On Dec. 11, 2018, Manchester City and the Columbus Crew agreed on an estimated $7 million transfer fee for American goalkeeper Zack Steffen. After 653 days, the Pennsylvania native can now officially say he has played for Manchester City. The monumental Zack Steffen debut that us American outlets hyped up ended up being a quiet occasion.
Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 2-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday. City dominated the match in every category, including 74 percent possession. Bournemouth only managed one shot on goal in 90 minutes, and to the dismay of Steffen it went in.
Sam Surridge goal vs Man City pic.twitter.com/gpg5W34Tlv
— Utd Interest (@Utdlnterest) September 24, 2020
A super pessimist could technically claim that Steffen has allowed 100 percent of shots on goal against him to score in a City uniform. We here at the The18 are no Johnny Raincloud and will instead look at the positives from the American’s performance.
With the score tied at 1-1 Steffen made a key clearance in the 57th minute to deny Bournemouth’s Sam Surridge a second goal.
Good clearance from goalkeeper Zack Steffen #Mancity #Bournemouth @zackstef_23 pic.twitter.com/AVPEw4xOTT
— Manchester_City F.C. (@Manches25208661) September 24, 2020
We all love a confident sweeper goalkeeper.
The next stat that should excited USMNT fans and Cityzens alike is Steffen’s distribution. The American was nearly perfect, completing 22 of his 23 passes and finding teammates on 10 of his 11 long balls.
Steffen’s debut was quiet and he absolutely could have taken a quick cat nap at several points during the match. He’s still adjusting to the Manchester life and will see more action this season as City’s No. 2 goalkeeper.
As for the goals, City’s academy teenager Liam Delap scored the game’s brilliant opener and Phil Foden snatched the game-winner in the 75th minute.
City advances to the fourth round and will play Burnley next week. It’s likely Steffen will get the start for that match too and face more than one shot on target.
