GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, headlined by a goals from two strikers and an assist from a player fighting for a role next summer
Following Friday’s World Cup draw, attention has already shifted toward next summer. That’s only natural. Fans of the U.S. Men’s National Team – and every other team in the field – suddenly know the path. Hope, anxiety, excitement… all of it feels a little more real now.
That’s the long view, though.
In the short term, there was still plenty happening at the club level this weekend. Big games, big stakes, and several American players who made their mark. The fight for places – like the tournament itself – now feels just that little bit closer.
There were goals, assists, and plenty of storylines on display this weekend, as some of the USMNT's key stars played vital roles for their respective clubs. Ricardo Pepi and Josh Sargent both scored, providing their own statements in a crowded striker race. Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, came off the bench to provide an assist in a huge match as Leeds completed a miracle comeback against Liverpool.
They weren't the only standouts this weekend, though. The World Cup clock is ticking, with the draw being the latest big moment on the road to 2026. To close 2025, though, several Americans clearly have a point to prove.
GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.
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Pepi makes most of second consecutive start
Pepi was back in PSV's starting XI and, wouldn't you know it, he was back on the scoresheet, too.
Pepi continued his recent run of form with yet another goal, netting in PSV's 2-0 win over Heerenveen. With that goal, he has five goals in just 511 Eredivisie minutes, and you can tack on two goals in the Champions League to that total, too. Pepi remains one of the most efficient goal scorers in the Netherlands and, ]now back in the XI, PSV are benefitting from the efficiency.
That increase in minutes wasn't guaranteed, though.
For a while, Pepi wasn't in the XI. PSV wanted to ease him in to start the season and were then reluctant to break up a good thing with Guus Til up top. The USMNT striker had to bide his time, and he did so effectively by coming off the bench and scoring anyway. Now back in the lineup, Pepi’s task is simple: stay there. And the best way to do that is to do what he’s always done at PSV – change games with goals.
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Sargent snaps scoring drought
Sargent is finally back on the scoresheet.
The American striker netted his first goal since August and, although it came in a 3-2 defeat to Watford, it did feel like a turning point for the Norwich City star. He's done well over the last few weeks, providing three assists in the six games prior to Saturday's goal, but, for months, that goal had been eluding him. Following a tough September international break, Sargent had been unable to respond, which is at least partly why he wasn't back with the USMNT in October or November.
Maybe, then, this can be a springboard. There's no doubt that the 2022 World Cup veteran has fallen down the USMNT's striker depth chart, and the only way to climb back up it is to score goals. He hadn't done that in 14 appearances prior to Saturday's breakout, which will make this one feel extra special.
Sargent has proven time and time again that he's a player who can score in bunches, particularly at this Championship level. Maybe this weekend's finish can be the start of a new bunch, then, one that gives Mauricio Pochettino something to think about up top.
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Aaronson makes his mark in incredible Leeds comeback
When Aaronson came into the game, Leeds were down 2-0 against Liverpool. By the time the final whistle blew, they'd pulled it back to 3-3, with Aaronson playing a major part in helping his side get there.
Not named to the starting XI, Aaronson came off the bench to assist a goal from Anton Stach, aiding Leeds' comeback to make it 2-2. The Reds scored shortly after, but Leeds fired back again in the game's final moments to stun the defending champions.
Aaronson's impact came amid a mixed reception from the Elland Road crowd, but when push comes to shove, the American continues to show up for Leeds. The assist is his second of the year, and he's added a goal this season, too. Aaronson, of course, also continues to do the dirty work required for a Leeds team looking to stay in the Premier League.
Aaronson's big task this season was proving he was a Premier League-level player. The results of that are still to be determined. Moments like Saturday's help, though, as he showed he can make a difference off the bench against one of the game's top teams.
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Reyna back in the XI
It's been a while since we've seen Gio Reyna start back-to-back games. It's been even longer since he's done it on short rest. Reyna is building, though, which is why he was back in the XI for Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.
Just three days after playing 68 minutes against St. Pauli, Reyna was in the Gladbach XI again on Friday in a 1-0 win over Mainz. Reyna put in a strong shift, playing 69 minutes as an attacking midfielder, creating one chance, a cross, and providing three passes into the final third. Additionally, he won five of his eight duels and had two tackles, showing some of the defensive tenacity required from him even as a midfielder higher up the pitch.
Was it a life-changing performance? No, but it didn't have to be. Reyna is getting closer and closer to being a regular player. After so long on the sidelines and the substitutes bench, that's a win.