Adams' Assist

Midfielder Notched a Last Assist in a Draw in a With Leeds

Tyler Adams may have only played 17 minutes on Wednesday night, but he made them count in more ways than one.

The U.S. men's national team captain came off the bench for Bournemouth in their 2-2 draw with Leeds at the Vitality Stadium, delivering a perfect cross that set up substitute Rayan for what appeared to be the match-winner with five minutes remaining. It was Adams' only touch in the opposition box, and he didn't waste it, completing his lone attempted cross and registering the assist.

Then came the moment that will generate plenty of headlines. Having been loudly booed by Leeds supporters throughout his brief appearance—Adams spent several years at the club before joining Bournemouth—the 27-year-old turned to the away end and cupped his hand to his ear during the goal celebration. Leeds ultimately had the last laugh, with Sean Longstaff volleying home a 97th-minute equalizer to snatch a point, but Adams' gesture added some spice to an already feisty affair.

The assist was a bright spot in what has been a frustrating, injury-plagued stretch for Adams. He has battled hamstring, back, MCL and concussion-related setbacks over the past two seasons, and the Bournemouth midfielder has had to fight simply to get back on the pitch. He returned from a torn left MCL, suffered in December, entering as a substitute in a win at Arsenal earlier this month before featuring again last weekend.

With Mauricio Pochettino set to announce his World Cup roster on May 26, Adams knows there are no guarantees. "I wouldn't say anybody's a sure lock for the World Cup," he said recently. But minutes and contributions like Wednesday's can only help his case as the tournament on home soil rapidly approaches.