Brenden Aaronson did his part to help Leeds United book a place in the semifinals of the English FA Cup, as they beat West Ham United on penalties in London.
West Ham United 2-2 Leeds United (Leeds win 4-2 on penalties)
Leeds United did all they could to hold on after letting a lead slip to earn them a spot in the semifinal of the FA Cup as they beat out West Ham United on penalties at the London Stadium.
Brenden Aaronson came off the bench in the first half for the injured Anton Stach to play 82 minutes in the game, completing 72 percent passing, winning seven duels, and making three tackles and five recoveries.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Ao Tanaka ran onto a pass from Noah Okafor to put his shot over Alphonse Areola.
West Ham was in a frantic hunt for the equalizer in the second half, but it caught itself in a jam when Leeds was awarded a penalty after the video assistant referee ruled that Aaronson was brought down in the 18-yard box following a bad tackle from Max Kilman in the 71st minute. Dominic Calvert-Lewin stepped up minutes later to convert the spot kick.
Leeds appeared on their way to the next round when the hosts cut the deficit three minutes into stoppage time. Jarrod Bowen’s shot from the right side of the area crashed off the post, but Mateus Fernandes was on the spot to recover the loose ball and strike it home. Axel Disasi leveled the score three minutes later when he steered in a cross from Adama Traore.
After a scoreless extra time, penalties came in to settle the game. Aaronson converted Leeds’ third attempt, as the team was able to hold on for the win.
Leeds will head to Wembley on April 25 to take on Chelsea for a spot in the final.
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