An American played a pivotal role in some of the biggest games on the planet Saturday, with the US men’s national team trio of Sergino Dest, Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna all in their respective team’s starting XI in rivalry matchups.
Here’s how they, and other exports, did on a busy fixture day.
Dest makes El Clasico history
Dest made history even before kickoff, becoming the first American to play in the 118-year history of El Clasico.
And once the anticipated match between Barcelona and Real Madrid started, the US men’s national team right back impressed despite his side’s 3-1 defeat Saturday.
Dest went the distance for Barcelona, showcasing some skills on attack, while displaying a fearlessness in defending.
Reyna earns Revierderby start
Gio Reyna was in the Borussia Dortmund starting XI against Schalke in the latest edition of the Revierderby, considered by many to be the Bundesliga’s biggest derby.
It is the 17-year-old former NYCFC academy product’s fifth start of the season for Dortmund. Reyna, who started on the left wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, played 71 minutes in the 3-0 derby win as Dortmund move within a point of league-leading RB Leipzig.
Pulisic in Chelsea XI against Manchester United
Frank Lampard selected Christian Pulisic in his starting XI for a second consecutive match as Chelsea took on Manchester United Saturday at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old winger, who went 87 minutes in a 3-3 draw against Southampton, made just his third appearance of the Premier League season after being sidelined with a hamstring injury. Pulisic played 81 minutes of the 0-0 draw and had a chance to score in the first half, but he dragged his attempt from the edge of the 18-yard box wide of the net in the 34th minute.
Adams misses RB Leipzig win with injury
Tyler Adams was expected to play for Bundesliga-leading RB Leipzig Saturday, but the former New York Red Bulls standout suffered a lateral ligament injury in training, the team tweeted, with a decision on his return to training slated to be made during the week.
Horvath back in Club Brugge net for second straight start
After a strong performance in his first competitive match in 13 months, leading Club Brugge to a 2-1 victory against Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath made it consecutive starts for the reigning Belgium champs, which faced OH Herverlee Saturday.
He started in place of regular goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who tested positive for COVID-19.
Ream, Robinson start for struggling Fulham
Americans Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream again started on the left side of a back four, an both went the distance, but Fulham suffered a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage. Fulham, still stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table with one point, finished with 10 men after substitute Aboubakar Kamara was sent off on a straight red card two minutes from time.
Julian Green picks up assist in Greuther Furth win
Midfielder Julian Green had a strong performance in Greuther Furth's 3-1 win over Holstein Kiel in the 2.Bundesliga Saturday. The 25-year-old, who last played for the USMNT in 2018, picked up an assist in the road victory. He earned his fourth start of the season and went the distance.
Geoff Cameron goes another 90 for QPR
Former Houston Dynamo standout Geoff Cameron went the distance for Queens Park Rangers in a 0-0 draw against Birmingham at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium Saturday. Cameron, who has made 55 appearances for the USMNT, has worn the captain's armband and played every minute this season for QPR, who are 16th in the English Championship after seven rounds.
Andrija Novakovich leads Frosinone to Serie B win
One-time USMNT forward Andrija Novakovich had a goal and an assist to lead Frosinone to a 2-0 win over Pescara in Serie B Saturday. The 24-year-old forward, who made the move to Italy from Reading last September, set up Camillo Ciano in the 6th minute and then doubled the lead in the 50th minute to lead Frosinone, fourth in Serie B this season. Novakovich now has two goals and an assist this season.
