Weah’s first Juventus goal assisted by suddenly rejuvenated McKennie

Juventus may feature two USMNT players this season after all

Timothy Weah is off the mark for Juventus, and his first goal for the club was assisted by a familiar figure.

Weah and his U.S. national team compatriot Weston McKennie teamed up for Juve’s second goal in a 3-1 preseason win over Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The two players combined in the 20th minute at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, with McKennie taking a pass from Federico Chiesa into the box before cutting the ball across for Weah, who was left with a simple finish in front of goal.

It was Weah’s first goal for Juventus, which he joined this summer from Lille in a move that could be worth upwards of €13 million.

McKennie’s involvement in the goal was notable not just for the connection with his USMNT teammate, but also because the Texan appears to be back in the mix for Juventus after he was reportedly frozen out just last month.

Multiple reports in July stated that the 24-year-old — who spent the second half of last season on loan at Leeds — was set to be excluded from the club’s U.S. preseason tour as Juventus looked to sell him as quickly as possible.

McKennie was, of course, very much not excluded from the club’s preseason tour of the U.S., as he started two of the three games. Juventus has now reportedly had a change of heart on the midfielder, with the club open to him staying.

After McKennie was named man of the match against Real Madrid, Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri had praise for both of his American players.

“McKennie had a good game today and I’m very happy,” the coach said. “Weah was a bit more tired, but he is a guy who has good qualities and will be very useful for the team.”

[lawrence-related id=23233,21866,22410]