Brenden Aaronson was the catalyst in Leeds United’s Premier League victory on Friday night.
Aaronson scored his first goal of the season as Daniel Farke’s Lilywhites earned a 2-1 home triumph over West Ham United. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors for his impactful showing at Elland Road.
Aaronson kickstarted things in the fourth minute, pouncing on a rebound in the box and slamming it home for a 1-0 lead. Noah Okafor’s original header was denied by Alphonse Areola, but Aaronson beat two West Ham defenders to the loose ball.
After Joe Rodon doubled Leeds’ advantage in the first half, Aaronson came close to delivering a Goal of the Season contender in the 59th minute. He picked up possession and raced upfield before drilling a shot that deflected off of the crossbar and out of play.
Despite West Ham earning a late consolation goal, Leeds United would hang on for its third league victory of the campaign.
Aaronson, who celebrated his first goal since March, was Man of the Match in the result. He later admitted that scoring in Friday’s match was a confidence boost after some missed opportunities in prior matches.
“It was a relief for me, to be honest with you,” Aaronson said in a postmatch club interview. “Letting the team down a little bit last week, not scoring, it was tough mentally because you don’t get many chances in this league.
“It was difficult for a moment of time but I kept at it,” he added. “I worked this whole week at my finishing again. I am proud of my mentality and I am proud of the group.”
Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Tim Weah
Tim Weah got his name back on the stat-sheet for Ligue 1 side Marseille.
Weah set up Marseille’s only goal of the match in a 2-1 road loss to Lens on Saturday. The USMNT winger’s low pass was finished off by Mason Greenwood in the 17th minute.
It marked Weah’s first goal contribution in league play and his second overall in all competitions this season.
Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams helped AFC Bournemouth move up to second place in the Premier League standings.
Adams played 90 minutes and assisted once as Bournemouth defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday.
The USMNT midfielder made 11 defensive contributions, one interception, and won four duels in the result.
Sergino Dest
PSV handed Feyenoord its first league defeat of the season with Sergino Dest excelling at right back.
Dest won eight duels, made four tackles, and made eight clearances as PSV defeated the league-leaders 3-2.
The USMNT defender looks to be returning to form at a crucial time of the Eredivisie season.
Jonathan Klinsmann
Cesena’s 1-0 road win over Sudtirol lead to the club finishing the weekend in Serie B’s top-six.
Jonathan Klinsmann registered a two-save clean sheet in the victory, continuing a positive campaign for the club. Klinsmann has conceded just 11 goals in nine league matches this season, helping the club remain among the promotion candidates this fall.
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.
Might not have Pulisic. Jedi, or Tillman for November window.
I didn’t hear anything about Tillman, what happened?
Felt something in his thigh during training prior to the Australia match. Expected back after next weekend so would be tight. He (Leverkusen) might also just ask to make sure it’s fully healed.