GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including a trio out to prove they can be U.S. match-winners

Results don't come easy. That's soccer. And that was mostly the story of U.S. internationals playing abroad this weekend. There weren't many team points collected – a deluge and draws and losses marking a disappointing matchday. But if this sport is a collective of individuals rather than a functioning team, then it was a fine weekend in Europe for several Americans Abroad.

If the start of the season was marked by Christian Pulisic's form and ongoing "world-class" debates, then the end has been the story of returnees who – while on the fringes of the USMNT – could make manager Mauricio Pochettino take notice.

Josh Sargent, Malik Tillman and Haji Wright have all returned from spells on the sidelines. And after middling starts to the season, all three have made their case to be in the side during the Gold Cup this summer.

Despite his struggles for the USMNT, Sargent has more goals than anyone in the EFL this calendar year – and added another over the weekend. Tillman was full of buzz and drive – and was good value for his fine finish. Wright, meanwhile, has found the net consistently for Coventry despite being misused in a central role.

The usual suspects had their moments. Christian Pulisic provided a nice assist. Antonee Robinson kept Mo Salah quiet enough, and Weston McKennie played his part for Juve. But really, this was the story of three hopefuls making their case for a manager who still does not have everything settled for the World Cup.

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.

AFPMalik Tillman, goalscorer

It was reported, not so long ago, that we wouldn't see Tillman again this season. And it all felt like a bit of a shame. The attacking midfielder was doing all sorts of interesting things for a good PSV team, popping up with goals and assists – and offering some much-needed creativity in midfield areas.

This looked more like a Bayern Munich player than one running things for an upper level Dutch team. Memories are short in soccer, and a season-ending ankle injury might have also ended his hopes of a big move this summer.

But Tillman has returned sooner than expected, and is making things happen. The attacking midfielder started for the first time in more than three months Saturday, and marked the occasion with a wonderful curled effort into the bottom corner from outside the box – enough to give PSV daylight over Groningen.

PSV may not win the title – such is the gap between them and Ajax – but a good last month of the season would work wonders for the U.S. midfielder.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportJosh Sargent, great for his club

So much has been made of Josh Sargent's woes for the USMNT. What is it about him when he puts on the shirt of his country? Are his powers immediately diminished? Does he struggle to find the spots that he so regularly creeps into for Norwich? Is there simply more pressure when you are guy for a hopeful nation?

Maybe it's a combination of all of those. But the carefree, roaming version of Sargent so often seen at club level should be enough, at least, to ensure he has further chances to make amends. The striker was among the goals again on Saturday, scoring just after half time in what was ultimately a failure for the Canaries in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth.

It was a wonderfully taken thing, too, one touch to corral a cross and a second to blast high into the roof of the net. He is now the first EFL player to hit double-digit goals this calendar year – and doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon.

It is worth asking, though: what's next? Has Sargent simply found his level as a footballer?

Getty Images SportHaji Wright shows some quality

It's been a welcome return to the fold for Haji Wright. Coventry, after a memorable few months, were just starting to slow down before the USMNT forward recovered from a hip injury. And his reintegration into the squad has given the Sky Blues a timely boost.

He had scored three in his last three heading into Saturday's clash with high-flying Burnley. And he didn't need long to make it four in four, giving Coventry an early lead – poking home after a mad goal line scramble on Saturday.

But it wasn't to be for the Sky Blues, who were beaten 2-1. Still, Wright got his goal, and chased plenty of lost causes as Coventry sat in against one of the league's best teams. He now has 11 goals, among the best goals-per-90 in the Championship this season – a fine mark for a forward who can be so much more when he's healthy.

Getty ImagesA mixed day for Milan

There was some excitement in corners of USMNT social media spheres when Yunus Musah was handed a start for Milan against Fiorentina. Sure, this was now, in effect, a mid-table clash. But having the American in as part of a double pivot looked interesting.

So much for that. Musah was subbed after just 25 minutes. Milan were 2-1 down at the time, and Musah was the man sacrificed for a more attacking option.

His moment to forget came following a lovely moment for fellow American Christian Pulisic, who provided a fine threaded assist for the in-form Tammy Abraham. Luka Jovic, the man who replaced Musah, would go on to score the equalizer.

Still, it is concerning that the American wasn't trusted to hold things down in the middle after a poor start.