American Exports: Cesar Romero scores in UEFA Champions League qualifying round

AMSTERDAM – FC Pyunik ace Cesar Romero marked his Champions League debut by hopping off the bench at halftime to bag the 2-1 winner against first qualifying round guests Folgore on Tuesday evening.

The former Chivas USA forward, who runs out of contract in August, worked a quick combo with Vardges Satumyan to double the home side's lead. By scoring, Romero became the first American to do so in Champions League play since New York Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan scored for Anderlecht in December of 2013.

Romero repeatedly threatened to add a third for Pyunik against their visitors from San Marino, firing seven shots in his 45 minutes of work. Mere seconds after notching the 28th goal in less than a year with the Armenian champs, the No. 7 shirt was robbed on a blast from the edge of the area. He also shaved the post from a sharp angle near the hour mark.