Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough failed to earn a first leg playoff win over Southampton on Saturday and cannot afford to disappoint on the road at St. Mary’s Stadium this week.
Morris started and played 90 minutes in Saturday’s 0-0 first leg draw at the Riverside Stadium, putting all the pressure on Tuesday’s trip to the South Coast. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder has continued to play a starting role in Kim Hellberg’s squad since returning from injury in December.
Morris’ range and strong work rate have been crucial to Middlesbrough reaching the top-six and giving themselves a chance at promotion back to the Premier League. Although Morris only has three goal contributions this season, the 24-year-old has been vital to Boro being a tough team to break down on the defensive side of the field.
A strong performance on Tuesday could play major dividends in Middlesbrough reaching the promotion playoff final at Wembley Stadium later this month. However, a loss to Southampton would end Boro’s season and could potentially end his time at the club after delivering a second impressive campaign in England’s second-tier.
Elsewhere, Chris Richards and Crystal Palace visit Manchester City seeking a full three points. Auston Trusty and Celtic visit Motherwell in SPFL action. Erik Palmer-Brown and Panathinaikos take on Olympiakos in Greek Super League play.
Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad:
England
Premier League
Chris Richards and Crystal Palace visit Manchester City on Wednesday.
EFL Championship
Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough visit Southampton on Tuesday.
WSL
Emily Fox and Arsenal host Everton on Wednesday.
Spain
La Liga
Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid visit Osasuna on Tuesday.
Alex Freeman and Villarreal host Sevilla on Wednesday.
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad visit Girona on Thursday.
Scotland
Premiership
Auston Trusty and Celtic visit Motherwell on Wednesday.
Greece
Super League
Erik Palmer-Brown and Panathinaikos visit Olympiakos on Wednesday.