The third round off European qualification completed during the week, further narrowing the list of Americans attempting to reach the various League Phases. Erik Palmer-Brown will breathe a sigh of relief after his team’s narrow win, while the American pair of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty at Celtic learned their opponents as they begin their adventure next week in the play-off round.
In the early-rounds of qualification to reach the group stages for the three European competitions, Rokas Pukštas was the only American to earn a start for his team, however the most memorable performance of the round was a limited cameo by former USMNT player Aron Jóhannson.
Hajduk Split’s Rokas Pukstas will be sidelined for an undisclosed period of time as an announcement from the club has said he suffered a knee injury.
Rokas Pukstas has started the Croatian First League season in excellent form as he came to the rescue again for Hajduk Split with the goal to seal a 1-0 win over Rijeka on Sunday.
Rokas Pukstas came up big for Hajduk Split as he was on the spot to score the game-winner for the team in the 2-1 win over rivals Dinamo Zagreb as Croatia’s First League kicked off their new season on Friday night.
Sam Vines and Royal Antwerp collapsed at home against their Turkish opposition Thursday, ending their European run and ensuring that no Americans will to play in the group stage of the Europa Conference League.
Sam Vines set up the late equalizing goal for Royal Antwerp on Thursday, as they did what was needed in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off to stay on equal footing heading back to Belgium.
Sam Vines was the only American on the field in Europa Conference League qualification to see his team advance to the next round, with Kyle McLagan, Christian Cappis and Kenny Saief all having their hearts broken in extra time.
It was wins all around for all Yanks competing in Europa Conference League qualifiers on Thursday, with Kanny Saief finding the net for Baku, Sam Vines going the distance for Antwerp and Kyle McLagan and Vikingur continuing their run.
