Adams becomes first US men's player to score in Champions League quarter final or later
The USMNT midfielder has made histroy by scoring RB Leipzig's late winner against Atlético, which sent the German club to the UCL semi-finals for the first time.
Champions League quarter-final first-timers, RB Leipzig have taken a historic step towards the semi-final after they beat Atlético 2-1 in the one-legged last-eight tie in Lisbon on Thursday night.
And their winning goalscorer, US international Tyler Adams, has set some personal history for himself by becoming the first American to score in a Champions League quarter final or later.
Atlético looked to be in control of the game after they found an equaliser through substitute Joao Felix in the 71st minute. But 18 minutes after the young Portuguese striker won and converted his penalty, Adams, who had come off the bench on the 71st minute, was found in space from a quick counter attack.
The 21-year-old midfielder drove a shot that took a wicked deflection off Atlético defender Stefan Savic, which left keeper Jan Oblak diving the wrong way as the ball found its way into the net.
It was an incredibly fortunate deflection, which was recognised by Adams himself in a tweet after the game. But neither he nor his team mates will be dwelling too much on how the historic winning goal went passed the posts.
“Deflections still count right…. SEMI FINALS here we come,” tweeted the New York-born player after securing his side’s spot in the last four, where they will face PSG.
Rapinoe and Grant Wahl show appreciation for Adams’ historic goal
USWNT World Cup-winning captain, Megan Rapinoe, also recognised Adams’ historic feat with a simple tweet.
Meanwhile, well known US sports journalist, Grant Wahl, and author of The Beckham Experiment, has hailed Adam’s goal as the biggest-ever club goal scored by a US men’s player.
Adams’ career trajectory
The 21-year-old joined the NY Red Bulls Training Academy as an 11-year-old, making his professional debut with the NY Red Bulls at 16. At 19, he was signed by RB Leipzig in 2019 for a $5 million fee.
His deflected winner against Atlético was also Adam’s first-ever goal for Leipzig after 28 appearances for the club -- a goal that will long live in the memory of Leipzig fans and firmly secures the USMNT player's place in the history books of this young club, which was founded just 11 years ago.