American defender Timothy Chandler deserves some recognition as the first USMNT player to win the Europa League with his club team. Chandler and Eintracht Frankfurt lifted the 2022 Europa League trophy after defeating Scottish outfit Rangers 5-4 on penalties.
Chandler didn’t make an appearance in the final but was ready at any moment on the bench. The American made 22 appearances for Frankfurt this season including five in the Europa League (four in the group stage and a single minute against Barcelona in the quarterfinals).
Chandler is an overlooked American player as the 32-year-old hasn’t made an appearance for the U.S. national team since 2016. While he may be overlooked, if anyone ever asks the question “has an American won the Europa League?” the answer is yes.
Americans To Win The Europa League
- Timothy Chandler
Chandler wasn’t the only American in Seville, Spain, for the final. Current USMNT bubble player James Sands came on the field for Rangers during extra time. Sands featured in defense and only had a handful of touches on the ball.
Sands is the third American male player to feature in a European cup final after Christian Pulisic came on as a substitute for Chelsea in the 2020-21 Champions League final and Clint Dempsey came on as a sub for Fulham in the 2010 Europa League final against Atlético Madrid.
No American has started in a European final yet.
Frankfurt’s victory on Wednesday can largely be credited to goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who made key saves to keep his side in the game.
Not including penalties, Rangers only could find a way past Trapp once in the 57th minute. An unfortunate slip for Frankfurt defender Tuta gave Rangers the look needed to take the lead.
JOSEPH OLUWASEYI TEMITOPE AYODELE-ARIBO!!! pic.twitter.com/WapIkHvuqu
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 18, 2022
Frankfurt would only trail for 12 minutes before finding the equalizer through Rafael Borré.
A STRIKER'S FINISH FROM BORRE DRAWS FRANKFURT LEVEL! pic.twitter.com/iwGWeW4X3b
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 18, 2022
Borré scored the equalizer for Frankfurt, but his most memorable moment will be when he stepped up to take the fifth kick in the penalty shootout for his side and seal Frankfurt’s first continental silverware in 42 years.
RAFAEL BORRE WINS EINTRACHT FRANKFURT THE EUROPA LEAGUE. pic.twitter.com/HQDPNv6WMg
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 18, 2022
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT LIFT THE 2021/22 #UEL TROPHY. pic.twitter.com/FmRPzdoVUm
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 18, 2022
Congratulations to Frankfurt and Chandler on the Europa League victory.
