Brenden Aaronson kickstarted Leeds United’s third Premier League victory of the season.
Aaronson scored his first goal of the campaign as Daniel Farke’s men defeated West Ham United 2-1 at Elland Road on Friday. The U.S. men’s national team attacker played 87 minutes as the Lilywhites moved up to 13th place in the league table.
It was a fast start for the hosts as Aaronson propelled Leeds United ahead after three minutes. Noah Okafor’s original header from denied by Alphonse Areola but Aaronson was quickest to react and slam home the rebound.
Not long after taking the lead, Leeds United made it 2-0 through Joe Rodon’s close-range header. Sean Longstaff’s cross was headed home by the veteran defender after he wriggled free from Lucas Paqueta in the box.
Mateus Fernandes pulled a late consolation goal back for West Ham United in the 90th minute, but it was the closest that the Hammers would get to a comeback.
For Aaronson, it marked his first club goal since March 29th against Swansea City. It was a vital goal too for Aaronson, who entered the night with zero goal contributions on the season.
“I am really happy with the goal and I am happy with the group and the atmosphere,” Aaronson said in a club interview postmatch. “It was amazing to score early. It was a great atmosphere and I am proud of the team.”
Leeds United will aim to make it back-to-back victories when it travels to Brighton & Hove Albion on November 1.
I’m using one reply to address multiple topics and peeps…
With respect to the USMNT…
Beachbum,
I agree that Luna brings heart and that the USMNT has, “so called leaders who simply don’t deliver those goods on a regular basis.”
Intangibles are good, but that alone is not enough. World Cup players have to bring quality. It starts with a high level of quality in play with their respective club team and then it must translate to the same with the USMNT. Pochettino has reiterated the same. Additional intangibles are a plus, but the foundation of a player’s inclusion has to be rooted in quality of play. Luna has not provided quality for either RSL or the USMNT in a long time.
Johnnyrazor,
Agreed, that Luna, Freeman, and Arfsten, are at the end of a long season. For me, that doesn’t absolve them of having to produce, be effective, and be impactful for their respective club teams…especially in the playoffs. Are you absolving them of those responsibilities because they played a lot of games this season?
For me, it’s quite the contrary…club seasons are long, the MLS grand prize is the MLS trophy, which is disputed in the playoffs, which is 2025 season 2.0, and in MLS, the playoffs are more important that the regular season, so as USMNT, even more reason they need to be productive, effective, and impactful in the playoffs…welcome to being a professional soccer player.
Having said that, and with regards to Freeman, I did not cherry pick one game. I also referred to his performances with the USMNT this past October window. That said, the Eastern Conference play-in game vs the Fire is a one game, winner take all, so it is, what it is. The knock out rounds of the World Cup are the same, so Freeman et al will need to be ready for that scenario. In the summer of 2026, no excuses can be made, or will be accepted, so why make excuses now?
Quite frankly, comparing Freeman’s stats to Weah’s stats doesn’t hold up…MLS is not Ligue 1.
Arfsten’s stats in MLS don’t translate to the World Cup…it’s a major step up. For context, how many goals / assists for Arfsten vs Turkiye, Swizterland, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Ecuador, and Australia? What about his performances in those games?
Not to mention his aversion and deficiencies in defending. At the risk of being accused of cherry picking one game, how did Arfsten do defensively last night on Cincinnati FC’s goal? Not all Arfsten’s fault…the who Crew team was severely deficient…but Arfsten exhibited exactly what we know we will get from him in those scenarios…no defense.
“Should they be first choice picks certainly not…”…my point is, if Luna, Freeman, or Arfsten, make the World Cup roster, that is not ideal, because God forbid they start, or if Pochettino and his staff rely on them for any set of consistent minutes, we are fucked.
“The big difference between James Sands and Max Arfsten is James had a better agent who got him another gig in Europe after failing at Rangers” is supposition on your part. How do you know that?…maybe nobody sees the value in the price tag Columbus puts on Arfsten…maybe no one in Europe sees Arsten as a good investment that can be moved later in time for a profit…maybe nobody in Europe wants Arfsten or thinks he is a good player.
With respect to Carnell not playing Cavan…
Johnnyrazor,
Since you know why Carnell is “being a short-sighted moron,” you know that your gripe and corresponding vitriol is incorrectly directed at Carnell. Carnell’s priority is results / wins for the First Team. Given the short rope granted to Head Coaches, Carnell is going to stay true that priority. 2025 Supporter’s Shield…check. First seed, and home field advantage, throughout the playoffs…check. Winning MLS Cup…TBD. But up to this point, Carnell is doing his job, and well.
