Saturday marked a memorable day for American defender Chris Richards and for Crystal Palace.
Richards delivered his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 3-0 English Premier League win over Burnley. The U.S. men’s national team centerback earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors for his stellar outing at Selhurst Park.
Richards’ diving header in the 68th minute broke the deadlock in South London, boosting Oliver Glasner’s squad in front. The host Eagles would add two additional goals to pad an eventual 3-0 win.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a lengthy run of form in the Crystal Palace starting lineup and can now add a first goal to his list. Richards also excelled defensively as the Eagles posted their first league clean sheet since November.
Crystal Palace will now seek a London Derby win over Tottenham next weekend while Richards aims for his second goal of the campaign.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie’s day might have ended in worry, but overall Sunday’s performance was one of his best in a Juventus shirt.
McKennie assisted twice on a pair of Dusan Vlahovic goals as the Old Lady defeated Frosinone 3-2 in Turin. The USMNT midfielder left the match with an apparent shoulder injury, but overall was one of the best players on the field Sunday afternoon.
Cade Cowell
Chivas de Guadalajara earned a crucial Liga MX win on Saturday with Cade Cowell celebrating his first league goal.
Cowell broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute before Chivas added two additional goals in the home triumph. The former San Jose Earthquakes homegrown now has three goals in total since his winter move from MLS.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun’s Ligue 1 goal drought came to an end on Sunday.
Balogun scored once in Monaco’s 3-2 road win over Lens, giving the American his fifth league tally of the campaign. Despite missing a second opportunity from the penalty spot later in the match, Balogun will still be pleased to finally end his drought.
Paxten Aaronson
Vitesse Arnhem claimed a vital three points in its fight for Eredivisie survival on Sunday with Paxten Aaronson sparking a comeback.
Aaronson scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 comeback victory over Excelsior. The Eintracht Frankfurt loanee delivered a right-footed finish in the 53rd minute to tie the match.
Aaronson also won six duels and completed three tackles in a strong overall performance.
What did you think of these individual performances this past week? Was there anyone left off the list that you would’ve added?
Share your thoughts below.
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