Minnesota Migration: A weekly recap of Minnesotans in the pros.
This weekend began what will hopefully be resurgence in health and form for our Minnesota professionals. Both Eric Miller and Teal Bunbury are nearly back to full fitness while Kassey Kallman and the Boston Breakers ended their losing streak.
After picking up a groin injury back in April Eric Miller returned to the field for the Colorado Rapids for a seven minute cameo to see out the Colorado Rapids 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders. The resent results for the Rapids could mean a difficult road back into the starting line-up for Miller. Earlier this season Miller showed his versatility when he found himself filling in across the Rapid’s injury-plagued back four, but the rest of the defense in healthy again so Miller could be looking at a tough climb back up.
The Rapids travel to play the Philadelphia Union on Saturday in a match-up of the top team in each conference.
Another Minnesotan nearing his return is Teal Bunbury. Bunbury has only made a 45 minute appearance in the past two months after straining his hamstring. Last weekend Bunbury returned to the bench, but did not see time in the New England Revolutions 4-2 loss to FC Dallas. The acquisition of Kei Kamara and the rise in form of Juan Agudelo does not bode well for Bunbury to break back into the starting eleven once he regains his fitness. Despite not being utilized as a sub while New England was trailing in the second half it is probable he will be a preferred second half sub in future games, but he will need to improve on his one goal in 688 minutes to keep it that way.
New England host the Seattle Sounders at home next weekend.
After her own goal gave the Boston Breakers their fifth straight loss a week ago, Kassey Kallman put in a solid 90 minutes to help the Breakers end their run of bad form and earn the team their first shutout in a 1-0 win against FC Kansas City. The result also moves Boston up from the bottom of the league table.
An early goal from a corner gave the Breakers the lead against a struggling FC Kansas City team that was also looking for their first win of the season. Boston held firm in defense, keeping Kansas City to four shots on goal, but failed to convert two breakaway chances in the second half to double their lead. Getting the win should do wonders for the confidence of the team, but the inability to finish in the second half is still a worry for the rest of the season.
Boston will look to build on it’s current form away against Western New York Flash, who are coming off a 5-2 win, on Friday.
Tyler David played the full 90 minutes in St. Louis FC’s 2-0 win over AFC Cleveland in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday. David was once again used as a defensive midfielder and had a chance to score in the 53rd minute after a corner kick was punched to him in the box, but he sent his shot over the bar. On Saturday, David stayed on the bench for STLFC’s 5-2 win over the Tulsa Roughnecks
David has not seen much time for Saint Louis so far this year, but the short turnaround between league games in various stretches throughout the season and the ability to make five subs during play bodes well for David to see more playing time as the season progresses. His next chances will be Wednesday against Vancouver Whitecaps 2 and Sunday against Rio Grande Valley FC.
Once again Calum Mallace was left off the bench as he heals from an unspecified foot injury. Mallace has not made a game-day roster in nearly two months. Prior to the injury he appeared to be slipping down the depth chart for the Montreal Impact, but his coach recently lauded his ability to win balls and break an opponent’s rhythm.
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