DOOPing Overseas: Aaronson scores brace, Carranza and Wagner score first goals for new clubs

It was goals galore for Union players playing overseas last week, with Union alums scoring four goals, including a brace from Brenden Aaronson, and Julian Carranza and Kai Wagner scoring their first goals for their respective new clubs. 

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:

Brenden Aaronson (Medford, N.J.) – The former Union midfielder scored a brace in Leeds United’s 4-3 defeat at Newcastle last Wednesday. In the 32nd minute, Aaronson put Leeds in front, firing a laser into the bottom corner from the edge of the box following a turnover, marking Aaronson’s first Premier League away goal. With the game tied at two in the 79th minute, the American would have his say again. The New Jersey native was played through on the right wing after another Newcastle giveaway. Driving into the box, Aaronson beat his man with two step overs and pinged a low shot through the defender’s legs and off the far post and in. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old’s final major contribution in the match was conceding a penalty kick in the 88th minute. Aaronson charged down an in-swinging cross, but the ball struck his arm as the American was trying to protect his face. Aaronson now has three goals and an assist in his last four Premier League matches. He played just one minute in Leeds’ 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby on Sunday. 

Julian Carranza – The former Union striker made his debut for Necaxa on Saturday, coming off the bench in a 3-1 road win over Santos. Subbed on in the 83rd minute, Carranza was immediately thrown into the fire, stepping up to take a penalty kick in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. Carranza scored easily from the spot, going to the keeper’s left and sending him the wrong way. This was the 25-year-old’s first game action since featuring for Leicester City on Nov. 4, 2025. This was Carranza’s first goal since scoring for Feyenoord on Feb. 22, 2025. 

Kai Wagner – The former Union left back continues to make quite the impression at Birmingham City, scoring in a 3-2 FA Cup win over Cambridge United on Saturday. In just his second game with his new club, Wagner once again earned the start and once again found himself on the scoresheet in the first half, this time scoring his first goal in England. In the 31st minute, a loose ball would pop out to Wagner just inside the penalty area. The German’s first-time shot deflected off a defender and looped over the goalie and in. Wagner played all 90 minutes, making four interceptions, three clearances and two recoveries. Birmingham City advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, where they will host Aaronson and Leeds United. 

Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.) – The former Union center back played 90 minutes on Saturday as Toulouse beat Angers on penalty kicks to advance to the Coupe de France Round of 16. McKenzie won all five of his tackles, made four recoveries, two clearances and two interceptions. His five tackles won were the most by any player in the match. Surprisingly, McKenzie was the first penalty taker for Toulouse. His right-footed shot to the bottom-left corner was saved by the goalkeeper. Despite McKenzie’s penalty miss, Toulouse would win the shootout, 6-5, with the American putting on a Man of the Match defensive performance. 

Other Notables 

– Stuart Findlay made nine clearances in Hearts’ 1-0 win over Dundee FC on Sunday.

– Jamiro Monteiro played the final eight minutes of PEC Zwolle’s 1-1 draw with FC Twente on Saturday.

– Auston Trusty played all 90 minutes and completed 99 passes in Celtic’s 4-0 home win over Dundee United on Saturday. 

What’s Next

– Julian Carranza and Necaxa host Monterrey in the Liga MX Clausura on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 8 p.m. ET. They then host Atlas on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. ET.

– Stuart Findlay and Hearts host St. Mirren on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 2:45 p.m. ET. They then host Fakirk in the fourth round of the Scottish FA Cup on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m. ET. 

– Auston Trusty and Celtic visit Falkirk on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 2:45 p.m. ET. They then travel to Auchinleck Talbot in the fourth round of the Scottish FA Cup on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 12:30 p.m. ET.

– Jose Martinez and Corinthians travel to Red Bull Bragantino on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m. ET. They then host Sao Paulo on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. ET.

– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. ET.

– Kai Wagner and Birmingham City travel to Swansea City on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 12:30 p.m. ET. 

– Jamiro Monteiro and PEC Zwolle host AZ Alkmaar on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 12:45 p.m. ET.

– Mark McKenzie and Toulouse host Nice on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. ET.