Since you are talking about maximizing the monetization of an asset, you should direct your vitriol to Tanner, McDermott, and Sugarman, in addition to the other multitude of investors at the Union, as I am certain that if they had an issue with how things with Cavan were moving along, they would be forcing Carnell’s hand to play him.
Vacqui,
Klinsmann, like Carnell, and any other Head Coach, is going to do and say what is best for themselves and their coaching gig. Klinsmann’s comment about Pulisic going to Europe was just that…in the best interest of Klinsmann and his coaching gig with the USMNT.
Additionally, it was 2016 when Pulisic went to Dortmund. With respect to elite youth development in the USA, that is night and day. At that time, US Soccer was still doing the heavy lifting with respect to youth development through the Development Academy, which was not ideal. Now, the MLS teams are doing it, and their doing it with a focus on business.
In professional soccer, it is not about whether you are “too young” or old enough, it is simply about whether you are good enough. If Cavan was a better option for the First Team than other players, and it gave Carnell a better chance to win, Cavan would be on the field, as it would benefit Carnell and Philly, both from a sporting AND business standpoint.
“If Cavan is the next Messi…”…stop with that. That is hyperbole and just silly talk. Lamine is not even the next Messi.
How much first team time is Max Dowman getting with Arsenal?…Ngumoha with Liverpool?…Mastatuonto with Real Madrid?…so why should Cavan be any different?
Going back to Klinsmann, and for context, when he was the Bayern Munich’s Head Coach in 08-09, he had wunderkid Thomas Muller at his disposal. Do you know how much he played him?…very little. Why not?…because it wasn’t in Klinsmann’s best interest.
Given all of the aforementioned, nobody can legitimately blame Carnell for not playing Cavan.
On a side note, you and I had an exchange on another SBI thread, and while not related, there are similarities…it was the Spring of 23-24 Euro season, and it was about Ricardo Pepi. I advocated for Bosz to play Pepi more, as he had earned it. You rebutted with Bosz not being responsible for developing USMNT and that his priority was to have PSV win. Given that he and PSV were so at that time, and Luuk de Jong was scoring in bundles, you said there was no reason for Bosz to change things up and play Pepi more. Carnell is winning with Philly…why would he change things up for simple sake of playing Cavan?
Good that he got the goal but let’s be honest, he is lucky it got past the keeper. Out of the entire goal, he shoots it virtually directly at the keeper. Lucky it went in. There was quite a lot of open space on the right side of the goal. I would like to see more Americans have better placement of their shots. Too many are center goal.
There were 4 or 5 guys closer to the ball when it bounced off the keeper’s hands, but he reacted fastest. It’s how a lot of goals are scored and a lot of guys don’t make that play, as many did not get to the ball before him when they could have. As I have pointed out in the past, there are no style points in soccer and all goals count the same.
Apart from the goal he played very well. As much as anyone, it was a Man of the Match performance. Several good crosses, a good through pass to set up a teammate, and another time he took a turnover, fought through 2 opponents, then ran about 70 yards to the top of the box and unleashed a shot that would have been a beauty but it was deflected just enough to hit the crossbar instead.
yep, he’s in a good way right now, started before the window. great to see
People on here calling for Sebastian Berhalther over Brendon Aaronson is hilarious. Seb is good at set pieces and thats it, Seb is not A team quality Mexico and the Swiss game clearly showed that.
It’s kind of silly since they don’t play the same position. Berhalter is competing with Roldan, Morris, Tessmann, McGlynn. BA with Pulisic, Tillman, Luna, Zendajas, Weah. If they are just talking about the 25th or 26th roster spot that is going to get little or no minutes the question of do you need an instant energy guy in the last 10 minutes down a goal or a guy to put a free kick on a platter makes some sense. But really for spot 26 it’s going to be Poch’s personal preference on what he wants at the end of the bench. I’d take BA, but DC Josh would take really anyone before he’d take aaronson.
I root for BA as much as anyone, and today was his best day in a Leeds shirt, albeit against a terrible West Ham team. That goal was pure (and typical) BA hustle, reacting to a rebound first and beating a ball-watching defender to the ball. He had a very good game and I really do hope he keeps it up.
Open to discussion would be his role if he makes the 26: I still stand by my judgement that he gives the ball away too easily by going for the spectacular instead of keeping it simple and is not a starter. If we are holding a lead and you want to replace a tiring attacker, then BA would be a potential replacement who will be a pest and hound the opposition when they have the ball.
