The American midfielder, introduced into the action in the second half, produced a sensational long-range strike in the 75th minute that proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested affair at the Stadion Galgenwaard.
The opening matchday fixture was, for the most part, a cagey, goalless battle. FC Utrecht, playing in their first European group stage match since 2010, started brightly and tested Lyon's Slovakian goalkeeper Dominik Greif early on, forcing a superb reflex save to deny Miguel Rodríguez. Lyon had chances of their own, with Adam Karabec heading wide from a promising position, and Martin Satriano threatening the Dutch goal line before the break.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams trading blows but lacking the clinical edge. Utrecht goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas was called into action to deny Ruben Kluivert with a fine save from a header, underlining the tense, back-and-forth nature of the game.
The deadlock was finally, and spectacularly, broken in the 75th minute. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, the ball fell to second-half substitute Tanner Tessmann just outside the penalty area. The USMNT hopeful did not hesitate, unleashing a thunderous, right-footed effort that screamed into the top corner of the net, leaving Barkas utterly helpless. It was a goal worthy of winning any European tie, marking Tessmann's first-ever goal in European competition.
Utrecht pressed for an equalizer in the final 15 minutes, throwing men forward, but Lyon’s defense—marshaled by the likes of Moussa Niakhaté and Nicholas Tagliafico—stood firm. The home side’s best chance came late on, but an effort from close range by Gjivai Zechiel flew over the bar, and veteran striker Sebastien Haller couldn't generate enough power on a difficult chance in the six-yard box.
The 1-0 result secures three crucial points for Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon side, giving them a perfect start to their Europa League group phase and extending their winning form after Tessmann also netted the winner in their recent 1-0 league victory. For Utrecht, it was a hard lesson on their return to European football, but their spirited performance suggests they will be no pushover in the group.