Who is Weston McKennie and what impact has he made on the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. How did McKennie’s career evolve from FC Dallas Academy to European powerhouses. What are McKennie’s key achievements and playing style that make him a vital asset for the USMNT.
Weston McKennie’s Meteoric Rise in U.S. Soccer
Weston McKennie has rapidly emerged as one of the most influential players in the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT). Born on August 28, 1998, in Little Elm, Texas, McKennie’s journey from the FC Dallas Academy to European football giants has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing at 6 feet tall, this versatile midfielder currently plies his trade with Leeds United in England, showcasing his skills on one of the world’s biggest footballing stages.
Early Career and Development
McKennie’s soccer journey began at the tender age of six while living near Kaiserslautern, Germany, where his father was stationed at Rammstein Air Base. This early exposure to European soccer culture would prove instrumental in shaping his future career. Upon returning to the United States, McKennie joined the FC Dallas Academy, where he honed his skills and helped the team secure U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Championships at both U-15/16 and U-17/18 levels in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
McKennie’s European Adventure: From Schalke to Juventus
In 2016, McKennie took a bold step by moving to Europe to join the Academy of German Bundesliga club Schalke. This decision marked the beginning of his professional career and set the stage for his rapid ascent in European football.
Breakthrough at Schalke
McKennie’s talent quickly became evident at Schalke, earning him his Bundesliga debut on the final day of the 2016-17 season. Over the next four seasons, he would go on to make 75 league appearances and score four goals for the club, establishing himself as a key player and attracting attention from bigger clubs across Europe.
Juventus Move and Italian Success
On August 29, 2020, McKennie made a high-profile move to Italian Serie A giants Juventus. This transfer marked a significant milestone in his career and American soccer history. During his time in Italy, McKennie achieved several notable feats:
- Became the first U.S. international to play in and win the Coppa Italia, starting in Juventus’ 2-1 victory against Atalanta on May 19, 2021.
- Surpassed Michael Bradley as the USMNT’s all-time leading scorer in the Italian top-flight with his fourth Serie A goal in Juve’s 3-0 win against Crotone on February 22, 2021.
McKennie’s Impact on the USMNT
Weston McKennie’s contributions to the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team have been significant and continue to grow with each passing year. His performances have not only elevated the team’s play but have also inspired a new generation of American soccer players.
Debut and Early Success
McKennie made an immediate impact on his USMNT debut, scoring in a 1-1 draw against reigning European champions Portugal on November 14, 2017, in Leiria, Portugal. This auspicious start set the tone for what would become a stellar international career.
Record-Breaking Performances
One of McKennie’s most memorable performances came on October 11, 2019, in Washington, D.C., during the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League opener against Cuba. He scored the fastest hat trick from the start of a USMNT match, netting three goals in just 13 minutes, propelling the team to a commanding 7-0 victory.
Leadership and Accolades
McKennie’s influence extends beyond his on-field performances. He has demonstrated leadership qualities that have earned him the captain’s armband on multiple occasions:
- July 7, 2019, vs. Mexico
- May 30, 2021, at Switzerland
- June 10, 2022, vs. Grenada
His contributions to the national team were formally recognized in 2020 when he was awarded U.S. Soccer’s Male Player of the Year. This prestigious honor underscores McKennie’s importance to the team and his rapid development as a player.
McKennie’s Role in World Cup Qualifying
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign saw McKennie play a crucial role in securing the USMNT’s spot in the tournament. His performances during this period further cemented his status as one of the team’s most valuable players.
Key Contributions
Throughout the qualifying campaign, McKennie started in each of his seven appearances, scoring two crucial goals:
- Opened the scoring and earned Budweiser Man of the Match honors in the USA’s 3-0 win against Honduras on February 2, 2022, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Scored the second goal in the iconic 2-0 victory against Mexico on November 12, 2021, in Cincinnati, adding to the storied “dos a cero” scoreline.
McKennie’s Playing Style and Attributes
Weston McKennie’s versatility and all-around skill set make him a unique asset for both club and country. His playing style combines physical prowess with technical ability, allowing him to excel in various midfield roles.
