Patrick Agyemang’s productive first season in England continued Saturday at Deepdale.
Agyemang delivered Derby County’s winning goal as John Eustace’s men defeated Preston North End 1-0 away from home. It marked the U.S. men’s national team forward’s seventh goal of the season and his 10th overall goal contribution (seven goals, three assists).
After a goal-less first half, Agyemang delivered the breakthrough goal for the visiting Rams with eight minutes to play. The former Charlotte FC man rose high to head Ben Brereton Diaz’s cross into the bottom left corner.
Agyemang played 89 minutes in the victory as Derby County snapped a two-match losing streak in the process. He is now tied with Carlton Morris for the most goal contributions in the Derby County squad this season.
Despite missing some positive chances earlier in the match, Agyemang admitted his focus was always going to be for his next scoring chance.
“As a striker you want to score on every chance you get but in the world we’re all human, nobody is going to score with every chance,” Agyemang said postmatch in a club interview. “The most important thing is when the fans back me and the guys on the team are backing me saying ‘Pat, go again’, you just keep going and I have been working on this mental battle. It’s always about being ready for the next opportunity and I think I showed that today.”
The 12th-placed Rams will next visit Charlton Athletic on Tuesday before returning to Pride Park Stadium to take on West Bromwich Albion next Friday.