Ligue 1 side Troyes has continued to inch itself away from the relegation zone in France’s top flight, with American defender Erik Palmer-Brown playing a key role in the heart of its backline.
Palmer-Brown helped Troyes earn a 1-0 home win over Nantes on Saturday, which was the French club’s second-consecutive shutout win in league action. The U.S. men’s national team defender earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors in the process as he continues to start during a crucial stage of the league season.
The 24-year-old won five of his nine duels in Saturday’s victory while also completing two tackles and making one interception. Palmer-Brown had to wait for his time to shine in France, but since he’s jumped into the starting lineup, Troyes has started a push up the league table and now sits two points clear of the relegation zone.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from the past week:
Jordan Pefok
Young Boys’ quest to repeat as Swiss Pro League champions looks to be coming to an end, but Jordan Pefok’s sensational campaign continued Sunday. Pefok scored his 17th league goal of the season in a 2-2 draw with Lausanne, giving the USMNT forward added confidence for what he will hope is inclusion for World Cup Qualifying this month. Pefok now has 22 goals across all competitions for Young Boys and leads the Golden Boot race by three tallies in Switzerland.
Young Boys next hosts league leaders FC Zurich on Saturday, knowing a victory could see it jump back into second place.
Ethan Horvath
Ethan Horvath remained in goal for Nottingham Forest on Saturday and delivered his third clean sheet out of his past five appearances for the club.
Horvath made three saves in a 4-0 Championship victory over Reading, continuing his strong run of form in Steve Cooper’s starting lineup. The USMNT goalkeeper edged Brice Samba for the starting job in the past two matches and hasn’t disappointed, keeping Nottingham Forest in the mix for a promotion playoff spot.
The Colorado native’s stellar run over the past month could have him included for World Cup Qualifying later this month.
Joe Scally
Joe Scally earned his third start for German side Borussia Moenchengladbach in 2022 and helped the club to an important home victory.
Scally logged 90 minutes in a 2-0 triumph over Hertha Berlin, delivering positive moments on both sides of the field. The USMNT fullback won eight of 12 duels and made three clearances as Gladbach moved seven points clear of the relegation zone in the Bundesliga table. The 19-year-old now has 23 league appearances under his belt in his first full season with Gladbach’s first team.
Antonee Robinson
Fulham fought back to earn one point in a 1-1 league draw with Barnsley on Saturday and Antonee Robinson remained a consistent performer for Marco Silva’s squad.
Robinson went the distance for Fulham, completing a match-high five dribbles and also winning nine of his 17 duels. The USMNT left back also made six recoveries, surpassing over 2,600 minutes so far this Championship season.
Fulham remains 12 points clear at the top of the league table and 14 points ahead of the promotion playoff spots.
What did you think of the top Americans Abroad performances this past week? Who impressed you the most? Who didn’t make the list that you feel deserved a mention?
Share your thoughts below.