By OkayGoal
A first Bundesliga win of the season for Borussia Moenchengladbach saw American defender Joe Scally deliver his best performance yet.
Scally scored his third goal of the season while also registering one assist in a 3-2 road triumph over Stuttgart. The 23-year-old earned SBI Americans Abroad honors for his stellar two-way showing.
After Gladbach conceded an early opening goal, Scally showed great skill and creativity in the box to tie things up before halftime. Scally delivered a back-heel redirection, tying the match and giving Alexander Blessin’s squad a lifeline.
Shuto Machino gave the visitors a 2-1 lead before Scally connected with Wael Mohya to give Gladbach a two-goal cushion.
Scally would watch the final 20 minutes from the bench, but Gladbach hung on for a 3-2 win despite a late consolation goal from Stuttgart. The former NYCFC homegrown made four defensive contributions, won three duels, and completed 90% of his passes (9/10) as Gladbach got off the mark in league play.
After not being a part of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s September-October window, Scally will hope a strong run of form this fall could boost him back into the mix this November.
Here is a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Alex Freeman
Alex Freeman helped kickstart a comeback victory for Villarreal on Saturday.
Freeman scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 road win over Valencia in La Liga action. The American fullback created two offensive chances, completed 84% of his passes, and won seven duels from the left back position, making his 12th appearance of the season.
He also logged 30 minutes off the bench midweek in a 4-3 UEFA Champions League loss to Liverpool.
Freeman could receive a rest midweek in Copa Del Rey action before La Liga play continues.
Aidan Morris
Middlesbrough are flying in the EFL Championship and Aidan Morris is a major reason for it.
Morris scored his second goal of the season as Kim Hellberg’s men rolled past Bolton Wanderers 5-1 away from home. The former MLS midfielder created four chances and also won all four of his duels in the match as Middlesbrough stayed top of the league table.
Morris is playing exceptionally well right now and with him logging 90 minutes each week, it’s hard to see Middlesbrough slip up.
Christian Pulisic
AC Milan rebounded from its midweek European loss on Sunday and Christian Pulisic was at the forefront of it.
Pulisic scored the Rossoneri’s opening goal in a 2-0 road victory over Udinese. The veteran attacker got on the end of Luka Modric’s free kick before slotting home into the back of the net.
It marked Pulisic’s second goal of the season and his third goal contribution overall in all competitions.
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie celebrated his first goal of the season as Juventus stayed in the top half of the Serie A table.
McKennie scored the Bianconeri’s opening goal on Sunday in an eventual 2-0 road triumph over Lecce. The American midfielder bundled home Douglas Luiz’s free kick into the back of the net, kickstarting a two-goal half for the visitors.
McKennie also won three duels and made two defensive recoveries after also going the distance midweek against Stade Rennais.
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.