FT in Genk. Congrats to Antwerp. Genk in 2nd unless Union can score two goals. I hope McKenzie's injury is not too severe.
This match was potentially worth the entire subscription to ESPN+. Not the best result for Genk, but at least they get Champions League.
The last goal for Antwerp. Just look at the Genk players after it goes in, 1665426212741603330 is not a valid tweet id
Was that McKenzie’s headed clearance that hit the middle of the 18 stripe? Then the back line sat back giving room to Antwerp middies to set up the winning shot?
If you want to stuff the ballot box for McKenzie as Central Defender of the season, the link is here.
Mark McKenzie Center back · Philadelphia Union European team: KRC Genk (Belgian Pro League) McKenzie quietly had a fantastic season in Belgium’s top flight, tallying four goals in 39 games across all competitions as Genk topped the regular-season table. They nearly won their country’s playoff system as well, but agonizingly fell short against Royal Antwerp. Beyond the goals, the US international defender and Philadelphia Union homegrown export has enjoyed his steadiest season yet in Europe, really coming into his own for the Blauw-Wit. He originally went to Genk in January 2021 after earning MLS Best XI presented by Continental honors in 2020 upon helping Philadelphia secure a Supporters’ Shield title. From MLSsoccer.com's review of former MLS players.
Genk will be in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Champions League. They will be drawn against either Servette of Geneva (that would be bad for me but good for Genk) or Panathinaikos.
To add a little more about the apparent injury near the end of the match: "Mark McKenzie played the match. However, his shoulder turned out to be dislocated for a while, after he had come down badly after a beech from Vincent Janssen. McKenzie, who was not selected for the Nations League but was expected to join Team USA in the Gold Cup, will have to give up and hopes to resume training at KRC Genk at the end of this month. He doesn't need surgery." Google translation, but he looks to be out of the Gold Cup. Might be good for a rest for him, but too bad. I was hoping to see him nail down one of the CB spots on the USMNT,
Poor Genk. Anyone know the specifics into the club as to guess why the slip up at the end of the season? The title was theirs for the taking over a month ago.
The sold their striker after the World Cup break to Southampton. He had 79 goals in 114 matches for Genk. From there matches that had ended 3-2 would end 2-2. Points were dropped that should not have been. McKenzie became a rock in central defense, but at times the others defenders were not great.
Although the full pre-season plans are not announced yet, there is one match that has been announced. 19 July at Sporting CP in Portugal. They will play a final exhibition the following week. According to the team, this is to help prepare them for European Competition with two matches in close proximity.
Pre-season schedule has been released: 27/6 First practice 1/7 KRC Genk – KVK Tienen (open) - lower division team from the southern part of Genk. Location: Eendracht Termien Time: 4:00 PM 8/7 KRC Genk – OH Leuven (closed) 10/7 – 15/7 Internship Venray, Nethelands 12/7 KRC Genk- PAOK We are still waiting for advice from the local government before deciding in consultation with the opponent whether we will play the match in front of the public or behind closed doors. More information will follow soon. 15/7 practice match opponent yet to be determined 19/7 Sporting CP – KRC Genk Location: Estádio do Algarve (Portugal) Time: 8:00 PM local time Further information will be communicated as soon as possible 22/7 SEASON KICK OFF More information will follow soon 23/7 practice match obv Depending on the draw in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League, one last friendly match will be played on 23/7. This takes place behind closed doors.
Oh the irony for me. Mckenzie and Company get Servette in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Champions League. Servette finished 2nd place last season, a long way behind Young Boys. Servette had a lot of players retire or leave including their manager Alain Geiger, Gaël Clichy, and Kevin Mbabu who returned to Fulham from his loan. As much as I love Servette, I see Genk winning this one.
Crazy to me KRC Genk is already back in pre-season on June 27, 2023... feels like every year the pre-season is starting earlier
crazy to me that he's 100% healthy and its gold cup but he had to miss gold cup due to injury.....and that aaron long is there (supposedly injured, but playing through it), instead.