United States men’s national team forward Brenden Aaronson scored an 84th minute winner for Union Berlin in a 1-0 victory vs. Hoffenheim on Saturday.
The goal will come as a massive sigh of relief for Aaronson who was on a tremendously long goal drought. The last time the 23-year-old forward had scored for a club was August 2022 against Chelsea while playing with Leeds.
Aaronson is on loan with Union Berlin and has only started five Bundesliga games this season. The American is typically used as a late substitute.
He had a major impact on Saturday as he was brought on in the 66th minute and scored 18 minutes later.
Brenden Aaronson goal vs. Hoffenheim
Brenden Aaronson with the winning goal today for Union Berlin. Huge 3 points for them. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/ot7emmG8wk
— Stu Holden (@stuholden) February 17, 2024
Brenden Aaronson with the game winning goal in the 84th minute. 1-0 Union Berlin win #fcunion pic.twitter.com/doaSOtKUDq
— Tim Lutz (@SoccerLife_215) February 17, 2024
The goal wasn’t only important to him as the victory moved Union Berlin eight points clear of the bottom three. The Bundesliga underdogs had a terrific and stunning campaign last season finishing in the top four.
That magic couldn't be recreated in the 2023-24 season as Union Berlin finished bottom of their Champions League group failing to win any games and have struggled in the Bundesliga.
Aaronson’s winner marks back-to-back wins for the club. Perhaps they can still salvage something this season.
As for the American forward, the goal will be a boost of confidence and help his chances of being called up for the USMNT’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League semifinal vs. Jamaica next month.
11 - Brenden Aaronson is the 11th different American to score a goal in the top 5 European Leagues this season, equaling the most in a season this century (also 11 in 2021-22, 2020-21 and 2018-19). Wings. pic.twitter.com/J6swJPnxiC
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) February 17, 2024
