The group stage of the UEFA Europa League is set to begin on Thursday afternoon, and with it comes a tasty match-up involving two of the more talented American youngsters.
Terrence Boyd and Mix Diskerud are set to square off in the lone battle of Americans in this first round of group stage matches when Rapid Vienna hosts Rosenborg BK, and both players will be aiming to help their respective club kick things off with three points in Group K. The former U.S. Under-23 men's national team teammates both had vital goal-scoring performances that helped their teams reach this point in the competition, and building on that in what will be their first taste of European action would surely provide them with more confidence going forward.
Clint Dempsey and Brad Friedel could also be in action, as Tottenham Hotspur host Lazio in Group J. Dempsey made his debut off the bench for the Spurs this past weekend, and a start could be in the cards for him as the Premiership club looks to start off their Europa League campaign with three points.
Here is a complete rundown of the Americans who could be in action on Thursday:
Josh Gatt and Molde FK play FC Copenhagen in Group E. (Gatt is out injured)
Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur play Lazio in Group J.
David Yelldell and Bayer Leverkusen play FC Metalist Kharkiv in Group K.
Terrence Boyd and Rapid Vienna play Mix Diskerud and Rosenborg BK in Group K.
Alejandro Bedoya and Helsingsborg IF play Levante in Group L.
Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 play Twente Enschede in Group L.
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What do you think of these Europa League matches? Which Americans do you see having the best chances of making runs in this competition? Who will win between Boyd's Vienna and Diskerud's Rosenborg?
Share your thoughts below.