Genk heads into the Belgian First Division playoffs sitting top of the league standings and Mark McKenzie’s continued production is a major reason for the club’s success.
McKenzie scored his first goal for the league-leaders in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Sporting Charleroi. The 24-year-old’s strong two-way performance helped him earn SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors.
McKenzie needed only two minutes to break the deadlock, slotting home a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner from a set piece situation. Although Sporting Charleroi battled back and pegged Genk back on two different occasions, McKenzie was strong in defense, winning three duels, making three clearances, and two recoveries.
McKenzie has been a stalwart in Genk’s backline this season, logging 30 league appearances ahead of next week’s start of the playoffs. With Genk and Union St. Gilloise sitting level on 75 points apiece after the regular season schedule, McKenzie will hope to lead by example with the league title still up for grabs.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from the past week:
Yunus Musah
Valencia claimed an important La Liga victory on Sunday with Yunus Musah excelling in his 80-minute performance.
Musah helped Valencia defeat Elche 2-0 away from home, staying alive in the race for league survival. The USMNT midfielder won seven duels, completed both of his tackles, made two recoveries, and created one offensive opportunity in the road win.
Musah’s two-way abilities will be crucial to if Valencia can avoid the drop from La Liga.
Antonee Robinson
Fulham remains well in the hunt for European qualification and Antonee Robinson impressed once again for the Cottagers.
Robinson logged 90 minutes as left back as Fulham defeated Leeds United 2-1 in London on Saturday. The 25-year-old won six duels, made eight recoveries, and three clearances as Fulham earned back-to-back victories after a five-match losing streak across all competitions.
Fulham next travels to Aston Villa in a crucial six-pointer in the top-six race.
Ian Harkes
Dundee United will still have some worries heading into the Scottish Premiership relegation schedule, but the in-form play of Ian Harkes is a bright spot.
Harkes registered one assist for the second-straight match as the Tangerines defeated Livingston 2-0 on Saturday. The veteran midfielder has helped Dundee United end its regular season schedule with three-consecutive victories, moving off the bottom-two places in the SPFL standings.
Harkes has totaled 26 league appearances so far in 2022-23.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Celtic is closing in on another SPFL title and Cameron Carter-Vickers has returned just in time to celebrate.
Carter-Vickers returned to action on Saturday in Celtic’s 1-1 home draw with Motherwell, logging 90 minutes after a slight knee issue. The USMNT defender won eight of his 10 duels, made six recoveries, and two clearances as Ange Postecoglou’s squad moved 13 points clear of rivals Rangers.
The 25-year-old is expected to remain in the Celtic starting lineup this weekend for a Scottish Cup semifinal clash with Rangers.
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.