Key Strengths
- Box-to-box midfielder with exceptional stamina and work rate
- Strong aerial presence, particularly effective on set-pieces
- Tactical intelligence and positional awareness
- Ability to contribute both defensively and offensively
- Leadership qualities both on and off the pitch
These attributes have made McKennie a vital component of the USMNT’s midfield, often serving as the engine that drives the team forward while also providing crucial defensive cover.
Off-Field Persona and Interests
Beyond his footballing prowess, Weston McKennie is known for his engaging personality and diverse interests off the field. These aspects of his character have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
Cultural Background and Linguistic Skills
McKennie’s international upbringing has shaped his worldview and linguistic abilities. He is fluent in German and has proficiency in Italian and Spanish, reflecting his adaptability and commitment to integrating into different cultures throughout his career.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Away from the soccer pitch, McKennie has a variety of interests that showcase his multifaceted personality:
- Avid fan of the Harry Potter series, often incorporating themes into his goal celebrations
- Self-taught pianist who enjoys writing and creating music in his home studio
- Former American Football player, having played as a running back, safety, and kicker in his youth
These diverse interests not only provide McKennie with outlets away from the pressures of professional soccer but also contribute to his well-rounded character and ability to connect with fans on multiple levels.
McKennie’s Future Prospects and Potential
As Weston McKennie continues to develop and gain experience at the highest levels of club and international soccer, his future appears incredibly bright. At just 24 years old, he has already accomplished more than many players do in their entire careers, yet there is a sense that the best is yet to come.
Continued Growth and Leadership
McKennie’s trajectory suggests that he will likely take on an even more prominent leadership role within the USMNT in the coming years. His experience playing for top clubs in Europe, combined with his natural leadership qualities, positions him as a potential long-term captain for the national team.
Club Career Aspirations
While currently with Leeds United, McKennie’s talent and versatility make him an attractive prospect for many top clubs across Europe. Whether he remains in the Premier League or pursues opportunities in other top leagues, his club career is likely to feature continued success and potentially even more high-profile transfers.
Impact on American Soccer
Perhaps most significantly, McKennie’s success serves as an inspiration and blueprint for young American players aspiring to make their mark in world soccer. His journey from the FC Dallas Academy to starring roles in the Bundesliga, Serie A, and now the Premier League demonstrates the potential pathways available to talented young players from the United States.
As McKennie continues to excel on the international stage, he not only elevates the profile of American soccer but also plays a crucial role in the USMNT’s quest for success in major tournaments. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, McKennie is poised to be a central figure in what could be a defining moment for soccer in the United States.
In conclusion, Weston McKennie’s rise from a young prospect in Texas to a key player for both the USMNT and top European clubs is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and adaptability. As he enters the prime years of his career, the soccer world eagerly anticipates the continued evolution of this dynamic midfielder who has already left an indelible mark on American soccer history.
Weston McKennie | USMNT | U.S. Soccer Official Site
Profile
- Position Midfielder
- Number 8
- Date of Birth Aug 28 1998
- Hometown Little Elm, TX
- Height 6′ 0″
- Club Leeds United (England)
NATIONAL TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Headed home a late equalizer to send the inaugural Concacaf Nations League Final against Mexico to extra time. The USMNT went on to win the match 3-2, with McKennie earning “Player of the Tournament” honors.
- Has earned Man of the Match honors seven times during the 2022 cycle – second most of any player after Christian Pulisic.
- Has captained the USMNT on three occasions: July 7, 2019 vs. Mexico; May 30, 2021 at Switzerland; June 10, 2022 vs. Grenada
- Won U.S. Soccer’s Male Player of the Year in 2020
- Recorded the fastest hat trick from the start of a USMNT match, scoring three goals in 13 minutes to help the USA to a 7-0 win against Cuba in its Concacaf Nations League opener on Oct.
11, 2019 in Washington, D.C.
11, 2019 in Washington, D.C.- Scored in his USMNT debut, a 1-1 draw against reigning European champions Portugal on Nov. 14, 2017 in Leiria, Portugal.
2022 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
- Started each of his seven appearances, scoring two goals during qualifying.
- Opened the scoring and earned Budweiser Man of the Match honors in the USA’s 3-0 win against Honduras on Feb. 2, 2022 in St. Paul, Minn.
