GOAL US breaks down a mixed weekend for Americans abroad, with Brenden Aaronson starring but further injuries to the striker pool.
So, we were all expecting Brendan Aaronson to be the star of the weekend, right? The floaty attacking midfielder, maligned by Leeds fans, loaned to Union Berlin, and firmly out of the USMNT picture just six months ago – he was the one who is now set to stand out on a weekly basis?
Aaronson's career trajectory has been puzzling, but his form of late has been anything but. He has finally found a home in Northern England with Leeds, and continued his fine run with yet another standout showing for Saturday afternoon. But he wasn't the only American abroad to impress. Christian Pulisic was up to his usual tricks, all clever runs and neat passes in a 1-0 win for Milan that was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. He is, arguably, the only reason manager Paolo Fonseca is still in a job.
But it wasn't all so cheery. Malik Tillman, after an excellent start to the season, has seen his form take a turn for the worse of late, struggling in a deeper role. Meanwhile, an injury to Josh Sargent will leave U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino sweating about his striker pool ahead of the next international break.
It was a typically frantic week for Americans Abroad, and GOAL US breaks it all down.
Getty Images SportAaronson's resurgence continues
The start of the season hasn't been a solid run of form or a bit of long-awaited luck. No, Aaronson is actually thriving at Leeds.
He needed to, too, especially given his introduction at the club. After struggling in his first season in the Premier League, Aaronson never got going on loan with Union Berlin last season, too. This felt like his last chance, and he's made the most of it.
His resurgence continued this weekend as he scored his fourth goal of the season in Leeds' 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle. The goal was also Aaronson's second in three games after a prior finish in a win over Watford. Because of those goals, Aaronson is back in good graces at Leeds, where fans are notoriously fierce.
"It was tough at first. I understood the feelings that they had for me coming back," Aaronson told CBS Sports. "It was tough and things happen, that's football at the end of the day, but they've gotten on my shoulders and been pushing me. I can't thank them enough for that because it's been really good after me coming back. I've been pushing and putting in a lot of work."
That work is paying off. Aaronson has found his level at the Championship, with Leeds giving him the chance to really thrive as a No. 10. It didn't quite carry over to the USMNT during the October window but, with November's camp coming up, Aaronson is playing his way into more USMNT chances going forward.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportCarter-Vickers back with a bang
Cameron Carter-Vickers recently made his return for Celtic. This weekend, he really announced his return with a big moment.
The Celtic star scored his first goal of the season, leading Celtic to a 6-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-final. The American defender scored Celtics first, kicking off the onslaught as the club pushes for yet another trophy.
Injuries have bothered Carter-Vickers, who has missed time with various issues throughout the last few seasons. His latest derailed his start to the season. He looks fit and healthy now, though, and, with the USMNT center back pool currently in a bit of disarray, he'll certainly be in the mix for Mauricio Pochettino, who he played under at Tottenham.
Helping his case? Carter-Vickers started alongside fellow American Auston Trusty, who could very well partner him on the international level. It's a storyline to watch but, right now, the USMNT will just be glad to see Carter-Vickers back healthy heading into two massive games where he could play a part.
GettySargent injury adds to striker woes
Folarin Balogun is already out with an injury, and you can add Josh Sargent to that list.
Sargent missed Norwich's 2-1 loss to Cardiff City with a groin injury, one that is expected to keep him out of November camp. It's a tough break for the striker, who has already missed so many other USMNT chances due to various injuries.
The injury created another hurdle for Pochettino at the striker position. With Balogun and Sargent now out, the USMNT is plenty shorthanded heading into two actual games against Jamaica. These matches matter, and the USMNT has to win if they want to play in the Nations League in the spring.
So up steps Ricardo Pepi? Logically, that would make sense. Despite his limited minutes, he's scored whenever he's played, so it seems he's next man up. Other than that, Haji Wright and Brandon Vazquez are contenders to play as the No. 9.
Either way, it's a bummer for Sargent, who can never seem to catch a break when it comes to these various injury issues.
GettyPulisic as No. 10
Christian Pulisic didn't directly contribute to a goal, as he so often has throughout this season. He did indirectly, though, as he started as Milan's No. 10.
Pulisic's cross to Alvaro Morata helped set up Milan's only goal against Monza, which was eventually scored by Tijani Reijnders. That cross was headed by the Spanish striker but blocked, with the deflection falling to Reijnders for Milan's game-winner.
Pulisic quietly put in a decent shift outside of that. He was near-perfect on his passing, completing 30 of 31, while creating three total chances. He didn't quite generate anything for himself, as he has in virtually every game so far this season, but he did pull some strings in an eventual victory.
Milan boss Paulo Fonseca continues to find ways to use Pulisic, who can play as any one of the three behind the striker. Saturday was another bit of evidence that Pulisic can be effective as a No. 10 on days where Fosenca wants to use both Samuel Chukwueze and Rafael Leao. Pulisic wasn't particularly flashy in the win, but he was solid, showing that, even when he isn't "on," he can impact a game.
