By CAITLIN MURRAY
Aron Johannsson came through big for AZ Alkmaar Wednesday, scoring twice to push AZ to the KNVB Cup in a dramatic overtime win on penalty kicks, where the U.S. National Team forward also did his part.
Although Heerenveen took an early lead, Johannsson opened the scoring for AZ with a tap off a deflection in the 19th minute. Entering extra time deadlocked at 1-1, Johannsson shook defenders in the box for a late goal in 105th minute – but a Heerenveen response sent the match the to PKs. Johannsson easily converted his spot kick and AZ finished 7-6 in penalties for the win and a place in the quarterfinals to defend the team’s title.
With his 16th and 17th goals in the books, Johannsson is now more than halfway to beating fellow national-teamer Jozy Altidore’s single-season record for goals by an American playing abroad, which Altidore set last year at 31 goals.
Check out videos of both goals after the jump:
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What do you think of the goals? What do you think of how Johannsson is playing AZ Alkmaar? Is he going to give Altidore a run for his money? Have any predictions for how AZ does in the quarterfinals?
Share your thoughts below.