Brenden Aaronson wasted no time introducing himself to Bayern Munich and the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.
The U.S. men's national team and Salzburg winger enjoyed an active start in the first leg of the round of 16 on Wednesday, punctuated by an assist on a surprising 21st-minute opener for the Austrian champions against the German powerhouse. With Salzburg springing on the counter, the 21-year-old Aaronson slowed a cross down just enough with a deft touch, letting the ball fall to Chukwubuike Adamu in an advantageous spot for him to fire home the opener.
After having an earlier chance blocked, Aaronson then tested Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich (Manuel Neuer was out injured after knee surgery), displaying his patience in the Bayern box before firing on target.