Samuel Adeniran scored his first goal in Major League Soccer with a brace in a 2-1 victory for St. Louis City at San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.
St. Louis, managed by South African manager Bradley Carnell, were beaten 3-1 by Real Salt Lake in midweek and as a result lost their lead atop the MLS Western Conference standings.
Fortune smiled on the Missouri outfit this time as Adeniran broke the deadlock at PayPal Park in the 41st minute with a powerful header from a Rasmus Alm corner.
Samuel Adeniran off the corner! @stlCITYsc find their opening goal before the break. pic.twitter.com/nNhJ4DEd6m
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 25, 2023
San Jose responded less than two minutes in the second half, Cape Verde midfielder Jamiro Monteiro with a composed finish. St. Louis would however respond back in the 57th minute, this time from the penalty spot with Adeniran cooly converting.
The 24-year-old Houston-born player of Nigerian descent was signed by St. Louis from Seattle Sounders and made four appearances at the start of the season before he was sent out on loan to San Antonio FC in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship. He was recalled back to St. Louis last week after scoring four goals and providing one assist in the American second tier.
Another one for Adeniran! @stlCITYsc retake the lead. pic.twitter.com/xNF5fUEkuY
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 25, 2023
The victory returned Carnell’s team back to top of the MLS Western Conference standings after Los Angeles FC, who have a game in hand, lost 3-2 at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps, Gabon international Denis Bouanga netting the second goal for the reigning MLS Cup champions and his 11th of the season.
Denis Bouanga's 11th goal on the year pulls #LAFC within one. pic.twitter.com/SzU4gMuXr6
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 25, 2023
He is two strikes behind leading marksman, German-Sudanese and Nashville SC forward Hany Mukhtar.
