By OkayGoal
Chelsea’s unbeaten start to its season continued this week as Alyssa Thompson shined in a London Derby triumph on Sunday.
Thompson started, registered two assists, and logged 90 minutes as Sonia Bompastor’s squad rolled past Tottenham 6-2. The U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder/winger earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors after her impactful performance in London.
Lauren James and Matilda Vinberg traded first-half goals from Stamford Bridge before Thompson helped kickstart a dominant second-half showing from the Blues.
Thompson set up Ellie Carpenter for Chelsea’s go-ahead goal in the 50th minute, racing up the left wing before lining up a pass for Carpenter to slot home.
James added her second goal as the match on and Sjoeke Nusken extended the lead to 4-1.
Maika Hamano made it 5-1 to Chelsea after Thompson’s second assist of the afternoon.
Signe Gaupset pulled back a consolation goal for Tottenham, but Carpenter would cap off the final score at 6-2 with her second goal of the day.
Thompson also completed two dribbles, won three duels, and made six defensive recoveries as Chelsea stayed closely with Manchester City in the WSL title race.
Up next for Thompson and Chelsea is a road trip to Crystal Palace on October 25 before UEFA Women’s Champions League resumes against AS Roma.
Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Tim Weah
Marseille eventually rolled to three points in Ligue 1 play on Sunday and Tim Weah was at the forefront of the victory.
Weah registered a pair of assists in Marseille’s 5-2 road win over Angers, moving the club into the Ligue 1’s top-eight. The veteran fullback/wingback logged 90 minutes, won two duels, made three interceptions, and made four defensive recoveries in the match.
Weah continues to be a regular for Marseille and Sunday’s outing could boost his individual confidence going forward this fall.
Gio Reyna
Strasbourg could not pull the upset against reigning Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain but Gio Reyna delivered one of his better performances of the season.
Reyna scored his second league goal in Strasbourg’s 3-1 loss to PSG, finishing the match as one of the top performers for the hosts. The 23-year-old also won three aerial duels, made two clearances, and four defensive recoveries, logging 90 minutes from the No. 10 position.
After a positive USMNT window earlier this month, Reyna will hope Saturday’s showing leads to bigger things with Strasbourg this fall.
Tyler Adams
Back-to-back starts and victories for Bournemouth saw Tyler Adams impress in midfield.
Adams logged 158 minutes over his last two appearances, helping Marco Rose’s men down Sturm Graz 3-0 in UEFA Europa League play before defeating Sunderland 2-0 in Premier League action. The 27-year-old was all over the field, winning five duels, making six clearances, and 12 defensive recoveries in a busy week with Bournemouth.
Adams’ presence remains vital for the Cherries, especially with the team in multiple competitions.
Tanner Tessmann
Lyon picked up a crucial three points on Sunday and Tanner Tessmann is to thank.
Tessmann scored Lyon’s winning goal in a 2-1 Ligue 1 triumph over Nice. The American midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the match, winning six duels, drawing one foul, and making six clearances.
Tessmann will now aim to carry this performance over to Europa League play on Thursday.
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.