U.S. international midfielder Weston McKennie chose the perfect time to score first career goal for his club Schalke. During Wednesday’s Champions League match at Lokomotiv Moscow, Schalke struggled to create chances and it looked like the game will end in a draw, being scoreless until the 88th minute. But McKennie had other plans, scoring a beautiful header which gave his team the lead and eventually a win.
Weston McKennie wins it for @s04_us with his first goal for the club ?? pic.twitter.com/crF0EFmebl
— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) October 3, 2018
“It’s a dream come true, not just to play in the Champions League, but also to score my first goal in my professional club career that way,” – said McKennie after the game. “I don’t really score that often, but I pulled it off today, which was great.“
“We had the game in our grip after the break and rewarded ourselves. The relief is huge, we’re happy. We won together today. It wasn’t all of my own doing.” – the 20-year-old added.
It was a badly needed win as well since Schalke has been in a big crisis these past several weeks. The team failed to get a win in the last six games in Bundesliga, five of which were consecutive defeats. On the other hand, thanks to Weston McKennie’s goal and triumph over Moscow, the team is in a much better position in the Champions League, as it is now tied for the first place in Group D.
After making his debut for the senior team during 2016–17 season, Weston McKennie went on to establish himself as part of Schalke’s rotation last season, playing in 25 games. It looks like he will get even more playing time this year, having already made seven appearances in all matches.
McKennie also made his debut for U.S. senior team in 2017, when he scored a goal in his debut. He played a total of six games for USMTN.
