Americans Abroad Player of the Week: Rokas Pukstas
Croatian club Hajduk Split missed out on the league title this season, but did qualify for the 2025-26 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying round thanks to Rokas Pukstas.
Pukstas delivered the lone goal on Sunday in Hajduk Split’s 1-0 road win over Sibenik, which helped the club seal a third-place finish. The American midfielder earned Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors for his impactful substitute performance.
Following a goal-less first half, Pukstas entered the match after halftime to try and help spark Hajduk Split. Pukstas only needed 26 minutes to deliver the breakthrough goal for Gennard Gattuso’s squad, sliding into the six-yard box and slotting home into the back of the net.
It marked Pukstas’ first goal of the season in all competitions, in what was his 37th overall appearance.
Hajduk Split would hang on for the road victory, ending the season on a positive note.
Pukstas has amassed 90 appearances during his time in Croatia, but could very well be on the move this summer for a larger role elsewhere. A former U.S. under-20 men’s national team player, Pukstas will certainly be on the radar of the under-23’s in the coming future.
Here is a closer look at the top Americans Abroad performers from the past week:
Tyler Adams
A strong season finale from Tyler Adams helped Bournemouth finish ninth in the English Premier League.
Adams won six duels and completed two tackles as the Cherries defeated visiting Leicester City 2-0 on Sunday. The 26-year-old Adams went the distance again in Andoni Iraola’s starting lineup, concluding what was one of his best club seasons to date.
Dante Polvara
Aberdeen lifted its first Scottish Cup in 35 years and Dante Polvara was a key reason for it.
Polvara delivered 41 minutes off of the bench in Aberdeen’s 4-3 penalty kick shootout over Celtic on Saturday. The former Mac Hermann trophy winner scored on his spot kick attempt, helping Aberdeen to a historic victory at Hampden Park.
Chris Richards
Sunday marked a positive end of the season for USMNT center back Chris Richards.
Richards and Crystal Palace earned a 1-1 draw at league champions Liverpool on Sunday. The USMNT defender won four duels and made 11 clearances, making his 32nd appearance of the season across all competitions.
Fresh off a career-best year, Richards now heads into USMNT duty as the leading center back option for Mauricio Pochettino.
Emily Fox
Arsenal ended a 19-year drought to lift the W Champions League on Saturday.
U.S. women’s national team defender Emily Fox logged the full 90 minutes as the Gunners defeated Barcelona 1-0 in Lisbon. Fox was solid all-around, winning three duels, making three interceptions, and eight defensive recoveries.
What did you think of this week’s selections? Were there any players that you thought we left out?
Share your thoughts below.
