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McKennie scores Schalke’s first goal since return from COVID-19

U.S. Men’s National Team Midfielder Weston McKennie broke Schalke 04’s goal drought against Fortuna Dusseldorf and has scored the team’s last two goals in league play, even as they have come 81 days apart. The squad had been scoreless in their first two matches since the German Bundesliga’s return of play from the COVID-19 suspension. 

The 21-year-old’s goal came in the 53rd minute of the match as midfielder Bastian Oczipka delivered the perfect cross on a free-kick. McKennie made a sensational diving effort to head the ball into the far post, giving Schalke the 1-0 lead over Fortuna.

The glimmer of hope gained with McKennie’s effort was short-lived as Dusseldorf fought their way back and scored twice in five minutes (63rd, 68th), putting them in the driver’s seat and picking up the win, 2-1. 

Schalke 04’s return from the COVID-19 suspension has been closer to a disaster than a return to former glory. McKennie is no exception despite now scoring two goals in his last four matches. The Royal Blues fell to their biggest rival Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the first match of the return to play and to Augsburg 3-0 the following week.

This latest loss keeps Schalke five points out of a Europa League spot. Now winless in their last nine matches, Schalke’s next chance to regain form will be on Saturday when they will host relegation battling Werder Bremen.

Comments

  1. It was difficult to watch today, and I’m glad Mckennie scored for Schalke. The Bundesliga is basically a 3-tiered league with Bayern Munich all alone by itself at top. Borussia Dortmund & Red Bull Leipzig share the second tier. The rest are pretty much third tier. There exists a gaping hole between Bayern and the rest of the league. I was excited and naively looked forward to enjoying a fun and closely contested game between Bayern and Dortmund on Tuesday, but it turned out there wasn’t much excitements in the game. Bayern controlled pretty much the entire game, and Dortmund were rushed out of their comfort zone pace most of the game.

    Reply
    • the Bayern game was decided when the lunging centerback got his arm in the way of shot, and nothing magically was seen. It is not enough to have better talent, they league favors them horribly. I like the bundisliga, but watching Bayern favoritism is painful.

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