Ghanaian internationals Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp played vital roles as Crystal Palace emerged victorious in the Stateside Cup during their pre-season tour of the United States.
The Black Stars duo showed their class and experience, helping the Eagles secure a 3-1 win over West Ham in the final game of the tour.
Schlupp Continues His Scoring Streak
Jeffrey Schlupp continued his impressive form by finding the back of the net once again.
After scoring in the earlier games, Schlupp was on target in the final against West Ham, heading in Crystal Palace’s second goal after a perfect cross from his compatriot, Jordan Ayew. Schlupp’s goal came in the 66th minute, giving Palace a crucial lead.
Ayew’s Assist Highlights His Quality
Jordan Ayew, who has been linked with a move to Leicester City, also showed his quality with a standout performance.
In a video shared on social media, Ayew is seen taking on his marker before delivering a well-placed cross that was met by Schlupp for the goal.
This assist added to Ayew’s tally of two goals and two assists over three pre-season matches, underlining his importance to the team.
Early Goals and a Strong Finish
Crystal Palace started the game with a bang, as defender Tyrick Mitchell opened the scoring just a minute into the match.
However, West Ham managed to equalize halfway through the first half, ensuring the teams went into the break on level terms.
In the second half, Palace’s experience and quality shone through.
Schlupp’s goal restored their lead, and just three minutes later, Odsonne Edouard sealed the victory with a well-taken finish, securing the Stateside Cup for the Eagles.
The Importance of Ayew and Schlupp for the Upcoming Season
Despite being some of the older players in the squad, Ayew and Schlupp are proving to be crucial for Crystal Palace under manager Oliver Glasner.
Their experience and form in pre-season suggest they will play key roles in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Jordan Ayew’s performances have attracted interest from Leicester City, but letting him go could be a risky move for Palace, given his recent contributions.
Meanwhile, Schlupp’s consistent scoring makes him a strong candidate to be a regular starter for Glasner’s side.
Looking Ahead
Crystal Palace will be hoping to carry their pre-season momentum into the Premier League when they kick off their campaign with a trip to Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium.
With Ayew and Schlupp in fine form, Palace fans will be optimistic about their team’s chances in the new season.
