Bobby Wood scored a brace for Hamburg SV and Fabian Johnson scored the goal of the day for Borussia Monchengladbach as the USMNT members helped their respective sides to the round of 16 in the DFB-Pokal.
Johnson’s Gladbach took on German second division side VfB Stuttgart, and the American winger got the home side off to a dream start in front of 40,452 at Borussia-Park. Collecting the ball off an exquisite back heel pass from Andre Hahn, Johnson scored his second goal in all competitions for the club.
Lars Stindl added a second in the 84th minute for Gladbach, ensuring their progression to the next round.
Meanwhile, Hamburg got a brief respite to their horrid Bundesliga start by defeating Hallescher FC, a third division side, 4-0. Bobby Wood scored a brace for his club, meaning that of the six goals Hamburg have scored in all competitions this year, the American striker has scored four of them.
The first goal was the result of a fantastic counterattack from the away team. Wood’s finish with the keeper rushing out was calm and composed.
Wood’s second strike in the 43rd minute was a fantastic solo effort. After riding an initial challenge, Wood then somehow managed to fire a shot through three swarming defenders and inside the far post.
The draw for the round of 16 will be held on October 26th. The shock of the round saw Javier Hernandez’s Bayer Leverkusen lose to Sportfreunde Lotte on penalties.
Follow me on Twitter: @ConmanFleming