Philadelphia Union's Jakob Glesnes Scores Crazy 40-Yard Own Goal in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Originally posted on FanNation Futbol
By Robert Summerscales | Last updated 2/21/24

Philadelphia Union defender Jakob Glesnes scored one of the most memorable own goals in CONCACAF Champions Cup history on Tuesday night.

It came during Philadelphia's 3-2 win at Costa Rica's Deportivo Saprissa in the first leg of their meeting in round one.

Under pressure from Saprissa striker Orlando Sinclair, Glesnes launched a long, high pass back towards Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake from near the touchline.

Blake was not allowed to handle the ball due to the back-pass rule, so he jumped with the intention of playing it using either his chest or head.

But the ball bounced over him and ended up in the back of the net.

Former Norway U21 international Glesnes - who was the MLS Defender of the Year in 2022 - had been more than 40 yards away from the goal when he kicked the ball.

What an awful play by Jakob Glesnes that gifts Saprissa a goal. pic.twitter.com/rPSSjfJKEv
— Joe Tansey (@JTansey90) February 21, 2024

2022 MLS Defender of the Year pic.twitter.com/29EAQdbJky
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 21, 2024

Despite this embarrassing incident, Philadelphia still emerged victorious from the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa.

That was thanks in no small part to Julian Carranza.

The former Inter Miami forward scored a second-half hat-trick to turn the game in the away team's favor before Gerald Taylor netted for the hosts in the 90th minute.

Philadelphia will host the second leg on February 27.