It was another positive week for U.S. men’s national team attacker Brenden Aaronson.
Aaronson scored three goals over the past week for Leeds United, earning SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors. The 25-year-old found the back of the net in the Lilywhites’ 1-1 home draw with Manchester United before also scoring twice midweek in a 4-3 road loss to Newcastle United.
After helping Daniel Farke’s squad earn a share of the spoils at Elland Road, Aaronson delivered a pair of wonderfully-taken goals at St. James Park. He opened the scoring after 32 minutes, picking up a turnover before racing upfield and slotting home into the bottom-left corner.
With both teams tied 2-2 after the hour mark, Aaronson looked to have given Leeds United a winning goal with 11 minutes to play. He dangled his way into the Newcastle 18-yard box before ripping a shot off of the left post and in.
However, Aaronson was later called for handball in second-half stoppage time, allowing Bruno Guimarares the opportunity to tie things up 3-3. The host Magpies would eventually win the match through Harvey Barnes’ go-ahead goal.
Aaronson also made late cameo in Leeds United’s comeback 3-1 FA Cup victory over Derby County on Sunday, taking his season appearance tally to 21 in all competitions.
With four goal contributions in his last five appearances, things are looking positive for Aaronson, who will remain an important member of the squad going forward.
Up next for Aaronson and Leeds is a home date with Fulham on January 17 before final monthly matches against Everton and Arsenal in EPL play.
Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Manchester United held Arsenal in a goal-less draw on Saturday with Phallon Tullis-Joyce shining for the Red Devils.
Tullis-Joyce registered a six-save clean sheet, earning Player of the Match honors in the process. The veteran shot-stopper helped Marc Skinner’s squad extend their unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions, delivering one of her best performances of the season.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun helped Monaco reach the Coupe De France Round of 16.
Balogun scored his eighth goal of the season in a 3-1 road victory over Orleans. The USMNT forward now has back-to-back games with a goal contribution after assisting in a Ligue 1 loss to Lyon last weekend.
Balogun remains the USMNT’s No. 1 striker at this stage, a role that shouldn’t change bearing a major drop off in form.
Alyssa Thompson
Chelsea returned to winning ways in WSL play on Sunday with Alyssa Thompson getting back on the scoresheet.
Thompson scored her fifth goal of the season in all competitions as Chelsea routed West Ham United 5-0. The USWNT attacker played 60+ minutes in the match, teaming up with Naomi Girma in the starting lineup.
It’s been a productive first season abroad for Thompson, who could still walk away with multiple trophies by June.
Joe Scally
Joe Scally celebrated his first club goal in over two years’ time on Sunday.
Scally scored Borussia Moenchengladbach’s opening goal in a 4-0 Bundesliga win over Augsburg. The USMNT defender finished off his own rebound in the box, kickstarting a positive day for Eugen Polanski’s squad.
Scally also won six duels in the match, delivering a strong 85 minutes in Gladbach’s return to league action.
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.