Malik Tillman was credited with an assist as he was one of two U.S. men's national team stars to start in PSV's Champions League clash with Lens.
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Tillman credited with assistDest startsPepi comes on late
Both Tillman and Sergino Dest started the match for PSV, who seized the lead only to give it right back in an eventual 1-1 draw. With the draw, PSV now face an uphill battle to get out of the group, having earned just two points in three games.
The final member of the USMNT trio, Ricardo Pepi, came on in the 90th minute, but was unable to help PSV steal a result late on.
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Following a fairly tepid first half, PSV seized the lead 10 minutes into the second half behind a breathtaking finish from Johan Bakayoko. Tillman was credited with the assist, having been the player responsible for laying the ball off to Bakayoko before his fantastic curled finish.
Just 10 minutes later, though, Lens wrestled back a goal of their own, as striker Elye Wahi slid to tap home a fantastic Przemyslaw Frankowski cross to make it 1-1.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
With the draw, PSV will have an uphill battle to qualify out of Group B as we reach the halfway point of the group stage.
The Dutch club now has just two points through three games, leaving them level with Sevilla for last in the group. The Spanish side does, however, have a three-goal advantage in the goal difference department.
Lens, with the draw, sits second with five points while Arsenal's win over Sevilla saw the Gunners jump to the top spot midway through this group stage.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
The U.S. will be glad to see Tillman healthy, fit and contributing, especially if the team is to continue on in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
It looks like they will, given Tyler Adams' injury, making Tillman and Gio Reyna the primary candidates to join the midfield unit. When healthy, that spot will go to Reyna, but counting on Reyna's fitness has been a tough one for the U.S. through the past two years.
As for Dest, his continued minutes are helpful for a player who has struggled for those in recent years. Pepi, meanwhile, remains a slow burn at PSV as he continues to serve as Luuk de Jong's primary backup.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Sergino Dest (6/10):
Started at left-back again, but he just doesn't look as comfortable on that side as he does on the right. An okay game, but nothing spectacular.
Malik Tillman (7/10):
The assist will boost his rating but, let's be honest, he didn't do too much to make that goal happen! Outside of that moment, though, he wasn't too influential as he had just 29 touches in 71 minutes.
Ricardo Pepi (N/A):
Came on late and earned a yellow card immediately, but didn't have any real time to work.