It may have been an up-and-down week for Scottish side Celtic but it was a positive one overall for American defender Auston Trusty.
Trusty logged back-to-back 90-minute performances as Celtic picked up three points out of a possible six in two league matches. The American defender earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors as he continued his lengthy run of starts under Wilfried Nancy.
Despite Celtic losing 2-1 at Dundee United on Wednesday, Trusty rarely put a foot wrong in the match. He won 11 duels and completed a match-high 80 passes, while also making 17 clearances from his centerback position.
Trusty retained his starting role on Sunday at Celtic Park and helped the hosts earn a 3-1 victory over Aberdeen. The 27-year-old made three tackles, won four duels, and completed 96% of his passes (95/99).
It marked the club’s first win under Nancy after losing four-straight under their new manager.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined long-term, Trusty’s role has increased for club and country. Bearing any potential injury worries heading into 2026, Trusty could be in the mix for a World Cup spot next summer.
Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie was honored by Juventus on Saturday night after recently making his 200th appearance for the club. He followed that up by continuing a productive run in Luciano Spalletti’s starting lineup.
McKennie registered one assist in a 2-1 home victory over AS Roma, giving him three goal contributions in his last four appearances. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder unselfishly set up Lois Openda for the Bianconeri’s second goal of the match.
He now has two assists on the season in all competitions.
Ricardo Pepi
The goals keep coming for American forward Ricardo Pepi.
Pepi scored his ninth goal of the season in all competitions as PSV defeated FC Utrecht 2-1 in Eredivisie play. The American forward slotted home Sergino Dest’s assist in the 52nd minute, giving him his fourth goal in his last five appearances.
Peter Bosz’s squad would eventually grab all three points, moving 11 points clear at the top of the table.
Sergino Dest
Sergino Dest continued to be a lively threat on the PSV flank.
Dest assisted once in PSV’s 2-1 road win over FC Utrecht, setting up American teammate Ricardo Pepi for PSV’s equalizing goal. The USMNT defender also won seven duels and made four tackles in the victory.
Dest also helped PSV advance in the KNVB Cup, logging a full 90 minutes in a 3-0 victory over GVVV Veendendaal.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce
This week saw back-to-back wins for U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Tullis-Joyce helped Manchester United pick up a 1-0 UEFA Women’s Champions League win over Juventus before also contributing in a 2-1 League Cup victory over Tottenham. The veteran goalkeeper made a combined six saves over that span, earning a clean sheet in Turin along the way.
Since missing time due to an eye injury, Tullis-Joyce looks to have reclaimed her No. 1 spot in England.
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.