International Soccer
DOOPing Overseas: Flach scores first goal in 3 years, Wagner avoids serious injury
Last week was highlighted by a long-awaited goal, missed opportunities and a slew of injuries for former Union players overseas. Unfortunately for Leon Flach, his first goal in over three years was lost after his game-deciding own goal. Brenden Aaronson missed a big chance against Manchester City, while Kai Wagner suffered a shoulder injury, joining Stuart Findlay and Jamiro Monteiro on the sidelines.
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:
Leon Flach – The former Union midfielder found the back of the net twice in Jagiellonia Bialystok’s 2-2 home draw with Legia Warszawa on Sunday, scoring one goal for each team. Flach got the scoring started for his own team in the 17th minute. From the top of the box, Flach used his left boot to curl a wonderful strike into the top left corner of the goal. This was Flach’s first goal in 55 games for Jagiellonia Bialystok and first goal since scoring for the Union in 2023. Flach would find the net again in the second half, but unfortunately for the 25-year-old, it was an own goal. In the 56th minute, the German-American was in a good position to make a clearance along the goal line, but flubbed his attempt off his knee and into his own net. After securing a 2-0 lead in the first half, Flach’s side conceded two own goals in just over 15 minutes to draw 2-2.
Kai Wagner – The former Union left back suffered a shoulder injury in Birmingham City’s 3-0 loss at Millwall on Wednesday. Wagner hit the turf hard and was substituted off in the 68th minute. This was the first time Wagner didn’t play a full 90 minutes for his new club since his debut on January 4. It was also Birmingham’s first loss since Wagner joined from the Union. Despite initial concerns of a dislocated shoulder, the 29-year-old’s scans were negative. Wagner returned to the starting XI on Monday in a 3-1 home loss to Middlesbrough. He won the most duels of any player in the match (10), created two chances and had one shot on target.
Brenden Aaronson (Medford, N.J.) – The former Union midfielder played 65 minutes in Leeds United’s 1-0 home loss to Manchester City on Saturday. Aaronson was lively in the first half, but had little of the ball after the visitors scored on the stroke of halftime. The American created one big chance, whipping a delightful cross to the penalty spot where Dominic Calvert-Lewin flashed his one-time shot just wide. He also has a big chance of his own. Barrling in on goal, Aaronson took one too many touches on a partial breakaway, with his weak shot being saved by the keeper and deflecting back off him and out for a goal kick. This was the 25-year-old’s 12th consecutive Premier League start for Leeds.
Other Notables
– Stuart Findlay is expected to miss six weeks with a hamstring injury. However, due to Scottish Premiership scheduling, the center back may only miss three games.
– Jamiro Monteiro has not featured for PEC Zwolle since the end of January as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
– Julian Carranza did not feature for Necaxa in their 2-1 loss to Leon. The reason for his absence is not known.
– Auston Trusty (Media, Pa.) was suspended for Celtic’s 2-2 draw against Rangers in Sunday’s Old Firm Derby.
– Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.) played all 90 minutes in Toulouse’s 1-0 loss to Rennes on Saturday.
– Mikael Uhre played 28 minutes in FC Midtjylland’s scoreless draw with Brondby on Sunday.
– Samuel Adeniran also played 28 minutes in LASK’s 2-2 road draw with Austria Wien on Sunday.
What’s Next
– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds host Sunderland on Tuesday, March 3, at 2:30 p.m. ET. They then host Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday, March 8, at 12:30 p.m. ET.
– Julian Carranza and Necaxa travel to Pachuca on Tuesday, March 3, at 8 p.m. ET. They then host Universidad Nacional on Friday, March 6, at 10 p.m. ET.
– Samuel Adeniran and LASK travel to Ried in the Austrian Cup semifinals on Wednesday, March 4, at 2:30 p.m. ET. They then host Wolfsberger AC on Sunday, March 8, at 12 p.m. ET.
– Mark McKenzie and Toulouse travel to Marseille in the Coupe de France quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 4, at 3 p.m. ET. They then host Marseille in league play on Saturday, March 7, at 3:05 p.m. ET.
– Auston Trusty and Celtic visit Aberdeen on Wednesday, March 4, at 3 p.m. ET. They then travel to Rangers again for the Scottish Cup quarterfinals on Sunday, March 8, at 9 a.m. ET.
– Leon Flach and Jagiellonia Bialystok travel to Lechia Gdansk on Friday, March 6, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
– Kai Wagner and Birmingham City visit Charlton in the EFL Championship on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. ET.
– Mikael Uhre and FC Midtjylland host AGF in the Danish Cup semifinals on Sunday, March 8, at 1 p.m. ET.
I really appreciate these reports on our former players!