Brenden Aaronson's late missed header proved costly as Union Berlin fell to Braga in stoppage-time.
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- Aaronson comes on in 81'
- Misses golden chance
- Braga win in stoppage-time
- Getty Images
WHAT HAPPENED?
Braga came out on top in a wild 3-2 victory over Union Berlin. The Bundesliga side's Sheraldo Becker notched a brace, but a stoppage-time winner from Braga's Andre Castro stole the show.
Becker scored twice in minutes 30' and 37' to put the home side up 2-0 up, but Braga capitalized on a defensive mistake four minutes after the double to get one back before the break. Portuguese winger Bruma equalized just after half-time and then set up Castro at the death to take home the glory.
USMNT midfielder Aaronson was subbed on in the 81st minute, but failed to leave a lasting impact on the match, spurning a headed chance late on. The miss proved costly, as Union lost their second group-stage match of the campaign.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Aaronson's loan has been nothing but disappointing so far, and Tuesday was just an amplification of that. He was benched for the second-straight match and for the second time this UCL campaign. He was their last substitute used in the match and only played a total of 14 minutes, and it appears his confidence is drained.
He had a great opportunity to put the German side ahead minutes after entering the match, but missed a point-blank header.
For Union Berlin, it's a second-successive heartbreaking loss in stoppage-time loss in the Champions League. On matchday one, the Bundesliga side fell to Real Madrid 1-0 due to a 94th-minute winner from Jude Bellingham.
- Getty Images
USMNT IMPACT
Aaronson not starting nor getting regular minutes for Union Berlin has to be a worry for Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT.
With upcoming October friendlies against both Ghana and Germany on the horizon, it's important that the 22-year-old finds both his confidence and his shooting boots as the two matches ahead are their toughest international opponents yet.
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GOAL'S RATINGS
Brenden Aaronson (5/10):
Despite coming on late in the 81st minute, Aaronson nearly set up a goal immediately and then missed a point-blank header late; one would argue he has to score in that moment.