Tanner Tessmann scored his first European goal on Thursday as the U.S. men's national team midfielder smashed in a long-range finish for Lyon. The goal, ultimately, proved all Lyon would need in a 1-0 win over FC Utrecht to kickstart their Europa League run. The Ligue 1 side sit ninth on the Europa League table on goal differential.
AFPTessmann's big goal
The goal came in the 75th minute with the two sides deadlocked, and it came just 10 minutes after Tessmann was tossed into the fray. The American, who has been so key to Lyon's efforts, began the match on the bench, but he ended up being the match-winner.
Receiving a ball just outside the box, Tessmann absolutely ripped a shot past a helpless Vasilios Barkas, who never had a chance to stop the midfielder's perfectly hit shot. Lyon went on to hold onto the lead, winning 1-0 to begin their European run with three big points.
AdvertisementWatch the clipGetty Images SportStrong start
The goal isn't Tessmann's first of the season, as the American midfielder also netted the winner in a 1-0 win over Anger this past weekend. It continued a strong start to the season for Tessmann, who is fighting for a role with the USMNT heading towards the World Cup. He has 12 league goals throughout his career.
Tessmann has not been in USMNT camp since March's CONCACAF Nations League loss, missing out on both the Gold Cup and September friendlies. The U.S. is set to reconvene in October for friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.
AFPWhat next
Before the international break, Lyon will visit Lille this weekend in Ligue 1 before hosting RB Salzburg in the Europa League on Oct. 2. Tessmann and Co. will then play one last game against fellow American Mark McKenzie and Toulouse on Oct. 5.