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American midfielder Aidan Morris became the newest face in the English Football League Championship on Saturday, helping Middlesbrough to a first opening day victory since 2014.
Morris started and played 90 minutes as Michael Carrick’s men defeated Swansea City 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium. It marked the 22-year-old’s first competitive appearance for the English second-tier squad since moving from the Columbus Crew this summer.
Emmanuel Latte Lath’s 25th minute penalty kick goal was all Middlesbrough needed to claim three points at home against the visiting Swans.
Morris, who featured in the heart of Carrick’s midfield, completed 89% of his passes, won three duels, and made five defensive recoveries. The former MLS Cup winner rarely put a foot wrong as Middlesbrough kicked off its season with three points and a clean sheet.
He was the 1,000th player to feature for Middlesbrough in the club’s history, voicing his excitement about the honor postmatch.
“It was pretty cool, this is such a special club so to be able to help reach them reach that number is pretty cool,” Morris said. “The atmosphere was amazing, after playing in the States for a long time, being able to play in front of something like this is something you dream about. It was a special day for me.”
“[Playing in the Championship] takes 90 minutes and more,” he added. “We could’ve won the game by more than one goal, but then you see the chances that they get at the end of the match. You need full concentration for 90 minutes but I think the atmosphere and energy from the fans was amazing and got us over the line.
Middlesbrough will next visit fellow EFL Championship side Leeds United on Wednesday in the EFL Cup first round.
The showdown will pit Morris up against fellow U.S. men’s national team midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who scored the tying goal Saturday in Leeds United’s 3-3 draw vs. Portsmouth.
“Really pleased with him, not…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/08/aidan-morris-makes-middlesbrough-debut-in-opening-day-victory
Author : Larry Henry Jr
Publish date : 2024-08-10 14:51:49
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