Tim Weah cross to Weston McKennie for the scissor volley versus Manchester City. Not something you see every day: an American to American goal in the Champions League. A tremendously athletic volley goal by McKennie. Furthermore, watch how McKennie waves his arms and calls for the ball from Weah.
The Weah cross actually comes in a bit behind him, but he makes an adjustment. He strikes clean and through the ball and rips it into the back of the net. It is reminiscent of his volley goal versus Barcelona a few years ago.
Juventus manager Thiago Motta made two good substitutions!
In the 69th minute Motta put on McKennie for Khéphren Thuram and Weah for Francisco Conceição. Six minutes later the Americans combined for a goal.
Moreover, I guess Motta’s happy he kept McKennie on the team.
It’s not the first time he’s been thought of as dispensable at Juventus. He’s been loaned out to Leeds, and been told he’s not going to be on the roster. But every time he steps on the field, he makes an impact.
Clint Dempsey recently talked about how this will only make McKennie stronger. Dempsey said he dealt with a similar situation when he played for Tottenham.
See the McKennie volley in the video below. It is really a tremendous volley. He lays out completely for it and scores.
Scored in Torino, made in America! 🇮🇹🤝🇺🇸
Juve’s #USMNT duo combine for a goal to remember as Tim Weah sets up Weston McKennie 🪄 pic.twitter.com/ZaZsL3u7jY
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 11, 2024
From ESPN, here’s an excellent picture of the volley and the goal celebration.
Tim Weah did Weston Mckennie’s ‘Harry Potter’ celebration with him after they linked up for a beautiful goal against Man City 🔥
What a sight for USMNT fans 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lOrPwIIRFi
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 11, 2024
Hopefully Mckennie can score volley goals like this for the United States national team.
As far as stats go and records, the two became the first Americans to connect for a goal and assist in Champions League. After the game, Mckennie spoke about being an American playing in Europe and those who question his ability.
“Being an American, being over here, it’s something you deal with, but I like it,” McKennie said. “I like when people doubt me, and sometimes I play my best football when people doubt me.”
Finally, an incredibly impressive volley by McKennie. But Dušan Vlahović’s sprint to the near post really helps give McKennie a bit more time and space. Drags the Manchester City defenders away.
