Americans Abroad: USMNT stocks on watch as Brenden Aaronson, Josh Sargent rise; Folarin Balogun falls?

It’s the start of another busy weekend for Americans in the English Football League and beyond, with Brenden Aaronson and Josh Sargent scoring goals, but the action hasn’t been limited to just England. Christian Pulisic also scored for Milan at Parma on CBS on Saturday. Meanwhile, Tanner Tessmann is leaving Venezia for Olympique Lyonnais as more USMNT players head to France.

Let’s take a look at what has happened so far this weekend:

Stock Up: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)

In the Yorkshire derby, Brenden Aaronson made his first start of the season for Leeds and it was a memorable moment. Opening the scoring for the Whites with a superb follow-through on a broken play, Aaronson has now scored two goals in three games despite only starting one game. Playing as an attacking midfielder, Aaronson took two shots but just as important was how Leeds’ attack worked around him. Matteo Joseph had more space to leave other players, Daniel James had space to run and take advantage and Leeds looked like a unit to start the season.

With hopes of winning the Championship and returning to the Premier League, the pressure is on Leeds but if Aaronson plays more it could help ease the pressure. It was a performance that could ignite a series of starts so it now remains to be seen if Daniel Farke continues to play Aaronson.

Stock Down: Donovan Pines (Barnsley)

Although Barnsley’s draw isn’t entirely about involving Pines in the match after the half, you never want to be the defender on the pitch when a two-goal lead has been wiped out. After missing the end of last season due to injury, Pines is working his way back to full fitness for the Tykes, so performances like this are to be expected, but they also can’t be afforded when promotion is the goal. He’s a player who is hugely useful in set plays when he’s available, which is why Barnsley will want to do everything they can to keep him involved, but it’s a fine balance.

Stock up: Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

Another week, and more goals for Sargent, because he can’t stop scoring. Sargent is going to push for the Golden Boot in the Championship after scoring in two consecutive games this season. Norwich’s defense has plenty of reasons to worry, as it’s the second consecutive draw in which Sargent scored, but they would have been in a worse position without the American’s goal. Having sold Adam Idah to Celtic, Sargent’s team is moving forward and their play reflects confidence.

Notable American performances outside the EFL

Tanner Tesman: The transfer season is about to end for the 22-year-old midfielder, as according to reports, he is moving to Lyon in France. However, this is a strange move for Tessmann after moves to Inter and Fiorentina, the midfielder was then left out of Venezia’s plans. He is ready to take a step forward in his career, but there are questions over whether this is the right move. If Tessmann is able to get consistent playing time, all may be well no matter how many changes happen at Lyon, but this is a move that could certainly backfire.

Folrin Balogun: Balogun was healthy, but he did not feature in Monaco’s 2-0 win over Lyon. Monaco has already had a difficult start to the season after missing a chance in the opening match against newly promoted Saint-Etienne, not a good sign despite the early going. Balogun will get chances, but he also needs to capitalize on them, as in his first season with Monaco he has only scored eight goals and assisted on five more. The United States men’s national team needs Balogun, but with other strikers doing well around the world, he will have to play to keep his spot.