It’s not often you see American players score against Real Madrid but Johnny Cardoso etched his name into that short list.
Cardoso scored his first La Liga goal of the season as Real Betis defeated Los Blancos 2-1 in La Liga play on Saturday. The American midfielder earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors as Manuel Pellegrini’s squad claimed an important three points.
Cardoso’s 34th minute headed finish helped tie the match for the hosts before Isco’s second-half penalty kick eventually boosted them in front for good. The New Jersey native has remained a constant threat for Real Betis this season and added another 90-minute gem under his belt against the reigning league champions.
With Europa Conference League hopes and a top-six finish in Spain still on their minds, Real Betis has multiple goals remaining on their to-do list.
Cardoso could very well receive a USMNT call up in March following his continued production in the Betis XI.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Alex Zendejas
Alex Zendejas might be the player of the season so far in Liga MX.
Zendejas scored once and added one assist on Saturday as Club America defeated Toluca 3-0. The USMNT winger now has five goals and five assists in eight Clausura appearances this winter, carrying Club America to a current second place spot.
Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams went the distance on Saturday as AFC Bournemouth advanced to the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Adams logged 120 minutes in the Cherries’ 5-4 penalty kick shootout victory over Wolves. The USMNT midfielder rarely put a foot wrong in the match, covering ample ground and delivering a strong defensive shift in Andoni Iraola’s starting lineup.
Aidan Morris
Aidan Morris looks to be back in his groove for Middlesbrough.
Morris logged back-to-back 90 minute performances as Michael Carrick’s squad defeated Stoke City and Derby County this past week. The USMNT midfielder has overcome a winter injury to reclaim his starting spot, which has helped Boro to a current eighth place spot.
Morris will be fighting for USMNT involvement this month but first has a few other league matches to focus on.
Chris Richards
A strong week for Chris Richards helped Crystal Palace earn back-to-back wins.
Richards helped Palace rout Aston Villa 4-1 midweek in Premier League play before the Eagles advanced past Millwall 3-1 in FA Cup action on Saturday. The USMNT defender has been a key reason for Crystal Palace’s sensational start to the year and should rightfully be Mauricio Pochettino’s squad later this month.
What did you think of these individual performances this past week? Was there anyone left off the list that you would’ve added?
Share your thoughts below.
