USMNT This Week: McKennie stands out in Juventus’ five-goal rout

Weston McKennie’s start to 2026 has left little room for debate. When Juventus needed control, presence and end product, the American midfielder provided all three — and then some.

McKennie was at the center of Juventus’ dominant 5-0 win over Cremonese on Monday, delivering one of his most complete performances of the season as the Bianconeri surged up the Serie A table. While the scoreline reflected a mismatch, McKennie’s influence went beyond the numbers, reinforcing his growing importance in Turin and his standing in the U.S. men’s national team picture.

Juventus struck early through Gleison Bremer and Jonathan David, building a comfortable cushion before halftime. But McKennie’s fingerprints were all over the second half, when the match fully tilted out of reach.

Early after the break, McKennie timed a run into the box and forced a point-blank save, staying alert as the rebound deflected off a defender and into the net. While the goal went down as an own goal, the play itself came directly from McKennie’s pressure and anticipation.

He made it official later. In the 64th minute, McKennie arrived unmarked in the penalty area and guided a clean header into the bottom corner off a Pierre Kalulu cross, putting a bow on a commanding Juventus performance. It was a simple finish, but one that highlighted the instincts that continue to separate McKennie from other midfield options.

Beyond the goals, McKennie set the tempo. He covered ground, arrived late into dangerous areas and helped Juventus maintain control once the match was effectively decided. Juventus generated 18 shots and limited Cremonese to little sustained pressure, cruising through the final half-hour.

The result pushed Juventus into fourth place in Serie A and extended its strong run of form across competitions. For McKennie, it marked another reminder that his value lies not just in versatility, but in timely production when matches break open.

He wouldn't enjoy the same smooth ride in the Bianconeri's second match this week. McKennie was held quieter in a 1-0 loss at Cagliari on Saturday, subbed off late as Juventus struggled to break down a compact opponent. Still, the contrast only emphasized the impact he had earlier in the week, when the game demanded urgency rather than patience.

Elsewhere, American strikers delivered when their clubs needed them most.

Haji Wright provided the decisive moment off the bench for Coventry City, scoring an 85th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday. Introduced midway through the second half, Wright tested the goalkeeper twice before finally finding the breakthrough from close range.

The goal ended a long scoring drought and came at a critical moment, preserving Coventry’s position near the top of the Championship standings. Wright’s movement and physical presence immediately changed the match, offering a reminder of what he brings when confidence follows opportunity.

Patrick Agyemang followed a similar script for Derby County. After an active but frustrating afternoon filled with near misses, Agyemang delivered late, rising to head home the match-winner in the 82nd minute of a 1-0 win over Preston.

The goal capped a persistent performance and underscored Agyemang’s growing comfort leading the line. While the chances did not come easily, his willingness to stay involved paid off when Derby needed a breakthrough.

At the back, it was a more difficult outing for Chris Richards and Crystal Palace. Starting fresh off being named U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, Richards endured a challenging afternoon in a 2-1 loss at Sunderland.

Palace struggled to impose themselves, conceding control for long stretches as Sunderland dictated the tempo. Richards picked up an early yellow card and was part of a back line that could not fully recover after Sunderland’s second-half push. The loss extended Palace’s winless run and highlighted the pressure facing a squad still searching for stability.

Timothy Weah, meanwhile, enjoyed one of his sharper outings of the season. Weah scored and assisted in Marseille’s 5-2 win at Angers, consistently finding space on the right and contributing to a fluid attacking performance. His goal came via a well-timed header in the box, capping an efficient night that saw Marseille pull away late.