American defender Bryan Reynolds’ first Ligue 1 start is sure to be a memorable one.
Reynolds had two assists as Stade Rennais beat Auxerre 4-1 at home on Sunday. The veteran defender earned the SBI Americans Overseas Player of the Week award after turning in his best shift for his new club.
The two clubs exchanged goals in the first half with Auxerre’s Cameron Archer canceling Esteban Lepaul’s first goal. Reynolds’ dangerous service down the wing gave Stade Rennais a 2-1 lead early in the second half as Adrien Thomasson headed in the 25-year-old’s cross.
Boulaye Dia extended Stade Rennais’ lead to 3-1 in second-half stoppage time before Reynolds beat Dia for his second goal in quick succession.
Reynolds created three chances, won three tackles and finished the game with two saves. It was his second start for Stade Rennais since arriving from Westerlo last summer.
Stade Rennais are third in the Ligue 1 table with four wins from six matches so far and an impressive display from Reynolds on Sunday could see them secure their place for the resumption of UEFA Europa League midweek action.
Stade Rennais host OFI Crete on Thursday before traveling to Paris FC next weekend.
Here’s a closer look at this week’s top Americans Abroad performances:
Alex Freeman
Alex Freeman’s international form returns to club level.
Freeman made a strong 90-minute change in Villarreal’s 1-0 La Liga defeat to Real Madrid on Saturday. The 22-year-old was all over the pitch, making seven tackles, completing 91% of his passes and winning 11 tackles in the match.
Freeman rarely put a foot wrong in the match, despite putting Yann Diomande out for a late breakthrough goal.
Jack McGlynn
Stoke City’s EFL Championship winning streak continued as Jack McGlynn added his name to the stat sheet once again.
McGlynn recorded his first assist in the Potters’ 2-1 away win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. The 23-year-old’s dangerous free-kick was headed in by Ben Wilmot to give Stoke City the fillip they needed to take all three points.
McGlynn now has three goal contributions in five games across the pond.
Johnny Cardoso
The starts and minutes keep coming for Johnny Cardoso.
Cardoso started and played 90 minutes in Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves. The veteran midfielder won eight tackles, made two interceptions and completed two tackles as Diego Simeone’s men earned their first road result at Alaves since 2021.
Next up for Cardoso and Atletico Madrid is a home clash with Manchester United, one of the toughest fixtures this autumn.
Joe Scally
Borussia Moenchengladbach came out on the losing end of their trip to FC Koln, but Joe Scally had a positive day.
Scully scored the club’s only goal in a 2–1 away defeat, his second of the Bundesliga season. The veteran defender has continued his consistent starting role this season for Gladbach in what could be his final campaign with the club.
After not making the USMNT squad this past window, Scally will hope to be back in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans next month.
What did you think of Americans Abroad’s action this weekend? Is there anyone else on this list who deserves a shout-out?
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