It had been close to 10 months since Sam Vines started a competitive match for Belgian side Royal Antwerp, but after getting the nod on Wednesday night in Athens, the former Colorado Rapids homegrown defender shined in a crucial result.
Vines logged 90 minutes as Royal Antwerp reached the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time after a 2-1 second leg victory over AEK Athens. Royal Antwerp advanced to the group stage following a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.
Gyrano Kerk’s 73rd minute goal boosted the Belgian hosts in front before Sergio Araujo made it 1-1 on the night ahead of second-half stoppage time. However, Michel Ange Balikwisha’s 95th minute winner helped Royal Antwerp capture a second-straight victory in European competition.
Vines was stellar in defense, winning all eight of his duels, completing all three of his tackles, and making one interception. The 24-year-old earned his first start since October 2022 and made his fifth overall appearance this year after a serious leg injury sidelined him for most of 2023.
Royal Antwerp will learn its group stage fate on Friday before visiting Union St. Gilloise on Sunday in Pro League action.