Weston McKennie dazzled with an emphatic goal for Juventus in their Champions League playoff against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, breaking through the Dutch side’s stubborn defense.
In the 34th minute, the United States midfielder unleashed a powerful shot into the top right corner from just inside the penalty area, following a chaotic sequence of play.
This moment of brilliance set Juventus on the path to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the determined Dutch team, with substitute Samuel Mbangula netting the winner in the 82nd minute for his first Champions League goal.
At 26 years old, McKennie boasts a respectable tally of 11 goals in 58 appearances for the U.S. national team. While he has shown consistency since joining Juventus five years ago, finding the back of the net has not always been his forte.
His goal came after PSV effectively neutralized striker Randal Kolo Muani, who had scored five times in his first three matches since arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
McKennie was not the only American player making an impact. Tim Weah also showcased his skills with several threatening runs down the right flank, nearly assisting both Kolo Muani and Mbangula in the process.
The atmosphere shifted in the 56th minute when veteran midfielder Ivan Perisic silenced the home crowd by scoring for PSV. Perisic, who had spent seven years with Juventus’ rivals Inter Milan, was met with jeers from the fans, having scored 55 goals and won Serie A and the Italian Cup during his tenure.
Juventus has struggled with draws this season, managing three ties in eight Champions League group stage matches and 13 in 24 Serie A games.
Relief washed over the fans and coach Thiago Motta when Mbangula capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who failed to handle Francisco Conceição’s right-wing cross, sealing the victory for Juventus.