Need a sub at the end of the game who can hit a sweet free kick or put a corner kick on a dime? Seb’s your guy.
As Johnny says, they are not competing for the same position and both have players way ahead of them in the pecking order. IMHO, the choice between the two will come down to injuries and what Poch thinks he needs at the end of the game.
As a Welcome to Wrexham fan, I watched their game today and Morris was really up and down. He kept on slowing the game down when ‘Boro really needed to up the tempo. He often runs the ‘Boro engine and makes his teammates look better, but today he was decidedly average.
DC Josh, I agree with your Morris assessment today he looked off. Although breaking down the bunker was never his strong suit. He’s better I think building in the middle third than breaking down in the final third.
DCJosh,
“Need a sub at the end of the game who can hit a sweet free kick or put a corner kick on a dime? Seb’s your guy.”
In a World Cup game neither Seb nor BA are taking that kick. If they are on the team hopefully neither one plays a minute
Agreed, Seb is not A team quality and there are multiple examples that clearly support that. The same applies to other, not all, players from the MLS contingent that Pochettino has called into camps, but I’ll come back to that.
Currently, Berhalter does not offer more than Adams, Tessman, Morris, or Roldan. McGlynn offers even less, so even though he is currently injured, he doesn’t factor into the conversation.
Aaronson’s best spot on the field is as a 10. Pochettino’s recent preference for a 3-4-2-1, benefits Aaronson. He showed well vs Australia, albeit a 2nd team Australia, and a in a short sub appearance.
Currently, he is playing regularly for Leeds, and while he is not tearing it up, there are glimpses, including his goal yesterday, which was all about hustle.
Additionally, Aaronson offers more quality than Luna, by far, and he has the same work rate, if not more.
On a side note, Weah will play as a WB, and not as one of the 10’s in a 3-4-2-1 formation. His skillset is best suited as a WB.
Agreed, that the 25 or 26th player on the roster comes down to Pochettino’s preference, but with respect to MLS guys…specifically Luna, Freeman, and Arfsten…what do they offer that is not already available in the current USMNT player pool?
These three guys served a purpose for Pochettino…they provided competition for spots on the USMNT roster. That said,, they’ve served their purpose. They don’t offer more quality than other existing players in the USMNT pool and none of those three were of any high quality in this last window, so how will they help in the lead up to this World Cup?
Additionally, they are not currently difference makers for their club teams. If they are USMNT players, shouldn’t they be difference makers for their respective club teams?…which are MLS teams, at that.
For context, since the Gold Cup, Luna has 0 G and 0 A for the USMNT. In MLS, he has 2 G and 1 A in all competitions. Additionally, in the play-in game from this past week, Luna was not effective, did not provide any production, nor did he impact the game. So how will he help us in the World Cup?
Freeman was abysmal vs the Chicago Fire this past week. What did he do this past window? It is a big jump in the level of play from MLS to a World Cup…so that player is going to help us in a World Cup?
Arfsten provided a great assist to Zendejas this past September window? Other than that, what has he done? His defensive deficiencies are crystal clear for all to see. McKennie is a better option as a LWB in the 3-4-2-1 formation and if healthy, so is Antonee Robinson. Given the step up in quality of play between MLS and a World Cup, what does Arfsten offer that will help us in a World Cup?
Luna’s heart turned the whole thing around imho. He was the one, with his heart and desire, that not only exposed those playing without it but also utilized it to play well, the stuff leaders do. We have so called leaders on this team who simply don’t deliver those goods on a regular basis, and in fact, are often found wanting there imho. That is exactly what he brings that some others don’t, to answer your question.
Papi,
All 3 MLSers you named are at the end of their season and the first season they have played for the NT. Arfsten 47 matches, Freeman 49 matches, Luna 46 matches. They’ve had some dip the last third of the season, but cherry picking Freeman having a poor game in one match seems unfair. 2g 1a in his 5 matches prior, 3 goal contributions over 6 from your RB is a rate most would take. 6g 6a in a year is outstanding for someone usually playing as a WB but Freeman is usually a FB. 6g 5a from Arfsten is pretty good too considering The Crew’s injury struggles in front of him. Luna’s struggles picked up after his promised move didn’t materialize. Should they be first choice picks certainly not, but the guys in consideration for those last 10 spots playing Europe are also flawed and go through periods of struggle and ineffectiveness. The big difference between James Sands and Max Arfsten is James had a better agent who got him another gig in Europe after failing at Rangers. (And of course James and Max play different positions) Next summer those Euro players in consideration will be at the end of long seasons with tired minds and legs and the young MLS contingent will be fresh and confident (and used to playing in the heat and humidity of the US in June).
