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Tom Hindle

Josh Sargent's strikes, Gio Reyna's dilemma, and the top five USMNT storylines to watch this weekend

GOAL US looks at the trending topics to follow for Americans Abroad in this weekend’s European matches

Another week, another opportunity for Americans abroad to impress. It's been a mixed start to the season for USMNT's finest. Some, such as Christian Pulisic, have run hot and cold. Others, such as Brendan Aaronson have burned brightly. While a few are yet to see their seasons take off.

This week could be pivotal. A few big names are involved in key fixtures early on, while some proper striking talent will look to impress ahead of the first international break of the season.

Although not confirmed to be the new USMNT manager for the friendlies next week, Mauricio Pochettino would presumably have a role in picking this squad. Those on the fringes would do well to impress over the weekend.

GOAL US takes a look at some of the biggest storylines to follow among USMNT regulars and hopefuls in major European competitions.

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    Can Gio get on the pitch?

    It is clear, at this point, that Reyna made the decision to stay at Borussia Dortmund. Despite the departure of club legend Marco Reus to LA Galaxy, there appears to be relatively few opportunities for the American midfielder in the Bundesliga.

    He played just 10 minutes against Frankfurt in matchweek one. And with Marcel Sabitzer and Julian Brandt impressing in the two positions Reyna might thrive, it is unlikely that the USMNT regular will have a bigger role. This weekend, then, he will have to make the most of another cameo - or see himself slip further out of the picture.

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  • Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City - Sky Bet ChampionshipGetty Images Sport

    Josh Sargent makes his case for the No. 9

    Pochettino will face a number of key decisions about his squad, should he officially take the helm. One of the biggest question marks is at center forward. The USMNT have a lot of middling options, but no single figure has yet seized the position as their own.

    Thus far this season Sargent is making a pretty good case. The versatile forward has three goal contributions in as many games in the Championship, and figures to have yet another chance to impress this weekend when his Norwich take on Haji Wright's Coventry City. It's his last chance to impress before the international break - he would do well to make the most of it.

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    Balogun falls out of the picture

    Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun has stumbled. The striker is yet to make good on the immense promise he showed in the 2022-23 season at Reims. His return of seven goals and five assists in his debut campaign at Monaco was little more than agreeable.

    But now, with the departure of Wissam Ben Yedder, Balogun appears to have a chance to prove himself. It was hardly a glorious start - he was benched in the 2-0 win over Lyon last weekend. The New York-born striker will hope to right the ship, and impress his manager, against Lens this weekend.

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    Johnny Cardoso gets his chance against the best?

    The Betis midfielder impressed for short spells in La Liga last year, and was afforded a few looks by Gregg Berhalter in the USMNT setup towards the end of his tenure. Thus far in 2024, he hasn't quite had the same impact - and has been linked with a move away. He might yet get one, with Tottenham reportedly negotiating the rights to any future purchase as part of the Giovani Lo Celso deal.

    But the attention must now turn back to his club. This weekend, Betis have a big one. Los Mejores are set to face off against Real Madrid on Sunday. Carlo Ancelotti's side, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing draw against Las Palmas. Cardoso might just have his time to shine.

  • Sheffield Wednesday FC v Leeds United FC - Sky Bet ChampionshipGetty Images Sport

    Can Brenden Aaronson continue to cook?

    A few eyebrows were raised when it was revealed in early June that Aaronson would stay at Leeds. After all, the attacking midfielder never really found a groove in the 2023-24 campaign. But he has made good on the decision to stick around already, scoring two crucial goals to keep Leeds, who came painfully close to promotion last year, in the hunt for a Premier League spot next year early on.

    Daniel Farke's side are currently outside of the playoff picture, but a few good results could propel them towards the top of the table. Aaronson will be crucial to that push.

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