Brenden Aaronson scores game-winning goal for Union Berlin

It has been a frustrating season to date for American attacker Brenden Aaronson, but hopefully Saturday’s performance will spark a second-half surge for the 23-year-old.

Aaronson scored the game-winning goal on Saturday in Union Berlin’s 1-0 Bundesliga triumph over Hoffenheim. It marked Aaronson’s first goal of the club season, which moved Union Berlin eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men before halftime with Stanley N’Soki and Kevin Holland both receiving second yellow cards in stoppage time.

Aaronson entered the match in the second half and delivered the breakthrough moment with six minutes left to play. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder slotted home Yorbe Vertessen’s pass to cap off a Union Berlin fast break, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Nenad Bjelica’s squad would hang on for a crucial three points, giving them back-to-back league victories.

Aaronson, who hadn’t scored or assisted this season prior to Saturday’s match, now receives a major confidence boost going forward. The Leeds United loanee has mainly featured off the bench during his loan spell from the Yorkshire club.

Up next for Union Berlin is a home league showdown with FC Heidenheim on Feb. 24.