Jordan Pefok wasted little time introducing himself to his new fans in Germany with the American striker celebrating his first league goal for Union Berlin.
Pefok scored the opening goal in Union Berlin’s 3-1 rivalry win over Hertha Berlin on Saturday, giving the U.S. men’s national team forward his first-career Bundesliga goal. Pefok scored in Union Berlin’s comeback German Cup win last weekend and followed that up by setting the tone for a dominant day for the hosts.
Pefok started alongside Sheraldo Becker in the Union Berlin attack and broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Becker’s cross from the left wing was headed home by Pefok from point-blank range, giving the hosts an early advantage against their biggest rivals.
Becker doubled Union Berlin’s lead in the 50th minute before Robin Knoche added a third goal for the hosts in the 54th minute. Pefok logged 78 minutes in his first Bundesliga start, winning nine duels, registering two shots and making four recoveries.
The 26-year-old now has two goals in his first two competitive appearances for his new club, setting an early standard for the USMNT forward ahead of a busy first-half of the season. Pefok is one of many American forwards pushing for involvement this November at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Union Berlin will travel to Mainz on Matchday 2 in league play on August 14.