Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto were in action for their countries on Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday morning, but it could not have been more different for the Leeds United duo.
The 2024-25 season might have come to an end but for Gnonto and Aaronson, they remained in action at least until Sunday night. Both are currently representing their nations at the U21 Euros and The Gold Cup.
However, it was the end of the road for Gnonto after Italy progressed to the quarter-finals. They suffered an extra-time defeat to Germany in the last eight despite taking the lead, while Aaronson faced Haiti.
Germany may have had a two-man advantage for more than 30 minutes but it took them until the 117th minute to find a winner and win 3-2. Mauricio Pochettino’s stuttering US limped past minnows Haiti 2-1.
SOCGermany vs Italy
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Willy Gnonto shown red card as Italy crash out of U21 Euros
Italy took on Germany in the final quarter-final and took the lead through Burnley’s Luca Koleosho. But it has been a disappointing tournament for Leeds ace Gnonto, failing to score and picking up a sending off.
He was the first of two Italy red cards, receiving two yellows for two late tackles. Italy might have pushed the game into extra-time with a 96th-minute free-kick, but eventually lost with just three minutes to play.
What has been an up-and-down season for Gnonto finally comes to an end, in poor fashion. He, and Leeds, will be hoping that Gnonto gets some rest and returns to his usual self in England’s top flight.
United States v Haiti - Gold Cup 2025
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson takes his chance in USA win against Haiti
Combining his poor form at Leeds and the influx of new attacking players on Pochettino’s horizon, the Leeds man was dropped in March. But he has returned to the side this summer, for the Gold Cup.
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In what was only his second start in USA’s 2025 fixtures. However, one of those starts came on Sunday night as USA took on Haiti in their third and final group game at The Gold Cup, securing a 2-1 win.
Aaronson lasted 71 minutes and was crucial in the victory, laying on a gorgeous cross for USA to open the scoring through Malik Tillman. A reminder to Daniel Farke that he can produce moments of magic.
Leeds are expected to sign either Emi Buendia or Gustavo Hamer but Aaronson will be hoping that his showing for USA – albeit against Haiti – may just remind Farke that he still has plenty to offer at Leeds.