da brdice： Tim Weah shined on the right flank alongside Weston McKennie as Juventus downed Roma 1-0 on Saturday.
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Juventus beat Roma 1-0Tim Weah shines at RWBWeston McKennie departs in stoppage-time due to injuryGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
A 47th minute goal from France international Adrien Rabiot sealed victory for the Bianconeri over Roma, with Juve closing the gap in the Serie A table to just two points between them and first-place Inter Milan. The first 45 minutes of the contest were stale, with the majority of the match being played in the middle of the pitch. Roma's Paulo Dybala had the best chance in the first half, firing a left-footed trivela towards the Juve net, ending just wide.
Two minutes outside the break, Rabiot scored the eventual winner, with Juventus thereby taking control of the match. The Turin side dominated the midfield from thereon out, helping secure three points as Roma's lifeless attack helplessly watched.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
McKennie nearly scored an insurance goal for Juve with just minutes to spare, but was denied from close-range by Rui Patricio. Federicho Chiesa carved up the Roma defense with ease, gliding past multiple defenders, but the American's eventual attempt was saved. That play, however, summed up McKennie's night, as he showed in moments, but didn't stand out across the contest. Weah, meanwhile, was an electric presence on the right side of the pitch all night. He helped keep Nicola Zalewski and Romelu Lukaku quiet, while launching the Old Lady's attack at the same time.
It was a really positive showing from both USMNT stars, but worrying news arrived late, with McKennie exiting the match in stoppage-time with what appeared to be a lower-body injury. He limped off in the 96th minute, leaving with what looked like relative discomfort.
Getty ImagesUSMNT IMPACT
Gregg Berhalter will be thrilled that both McKennie and Weah got the nod for Juventus in such an important match. However, Weah is still being implemented in a wingback role that is not a traditional look for him in this squad. Regardless, the regular minutes are important, especially when you play directly next to a teammate like McKennie. If both can continue to repeat their performances and keep their spots in the XI for the Old Lady, it's a win-win, regardless of where they play.
GOAL'S RATINGS
Weston McKennie (6/10): Played his midfield role rather effectively, but didn't stand out. He exited the match in stoppage-time with what appeared to be a minor knock, but looked uncomfortable walking off the pitch at the same time.
Tim Weah (7/10): Rather electric on the edge of the pitch, Weah shut down any counter on his flank while putting on a passing clinic for the Turin side. He completed 28/31 passes operating his side of the pitch.