DOOPing Overseas: Brenden Aaronson scores for Leeds, Jose Martinez wins trophy in Brazil

The March international break is now over which meant club teams returned to action overseas last weekend. From first-minute goals to trophies being lifted, it was a successful match week for former Union players. 

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:

Brenden Aaronson – It took the former Union midfielder just 33 seconds to score for Leeds United against Swansea City on Saturday. Aaronson was the quickest to react to a loose ball in the box, stabbing it home from close range. It was safe to say the 24-year-old bounced back from a tough match against Queens Park Rangers when he was substituted at halftime after his costly mistake led to the opening goal. Aaronson played 73 minutes for Leeds, creating two chances, completing 80 percent of his passes, and making four recoveries. However, Leeds fell victim to a late equalizer deep into second-half stoppage time, drawing the match 2-2.

Jose Martinez – It didn’t take Jose Martinez long to win his first trophy with Brazilian side Corinthians. Following the international break, Corinthians played the second leg of the Paulista A1 Final against Palmeiras last Thursday. After winning the first leg 1-0, Martinez’s team settled for a 0-0 home draw to win the regional championship. Martinez was strong defensively, making four clearances, and winning his aerial duels and only tackle. Martinez also accurately completed all six of his long balls. The former Union midfielder was shown a straight red card for striking an opponent in the face during a scuffle in second-half stoppage time. 

Jamiro Monteiro – The former Union midfielder was superb for PEC Zwolle in their 2-0 win over RKC Waalwijk on Saturday. Monteiro played 75 minutes, creating the most chances in the match (6), and was the most accurate passer (97%) to play 45 minutes or more. The 31-year-old drew a penalty in the second half that led to the home side taking a late lead in the 74th minute, right before Monteiro was subbed off. 

Paxten Aaronson – The younger Aaronson brother was lively in FC Utrecht’s 2-0 win over SC Heerenveen Sunday. Aaronson played the full 90 minutes, completing 83 percent of his passes and creating one big chance. After conceding a penalty in his team’s final game before the international break, Aaronson made amends, just like his brother, in Round 27 of the Eredivisie. The 21-year-old won four of his five tackles and made four recoveries. 

Julian Carranza – The former Union striker started and played 79 minutes in Feyenoord’s 3-2 win over Go Ahead Eagles. In a game where the striker’s wingers, Anis Hadj-Moussa and Igor Paixao, shined and scored, Carranza was the odd man out. The 24-year-old had an xG of 0.02 and hit the woodwork with his lone shot of the match. March proved to be a tough month for Carranza after ending February with a two-game goal streak. The striker failed to score or assist in five appearances. Carranza has four goals and one assist in 15 Eredivisie matches for the Dutch club this season. 

Other Notables

-Mark McKenzie played the full 90 minutes in Toulouse’s 4-2 home loss to Brest. The former Union defender completed 98 percent of his passes but struggled defensively.

-Leon Flach played 27 minutes in Jagiellonia Bialystok’s 1-0 home loss to Lechia Gdansk in Round 26 of the Polish Ekstraklasa.

-Auston Trusty was an unused substitute during Celtic’s 3-0 win over Hearts. The former Union center back is working his way back from a minor calf injury suffered before the international break.

What’s Next

-Julian Carranza and Feyenoord have two matches this week. They host FC Groningen on Wednesday, April 2 at 2 p.m. ET before traveling to AZ Alkmaar on Saturday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

-Damion Lowe and Al Akhdoud are back in action for the first time since the international break when they visit Al-Orobah FC on Friday, April 4 at 10:45 a.m. 

– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds will look to start April on a high note when they travel to second-to-bottom Luton Town on Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 a.m. ET.

– Paxten Aaronson and FC Utrecht will visit Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday, April 6 at 8:30 a.m. ET as they look to close the gap on second-place PSV.

– Mark McKenzie and Toulouse are looking to end a two-game losing skid on Sunday, April 6 as they take on Marseille at 2:45 p.m. ET. 

Check back with DOOPing Overseas next week to find out how these former Union players performed.