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Weston McKennie makes Schalke debut

18-year-old American international Weston McKennie became the second-youngest player to feature in a Bundesliga match, coming on as a second-half sub in a 1-1 draw at Ingolstadt on Saturday.

The midfielder entered the match in the 77th minute, replacing Donis Advijaj in Schalke’s midfield. However, the youngster couldn’t help 10-men Schalke earn more than a point in the season-ending draw.

It was McKennie’s first game action for Schalke’s senior squad after impressing at the U-19 level. McKennie scored four goals in 21 matches for Schalke’s U-19’s, while fellow American teenager Haji Wright netted 12 goals in 21 appearances. Wright was also named to Saturday’s squad, but did not enter the match.

McKennie became the second youngest American to play in the Bundesliga behind Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic.

McKennie was expected to be a part of Tab Ramos’ U-20 World Cup roster, but Schalke did not release the youngster after being called up.

Comments

  1. Wonder what the reasoning was for Schalke not releasing these guys for the U-20 World Cup. Since they’re fringe players at the club level, it would be great experience and exposure for them to get minutes in some meaningful games.

    Reply
    • Schalke U19s were in the semifinals of the Junior A Bundesliga Playoffs. They lost this week, so three players were brought up as a reward having missed the WC (German youth Luke Hemmrich also was not released). Both may have a shot to make the full team next year so in Schalke’s mind anyway staying in Germany was a better experience than playing in Korea.

      Reply
  2. Arena should “nickle & dime” minutes McKennie & Wright for the next friendlies.

    Maybe Jor-T in France too.

    Reply
    • Why? The purpose of those friendlies is to prepare for world cup qualifiers, not to give minutes to guys who aren’t even on the fringes of the USMNT (yet).

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    • Neither Schalke player has any other national possibilities there is no reason to get them minutes. Siebatcheau was reportedly called into French U21 squad this Summer. Finally friendly minutes don’t lock anyone in anyway has to be qualifying or a tournament.

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  3. Wonder if Wright would have gotten in if they hadn’t had a midfielder sent off. I think it was Huntelaar’s last match for Schalke so probably not.

    Reply

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