United States midfielder Malik Tillman. Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

USMNT stars shine in packed Champions League match day

By Alyssa Clang | Last updated Nov 5, 2024 2:32 PM ET

American soccer players had a big night in the Champions League Tuesday evening, and the timing couldn't be better: the USMNT has a crucial Nations League double-header against Jamaica in just over a week.

With fans and critics split on Mauricio Pochettino's first two games in charge of the team, these games could make or break the public's perception of this new-look USMNT.

Pochettino will name his squad for those Jamaica matches in the coming days. But whose strong Champions League performances might've earned them a spot in his starting lineup?

Malik Tillman, PSV

It’s been a charmed season for Dutch club PSV Eindhoven: the club is five points clear at the top of the Eredivisie with an impressive goal difference of +28. (By contrast, Premier League leader Liverpool has a goal difference of just +13 over the same number of games.)

The unlikely hero of PSV’s 2024 season? Malik Tillman. The German-born American winger has been in brilliant form and was the player of the match today in PSV's Champions League clash with Girona. Tillman assisted PSV’s first goal and scored its second — a gorgeous, high-powered solo shot past the near post. Pochettino, take notice.

MALIK TILMAN TAKES IT ALL THE WAY pic.twitter.com/aMal6F6pZg
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 5, 2024

Christian Pulisic, AC Milan

We're used to seeing Pulisic stun on the Champions League stage, but his first-half assist against Real Madrid this evening was on another level.

After weathering ten strong minutes of pressure, Milan finally broke through to earn a corner — and Pulisic bent it straight onto the head of his teammate Malick Thiaw. American soccer players used to dream of silencing the Bernabeu; for Pulisic, it's just another Champions League Tuesday.

Christian Pulisic sets up Malick Thiaw’s first goal with Milan to STUN the Bernabéu pic.twitter.com/UWX7miZqrx
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 5, 2024

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, Celtic

The USMNT's less-than-stellar defensive line has raised many questions this year. Could Carter-Vickers and Trusty answer them? The two gave a strong Champions League showing in the center of Celtic's defense Tuesday evening.

Their relationship and excellent forward ball movement helped Celtic pull off a historic upset against RB Leipzig and vault the Hoops back up the Champions League table. What a way for Celtic to bounce back from its 7-1 hammering at the hands of Borussia Dortmund earlier this season.

Alyssa Clang

Alyssa is a Boston-born Californian with a passion for global sport. She can yell about misplaced soccer passes in five languages and rattle off the turns of Silverstone in her sleep. You can find her dormant Twitter account at @alyssaclang, but honestly, you’re probably better off finding her here

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