Friday's clash between Lyon and Strasbourg had major American flavor as Caleb Wiley provided an assist while Tanner Tessmann made his Ligue 1 debut.
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Tessmann makes Lyon debutWiley provides assistLyon win seven-goal thrillerIMAGO / Just pictures WHAT HAPPENED?
Caleb Wiley got his first Ligue 1 assist of the season, but it wasn't enough to defeat Lyon and debutant Tanner Tessmann in a dramatic 4-3 result.
Both Tessmann and Wiley started the game on the bench for their respective clubs, but the latter, in particular, made his mark. Wiley came into the match with the score level at one apiece, but Strasbourg raced ahead with a pair of goals early in the second half. Wiley assisted the second of those goals with a fantastic through ball, playing Emanuel Emegha in all alone to make it 3-1.
Lyon, though, stormed back with three goals between the 61st and 72nd minutes, putting them ahead 4-3. With the game winding down, Tessmann was handed his debut for the club as he was thrown into the fray in the 87th minute to help Lyon eventually see out the chaotic win.
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Ligue 1 is certainly a league to watch for American soccer fans with several rising stars playing in France's top flight. Wiley and Tessmann both joined their new clubs this summer, as did Mark McKenzie, who is now featuring for Toulouse.
Folarin Balogun is also plying his trade in Ligue 1 as he begins his second season with Monaco and third season in the league overall after breaking out while on loan with Reims.
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The assist is Wiley's first in Ligue 1, but the teenager certainly made is mark on games during his time in Atlanta. Wiley had seven assists during his time with the Five Stripes while also contributing six goals. Eight of those 13 goal contributions came during his breakout 2023 season.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WILEY AND TESSMANN?
Following Friday's match, both teams head into the international break, with the U.S. set to play Canada and New Zealand in the coming days. Tessmann will look to make his first start for Lyon against Lens on Sept. 14, while Wiley and Strasbourg will be back in action against Angers on Sept. 15.