Americans Abroad Round-Up: Feel-Good Weekend for USMNT Stars in Europe
It was a strong and satisfying weekend for several Americans playing in Europe, with long-awaited goals, promotions sealed, and personal milestones on the horizon.While most USMNT players had reasons to smile, one established international endured another difficult outing.Here are this week’s Five:
Daryl Dike Ends Goal Drought in Crucial Win
Daryl Dike finally got on the scoresheet for the first time in 2026, and the timing could not have been better. The striker scored in West Brom’s 2-0 victory over Preston on Saturday, helping the Baggies extend their unbeaten run to eight games and move five points clear of the Championship relegation zone.After battling multiple injuries — including two Achilles tears — during his time at West Brom, the 25-year-old has gradually earned more regular playing time and repaid his manager’s faith with a vital goal
.“I’m just so happy,” Dike told BBC Radio WM. “I’ve worked really hard for this… Naturally as a striker you always want to score, so working hard and seeing the results on the pitch is a good feeling.”
Folarin Balogun Closing in on Historic Ligue 1 Record
Folarin Balogun’s remarkable scoring run continued on Sunday as he found the net for the eighth consecutive Ligue 1 match. The Monaco forward won and converted a penalty in a 2-2 draw against Auxerre, taking his league tally to 12 goals this season (18 across all competitions).If Balogun scores in Monaco’s next match against Toulouse, he will equal the Ligue 1 record for the most consecutive games with a goal.
Haji Wright Set for Premier League Move
Haji Wright is heading to the Premier League. Coventry City secured promotion on Friday night with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn, and the 28-year-old will make the step up alongside his teammates.Wright, who came off the bench in the second half, finishes the season with 16 goals — second in the Championship — and was named to the league’s Team of the Season on Sunday. He is now on track to play in the Premier League and represent the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup.
Brenden Aaronson Delivers as Leeds Climb Clear of Danger
Brenden Aaronson enjoyed an excellent week, providing assists in Leeds United’s 2-1 win over Manchester United and 2-0 victory against Wolves. The results lifted Leeds to 15th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone with five games remaining.The midfielder now has five assists this season in what has been a successful first Premier League campaign since his return to the top flight.
Growing Concerns Over Antonee Robinson’s Form
While many Americans had positive weekends, Antonee Robinson’s situation continues to raise concern. The Fulham left back was dropped from the starting lineup for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Brentford and only saw action as a late substitute.Once one of the Premier League’s top assist providers (10 last season), Robinson has yet to record a single goal contribution this campaign. With Ryan Sessegnon pushing hard for minutes, the 28-year-old will be desperate to regain his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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