Johnny Cardoso has enjoyed a sensational campaign with Brazilian side Internacional and the American midfielder delivered his best performance yet in Monday’s Serie A romp over Juventude.
Cardoso scored two goals in a 4-0 home victory, which was the first multi-goal performance of his professional career. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder left the match in the 63rd minute with an apparent injury, but still delivered a Man of the Match performance before exiting.
The 20-year-old broke the deadlock in the 38th minute before Wanderson doubled Internacional’s lead in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time. Cardoso’s goal came off a header in the center of the Juventude box, which soared into the top-left corner.
Cardoso didn’t wait long in the second half to double his tally, once against heading home with a powerful header. It was the third goal of the season for Cardoso in Serie A play.
Cardoso finished the match with seven won duels, two fouls drawn, and two interceptions before leaving through an apparent injury. It was his 30th combined appearance for the Brazilian club this season.
Internacional is up to fifth in the Serie A standings following the lopsided win, sitting just outside of the automatic qualification spots for the Copa Libertadores competition.