Several European leagues kicked off the new season this weekend, and MLS is in full form in the second half of the year, including the Leagues Cup, which means there’s a ton of U.S. Men’s National Team talent pool action to catch up on.
Let’s rewind some of the USMNT's top moments at their respective clubs from this weekend:
Chris Richards’ Growing Silverware
Chris Richards started the new season with Crystal Palace the same way he ended last season — by lifting silverware. Richards won the FA Cup with his club in the spring, and most recently, Crystal Palace beat Liverpool in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the FA Community Shield.
Richards played 90 minutes in the match on the back line. His growing accolades come at a time when the 25-year-old center back stepped into a leading role over the summer for the USA in the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Sergiño Dest Starting off Hot
Last week in the Dutch Super Cup, Sergiño Dest helped PSV win the Johan Cruyff Shield to begin the season. In the first regular-season match, Dest scored again. Just before half-time, Dest netted PSV’s third goal on the way to a relentless 6-1 victory.
It’s a great showing for Dest, who missed much of last season rehabbing from an ACL injury. The right back hasn’t played for the National Team since March 2024, as he continued to come back, but if he continues on this track he could be a piece to consider heading into the next few USMNT camps as the group prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Max Arfsten Scores in Leagues Cup
In the group stage of the Leagues Cup, Max Arfsten sent home the game-winner for Columbus in the 1-0shutout win against León, a Liga MX club.
Arfsten picked up a quick pass from his Crew teammateAndres Herrera, and managed to regain control of the ball with a dribble before knocking it high into the far post. The winger has scored six goals across all competitions for the Crew this season. Columbus won two of its three group stage matches in Leagues Cup but won’t advance to the knockout round because of goal differential.
New Places, Same Faces
The transfer window has seen a slew of moves for USMNT players. Midfielder Malik Tillman, who had a strong Gold Cup, transferred to Leverkusen (Bundesliga). Tim Weah made the move from Juventus (Serie A) to Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1). Matt Turner returned home to the New England Revolution (MLS). Strikers Patrick Agyemang (Derby County) and Damian Downs (Southampton) both signed with EFL Championship, Division II English squads.
Downs had quite the introduction in his first match with his new team. He subbed on in the 60th minute when Southampton was down 1-0 to Wrexham, but the Saints stunningly scored an equalizer and the game-winning goal in the 90th minute and in stoppage time, respectively. Downs assisted Jack Stephen on the go-ahead score in 90+6.
