The opening weeks of the European club season produced strong starts from several U.S.-connected players. Norwich City's Josh Sargent has three goals early in the season after scoring against Portsmouth. Chris Richards and Crystal Palace recorded an impressive away shutout at Chelsea. Sergiño Dest maintained strong form for PSV Eindhoven. Christian Pulisic and Johnny Cardoso drew particular attention, with some of that attention critical. Pulisic returned from an ankle injury to score for AC Milan in a 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Bari after a summer marked by his Gold Cup absence and public tensions. A countdown tracks player form toward the World Cup, with 295 days remaining.
Norwich City's Josh Sargent continues to bang in the goals, with his tally against Portsmouth already giving him three on the young season. Chris Richards and Crystal Palace secured an impressive road shutout at Chelsea, and Sergiño Dest continued his fine form for PSV Eindhoven. The most notable performances of the weekend came from players in Christian Pulisic and Johnny Cardoso who have had some attention around them -- not all of it positive.
Pulisic's summer of discontent -- complete with deciding to skip the Gold Cup, some subtle sniping with U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino, and then a not-so-subtle war-of-words with former USMNT players over his decision -- finally got back to focusing on his actual performances. And after shaking off an ankle injury, Pulisic delivered for his club, scoring Milan's second goal from a sharp reception and finish on the turn in what was a 2-0 win over Bari in the Coppa Italia.
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