In this week’s recap of Minnesotans playing professionally: Kallman and the Breakers get a rare away result, Mallace starts out strong for the Impact, and Miller suffers a cup loss.
A three week break and the knowledge that they were already eliminated from the playoffs did not stop the Boston Breakers from getting their second straight shutout win. A goal on each side of halftime game the Breakers a 2-0 win over FC Kansas City. Kassey Kallman played the full game at center back paired with Whitney Engan who recently returned from Olympic duty.
The Breakers’ defense had their hands full keeping the aggressive runs of Heather O’Reily and the rest of Kansas City’s attack from creating a goal, but where the defense bent, keeper Jami Kranich held strong to earn the team’s first away shutout in over two years. Although it is too late to save their season, this level of play could still affect the postseason hopes of their opponents.
Teal Bunbury and the New England Revolution had two games this past week and Bunbury saw limited time in both. On Wednesday Bunbury came on in the 55th minute for Juan Agudelo in a 0-0 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes. Bunbury only managed two attempted shots in his short appearance, but was able to rack up 6 fouls and one yellow card.
During the weekend Bunbury started in the Revs’ 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls, but was pulled for Diego Fagundez in the 60th minute after the Red Bulls took the lead. Bunbury only managed two shots in his hour shift and continues to struggle to combine with Kei Kamara. This loss leave the Revolution winless in six games and without a goal in four.
A promising night for Calum Mallace was cut short against Toronto FC because of a poor decision. Mallace earned his eighth start of the season for the Montreal Impact and provided a more impressive defensive effort than normal by racking up three interceptions, two recoveries, one tackle, and one clearance before the 43rd minute. It was at that point that Mallace was ejected for running into Steven Beitashour and knocking him to the ground after play was whistled dead. Whether the foul was worthy of a red definitely up to debate, but the contact never should have occurred. Fortunately, the Impact were able get a 1-0 win.
The Rocky Mountain Cup was not kind to Eric Miller. After playing in the Rapids first loss to Real Salt Lake, Miller was an unused substitute in Colorado’s win at home. In the final game of the series this weekend, RSL came out ahead in a 2-1 win. Miller played the full 90 at right back and had a mixed performance. Staying in more defensive role than normal, Miller finished the game with three clearances, two recoveries, two tackles, 1 blocked shot, and a team-high seven interceptions. Unfortunately these stats were overshadowed by Miller’s involvement in Salt Lake’s first goal and a mistake that could have all but ended the game for Colorado before the final whistle.
A mis-played clearance by Miller went straight to Demar Phillips who found Yura Movsisyan for the first goal. In the 82nd minute Miller was late on a slide tackle in the box near the end line. He missed the ball and caught Juan Manuel Martinez for the second penalty of the game. Movsisyan missed the goal on RSL’s earlier attempt from the spot and this time it was Javier Morales who stepped up to take the PK only to see Tim Howard push the ball over the bar.
Cat Parkhill was an unused substitute for FC Kansas City
Tyler David did not play in Saint Louis FC’s 2-0 loss to San Antonio FC.
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