McKennie smashes home opening goal in Juventus' Champions League win over PSV
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McKennie scores stunning goalGives Juve lead in first halfWeah and Ledezma start, with three Americans on fieldFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
USMNT star Weston McKennie was handed the start in midfield for Juventus in the Champions League Tuesday, and the U.S. men's national team star made the most of his opportunity to seize the lead.
In the 34th minute, the ball trickled out towards McKennie at the top of the box, and the American made no mistake with his finish. He smashed a shot past goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who had no chance to prevent Juve from taking the 1-0 lead on McKennie's thunderbolt. The goal was McKennie's fifth of the season, with three of those five coming in the Champions League.
PSV went on to equalize early in the second half on a goal from veteran Ivan Perisic, but Juventus were able to restore their lead late thanks to a goal from Samuel Mbangula, sealing a 2-1 win at home in the first leg of their Champions League tie.
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McKennie has been Juventus' swiss army knife this season, starting all over the field under first-year coach Thiago Motta. The American was named as Juve's more attacking piece of a midfield trio, joining Douglas Luiz and Manuel Locatelli in the center of the field. He went 68 minutes, creating three chances in addition to his fantastic goal.
He wasn't the only American on the field, though, as Tim Weah started at right-back for Juventus and Richy Ledezma featured at right-back for PSV, who were missing their other three Americans – Ricardo Pepi, Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman – due to injury.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?
Juventus and PSV will face off once again on Feb. 19 in the second leg of their Champions League tie. It won't be easy for Juventus to get there, though, as they face Inter this weekend in a vital Serie A clash.
