AMSTERDAM – Aron Jóhannsson hopped off the bench at halftime to help AZ Alkmaar in their 2-0 home defeat of İstanbul Başakşehir in the first leg of a Europa League playoff Thursday night.
The US forward entered with AZ already up 1-0, and would draw one save from his two shot attempts on the night. Jóhannsson carved out a decent chance from a last-minute corner kick, only to nod straight at the away netminder.
Jóhannsson was not initially expected to dress for this contest. However, manager John van den Brom decided his fitness was high enough from the Gold Cup run to include him in the selection. The American and his teammates will now head to Turkey for next Thursday's tie decider.
