Five United States men’s national team players could see action with their respective teams in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
The wait is over because the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League starts today, Tuesday, and five United States men’s national team players could see minutes with their respective teams. All of the USMNT players will try to help their teams advance to the next round of the campaign and attempt to emulate what Christian Pulisic did with Chelsea last year.
Zack Steffen
The USMNT goalkeeper is the least likely to see minutes for the rest of the tournament because he serves as the second option to Ederson. Zack Steffen has only made one appearance with Manchester City in the Champions League this year and it was in the last match of the group stage. In that game the Premier League side had already secured first place and the head coach, Pep Guardiola, used an alternate starting XI.
Steffen conceded two goals in the 2-1 defeat against RB Leipzig. Now the ‘Citizens’ will go on the road to face Sporting Lisbon on 15 February for the first leg and they will return to the home on 9 March for the second leg. Steffen will see both games from the bench, unless Ederson suffers an illness or an injury.
Brenden Aaronson
The former Philadelphia Union attacking midfielder is entering his second season with RB Salzburg and he has secured a permanent role in the starting XI. Aaronson has made six appearances in the competition, all of them as a starter, and was only subbed out once during the 1-0 defeat against LOSC Lille during the group stage last year.
The USMNT midfielder has yet to score a goal or provide an assist but he is a key player for the Austrian side. Aaronson and RB Salzburg will play on Wednesday at home against Bayern Munich and the second leg will be at the Allianz Arena on 8 March.
Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah
Two of the most electrifying USMNT players will face each other in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Christian Pulisic and Chelsea will face Tim Weah and Lille OSC in the two legged series. The first leg will be played at Stamford Bridge on 22 February and the second leg is scheduled for 16 March. Pulisic has provided one assist in three appearances with Chelsea this tournament, while Tim Weah has four with Lille.
Weston McKennie
Last but not least is Weston McKennie, who has been on top form for club and country this campaign. The 23-year-old has made five appearances for Juventus in the UEFA Champions League and he has gained the trust of manager Massimiliano Allegri this year. The Serie A side will play against Villarreal on 22 February at El Madrigal and the second leg is scheduled for 16 March at the Juventus stadium.