Last week, an American seldom known by even the most astute USMNT fans made his debut in the UEFA Champions League. Josh Cohen played all 90 minutes between the posts for Israeli side Maccabi Haifa during the club's 2-0 defeat to Benfica.
After a long summer, Europe’s premier club competition is back and did not disappoint. From Lisbon to Amsterdam, some fantastic goals were scored in the opening week of the Champions League, so let's take a look at the top five.
The gulf in class between Juventus and the best sides in Europe has never been more clear. Despite a second-half goal from Weston McKennie, Massimiliano Allegri’s side was humbled in Paris as Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi imposed their will on the Juve defense, winning 2-1.
The story of American keeper Matt Turner has been widely publicized over the last year after the late-blooming New Jersey native went from collegiate afterthought to USMNT hero over a few short years. While Turner will hope to play in the Europa League this year with Arsenal, another American keeper will be taking center stage in the UEFA Champions League — Maccabi Haifa's Josh Cohen.
Cohen's soccer career mirror's that of Turner's, and though he has not received the recent fanfare, Josh Cohen is more than deserving of American soccer fans' attention.
Gio Reyna is back, baby! The American wunderkid seems to have put his muscle injuries in the past and made an immediate impact in Borussia Dortmund's first UCL match of the season, providing two brilliant assists in a 3-0 victory over FC Copenhagen.
Reyna started the game on the bench but soon had to jump onto the field to cover for the injured Thorgan Hazard. The skillful midfielder came on in the 23rd minute, and before halftime, he'd already left his footprint on the game.
A litany of Americans played on Saturday across Europe, however not everyone finished the day healthy. The latest USMNT injury update saw two Americans miss game time.
Saturday Injuries: Antonee Robinson & Jordan Pefok
A flying start to the Premier League season is quickly unraveling for Leeds United following a 5-2 loss to Brentford. After Ivan Toney completed his hat trick for the Bees on Saturday, Leeds’ day went from bad to worse as manager Jesse Marsch was sent off following his protest of a non-penalty call just after the hour mark.
Jesse Marsch going crazy on the touch line because he thinks Leeds should have a penalty for a foul on Summerville by Hickey.
The largest club competition in the world returns on Tuesday. Following the draw on Aug. 25, the Champions League groups have been made and play will begin on Sept. 6 when both games in Group G kick off.
The18 staff broke out our crystal balls to make some bold predictions for the 2022-23 Champions League season. Let us know how you feel about our Champions League predictions for 2022-23.
Corey Basciano (Client Experience)
What happens to Christian Pulisic now?
It’s a question on the minds of many U.S. fans after Pulisic didn’t secure a loan or transfer away from Chelsea. With the summer window now closed, the next couple months look bleak for the USMNT’s No. 10.
Pulisic wanted a move out of London, but the club denied him.