Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie Shine for USMNT
On Wednesday night the United States took on El Salvador at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in an international friendly.
The Red White and Blue controlled possession for the entirety of the match on their way to a dominant 6-0 victory.
One of the goal scorers was former Union midfielder and Homegrown star Brenden Aaronson as his deflected shot on goal slid past goalkeeper Henry Hernandez.
Aaronson also assisted Sebastian Lletget’s beautiful chip goal in the 23′, his first assist for the USMNT.
Union center back Mark McKenzie and Aaronson both made their first start for the United Men’s National Team in the squad’s final match of the year. The two youngsters posted phenomenal seasons for Philadelphia and were a major contribution in earning the team’s first trophy in franchise history, the Supporters Shield.
Photo: —
Aaronson and McKenzie were both named to the MLS Best XI at the end of the season as McKenzie was a final nominee for MLS Defender of the Year while Aaronson was named a finalist for MLS Young Player of the Year. Neither of them were named winners of the respective awards, but they recorded exceptional numbers for the Boys in Blue big season.
On the defensive side of the ball, McKenzie and the backline only gave up 20 goals throughout the regular season and just four at home. Aaronson notched four goals and added seven assists en route to the best record and most points in all of MLS.
Aaronson’s goal the other night sent Union Twitter into a frenzy as many players and fans alike were tweeting about his deflected nutmeg goal in the 50′, his first goal for the United States men’s national team.
Here’s hoping that this is the first of many for the Medford, New Jersey native.
McKenzie was robbed of a set-piece goal towards the end of the first half as his one-time finish in the top net was called back for offsides. The play was not reviewed because there was no VAR in play at the game, but after watching several replays it is safe to say that McKenzie was indeed onside for the goal. It was an unlucky break for a hardworking defender that should have been rewarded for his first USMNT goal, but his first will come soon enough.
The offsides in soccer rule is an important part of football because it promotes fairness and influences both defensive as well offensive play by ensuring that attackers don’t gain any unjust advantages over opposing defenders.
Wednesday was also the day that the USA announced the U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year finalists as both Aaronson and McKenzie were named finalists for the illustrious award. The other nominees are Valencia’s Yunus Musah, Dortmund’s Gio Reyna, and Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards.
When all is said and done, Union fans and media alike should be proud and happy for both Brenden and Mark as they embodied the blue-collar mentality of Philadelphia and put it all on the line for their country in Tuesday’s massive win.
USA fans should be excited and eager to see what their young players have in store for a promising 2021 season with the likes of Aaronson and McKenzie leading the charge.
Featured Image: ---
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categorized:News Union WegENT Blog