As a substitute, Cameron Puertas symbolizes resilience Union: “Most important goal of my career” | Antwerp Union

by time news

2023-05-28 17:21:52

Cameron Puertas is not at the top of the midfield hierarchy, but coming on as a substitute, the Spanish Swiss crept into the superhero role. He was behind the crucial equalizer that keeps Union in the title race: “The joy when the ball slowly rolled in… that’s what you play football for.”

Just looked up Cameron Puertas’ statistics this season: he has 878 minutes on his counter in the competition, which he mainly collected as a substitute. He started only five times in the starting line-up. But Puertas was already good for 4 goals and 1 assist, and at Antwerp he was at the basis of a golden goal that will officially appear in the statistics as an own goal by Arthur Vermeeren.

“I can say that it is the most important goal of my career,” said Puertas. “It keeps Antwerp away from the title at home and gives us a chance at the title on Sunday.” The equalizer was a stroke of luck: the ball deviated from his shot. Keeper Butez was on the wrong foot. “I saw that ball slowly roll over the line. The joyful sensation you then feel… that’s what you play football for. But in football things can move quickly: after that goal we still had to stay focused and keep playing as a team.”

Puertas lashes out for the crucial equalizer. © David Hagemann / Photo News

Puertas admits that it wasn’t Union’s best match: “After Lynen’s red card, we got into trouble. But we showed incredible spirit as always. In those circumstances, a point is good.” Puertas was allowed to prove himself as a substitute after Lynen’s red card to restore balance in midfield. He played with a lot of drive, which was necessary. Union already had to manage the tough mission at Antwerp without his injured captain Teddy Teuma, and attack leader Victor Boniface was also not fit enough to start the match. “We knew in the week that there were some uncertainties,” said Puertas. “But we also knew that others are ready. El Azzouzi is not the same type of player as Teuma, but he has done well. We managed to replace those two key players well. That is also what makes Union so strong.”


We already knew in the week that there were uncertainties, but also that others are ready. El Azzouzi is not the same type of player as Teuma, but he has done well

Cameron Gates

The infirmary was still growing at Antwerp with Siebe Van der Heyden and Yorbe Vertessen who were injured. Let’s wait and see which of the dropouts Union can recover for the ultimate denouement on Sunday at home against Club Brugge. “Antwerp is still the favorite on Sunday,” says Puertas. “We will prepare for our game against Bruges as we do every game. We hope for a nice final. A title for us would really be the culmination of all Union’s hard work.”

Laurie Dieffembacq / BELGA
© Laurie Dieffembacq / BELGA

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