DOOPing Overseas: Przybylko nets brace in win, Monteiro sees early red card

It was an eventful weekend for former Philadelphia Union players playing overseas, with goals, red cards, debuts and more. Kacper Przybylko found the back of the net for the first time in almost a year, Jamiro Monteiro received the fourth red card of his career, and Jose Martinez returned from his second injury in as many weeks.

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 fared in last week’s matches:

Kacper Przybylko – The former Union striker found the back of the net twice in Odra Opole’s 2-1 win over Stal Rzeszow on Friday. Przybylko’s first-half brace was separated by just seven minutes. His first goal came from a one-time shot inside the area that deflected off a defender and in, leveling the match at one in the 33rd minute. Przybylko’s second goal was what Union fans were accustomed to seeing during his three seasons with the club. The striker got away from his man in the box and calmly slotted a one-time finish into the bottom corner at the front post, giving Odra Opole a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute. This was the first competitive match the 32-year-old scored in since December 15, 2024. 

Jamiro Monteiro – The former Union midfielder wasn’t on the field long enough to register a stat other than committing a foul in PEC Zwolle’s 2-0 home loss to Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday. Monteiro received a red card just two minutes into the match after catching Mats Deijl in the face with a high boot. Unfortunately for Monteiro, he arrived late to challenge for the ball and caught his opponent square on the nose with his studs showing. The referee immediately reached for his red card, dismissing the 31-year-old with less than two minutes on the clock. This was Monteiro’s first red card since 2023, and he was never shown one in his three seasons with the Union. 

Jose Martinez – The former Union midfielder returned from injury to play 64 minutes on Sunday. Despite Corinthians losing 1-0 to Sport Recife, Martinez played well in his first action in three weeks. Martinez won six of his 10 duels (ground and aerial), made two recoveries, and created one chance. The 31-year-old was the most accurate passer to play 45 minutes or more, completing 93 percent of his passes. Martinez, who has missed time dealing with a broken hand and an ankle injury, was inserted into the starting lineup immediately after returning to full fitness. 

Julian Carranza – The former Union striker made his debut for Leicester City in a scoreless draw against Coventry City on Saturday. Carranza played 21 minutes as a second-half substitute. The 25-year-old almost found the back of the net mere minutes after entering the game. While backpeddling, Carranza latched onto a cross from Abdul Fatawu, but his header at the back post went straight into the keeper’s arms. Carranza finished the match with one shot on target and an expected goals of 0.17. 

Other Notables

– Brenden Aaronson (Medford, N.J.) started his second consecutive match for Leeds, playing 89 minutes in a 3-1 win at Wolves on Saturday.

– Leon Flach played 73 minutes in Jagiellonia Bialystok’s 1-0 win at Wisla Plock on Friday.

– Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.) received a yellow card in Toulouse’s 1-0 loss at Auxerre on Sunday. 

– Auston Trusty missed a fifth straight match for Celtic as he continues to deal with a lingering foot injury.

What’s Next

– Leon Flach and Jagiellonia Bialystok travel to Legia Warszawa on Wednesday, September 24, at 1 p.m. ET.

– Julian Carranza and Leicester City visit West Brom on Friday, September 26, at 3 p.m. ET.

– Stuart Findlay and Hearts return to action after a week off to host Falkirk on Saturday, September 27, at 10 a.m. ET.

– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host Bournemouth at Elland Road on Saturday, September 27, at 10 a.m. ET.

– Mark McKenzie and Toulouse will look to end their three-game losing streak as they host Nantes on Saturday, September 27, at 1 p.m. ET.

– Kacper Przybylko and Odra Opole visit Puszcza Niepolomice on Saturday, September 27, at 1:30 p.m. ET. 

– Jose Martinez and Corinthians host Flamengo in a Brazilian Serie A matchup on Sunday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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