Wednesday was a pretty good day for Americans playing for Manchester City in the Champions League. Sam Mewis popped up for a late winner as the women’s team beat Göteborg 2-1. Then Zack Steffen became the third American goalkeeper to start in the men’s UCL when he recorded a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Marseille.
With Pep Guardiola’s side assured of a spot in the Round of 16, Ederson was given the day off, allowing Steffen a chance to shine. Admittedly he didn’t have a ton of work to do, but the American came up with two saves as City won 3-0 to clinch top spot in Group C. Before Steffen, the only other Americans to start in goal in the Champions League were Tim Howard and Ethan Horvath.
But the headline belongs to Sam Mewis for good reason. The American midfielder helped City overcome an early deficit to record a vital away win in the Women’s Champions League Round of 32.
Vilde Bøe Risa gave Göteborg a lead in the third minute before Georgia Stanway equalized just before halftime with her 50th City goal. That set the stage for a late winner from Mewis.
In the 76th minute, Mewis rose above her defender to head home the decisive strike.
Sam Mewis Champions League Goal
4th Weir assist in 2 games, first @UWCL goal for Mewis. pic.twitter.com/QXDphZ1Vyu
— Emilia :) (@mcwfcwalsh) December 9, 2020
The win sets up Man City nicely for the second leg back in Manchester on Dec. 16.
However, it wasn’t the best strike of the day nor the most thrilling match in the Women's Champions League. The best match was in Turin as Lyon barely held on to its epic Round of 32 win streak. The best goal was courtesy Lieke Martens in Barcelona’s 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven.
(For the record, we’re well aware of the fact the feature image for this story isn’t from Wednesday’s match, but Getty Images didn’t bother sending a photographer to the match so we’re stuck with an old photo of Mewis from the Women’s Super League.)
