Weston McKennie’s career-best year continued on Sunday with the American midfielder adding to his growing goal contribution list.
McKennie assisted once as Juventus downed Bologna 2-0 in Serie A play, taking another major step towards sealing a UEFA Champions League return next fall. The U.S. men’s national team star played 90 minutes as the Bianconeri extended their current unbeaten run to eight matches.
After Canadian forward Jonathan David propelled Luciano Spalletti’s squad in front after two minutes, McKennie helped Juventus pad its lead in the second half.
McKennie’s dangerous cross from the right wing was finished off by Khephren Thuram-Ulien, giving Juventus a two-goal lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
It marked McKennie’s fifth Serie A assist of the season and his 15th goal contribution in all competitions this campaign.
Juventus moved up to 63 points on the season and five points clear of fifth-place Como in the race for an automatic UCL spot. The Bianconeri has five league matches remaining this season, starting with a trip to second-place AC Milan on April 26.
A typical performance by Wes. Seemed to be almost every where and was a great facilitator throughout the game. So unselfish, one time he was at the top of the box, in the middle with a clear shot at the goal, with the upper right corner wide open, but he passed off instead. One time he was near the opponent’s box when there was a turnover and Bologna quickly had a counter attack and the ball was quickly moved toward the Juve goal. The attacker got past the defensive back and went to the end line where he was met by another Juve player–Wes McKennie. How he got there so fast I don’t know and, of course, the camera didn’t show the whole field so he seemed to appear almost magically.