Josh Sargent is heading into U.S. men’s national team duty in blistering form.
Sargent scored twice on Saturday in Norwich City’s 2-0 road win over Blackburn Rovers in EFL Championship play. The American forward earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors for his latest impressive performance.
Sargent contributed on both of the Canaries’ goals at Ewood Park, showing off the abilities that has made him one of the top strikers in England’s second-tier.
His opening goal came from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, giving Liam Manning’s squad a 1-0 lead.
Despite Blackburn playing the second half down to 10 men, Sargent took advantage with a clinical insurance goal before the final whistle.
He now has six goals in five appearances this season, helping Norwich City earn two wins from its opening four league matches.
Sargent will now head into an important USMNT window over the next two weeks, seeking his first international goal since November 2019. Form is certainly on his side though, even if he has struggled scoring for his country over the past five years.
Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Chris Richards
Another USMNT player flying high into international duty is centerback Chris Richards.
Richards helped Crystal Palace to a memorable 3-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. The USMNT defender logged his latest 90-minute performance, helping the Eagles to their third shutout in his past four appearances.
Richards will now aim to lead the USMNT backline against South Korea and Japan.
Christian Pulisic
It was an impactful substitute performance from Christian Pulisic in AC Milan’s Serie A opener.
Pulisic came off the bench to score his first league goal of the campaign in a 2-0 victory over Lecce. The USMNT attacker played just 14 minutes, but had a vital say in the action.
With two goals in two appearances to start the new club season, Pulisic looks to be full of confidence ahead of international duty.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun enjoyed his first Ligue 1 goal of the new season.
Balogun scored once in Monaco’s 3-2 league victory over Strasbourg, giving the American forward his first tally since May 3. The USMNT striker registered two shots and won five duels in his 90-minute performance, helping Monaco to its second win in three matches.
Balogun will now fight with Sargent, among others, for minutes under Mauricio Pochettino this month.
Rokas Pukstas
Rokas Pukstas closed the weekend’s action in style.
Pukstas scored twice on Sunday in Hajduk Split’s 2-2 league draw with Rijeka. The American midfielder scored Hajduk’s equalizer in the first half before equalizing once again in the 96th minute of the match.
Pukstas now has three goals in seven appearances in this season, which has him on pace to set a new career-high in that category.
What did you think of this weekend’s slate of Americans Abroad action? Is there anyone else deserving of a shout on this list?
Share your thoughts below.