Johnny Cardoso became the first U.S. men’s national team player to start a European Final on Wednesday but unfortunately that was as far as the accolades went in Poland.
Cardoso played 85 minutes for Real Betis against Chelsea but watched as the Blues won the UEFA Europa Conference League Final 4-1. Chelsea became the first club to won all four of UEFA’s competitions in the process.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli propelled the La Liga club in front after nine minutes, receiving a pass from Isco before stroking home into the bottom-right corner for a 1-0 lead.
Chelsea would have to wait until the 65th minute to tie things up but did so through Enzo Fernandes’ equalizer. Cole Palmer’s cross from the right wing was finished off by the Argentine midfielder.
Palmer played distributor on Chelsea’s go-ahead goal five minutes later, this time teeing up Nicolas Jackson for a 2-1 Blues lead.
Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo both added late insurance goals for Enzo Maresca’s squad to pad their eventual triumph.
Cardoso won five individual duels, made three defensive recoveries, and completed 83% of his passes.
It was a disappointing end of the season for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, who finished sixth in La Liga.
Cardoso, who was influential throughout the campaign, could have very well played his final match for the club with several suitors reportedly interested in his services.
Proud of Johnny… He represented himself and the country well. He’s become quite a player in the last 24 months. Hopeful that this summer will be a big boost for him confidence wise … as well as breaking up the Popular yet ineffective “MMA“ midfield Trio.
Im not sure how to react toTX3. A real SBI poster would have said that Johnny was either (a) responsible for at least 2 goals or (b) was largely anonymous and lucky not to be subbed at halftime.
A simple congrats for starting for his club team in a Euro Comp final…. I dont know what to do.
But good for Johnny.