DOOPing Overseas: Adeniran scores brace to win Cup Final, Jamiro Monteiro returns from long-term injury

As we hit the final few weeks of the European season, former Union players overseas are leaving it all on the line, with history being made and history being up for grabs. Samuel Adeniran helped LASK lift their first trophy in over 60 years, while Stuart Findlay and Hearts took another step toward completing a magical season in Scotland. 

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:

Samuel Adeniran – The former Union striker put on a Man of the Match performance to help LASK win their first Austrian Cup since 1965. Adenrian scored twice on Friday, once in regular time and once in extra time, to help LASK beat Altach 4-2. In the 66th minute, with his side down 2-1, Adeniran would create a chance out of nothing. A ball was flicked over the top of the Altach backline, where Adeniran was able to pounce and one-time volley a laser into the top corner. The 27-year-old’s goal would send the game beyond 90 minutes. After fellow American George Bello gave LASK the lead in the 101st minute, Adeniran would seal the game just three minutes later. Sent clean through on goal, the striker would curl a left-footed shot around the keeper and in. Adeniran scored four goals in 254 Austrian Cup minutes this season. 

Jamiro Monteiro – The former Union midfielder returned to the pitch for PEC Zwolle this weekend, playing 17 minutes off the bench in a 1-0 home win over Heracles. Monteiro hadn’t played since January 31, missing 10 matches with a knee injury. What was thought to be a minor injury turned into a lengthy absence for the 32-year-old, who will represent Cape Verde at the 2026 World Cup this summer. Monteiro was a regular starter for PEC Zwolle before being sidelined. He started 16 of 18 matches, playing 1,178 minutes, while scoring and assisting twice. Monteiro will have two more matches before the end of the Eredivisie season to get back to full match fitness. 

Stuart Findlay – The former Union center back is on the verge of making history. With Monday’s 2-1 home win over Rangers, Stuart Findlay and Hearts are three points clear in first place with three matches to go. The Scottish Premiership hasn’t had a winner other than Celtic and Rangers since 1984-85, with Hearts last winning the league in 1959-60. During the massive comeback win, Findlay played all 90 minutes, making seven clearances, three recoveries and two interceptions. The 30-year-old won all six of his ground duels and was fouled four times.

Kai Wagner – The former Union left back registered an assist in a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth on Saturday, the final EFL Championship game of the season. Wagner whipped in a teasing corner, which was headed home by August Priske in the 19th minute. Wagner took six corners, created three chances and two big chances, and had one shot. After joining Birmingham City in January, Wagner played 18 games, starting all 18. He finished the season with a goal and three assists across all competitions. 

Other Notables 

– Brenden Aaronson (Medford, N.J.) played 18 minutes off the bench in Leeds United’s 3-1 home win over Burnley on Friday. 

– Mark McKenzie (Bear, Del.) played all 90 minutes in Toulouse’s 2-1 comeback win at Strasbourg on Sunday.

– Neil Pierre (Lebanon, PA) won seven of his nine duels in Lyngby’s 2-1 home loss to Hillerod on Sunday.

– Auston Trusty had 115 touches and made 96 passes in Celtic’s 2-1 road win over Hibernian on Saturday.

What’s Next

– Neil Pierre and Lyngby visit Hvidovre on Saturday, May 9, at 7 a.m. ET.

– Stuart Findlay and Hearts travel to Motherwell on Saturday, May 9, at 3 p.m. ET.

– Auston Trusty and Celtic host Rangers in the Old Firm Derby on Sunday, May 10, at 7 a.m. ET.

– Jamiro Monteiro and PEC Zwolle visit Fortuna Sittard on Sunday, May 10, at 10:45 a.m. ET.

– Samuel Adeniran and LASK host Red Bull Salzburg on Sunday, May 10, at 11 a.m. ET.

– Mark McKenzie and Toulouse host Lyon on Sunday, May 10, at 3 p.m. ET.

– Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United travel to Tottenham on Monday, May 11, at 3 p.m. ET.