AMSTERDAM – A trio of Americans opened Europa League third-round qualifying play on Thursday, with Steve Cherundolo captaining Hannover 96 to a 3-0 victory at St. Patrick's.
The Irish hosts were only able to muster two shots on target as the Reds sent the tie back to Germany with a large advantage.
Elsewhere, Etchu Tabe and Finnish mites KuPS continued their fine qualifying form with a 1-0 win over Turkish guests Bursaspor.
The American defender saw an early yellow as the Canaries won their tie opener for the third straight round despite being outshout 7-4 and conceding eight corner kicks.
However, the night did not go so well for Terrence Boyd and Rapid Vienna, who fell 2-1 in a late flurry of action at Serbian side FK Vojvodina.
The young forward put one of his three shots on frame and earned the visitors a late penalty kick that could have knotted the game, only to have captain Stefn Hoffman rattle the woodwork with it.
All three deciding second legs will be played on Aug. 9.
