Aussies Abroad: Taggart scores Champions League goal, Smith assists & Amini seals transfer

Following the conclusion of the Socceroos' June FIFA World Cup qualifying action, players have started returning to their club set-ups around the world!

And with that, comes the return of your weekend Aussies Abroad (and at home) wrap!

This edition spans four continents and features the likes of Adam Taggart, Brad Smith, Milos Degenek and more.

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After appearing during Australia's final victory in Kuwait City over Jordan, Socceroos striker Adam Taggart hit the ground running on his return with J.League side Cerezo Osaka. 

The former K-League golden boot-winner equalised in the 69th minute as his side came from behind to defeat Singaporean outfit Kitchee SC 2-1 in the AFC Champions League. 

The result was Cerezo Osaka's second-straight victory in the group stages of the continental competition. 

Across the Pacific in America, Brad Smith has picked up exactly where he left off for the Seattle Sounders since returning from injury. 

The attacking-minded fullback was relishing an advanced role earlier in the season, scoring three goals and securing back-to-back Team of the Week appearances. 

Unfortunately he was denied the opportunity to carry his form onto the international stage, after a minor niggle ruled him out of action. 

But the former Liverpool, Bournemouth and Cardiff defender returned to MLS action, making three appearances this month - and chipping in with an assist in his latest showing. 

Smith made a lung-busting run to support a rapid-counter attack, laying on the opener for Raul Ruidiaz in the Sounders' 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

The result kept the club's outstanding unbeaten run to the season alive, ensuring an 11th straight match without defeat. 

 Heading over the Atlantic to Europe, Mustafa Amini sealed a move to Apollon Limassol FC in the Cypriot First Division.

The former AGF Aarhus, Randers and Borussia Dortmund midfielder has spent the last few months back home in Australia, recovering from a long-term injury. 

He signs a two-year deal on his return to club action. 

Speaking of transfers, Danny Vukovic has made the trip over to the Netherlands to link up with his new club N.E.C Nijmegen.

The goalkeeper, who previously represented KRC Genk in the Belgian Pro League, took part in his first session with the newly-promoted Eredivise side. 

READ MORE: Danny Vukovic signs for N.E.C. Nijmegen

In Serbia, Milos Degenek is back on board with Red Star Belgrade after enjoying a trophy-laden campaign with his boyhood club. 

The side will be looking to make their mark on the UEFA Champions League as they back up an undefeated season in 2020/21. 

Crvena Zvezda's qualifiers for the group stages of Europe's premier club competition are scheduled for late July. 

Meanwhile Harry Souttar is enjoying some well-earned time off, but his club Stoke City received some exciting news. 

Stoke are set to host Fleetwood Town - a side the centre-back is extremely familiar with - in round 1 of the League Cup. 

Souttar was on loan with Fleetwood when he made his Socceroos debut in 2019, and would relish the opportunity to reunite with some of his former teammates.

 Closer to home, three recent Socceroos became A-League Champions over the weekend as Melbourne City lifted their first league title. 

While due to international commitments Jamie Maclaren, Curtis Good and Connor Metcalfe all were unable to take part in the club's 3-1 Grand Final victory over Sydney FC (a team missing fellow Socceroos Rhyan Grant, Ryan McGowan and Andrew Redmayne), the three enjoyed soaking up the celebrations as much as possible. 

Maclaren, who was one of six Socceroos in the PFA A-League Team of the Season, was even spotted FaceTiming onto the AAMI Park pitch shortly after full time.