Leeds United were heavily involved in the USA’s Copa America match against Uruguay in the early hours of this morning.
The two countries were facing off in their last group stage matches of the tournament, in what was a critical match for the Americans to keep their dreams alive.
Uruguay had already qualified in first place after easily winning their first two games against Panama and Bolivia, scoring eight goals in the process.
The United States, however, had suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Panama in their second encounter and knew that only a win over Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay would be enough to advance to the last eight.
Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, both former Leeds midfielders, started for the USA on the night, while Brenden Aaronson, who is returning to Elland Road, was on the bench.
Bielsa faces Aaronson’s USA for Uruguay.
Given that they were already first in the group, Bielsa could have been forgiven for fielding a little depleted squad in the encounter yesterday night.
However, Leeds fans are well aware that this is not Bielsa. He is all about honesty, thus Uruguay selected their strongest available starting lineup, which included all of their big-name players.
Uruguay, having beaten both Brazil and Argentina in World Cup qualifying under Bielsa, has a legitimate chance of going all the way this summer, but the United States has reached the end of the road.
Uruguay won 1-0 thanks to Mathias Olivera’s goal, and the United States was eliminated in their own backyard as Panama defeated Bolivia.
Given that all of their teams are now competing in Europe’s top five leagues, substantial questions will be raised about the USA’s performance in the competition.
Even Jesse Marsch’s Canada made more progress than they did, finishing second in a group that included Argentina.
Aaronson is now set for a quicker return to Leeds.
Aaronson was an unused substitute in yesterday night’s game, so he didn’t get to test himself against Bielsa, a manager who wanted to recruit him in January 2022.
It also means Aaronson has just played eight minutes of football throughout the competition, which will upset him after a successful season at Union Berlin.
However, Aaronson will return to Leeds earlier than he would have if the USA had progressed farther in the competition.
Leeds return for pre-season this week, and Aaronson will likely have about two weeks to rest and recover before returning to Thorp Arch.
