Belgian side Genk fell just short in its quest to lift the Pro League title last season, but now begins a new campaign this weekend with Mark McKenzie anchoring the backline once again.
McKenzie was key last season for Genk qualifying for the UEFA Champions League Playoffs this summer. The 24-year-old scored four goals in 39 combined appearances last season, taking another major step forward in his European career with Genk. McKenzie was a consistent performer as Genk pushed Royal Antwerp until the final day of the season in the league title race.
McKenzie already logged his first 90 minutes of the new campaign midweek against Swiss club Servette and will now aim to lead Genk to an opening day league victory over second-division winners RWD Molenbeek.
In Germany, Julian Green and Greuther Furth open 2. Bundesliga play against Paderborn on Sunday. Johan Gomez begins his competitive schedule with Eintracht Braunschweig.
In Denmark, Emmanuel Sabbi faces off with Justin Che and Christian Cappis in Superliagen action.
Elsewhere, George Bello begins his new chapter with LASK. Sam Rogers and Kobe Hernandez-Foster continue their league season in Norway.
Here is a closer look at this weekend’s Americans Abroad:
Germany
2. Bundesliga
Julian Green and Greuther Furth host Paderborn on Sunday.
Johan Gomez and Eintracht Braunschweig host Nico Carrera and Holstein Kiel on Sunday.
Terrence Boyd and Kaiserslautern host St. Pauli on Saturday.
Portugal
Taca de Liga
Alex Mendez and Vizela visit AVS on Friday.
Denmark
Superliagen
Christian Cappis, Justin Che and Brondby host Emmanuel Sabbi and Odense on Sunday.
Jonathan Amon and Lyngby visit Viborg on Friday.
Austria
Bundesliga
George Bello and LASK host Rapid Vienna on Friday.
Sebastian Soto is OUT (Injury) for Austria Klagenfurt.
Norway
Eliteserien
Sam Rogers and Rosenborg host Odds on Sunday.
Kobe Hernandez-Foster and HamKam visit Lillestrom on Sunday.
Belgium
Pro League
Mark McKenzie and Genk visit RWD Molenbeek on Saturday.
Sam Vines and Royal Antwerp host Cercle Brugge on Sunday.
Marlon Fossey and Standard Liege visit Sint-Truiden on Sunday.
Griffin Yow and Westerlo visits Eupen on Saturday.
Croatia
1 HNL
Rokas Pukstas and Hajduk Split host Rijeka on Sunday.
Sweden
Allsvenskan
Joe Gyau and Degerfors host Brommapojkarna on Saturday.
Brazil
Serie A
Johnny Cardoso and Internacional host Cuiaba on Saturday.
If Johan Gomez has a good season in 2Bundesliga he might just be our Olympic starting CF. Pepi and Balo much less likely to be released. Hoppe another option but he’s got only 8 professional goals in 4 seasons (5 coming in an 11 day period 2 1/2 years ago). Duncan McGuire another possibility.