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Werder Bremen, Sargent Avoid Relegation, Win Playoff vs. Heidenheim on Away Goal Tiebreaker

Werder Bremen and U.S. national team striker Josh Sargent will remain in the Bundesliga next season after all. Barely.

Werder Bremen edged Heidenheim in the relegation playoff on Monday, riding a third-minute own goal–for which Sargent was an involved party–and a stoppage-time strike to a victory via the away-goal tiebreaker after a 2-2 aggregate draw.

The two clubs entered the second leg after a scoreless first leg on July 2, and it didn't take long for the visiting side to break through with a valuable away goal. As Sargent took a touch to get in shooting position, Heidenheim defender Norman Theuerkauf fired it away from the American–only to volley it into the back of his own net in the process.