GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including several big goals and a bigger penalty miss
As it turns out, Christian Pulisic is human after all. He hadn't been for most of this Serie A campaign. But on Sunday he had his first meaningful misfire of the season – and it turned out to be a decisive.
Pulisic missed a penalty in a marquee game and, as a result, AC Milan could only split points with Weston McKennie and Juventus. Pulisic's penalty miss, of course, was the moment of the match, and it was a rare mistake from a player who has otherwise been so good this season.
Even so, both sides will leave for the international break wondering if there was more for them in this game. In the end, though, a point was all they got. While Pulisic missed his chance for a goal, plenty of other American stars made sure to take theirs.
They ranged from Haji Wright, who has made a habit of scoring, to Patrick Agyemang, who netted his first goal since making the leap to Europe. Noahkai Banks also had a first, too, as he netted his first senior finish to build on last month's USMNT call-up.
Now, most of American soccer's top stars will head back ot the U.S. for friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. Many will be riding a high. Pulisic, meanwhile, will be eager to put this one behind him.
GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.
Getty Images SportNothing between Pulisic and McKennie
It was the game of the weekend. In the end, there wasn't much to get excited about – except, of course, that missed penalty, one that led Milan and Juventus to settle for a scoreless draw.
Penalty aside, Pulisic had his moments. He created a few chances and had one other shot, too. He was nowhere near as decisive as he has been, though, and, ultimately, that one shot – sailed over over the bar – made all the difference.
On the other side was McKennie, who did more defending than anything. Of the players who played all 90 minutes, McKennie had the fewest touches with 38. He tried to make use of those touches, but ultimately didn't impact the game.
This match seemed a measuring stick for both Milan and Juve. Both clubs were well off the title pace last season and both hope this campaign will be different. Milan could have gone top with a win. They instead sit third. Juventus could have leapfrogged Milan if they'd won. Instead, they sit fifth.
The race is tight at the top of Serie A and neither team was able to further their title credential in a game that could have been massive for whoever won, or lost, it. Instead, they'll head into the international break right where they were: hopeful of better, but still having points to prove.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAgyemang finally gets on the board
Just days after being called up for USMNT duty, Agyemang hit a milestone by scoring his first Championship goal. The score came in the 40th minute with Derby down 1-0 to Southampton on Saturday, and it ultimately proved to be key as Agyemang's side earned a 1-1 draw.
It wasn't anything particularly fancy: a looped ball, a powerful header and a helpless goalkeeper unable to get anywhere near Agyemang's effort from just inside the six-yard box.
It was a big moment for Agyemang, who had already provided two assists to start the season. Derby, who have struggled financially in recent years, spent big on the now-former Charlotte FC striker, indicating that he would be a key part of their attack. After dealing with injury issues post-Gold Cup, Agyemang looks like he may live up to his pricetag, even if this was just his first goal of the season.
Now he'll return for USMNT duty in an ever-tightening striker race. The best way to stay in contention is to score goals. With his combination of size and skill, Agyemang remains an intriguing option for the USMNT attack going forward, even if it might be as a supersub.
Getty Images SportWright on fire with Coventry
While Agyemang's goal was his first of the season, Haji Wright has been lighting up England's second division for weeks. With his finish in a 5-0 win over Sheffield, the 27-year-old striker now leads the Championship with eight goals in 675 minutes.
He wasn't alone. Wright was one of four Coventry City players to get on the scoresheet in the blowout, their third consecutive clean sheet win by at least three goals. Coventry have been blasting through everyone in their path. Wright has been a huge part of that, which is why, like Agyemang, he was included in the latest USMNT squad.
For the USMNT, Wright is able to play either out wide or centrally, and could have done either this summer. But an injury early on in the Gold Cup ruined his run. He's healthy now, though, and he's scoring goals for fun in the Championship.
In Mauricio Pochettino's September camp, Josh Sargent wasn't quite able to translate his club efforts into a standout performance, but can Wright do it this time around?
Getty Images SportBanks' big goal
The USMNT's strikers weren't the only ones getting in on the goalscoring fun. The team's newest young defender made sure to put his name on the scoresheet, too. Noahkai Banks, the 18-year-old central defender, scored his first senior goal, helping to lead Augsburg to a 3-1 win over Wolfsburg.
That was obviously the highlight. It was a "welcome to the big leagues" moment for a player that, until now, had gotten a few tastes of the Bundesliga, but no real bite.
"It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I was able to help the team with my first Bundesliga goal," Banks said after the game. "It was such a special afternoon for me, my whole family was here. Even my grandma for the first time."
For defenders, goals are bonuses. What matters is what you do on the other side of the ball. Banks was good there, too, putting in a solid shift defensively while completing 43 of his 49 passes. The teenager still needs polishing, but this was a step towards his USMNT ambitions – and a bigger role with Augsburg.
If that can happen over the next few months, Banks may have a World Cup role in his future.
