The Belgian Pro League kicks off this weekend with Chris Durkin looking to continue establishing himself after completing his permanent move away from D.C. United.
Durkin and Sint-Truiden face a tough test on Sunday with a home date against Gent. The former D.C. United man was loaned to Belgium last season, making 13 league appearances for the club before making his move permanent. The 20-year-old midfielder brings an exciting vibe to the club, who finished 12th in the 16-team league last season before the COVID-19 pandemic halted play. Eligible for the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team, Durkin will look to play his way into Jason Kreis’ plans with a strong domestic season abroad.
Elsewhere, Malik Tillman and Konrad de la Fuente will look to make their first-team debuts in the UEFA Champions League after they were both added to their teams’ UCL rosters. Andrija Novakovich and Frosinone continue their quest for promotion to Serie A while Ian Harkes and Dillon Powers and Dundee United take on Motherwell in Scottish Premiership action. Romain Gall continues his loan with Norwegian side Stabaek.
Here’s a closer look at this weekend’s Americans Abroad:
Europe
UEFA Champions League
Malik Tillman and Bayern Munich face Chelsea on Saturday.
Konrad de la Fuente and Barcelona face Napoli on Saturday.
Italy
Serie B Playoffs
Andrija Novakovich and Frosinone face Pordenone on Sunday.
Scotland
Premiership
Ian Harkes, Dillon Powers and Dundee United face Motherwell on Saturday.
Sweden
Allsvenskan
Aron Johannsson and Hammarby face Djurgarden on Sunday.
Mix Diskerud and Helsingborg face Norrkoping on Monday.
Belgium
First Division
Chris Durkin and Sint-Truiden face Gent on Sunday.
Ethan Horvath and Club Brugge face Sporting Charleroi on Saturday.
Brendan Hines-Ike and Kortrijk face Waasland-Beveren on Sunday.
Norway
Eliteserien
Romain Gall and Stabaek face Odd on Sunday.
Republic of Ireland
Premier Division
Josh Gatt and Dundalk face Bohemian FC on Friday.
Mexico
Liga MX
Sebastian Saucedo and Pumas face FC Juarez on Sunday.
Ventura Alvarado and Atletico San Luis face Atlas on Sunday.
BOBBY WOOD sighting, he started for Hamburg today (with mostly other reserves). The way 2020 is going would anyway be surprised if he has 10 goals by December? Match is available on YouTube if your interested.
Dest sat out Ajax friendly with a “minor ankle injury.”
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Gloster and Ledezma did not play in PSV’s friendly today but they have another Sunday.
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T.Tillman and Julian Green played 2nd half for Furth.
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Mendez went the distance for Jong Ajax in their 3-2 loss to AZ II
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Gioacchini went 66 mins for Caen in a friendly win.
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I’m sure there are more young Americans that I missed.
22 yr old Dartmouth alum, Eduvie Ikoba, had a first half brace for Trencin in the Slovakian first tier in his debut match 😉
Gioacchini apparently had an assist in the match.
Good thing about this time of year is a lot of these matches are on YouTube for free and archived so you can watch on your own time. PSV, Schalke (no Wes or Taitague today), Bremen (no archive), Ajax all broadcast their matches on YouTube. Jong Ajax puts extended clips if your interested in Mendez, he had some really good chances that maybe should have led to a goal. If you search SM Caen vs Amiens you’ll see the highlight Gioacchini’s beautiful assist. Fun time,?as hope is springing eternal.
Gloster and ledezma both dress for PSV in their friendly today but both went unused
Another friendly on Sunday probably play then.
Ledezma played second half today and had an assist. Gloster came on in the 66th min.
The match is available on the PSV YouTube channel.
ditto Malik and KDLF in UCL.
pretty cool that all four were on those benches, tho