The goals just keep on coming for U.S. men’s national team midfielder Weston McKennie.
McKennie scored his fifth goal of 2026 to help kickstart Juventus’ comeback 2-2 draw vs. Lazio on Sunday. The American midfielder now has seven goals on the season, which is a new career-high for McKennie in a single season.
Lazio took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to Pedro’s second goal of the season. The 38-year-old winger got the benefit of a fortunate deflection, watching as his near-post shot snuck in.
Gustav Isaksen quickly doubled Lazio’s advantage two minutes into the second half, adding pressure on Luciano Spalletti’s men.
McKennie cut Juventus’ deficit in half before the hour mark, glancing a close-range header in at the near post.
Juventus would rally to earn one point at the death, using Pierre Kalulu’s powerful header to make it 2-2 in second-half stoppage time.
McKennie played 84 minutes in the match, helping the Bianconeri extend their home unbeaten streak to 16 matches in Serie A play.
Up next for McKennie and Juventus is a trip to league-leading Inter Milan on Saturday as they continue to push for a top-four finish.
I know this sounds ridiculous considering the goal scoring for he is in…but I’d like him to be more selfish. His first inclination is to always play to a teammate – often first touch. Many times if he took a touch and turned he would be in on goal or have an open shot.
The only thing missing from his game is creating his own shots. He still has another level to unlock. He seems tentative to do it. And it’s there for him to take.
“…..The only thing missing from his game is creating his own shots”
On Point…100%
Betinho,
? Don’t tell me he’s not looking for his shot.
On this goal Weston received the ball from Locatelli and his first inclination was to shoot. The shot was blocked by a defender. The rebound ran to a Juve player whose shot was parried to Cambiasso on the wing. Cambiasso centered and Weston scored.
Whatever he is doing right now is working . He does not need to be more selfish or less selfish. He just needs to keep on doing what he is doing.
You are 100% correct. He doesn’t NEED to do anything. As I wrote – it’s what I’d like to see. While watching full games you can audibly hear Juventus fans wanting the same thing. The point I was making that you missed is that he can take his game to even a higher level – and he is playing out of his mind already. I can’t watch enough McKennie. I wish he had a game every day – lol
Betinho,
I did not miss your point.
If he could take it to a higher level don’t you think he would?
Don’t you think he’s doing the very best he can?
Don’t you think he’s surrounded by some of the best coaching in the game who are all entirely motivated to do one thing; help Weston maximize his potential as much as possible because their jobs depend on it ?
At the pro level coaches only care about one thing. can you help them win and thus keep their jobs?
And don’t you think the stars are aligning for him about as much as they can?
Infamous for underachieving, he has the ultimate carrot in terms of the World Cup to chase after, never mind his Juve contract situation.
His tactical wiz coach loves him and has him in a role that suits him and his skills to a tee.. His teamates and his team are playing very well, This may shock you but Juve have a few other players who are also doing well at the same time. If they can get a result vs Inter, they have an outside shot at winning the Scudetto..
Finally based on your point that he has to look for his shot first, that is exactly what he did on this goal. Shot first, asked questions later. It was blocked but eventually it led to him scoring.
Sure he can play better, they all can but I bet he’s doing the very best he can to play the best that he can. You seem to dount that. Why?
With a few exceptions, players can’t just turn it on and off at will.
He’s not a fucking solenoid.
He’s on fire right now but I also have to ask, where were all the band wagon jumpers before? Weston has been at Juve for a long time now.
Juve would not have kept Weston around (locker room and parking space be damned) and given him as many games as he has had if they thought he sucked.
I only read as far as…if you think he has a different level why doesn’t he do it…or whatever. Bro, athletes ebb and flo, wax and wane, go in and out of form. You know this. You are just being oppositional for no reason. Stop it. You know what I mean. Talking about players leveling up is a common take. Why are you always like this? Give it a rest
I really like a more offensive/scoring Weston to combine with the destructive capabilities of a Tyler Adams. If Adams is fit, I really think Weston could combine well with Tillman with Adams behind, letting Pulisic and our everchanging 10 be a bit more free to attack. I don’t think you can go far (usually) in a world cup with 3 defenders and 7 midfielders – or a lone striker whose only job is to hold up the ball to allow the midfield to join the attack.
I’m ssssooooooo happy. This kid put up with so many roadblocks, rejections and adversities….and is here and NOW playing one of the best seasons of his life…… And is coming up on the end of his contract as a free agent…… With ALL the chips in his favor to renegotiate his next contract (WITH OR WITHOUT JUVE). Well deserved kid 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The tenacity, the fitness, the hunger….. Absolutely one of the best players on the team. From being on the outside looking in, to being one of the “main engines” that move Juventus….. Absolutely love it!!!!