Weston McKennie delivers Champions League goal in first start of Juventus season

Weston McKennie’s first start of the season for Juventus will go down as a memorable one.

McKennie delivered his first goal of the new campaign as the Bianconeri defeated PSV 3-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder logged 75 minutes from the start, helping Thiago Motta’s squad to their first three points of the new league phase format.

Kenan Yildiz propelled Juventus in front after only 21 minutes before McKennie doubled the hosts lead six minutes later. Nicolas Gonzalez raced into the PSV box before a fortunate deflection fell to the feet of McKennie, who slammed home.

It marked McKennie’s fifth Champions League goal of his career.

Gonzalez would further extend Juventus lead in the 52nd minute thanks to a curling finish into the left corner. It capped off a Man of the Match performance from the Argentinian forward.

McKennie was substituted off before the final whistle, finishing with an 88% passing completion rate, one duel won, and one tackle completed.

Ismael Saibari pulled one consolation goal back for PSV, but it was Juventus who walked out as winners on the night.

The remaining four USMNT players also featured in the match, with Malik Tillman going the distance, Richie Ledezma playing 86 minutes, Tim Weah logging 21 minutes off the bench, and Ricardo Pepi playing 13 minutes off the bench.

Juventus will next host Napoli on Saturday in Serie A play while PSV travels to Fortuna Sittard in Eredivisie action on Sunday.

Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/09/weston-mckennie-delivers-champions-league-goal-in-first-start-of-juventus-season

Author : Larry Henry Jr

Publish date : 2024-09-17 18:32:35

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