By Larry Henry Jr

Albion forward Jeremy Sarmiento enjoyed a memorable Copa America debut in Santa Clara, California.

Sarmiento scored the lone goal for Ecuador at Levi Stadium despite a 2-1 loss to Venezuela in both teams’ group stage opener.

It marked the second-straight performance in which Sarmiento found the back of the net.

Enner Valencia’s red card in the 23rd minute put Ecuador down to ten men but it didn’t stop Sarmiento from propelling them into the lead.

The 22-year-old’s right-footed strike off of a set-piece found the bottom-right corner for a 1-0 lead after Venezuela failed to clear the 18-yard box.

Venezuela eventually battled back after the hour mark, with Sarmiento substituted off in the 63rd minute.

Jhonder Cadiz finished off Salomon Rondon’s pass in the 64th minute before fellow substitute Eduard Bello boosted the Venezuelans in front ten minutes later for a 2-1 lead.

Sarmiento was one of the top performers overall, winning eight individual duels, drawing three fouls, and making two tackles.

He remains one to watch this summer before returning to Albion for the start of pre-season.

Ecuador will seek a bounce-back result on June 26 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas against Jamaica.