Brendo hitting form.
It doesn’t matter. He may be peaking too early.
He’s useful in certain situtions but who knows if the USMNT will get into those situations.
However, he is lucky and tends to not get injured, so he’s around a lot.
At the end of the Australia game you could compare him to Luna , his competition.
The Big Balls persona may be wearing out.
Luna is a good player and all that but he just has no power. Meaning he is just a tad too slow, too unquick, a tad too weak in his shooting, a tad unstrong period.
In other words Diego is all the things we used to accuse BA of. A day late and a dollar short. 15-20 minutes at game’s end.
Except that since this season began BA appears to be stronger. Luna wil be on this team as a sub for one of the forwards or the attacking midfielders. Based on the Australia game the two of them compete for one spot and BA is trending up while Diego is sinking.
Diego is going to have to find a way to up is energy level.
It’s a long while before the choice has to be made and things change but Pocehttino did say that no one has made the team yet.
I’ll take his word for it but Diego still has to worry about his spot.
Tons of USNT news today:
-U17W clinch the group 5-0 over Norway, will play Morocco, Zambia, New Zealand or Netherlands in Rnd of 16, Spain looms in the quarters.
-Phil. Union are blocking the release of Cavan Sullivan until after the first round of the playoffs. Allegedly because they are facing injuries in their MF. Or maybe it’s Tanner and Cornel’s continued goal of undermining his career.
-There will be no January camp for the MNT team in 2026. Jesus Ferreira sees his only hope of making the WC fade away. There is a plan for a December 2026 camp. I would assume it is in the CBA that they have to have a domestic camp in 2026 so it will be at the end of the MLS season instead of the beginning.
Philly’s handling of Cavan has been pretty bad. But hey if he sees minutes in the playoffs and does well maybe that’s a good thing.
Cornel said it was Cavan’s idea, and then basically said he wasn’t planning on using him but he appreciated Cavan’s dedication to the club. What’s your record in the playoffs again Brad? 0-3, crashed out as the #1 seed did you?
Johnnyrazor,
Why the vitriol directed at Carnell because his priority is winning versus playing / developing Cavan?
Papi,
Because I couldn’t care less if Union win. I understand why he’s a short sighted moron. Literally giving away thousands of dollars (perhaps millions) in transfer fee add ons by not playing him because he’s devoted to a system that doesn’t win in the MLS playoffs.
In a league where every game simply does NOT count as much it does in most without a playoff and relegation- where virtually everyone makes the playoffs, it’s rather frustrating and ridiculous how little time young players get. It’s very short sighted, a complete waste of an opportunity that could really benefit a team, the league financially and competitively and promotionally. Few things get as much hype in sports as a shiny new talented prospect. By not playing, developing Cavan in August you’ve assured yourself he won’t be much of a viable option come playoff time, less of a proven asset down the line.
PG,
“Why the vitriol directed at Carnell because his priority is winning versus playing / developing Cavan?”
I am old enough to remember when Pulisic was taking flak for going to Dortmund instead of MLS and JK said something like” At Dortmund, if he is good enough they will play him, they don’t play young Americans in MLS.”
I leave it to people more expert than me on MLS to say whether this is still true but if Cavan is the next Messi ,Philly need to give at least some sort if idea that there is an “advance placement ” program in place for such a talent.
It makes them look professional.
Because I notice right now, most of our young hot shots seem to be developing once they leave MLS.
JR – the sample size of the system is really limited to one team. Do you hold the all the other systems that don’t win the cup accountable too? Their win percentage is pretty bad too no matter which one you pick. Lot’s of losing happening in the playoffs. Maybe it’s the inability and will of the Redbull organization to field a decent squad that gets found out by the playoffs. Field a better squad with that system and perhaps you get different results 50 games.
Betinho: didn’t work for Carnell in St Louis, hasn’t worked for NY Red Bulls under Marsch, Armas, Carnell, or any of their other managers, didn’t work for Armas at Colorado in the playoffs. Only to got Philly a draw vs 8th place at home needing penalties to count it as a win this weekend. Without MLS Salary rules it has won Leipzig a couple DFB Pokals, and usually Salzburg wins in Austria but both have large payrolls compared to most of their leagues, whereas the MLS teams payrolls have been similar. Red Bull Bragatino hasn’t had huge success either in Brazil.