da aposte e ganhe： Gio Reyna made his first appearance of the season for Borussia Dortmund, coming on as a substitute in a win over Brenden Aaronson's Union Berlin.
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Reyna makes season debutAaronson also on as subDortmund win 4-2
Reyna's appearance comes just two days after it was announced he would join up with the U.S. men's national team for upcoming friendlies, marking his return for the first time since the Nations League this summer. That was also the last time we'd seen Reyna on the field prior to Saturday, as the midfielder had been kept on the bench for the past several weeks after returning from injury.
The American was tossed into the match in the 64th minute, seven minutes before Julian Ryerson scored Dortmund's final goal in a 4-2 win. Aaronson, who is also headed for USMNT camp, was a substitute himself for the other side, having come on in the 55th minute.
Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
It was a match that started as it meant to go on: chaotic.
It took just seven minutes for Dortmund to seize the lead in front of their home supporters on a goal from Niclas Fullkrug, but Union Berlin fired back two minutes later on a goal of their own from Robin Gosens.
The visitors were the next to strike on a goal from Leonardo Bonucci, with the ex-Juventus star stepping up to take a penalty for his new club.
The score remained 2-1 until the 49th minute as Dortmund roared back through Nico Schlotterbeck before, five minutes later, retaking the lead thanks to a Julian Brandt finish. Ryerson then all but sealed the in the 71st minute, earning Dortmund all three points.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Dortmund began the match with Donyell Malen, Marco Reus and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in attack behind striker Fullkrug, with Reyna once again taking his place on the bench. The American has been out of Edin Terzic's preferred starting XI even dating back to last season, when Reyna proved himself a fantastic supersub as Dortmund came oh so close to a Bundesliga title.
He made his way onto the field in the 64th minute, replacing Malen. He played a part in Ryerson's big goal, as it was Reyna's cross that deflected out to the defender as he made it 4-2.
Aaronson, meanwhile, has largely been a sub for his side since the international break, coming off the bench in four of the club's five matches, with the lone outlier being a start against Hoffenheim. The Leeds loanee missed a chance in the Champions League against Braga and, on Saturday, he missed another opportunity to equalize, albeit a tough one, as he put a volleyed attempt wide in the 65th minute.
It's been a rough run for the club as Union Berlin have now lost seven in a row in all competitions.
Getty/GOALUSMNT IMPACT
Reyna's return is big news for the USMNT as the midfielder now has some sort of minutes under his belt as he heads off to national team camp.
Gregg Berhalter was asked plenty about Reyna during his media availability on Thursday, with most of the discussion centering around the duo's off-field relationship. In terms of the on-field aspect, though, Berhalter said the plan is to give Reyna limited minutes as they look to build his fitness ahead of his return to Dortmund.
At this point, the main goal is to put Reyna in a place where he can contend for a starting spot at Dortmund over the next few months before, perhaps, reassessing in January. The first order of business, though, is for Reyna to be fit and to find good form.
The hope will be that the international break can help in that regard as Reyna is now officially on the comeback trail.
Getty ImagesGOAL'S RATINGS
Brenden Aaronson (6/10):
Had a few okay moments, but once again missed a chance at a big goal. It was a tough finish, for sure, but, after missing a sitter in the Champions League, he'll be extra frustrated. If these chances can start going in, the mood will change very, very quickly.
Gio Reyna (7/10):
Played a part in the goal, even if he won't get credit for it. A decent return from a long layoff, as Reyna looked crisp enough for a player that hasn't played in several months.