A number of Americans are set to take the field in all-important league matches across Europe this weekend, with major implications at both ends of the table.
Fabian Johnson and Borussia Moenchengladbach will need a result to fend off a rising Schalke 04 team in a battle for the Bundesliga’s fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot. The American has two goals and assists in his past six matches with the club, and has been in fine form all season long for Moenchengladbach.
Alejandro Bedoya and FC Nantes continue an unexpectedly successful year as they face off against a direct rival for European soccer next season in Lyon. A win would see Bedoya’s side leapfrog Lyon into the top five in Ligue 1.
Now we move from the top to the bottom of the table, where a young, on-loan American is tasked with keeping his side above the drop zone. DeAndre Yedlin and Sunderland travel to St. James’ Park on Sunday to face a Newcastle United now led by Rafa Benitez. This Tyne Wear derby has major relegation implications, and the American right back will have the chance to impress by shutting down Georginio Wijnaldum and company.
Bobby Wood will take the field with an American goal-scoring record to tie this weekend, as he and Union Berlin travel to 2. Bundesliga rivals BTSV. Wood will look to continue his fine form and score his 14th league goal of the year, which would tie Connor Casey’s record in the league.
Here is what’s in store for the Americans Abroad this weekend:
FRIDAY
Fabian Johnson and Borussia Moenchengladbach play Schalke 04.
Shawn Barry and FSV Frankfurt play Heidenheim.
Jonathan Bornstein, Luis Gil and Queretaro play Chiapas.
Michael Orozco, Greg Garza, Paul Arriola, Alejando Guido and Club Tijuana play Toluca.
Rubio Rubin and FC Utrecht play Excelsior.
Gedion Zelalem and Rangers play Falkirk.
SATURDAY
Geoff Cameron and Stoke City play Watford.
Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Swansea City.
Tim Howard and Everton play Arsenal.
John Brooks and Hertha Berlin play Alfredo Morales and FC Ingolstadt 04.
Aron Johannsson and Werder Bremen play Mainz.
Timmy Chandler and Eintracht Frankfurt play Hannover 96.
Russell Canouse and Hoffenheim play Hamburger.
Andrew Wooten and SV Sandhausen play FC St. Pauli.
William Yarbrough, Miguel Ibarra and Club Leon play Ventura Alvarado and Club America.
Edgar Castillo and Monterrey play Chivas de Guadalajara.
Omar Gonzalez and Pachuca play Sebastian Saucedo and Veracruz.
Joe Corona, Sonny Guadarrama and Dorados de Sinaloa play Jorge Villafana and Santos Laguna.
Alejandro Bedoya and FC Nantes play Lyon.
Eric Lichaj and Nottingham Forest play Derby County.
Tim Ream, Emerson Hyndman and Fulham play Jonathan Spector and Birmingham City.
Danny Williams and Reading play Cardiff City.
Cody Cropper and Milton Keynes Dons play Brighton Hove and Albion.
Duane Holmes and Huddersfield Town play Leeds United.
Perry Kitchen and Hearts play St. Johnstone.
Lynden Gooch and Doncaster Rovers play Peterborough United.
SUNDAY
DeAndre Yedlin and Sunderland play Newcastle United
Christian Pulisic and Borussia Dortmund play FC Augsburg.
Terrence Boyd and RB Leipzig play Nurnberg.
Jose Torres and Tigres UANL play Puebla.
Cole Grossman and Stabaek IF play Ethan Horvath and Molde FK.
Bobby Wood and FC Union Berlin play BTSV.
Desevio Payne and FC Groningen play Vitesse.
AJ Soares and Viking play Sarpsborg.
MONDAY
Caleb Stanko and SC Freiburg play Karlsruher.
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Which of these matches are you most looking forward to? See Wood breaking Casey’s scoring record this weekend? Expect Fabian Johnson and Moenchengladbach to get a big win against Schalke?
Share your thoughts below.