Americans Abroad: Weston McKennie and Juventus seek UCL qualification, Folarin Balogun's Monaco meet Tanner Tessmann's Lyon, Paxten Aaronson's Utrecht in fight

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including crucial matches in France and Italy for U.S. internationals

It's gearing up to be a big weekend for Americans Abroad in Europe. Campaigns around the continent are coming to a close.

In the Netherlands, PSV are taking Ajax to the wire for the title – but they need to win out and hope the league leaders drop points in two of their final three matches. An emerging storyline in the Eredivisie, though, is who sits beneath the two heavyweights.

Don't look now, but U.S. international Paxten Aaronson is helping spearhead a stunning Utrecht campaign, and if they claim three points this weekend, they could be position for UCL qualification in the 2025-26 season.

In France, two Americans are set to go head-to-head as Monaco host Lyon in the penultimate matchday of the Ligue 1 season. Folarin Balogun could make his second straight start, while Tanner Tessmann will look to lead Lyon within shouting distance of second place in the standings.

And in Italy, it's the biggest game of the season to date for Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Juventus. The travel to the Stadio Olimpico to take on Lazio in a must-win game if they want to keep their dream of playing in the Champions League alive again next season.

GOAL looks at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.

GettyRace for Serie A top-four

With three matches remaining, Juventus sit in a three-way tie for fourth in Serie A on 63 points – though that's due to criteria points. Essentially, there are five teams fighting for the final UCL spot in Italy, with just nine points left on the calendar.

This weekend, two of those five clash when Lazio host the It's a meaningful match between two of the country's best teams, and it's gearing up to be a season-defining one as well.

For Weston McKennie, it's a chance to prove he is a game-changer for the club amid a spell of positive form for the midfielder. In the midst of reported talks over a potential contract extension with the club, it's become an important time for him to be consistent with positive showings on the pitch.

For Tim Weah, opportunity awaits to make an impact. The U.S. winger started his first match for the since April 6 last weekend, and could look to replicate a rather positive showing on the pitch if handed the chance from the start again versus Lazio.

Regardless of the XI, though, it's must-win for Juventus and their American duo. No exceptions.

AdvertisementAFPAmericans meet in France

Ligue 1 is set to wrap in two weeks time, but PSG have already claimed the regular season title. What is still up for grabs, though, is European placement for the 2025-26 campaign.

This weekend, third-place Monaco host fourth-place Lyon – but just four points separate the two sides. With two games left on the calendar, it's all-or-nothing for both clubs this weekend as they search to clinch a top-three spot that guarantees a spot in the UCL next season.

Monaco, unbeaten in their last four matches, are looking to ride their hot form into the weekend with a crucial three points on the cards. Balogun earned his first start of the calendar year after undergoing shoulder surgery in December, and marked it with a goal last weekend as well.

Ahead of a big potential summer with the USMNT, the 23-year-old will look to return to the XI in an important match on Saturday. For Lyon, Tessmann has become a near regular in their midfield, and the 23-year-old will be tasked with helping secure a victory. However, with just one win in their last four matches across all competitions, the club will be banking on some top-tier showings on the pitch against a talented Monaco side.

ImagoUtrecht's final push

In what has been an incredibly impressive campaign from the American, Paxten Aaronson has helped Utrecht guarantee a top-four finish in the Eredivisie this season. Due to their positioning, and with just three matches left on the schedule, they've secured a berth into the UEFA Europa League qualifiers – and Aaronson has led the way to achieve such a feat.

However, they shouldn't be content with just fourth when third – and a berth in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers – is suddenly realistically achievable.

They trail third-place Feyenoord by just three points, and Robin Van Persie's side meet second place PSV and their American contingent this weekend – a match that could see them drop points. That means if Utrecht seize the moment, they could draw level at 65 points with two matches left on the calendar.

Utrecht themselves have a tough match ahead of them this weekend though, as they take to the road against fifth place FC Twente. Aaronson and Co. have an 11-point lead over Twente in the table, who have just one win in their past five matches.

The 21-year-old American, who starred for the USMNT at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has seven goals and four assists this season in 28 starts in league action.

AFPAround the continent

+ Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis meet Osasuna on Sunday, and with a victory, they could move from sixth to fifth in La Liga – into a UCL spot.
+ Chris Richards and Crystal Palace take on Tottenham on Sunday in their final match ahead of the FA Cup final on May 17.
+ Gianluca Busio's Venezia clash with Fiorentina in Serie A on Monday, as they look to climb out of the relegation zone. With a draw or three points, they could leapfrog 17th-placed Lecce – who take on Hellas Verona – to climb out of the bottom three.