McKennie scores for USMNT as Juventus and Lille stars feature in international friendlies
Weston McKennie found the net for the United States in their 5-2 friendly defeat to Belgium, while his Juventus teammate, striker Jonathan David, scored twice for Canada in their 2-2 draw with Iceland. McKennie, who has enjoyed a stellar season at club level with eight goals and seven assists for Juventus, opened the scoring for the USMNT in Atlanta. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been a key figure for the Bianconeri this season, was booked in the 19th minute but found the net twenty minutes later to give the hosts the lead. However, a second-half collapse saw the US concede five goals, with the match finishing 5-2 to Belgium.
In a separate friendly, Jonathan David, who has struggled for goals with Juventus since his high-profile move, scored twice for Canada from the penalty spot to secure a 2-2 draw with Iceland. The double represents a potential return to form for the forward, who has scored just one goal for Juventus in Serie A this season. His last goal for the Bianconeri came in a 4-1 win over Parma on February 1st.
For McKennie, the goal caps a strong international window, having also featured for the full 90 minutes in the USMNT's 3-1 Nations League victory over Jamaica last week. The 30-year-old has been a pivotal figure in Massimiliano Allegri's midfield this season, making 41 appearances across all competitions. His form has been central to Juventus's campaign, which sees them in a tight title race with Inter Milan at the top of Serie A.
David's performance for Canada will be a welcome boost for the striker, who has found first-team minutes limited in Turin. His two penalties against Iceland were his first international goals since the 2022 World Cup, potentially providing a much-needed confidence boost for the 23-year-old as he seeks to regain his starting place at the Allianz Stadium. Both players are expected to return to Juventus training this week as the club prepares for the final stretch of the Serie A season.
