United States men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso played a key role in Real Betis’ 2-1 upset victory against Real Madrid on Saturday. The American headed in an equalizer from close range in the first half.

With Madrid leading 1-0 early in the first half, Johnny chose perhaps the best time to score his first LaLiga goal of the season. In the 34th minute a Betis corner was swung into the box and a wide-open Johnny was there to smash in the equalizer.

Johnny Cardoso goal vs Real Madrid

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are set for a challenging and potentially historic encounter as they face Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup — and not exactly for its exciting head-to-head entertainment potential. Get ready for snow, Messi.

Inter Miami and Sporting KC Concacaf Champions Cup match to be played under snow

According to reports, the match between Kansas City and Miami on Tuesday will be held under potentially freezing conditions, with the forecast predicting temperatures as low as 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

The headline of this story might be one of the more unique ones I’ve written in my five years with The18. An American striker scored a key goal at the same time a squirrel was invading the pitch.

Sargent’s squirrely goal took place during Norwich City’s 1-1 draw against Hull City on Saturday in the EFL Championship. In the 47th minute Norwich left back Kellen Fisher was running stride for stride with a furry rodent on the near sideline.

Despite the excellent run made by Hammy from “Over the Hedge” Fisher elected to swing the ball into the box toward Sargent.

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

United States men’s national team fans and Mexico supporters must learn to get along as the biggest star from each of their respective teams are set to become partners. A Santiago Giménez AC Milan transfer will see the Mexico striker join forces with Christian Pulisic.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the El Tri forward will join the Rossoneri from Dutch side Feyenoord on a roughly $36 million transfer.

Santi Giménez AC Milan transfer

United States women’s national team fans have noticed a new trend happening. American players are flocking across the pond with more USWNT players in Europe by the week.

The biggest story in January was Chelsea breaking the bank and spending $1.1 million on Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave FC. This set the record for the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer history.

Two more USWNT players have also left the NWSL as Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn both departed Gotham FC for European clubs.

A superb Gio Reyna backheel assist vs. Shakhtar Donetsk helped Borussia Dortmund secure a 3-1 victory in the Champions League and once against made USMNT fans wonder why he doesn’t get more time.

Reyna was once again on the bench for Dortmund as he’s only started three games across all competitions this season for the German giants. 

The 22-year-old American was brought on as a substitute in the 64th minute and produced a lovely piece of skill just 15 minutes later.

It's Captain America, baby.

Christian Pulisic came up big once again for AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League, scoring the momentary equalizer against GNK Dinamo Zagreb. The American received the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box, took a quick turn and sliced the ball into the bottom left corner in the 53rd minute.

Pulisic goal vs. Dinamo Zagreb