DOOPing Overseas: Julian Carranza receives questionable red card, Corinthians’ frustration grows with Jose Martinez

After two weeks of goals and assists from former Union players playing overseas, last week was fairly quiet. In his first start for Necaxa, Julian Carranza was sent off, but was it justifiable? Jose Martinez was also in the news in Brazil, as the midfielder’s lack of communication with his team while back home in Venezuela getting his passport renewed is not sitting well with his coach. 

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:

Julian Carranza – The former Union striker made his first start for Liga MX side Necaxa on Saturday, but it didn’t go as planned. Carranza received two yellow cards within five minutes, leading to his dismissal in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. Already up a man at home against Atlas, the 25-year-old received his first yellow card for a foul on former Orlando City defender Rodrigo Schlegel in the 41st minute. A few minutes later, Carranza and Schlegel would be at the forefront of the match again. Carranza rose to meet a cross in the penalty area, out-jumping his former MLS foe, but missing the ball and colliding with his head. Despite the Argentinian’s eyes always being on the ball and Schlegel jumping into his elbow, Carranza received a second yellow card just before halftime. Necaxa would lose 1-0.

Jose Martinez – The former Union midfielder is mired in controversy with Corinthians over a Visa issue. Martinez, who returned to his home country of Venezuela after winning the Copa do Brasil on Dec. 21, has missed the first three games of the new Paulista A1 season. Martinez’s passport renewal process, which was crucial for his involvement in international fixtures, has taken an abnormally long time due to political unrest in Venezuela. However, Corinthians’ coach Dorival Junior voiced his displeasure with Martinez in a press conference. The 31-year-old has reportedly stopped communicating with his coach and is well behind on his training. While the club expected Martinez’s return home would take longer than usual due to circumstances out of his hands, they are now unsure of when he will be back with the squad. 

Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.) – The former Union center back was a late scratch before Toulouse’s 5-1 win over Nice on Saturday. McKenzie was included in the French side’s matchday squad, but was ruled out just before the match with a toe infection, per reports in France. McKenzie’s run of six straight games starting and playing 90 minutes came to an end. The club is hopeful that the American will return to the team for Sunday’s game against Brest.

Kai Wagner – The former Union left back played his third match for Birmingham City on Saturday, going the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 road draw against Swansea City. Wagner assisted and scored in his first two games with his new club, but did not register a goal contribution on Saturday. Wagner was somewhat at fault for Swansea’s opening goal in the 21st minute. The 28-year-old was trying to shield a bouncing pass along the wing, but was outmuscled by Goncalo Franco, who then squared a ball across for a sliding tap-in goal. 

Other Notables 

– Brenden Aaronson (Medfrod, N.J.) played 89 minutes in Leeds United’s late 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.

– Stuart Findlay played all 90 minutes in Hearts’ 2-0 win over St. Mirren on Wednesday, keeping his side six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

– Jamiro Monteiro came on as a second-half sub in PEC Zwolle’s 3-1 home win over AZ Alkmaar on Saturday.

– Auston Trusty played all 90 minutes in Celtic’s 1-0 road win over Falkirk on Wednesday.

What’s Next

– Kai Wagner and Birmingham City travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 2:45 p.m. ET. They then host Stoke City on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. ET.

– Auston Trusty and Celtic visit Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 12:45 p.m. ET. They then travel to Hearts on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. ET.

– Jamiro Monteiro and PEC Zwolle travel to NEC Nijmegen on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 12:45 p.m. ET.

– Stuart Findlay and Hearts host Celtic on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. ET. 

– Mark McKenzie hopes to return from injury as Toulouse visit Brest on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 11:15 a.m. ET. 

– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United travel to Everton on Monday, Jan. 26, at 3 p.m. ET.