pool of American soccer players competing at a high level in Europe. The Super Cup win is a testament to his dedication and the quality of coaching he’s receiving.

Sergino Dest’s Bright Start at PSV Eindhoven

Sergino Dest has quickly integrated into the PSV Eindhoven squad following his loan move from AC Milan. The right-back showcased his attacking prowess and defensive solidity in PSV’s season opener. Dest’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a valuable asset for Peter Bosz’s side. Fans are excited to see him develop further in the Eredivisie, a league known for nurturing young talent. His early performances suggest he’s poised for a successful season, potentially reigniting his career after a somewhat inconsistent spell in Italy. Dest’s versatility is a key strength, allowing him to play in multiple positions across the defense.

Lynden Gooch and Josh Sargent Shine in the Championship

The English Championship is proving to be a fertile ground for American players، مع كليهما Lynden Gooch و Josh Sargent delivering impressive performances. Gooch, now at Stoke City, has already shown his ability to create chances and contribute to the attack. Sargent, at Norwich City, continued his goal-scoring form from last season, netting in their opening match. His clinical finishing and work rate are proving vital for Norwich’s promotion push. The Championship’s physicality and pace provide a challenging environment, but both players are thriving.

A Deeper Look: Key Performances & Statistics

Here’s a quick overview of some key stats from the opening weekend for these players:

Benefits of Playing Abroad for American Soccer Players

The trend of American soccer players choosing to develop their careers in Europe offers numerous benefits:

• زيادة المنافسة: Facing higher-quality opponents week in and week out accelerates player development.
• Tactical Sophistication: European leagues often emphasize tactical nuance and strategic play, enhancing players’ understanding of the game.
• Exposure to Different Styles: Adapting to various playing styles broadens a player’s skillset and adaptability.
• National Team Impact: Regular playing time and success abroad translate to improved performances for the USMNT.

First-Hand Experience: Following Americans Abroad

As a long-time follower of soccer and the progress of American players in Europe, it’s incredibly exciting to witness this current wave of talent. The increased visibility and success of these players are inspiring a new generation of American soccer enthusiasts. Staying updated on their performances through live streams, sports news websites, and social media is becoming increasingly popular among fans.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

The early signs are incredibly promising for Americans abroad. With the season just beginning, there’s plenty of opportunity for these players to continue to shine and make a significant impact for their clubs and the USMNT. Keep an eye on Dest’s development at PSV, Sargent’s goal-scoring form, and Richards’ continued growth as a defender. The future looks bright for American soccer on the global stage.