Tyler Adams’ 88th minute goal lifted RB Leipzig to a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid last night. The victory gives Leipzig their first appearance in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and gets them closer to an improbable European title.
Leipzig were not favorited to advance to the semi-finals entering the quarter-final match against Atletico Madrid and Adams was not the player expected to be the difference maker. The result of this match proved to be the biggest upset in the competition.
Tyler Adams the Unlikely Hero
An Emerging Talent
Surprisingly, Adams had yet to record a goal for Leipzig up until the big moment against Atletico Madrid. His first goal for the club could not have come on a bigger stage for the American right-back. Although the shot got a generous deflection on its way to goal, it will no doubt go down as one of the biggest goals of his career. It may not have been a wonder strike or the finish of his career, but what it resulted in will be what’s memorable.
Adams’ performance is showing he is one of the best young talents Leipzig have. At just 21, the defender is just getting started to his career in European football. This is sure to be one of the many moments of success Adams has during his time at Leipzig.
A Successful MLS Export
This was a monumental moment for the United States football scene. Adams became the first American player to score a goal in a Champions League quarter-final and is a perfect example of the emerging talent Major League Soccer are producing.
Leipzig acquired Adams from New York Red Bulls and he has been one of the better players to come from the MLS. Other former MLS players are ending up at big clubs such as Zack Steffen at Manchester City, Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich, and Miguel Almiron at Newcastle United. His impact for Leipzig will hopefully continue to inspire the current emerging players in MLS.
The future is bright for the MLS and their involvement in world football as a developer of talent. They may never become the league that the Premier League or La Liga are, but they are displaying they have what it takes to be a league capable of producing high level players.
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