Brenden Aaronson had a stand-out performance in Union Berlin’s Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen this Saturday, making a statement to his surprise absence from the USMNT.
The American scored a wonderful goal, making this his second goal of the season and his second in the last five matches. One-two at the edge of the box and a bullet strike in the upper-90 to double the home side's lead.
Brenden Aaronson goal vs. Werder Bremen
TWO NIL. BRENDEN AARONSON. FOOTBALL GOD!
— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) March 16, 2024
He’s becoming a ‘football god.’
Aside from his appearance on the scoresheet, the 23-year-old had perhaps his best performance so far in the 2023-24 campaign, consistently carrying and dribbling the ball onto the last third and appearing very confident with the ball at his feet.
He completed five dribbles, won nine ground duels and had two shots on target in 78 minutes.
Aaronson’s season in the Bundesliga has seen the American play only 686 minutes across 22 matches, averaging a low 31 minutes played per game. However, since making his goalscoring debut in the season last February in Union Berlin’s 1-0 win over Hoffenheim, the USMNT forward has seen a significant increase in playing time.
In the last five games, the former Philadelphia Union forward has played a total of 221 minutes (a third of what he’s played in the season), averaging 44.2 minutes per game. He’s started twice in the last four games.
Unioner... It's an interview with Brenden Aaronson! We sat down with the young superstar to talk about growing up with football, being alone abroad and why he never would have claimed that goal off Andras anyway. He's a gent, and we are lucky to have him. Eisern!
— 1. FC Union Berlin (English) (@fcunion_en) March 15, 2024
This is a good sign for an Aaronson eager to reclaim his spot inside Gregg Berhalter’s squad ahead of the Copa America, especially after being snubbed from the USMNT’s squad list for the Concacaf Nations League semifinals this March.
However, while his call-up to the USMNT for this summer is to remain on the American’s radar, the forward must first help his club in their ongoing battle to staying in the Bundesliga next season.
The American’s club stands 13th of 18 teams, with their crucial win this Saturday putting them at 28 points and only nine away from the relegation play-off spot. Performances like these from Aaronson will only help both in their goals ahead of the summer.
