US hopeful Auston Trusty scores incredible goal in Birmingham City win

Auston Trusty scored an incredible yet flukey goal in Birmingham City’s 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

In just the 4th minute, Trusty – with his back to goal – managed to loop the ball over QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng and into the net. His backheel was similar to the technique of former LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Emmanuel Longelo got the Blues’ second with a great solo goal before halftime. They had their goalkeeper John Ruddy to thank for the clean sheet as he saved Lyndon Dykes’ penalty in the second half.

The result puts Birmingham in 12th place in the Championship and they are just three points off the playoffs.

Trusty’s reaction

Trusty, who was the player of the match, did admit after the game that he did not mean it. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game he joked, “Of course I meant it! Nah it was a good goal. The keeper was off his line and I just put it back in play. It was kind of lucky but I’ll take it!”

When asked if he was still hopeful for a place at the World Cup, Trusty replied, “Of course, that’s my mindset. Maximise every opportunity and give me the best chance. I can’t really focus on anything else except my performance with the team. I can only control what I can control and I hope so as that is a dream of mine.”

Trusty is yet to get a senior cap for the USMNT, although he has played for the Under-23s and has been part of senior training camps. Greg Berhalter has lots of talented players in central defense, with the likes of Aaron Long, Walker Zimmerman and Cameron Carter-Vickers at his disposal.

There are calls for Auston Trusty to make Berhalter’s squad

Sky Sports commentator Lee Hendrie said during the game of Trusty’s performance, “He has been brilliant again. Yes, the goal might have been a fortunate one, but he had to instigate what he did himself. Defensively, he was absolutely excellent and he should have every chance of going to the World Cup with the USA.”

If Trusty keeps putting in performances like that for Birmingham then it will not be long before he makes his way into Berhalter’s squad. Trusty is only 24 and already has experience playing in the US with Bethlehem Steel, Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids. He is currently on loan at Birmingham from Arsenal, so the future is looking bright for the young American.

Trusty has shown what great talent can come from MLS clubs and hopefully he will get his chance not just with the USMNT but with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side in the Premier League too.

Whilst he has an outside chance at making the World Cup squad, as he is uncapped he is more likely to get his opportunity after the tournament. Trusty now had made 17 league appearances for Birmingham and scored three goals so he is definitely one USA fans should keep an eye on this season. Trusty’s next game will be when the Blues host Millwall on Wednesday, kick-off at 15:45 Eastern Time.

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