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Red Bull Salzburg won this year’s edition of the Austrian Cup with a 3-0 victory over LASK. American midfielder Brenden Aaronson scored the match’s second goal, receiving the ball at the top of the box on the counter-attack and blasting his shot into the corner of the net. Since joining the club in January, the 20-year-old has featured in every match and been a regular contributor to the scoresheet. Throughout his career, he has met the expectations of each successive level from the academy to the big European transfer.
One of the “smallest guys on the field,” Aaronson joined the Philadelphia Union setup at the age of 10. His teenage years involved daily 90-minute trips to the YSC Academy and competing with the club’s reserve side, Bethlehem Steel, in the USL. He made 21 appearances in two seasons, impressing with his chance creation and work rate while fighting through a collarbone injury. The young midfielder would commit to
Another American player is making a move abroad.
Center back Mark McKenzie is joining Belgian club KRC Genk on a transfer from the Philadelphia Union. He signed a four-and-a-half year contract that runs through June of 2025. The 21-year-old will “soon be able to fly” to his new country. The deal is “worth a reported $6 million” and includes additional performance bonuses.
There was a minor bidding war among several parties to secure his signature. Scottish giants Celtic were in pursuit, with the Union turning down a bid last summer. There was also rumored interest from clubs in the Premier League and German Bundesliga.
2020 Orlando City Season in Review: Ruan
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Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The 2020 season was the second in purple for Ruan after signing on Jan. 16 2019 from Barra da Tijuca FC. The Brazilian finally found a home with Orlando City after four loan spells and now Orlando appears to be his new home after another solid year. Ruan had a good season, especially on the attacking front, helping to provide an outlet for his teammate, Chris Mueller, to shine brighter than he ever has.
How did the right back perform in his second campaign with the Lions?
Statistical Breakdown
Ruan was one of the mainstays for Oscar Pareja when available, manning his usual right back position. The 25-year-old made 21 appearances in the regular season, with 18 starts for a total of 1,597 minutes.