Zack Steffen is still seeking his first victory as starting goalkeeper of EFL Championship side Middlesbrough and Wednesday’s trip to Stoke City might his best opportunity yet.
Steffen and his Middlesbrough teammates will visit the Bet365 Stadium, aiming to snap a four-match winless run to start the new season. The U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper made two diving saves in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Sheffield United, as Chris Wilder’s side used a 96th minute equalizer to steal one point against the Blades. The 27-year-old Steffen has posted a 0-2-1 record so far in England, earning draws against Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion in recent weeks. Middlesbrough will rely on Steffen once again to contribute as the visitors aim for a first three points in league play this summer.
In Europe, Malik Tillman, James Sands and Rangers host PSV in Champions League qualifying. Sam Vines and Royal Antwerp face off with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir in Conference League qualifying.
Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad:
Europe
Champions League Qualifying
Malik Tillman, James Sands and Rangers host Richie Ledezma and PSV on Tuesday.
Josh Cohen and Maccabi Haifa host Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.
Europa League Qualifying
Konrad de la Fuente and Olympiakos visit Apollon Limassol on Thursday.
Henry Wingo and Ferencvaros host Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.
Romain Gall is OUT (Injury) for Malmo.
Conference League Qualifying
Sam Vines and Royal Antwerp visit Istanbul Basaksehir on Thursday.
Rokas Pukstas and Hajduk Split visit Villarreal on Thursday.
England
Championship
Josh Sargent and Norwich City host Duane Holmes and Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.
Auston Trusty and Birmingham City host Watford on Tuesday.
Zack Steffen, Matthew Hoppe and Middlesbrough visit Stoke City on Wednesday.
Ethan Horvath and Luton Town visit Bristol City on Tuesday.
Lynden Gooch and Sunderland visit Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Matthew Olosunde and Preston North End host Rotherham United on Tuesday.
South America
Argentina
Alan Sonora and Independiente host Huracan on Tuesday.
Joel Sonora and Velez Sarsfield visit Aldosivi on Thursday.