Less than five months after making his debut with AFC Ajax’s first team, US men’s national team outside back Sergino Dest has recorded a brace, marking his first goals as a professional.
Dest, who was starting in a KNVB Cup match against SC Telstar, first collected a squared pass from Dusan Tadic in the 18-yard box and one-timed home with his right foot. His strike made it 2-0 for the visitors, before he grabbed another in the 57th minute.
An attack-minded defender who can play on the left or right, Dest spurned the Netherlands for the USMNT back in October. He had represented the US at the U-17 and U-20 levels, but his rapid rise in the Eredivisie prompted courtship from Oranje boss Ronald Koeman.
To date, Dest has three caps for the USMNT and figures to play a pivotal role in head coach Gregg Berhalter’s plans moving forward. The 19-year-old has already featured in eight Champions League matches so far this year.