- Added the ‘dos’ to ‘dos a cero’ when tallied the second goal in the USA’s 2-0 win against Mexico on Nov. 12, 2021 in Cincinnati
CLUB HIGHLIGHTS
- Joined Italian Serie A giants Juventus on Aug. 29, 2020
- Became the first U.S. international to play in and win the Coppa Italia, starting and going the distance in Juventus’ 2-1 win against Atalanta on May 19, 2021.
- Scored his fourth Serie A goal in Juve’s 3-0 win against Crotone on Feb. 22, 2021 to pass Michael Bradley as the USMNT’s all-time leading scorer in the Italian top-flight.
- Moved to Europe in 2016 to join the Academy of German Bundesliga club, Schalke.
- Earned his Schalke debut on the final day of the 2016-17 Bundesliga season and went on to make 75 league appearances and score four goals in four seasons with the club.
- Came up in the FC Dallas Academy, winning U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Championships at U-15/16 level in 2015 and U-17/18 level in 2016.
PERSONAL
- The son of John and Tina McKennie, has one older brother and one older sister.
- Began playing soccer at age six near Kaiserslautern, Germany, while his father served in the U.S. Army at Rammstein Air Base.
- Fluent in German and has proficiency in Italian and Spanish
- Said the time he met Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra during the U.S. team’s visit to Rammstein Air Base in 2006 was the first time he realized he could play for the U.S. internationally.
- Is a big fan of the Harry Potter and often celebrates goals in tribute to the series.
- Learned to play the piano through YouTube and enjoys writing and creating music in his home studio.
- Also played American Football in his youth, featuring as a running back, safety and kicker.
U.S. Men’s National Team Tops Austria, 4-1
TAMPERE, Finland – Lane Hutson (Chicago, Ill.) and Nick Perbix (Elk River, Minn.) each put up a goal and an assist and Cal Petersen (Waterloo, Iowa) made 18 saves to help the U.S. Men’s National Team improve to 4-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) with a 4-1 win over Austria here today in its fourth preliminary round game of the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
“We started slow but got better as the game moved along,” said David Quinn, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team. “It’s a difficult tournament. Every game is tough.
We’ve had a great start but need to continue to get better to accomplish our ultimate goal of bringing home gold.”
The first 20 minutes ended scoreless, with Petersen making several great stops in the U.S. net.
Drew O’Connor (Chatham, N.J.) nearly gave the U.S. the lead 4:30 into the second, going short side on the doorstep, but Austrian netminder Bernhard Starkbaum was equal to the task. Cutter Gauthier (Scottsdale, Ariz.) had a great chance moments later, but again Starkbaum made the save. The U.S. took the lead at 7:16 of the middle frame as Nick Bonino (Unionville, Conn.) wrapped around the back of the net and sent a pass across the crease where Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor, Calif.) put it home. Connor Mackey (Tower Lakes, Ill.) also tallied an assist on the play.
Austria tied things up with 2:37 remaining in the period with a goal from the top of the left circle, but Carter Mazur (Jackson, Mich.
) answered less than a minute later from the slot. T.J. Tynan (Orland Park, Ill.) and Hutson each picked up helpers.
Hutson made it 3-1 at the 3:24 mark of the third, starting the play in the U.S. zone and skating through four Austrian players before using a one-handed poke through the five-hole to score his first goal of the tournament. Perbix and Matt Coronato (Greenlawn, N.Y.) each picked up assists.
GAME PHOTOS
Austria’s Dominic Zwerger was awarded a penalty shot with 8:43 to play but denied by Petersen.
With 2:45 to play, Austria pulled Starkbaum for an extra attacker, but an empty netter from Perbix just 12 seconds later sealed the U.S. victory with Patrick Brown (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) and Sean Farrell (Hopkinton, Mass.) earning assists.
The U.S. is back in action Saturday (May 20) against Denmark in their fifth preliminary round game of the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Championship with puck drop set for 12:20 p.
m. local time/5:20 a.m. ET and the game can be seen live on NHL Network.
NOTES: Lane Hutson was named U.S. Player of the Game … The U.S. was 0-2 on the power play, while Austria was 1-1 … The U.S. outshot Austria by a 31-19 count … The U.S. has opened a men’s world championship with four straight wins only five times, including this year.
Patrick Brown Interview
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