DOOPing Overseas: Leon Flach shines during two-game week, Carranza looking to play hero again in the Champions League

While many Union fans were celebrating the best start in franchise history over the weekend, former Blue and Gold players were also trying to lead their teams to victory all across the globe.

With sustained success this decade, fans have seen some of the brightest academy talents, their favorite players, and outcasts make their way overseas to compete in some of the best leagues in the world. The club is represented in Europe, South America, the Middle East and more.

Let’s see how some of those former Union players faired in last week’s matches:

Leon Flach – While he didn’t score or assist in his two matches this week, the former Union midfielder shined for Jagiellonia Bialystok, helping his side secure two big wins. On Thursday, the Polish side defeated Cercle Brugge, 3-0, in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16. Flach played 61 minutes, winning all five of his aerial duels and making five clearances.

Flach also started on Sunday in a 1-0 win at Widzew Lodz. The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes, winning five of his six duels and making two crucial interceptions. Flach’s strong midfield play has Jagiellonia Bialystok on the verge of the UEFA Conference League Quarterfinals and just two points off first place in the Ekstraklasa. 

Julian Carranza – The former Union striker got the start for Feyenoord in leg one of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 last Wednesday against Inter Milan. Unfortunately for Carranza, he faced the best defense in the Champions League with Inter Milan conceding just once in the eight-game League Phase. Carranza put his only shot of the match on target and was replaced in the 59th minute. 

Samuel Adeniran – Another former Union striker playing overseas, Adeniran had a consecutive strong performance for LASK after notching his first goal contribution last weekend. On Sunday, the 25-year-old created 1.01 xG, had six shots, and won 11 duels, the most by any player in the Austrian side’s 2-1 home win over WSG Tirol. 

Auston Trusty – One week after exiting with a head injury, the former Union and current Celtic centerback played the full 90 in a 2-0 Scottish Cup quarterfinal victory. Trusty, along with U.S. Men’s National Team teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers, held Hibernian to two shots (one on target). 

Other Notables 

– Mark McKenzie and Toulouse held AS Monaco to a 1-1 draw thanks to the former Union centerback’s nine clearances.

– Jose Martinez played 90 minutes in Corinthians’ 2-1 Paulista A1 Semifinal victory over a Neymar-less Santos FC.

-Paxten Aaronson played 83 minutes and was held without a chance created or shot in Utrecht’s late 3-2 win at Willem II.

-Brenden Aaronson played 68 minutes and was also held without a chance created or shot in Leeds’ shock 1-0 loss to 17th-placed Portsmouth.

What’s Next

– Julian Carranza and Feyenoord travel to Milan for the second straight Champions League round as they find themselves down 2-0 on aggregate to Inter. Can Carranza play hero at the San Siro once again for the Dutch side? The second leg match in the Champions League Round of 16 is at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 11. 

– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds will look to bounce back from a disappointing loss as they host Millwall on Wednesday, March 12 at 3:45 PM ET.

-Leon Flach and Jagiellonia Bialystok will look to secure their spot in the UEFA Conference League Quarterfinals when they head to Cercle Brugge with a 3-0 advantage on Thursday, March 13 at 1:45 p.m. ET.

-Auston Trusty and Celtic host Rangers in the Old Firm Derby on Sunday, March 16 at 8:30 a.m. ET. 

Check back with DOOPing Overseas next week to see how these former Union players fared.