Tim Ream continues to be a veteran presence in Fulham’s defensive corps this season and the U.S. men’s national team centerback recently excelled in a home victory for Marco Silva’s squad.
Ream logged 90 minutes in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Luton Town, giving the Cottagers their season league triumph of the new campaign. The 35-year-old delivered a Man of the Match showing at Craven Cottage, winning six duels, making three clearances, and eight recoveries.
Ream partnered Issa Diop in the heart of the Cottagers backline on Saturday, helping Fulham registered its first defensive shutout of the season. Despite not having fellow international teammate Antonee Robinson alongside him in defense, Ream teamed up nicely with recent summer signing Timothy Castagne.
Fulham will now try for its first multi-match winning streak of the new season when it visits Crystal Palace in a London Derby on Saturday.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Weston McKennie
It was a memorable 100th Juventus appearance for USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie.
McKennie assisted once in a 3-1 Serie A win over Lazio, logging 72 minutes at right wing back. The 25-year-old started and helped set up Dusan Vlahovic for Juventus’ third and final goal of a statement victory in Turin.
McKennie also won five of his seven duels, made two clearances, one interception, and three recoveries. He continues to interchange with fellow USMNT teammate Timothy Weah in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun almost played the hero for Ligue 1 club AS Monaco on Sunday, but still proceeded to walk away with his first goal of the season.
Balogun came off the bench and needed just three minutes to propel Monaco in front 2-1 at Lorient. Despite the hosts earning a 2-2 draw through a 98th minute equalizer, Balogun made an instant impact in Adolf Hutter’s squad.
He completed six passes, won two duels, and drew one foul in a lively cameo off the bench.
Duane Holmes
EFL Championship leaders Preston North End remained top of the table thanks to Duane Holmes’ continued impact in the squad.
Holmes scored just one minute into the match at Deepdale on Saturday as Preston claimed a 2-1 home victory over Plymouth Argyle. The 28-year-old logged 90 minutes in Ryan Lowe’s squad, registering two shots on target, winning three duels, and making three defensive recoveries.
Holmes has been an instant hit at Deepdale this season following his summer move from Huddersfield Town.
Jordan Pefok
Borussia Moenchengladbach needed a second-half comeback to earn one point at Darmstadt on Sunday, but it was Jordan Pefok who helped spark the result.
Pefok scored his first goal for Gladbach in a comeback 3-3 draw against the newly-promoted club. The Union Berlin loanee played 90 minutes atop the Gladbach formation, winning three duels and drawing one foul to go along with his goalscoring contribution.
Pefok, 27, will now aim for a similar showing against RB Leipzig on September 23.
What did you think of these individual performances this weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
Duane Holmes making a strong case to get looks for the USMNT. I have always liked his game.