USMNT
City keeper Zack Steffen adds to USMNT Champions League roster
Zack Steffen's debut in City’s 2-1 defeat at Leipzig means at least nine USMNT players have appeared in consecutive seasons in the Champions League.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola handed Zack Steffen a start in the final match of the Champions League group stage against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night. The Premier League side had already secured their spot in the last 16 and the top seed in Group A regardless of the result.
Steffen had played four league games with the Citizens this season and finally made his debut in this year’s Champions League. The United States international was beaten by Dominik Szoboszlai and Andre Silva before the break as the Bundesliga side carved out a 2-0 lead.
Steffen showed quality in Leipzig
Regardless of the result, Steffen displayed quality during the game and that will have pleased Guardiola, who has spoken highly of the keeper in the past. During the first half the United States international was very busy and prevented RB Leipzig from adding to the score sheet.
The US keeper made a low save from a powerful Emil Forsberg strike and then pulled off an impressive block to prevent Andre Silva from scoring a brace. Steffen's appearance on Tuesday means a total of nine USMNT players have seen minutes in consecutive seasons in the UEFA Champions League.