In this week’s double helping of Minnesotans playing professionally outside of the state: Struggles continue for Cropper, Miller has a mixed performance, and David pushes forward.
Teal Bunbury scored the opener for the New England Revolution in a 3-2 loss to the New York Red Bulls. It was his first goal in 13 regular season appearances. In the 21st minute Diego Fagundez found Bunbury in the box. The forward took a touch before slipping a shot past the oncoming keeper.
.@NERevolution get on the board first thanks to Bunbury… https://t.co/SHo4cAN4G5
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 6, 2017
Bunbury started again against New York in the U.S. Open Cup in another loss. Despite getting in a few dangerous positions he was subbed off in the 78th minute after an ejection left his team down a defender. The Revs would go on to concede the lone goal of the game. This season has not been great for the former Hermann Trophy winner, but it seems to be on the rise.
The same cannot be said for his teammate Cody Cropper. Cropper did not play in the Open Cup game, but did start in the regular season matchup. The Rev’s keeper was beaten by an incredible volley and then from the PK spot. New York’s third goal, however, should have been stopped. This season has been full of wonder strikes and defensive lapses going against Cropper. As a result he has a 1.61 GAA and the second worst save percentage in the league among regular starters.
The San Jose Earthquakes finished a 4-2 loss to Atlanta United with just nine players on the field. Jackson Yueill came on in the 55th minute, but was unable to help his team hold for a decent result.
Things got better for the Quakes when they faced the LA Galaxy in U.S. Open Cup play. Despite conceding early, San Jose was able to battle back for a 3-2 win. Yueill earned the start in this game and spent most of the time doing defensive work. The midfielder finished the game with six recoveries and four interceptions. Yueill also had a goal line block in the 84th minute when a shot struck him in the head following a corner. Unfortunately the rebound hit the keeper’s legs and crossed the line. To make matters worse, the play forced Yueill out of the game.
Eric Miller had a fairly strong performance in a 3-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC. The Colorado Rapids defender completed 100% of his passes and tallied nine clearances and eight recoveries. However, a slip from Miller lead to the Sounders’ second goal. Once again Miller filled in at center back, but finished with the highest Audi Player Rating for the Rapids. A permanent switch wouldn’t be out of the question.
The Washington Spirit came back twice to earn a 2-2 draw with the Orlando Pride. Orlando’s first goal came after Kassey Kallman was called for a questionable foul in the box. The Spirit responded quickly, but needed a penalty of their own in the 90th minute to come away with a point.
9' – @ORLPride's Camila draws the foul in the box. Penalty kick coming up… #WASvORL #NWSLonLIFETIME pic.twitter.com/RxqRpfJZQf
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 8, 2017
Tyler David is playing higher up the field than normal for Saint Louis FC. Typically a defensive midfielder, David went 72 minutes in a 0-0 draw with the Rochester Rhinos slotting in behind a lone striker. David finished with one shot on target, but spent most of the game defending a Rochester team that out shot STLFC 16-3.
In the second game of the week STLFC lost 5-1 to the Charlotte Independence. After an hour-long weather delay, Charlotte took an early lead and didn’t let up. David lined up once again in his higher position. He was able to create a few chances during his full shift, but could not help his team avoid the loss.
Cat Parkhill watched from the sideline as FC Kansas City lost to Sky Blue FC 3-2.
Calum Mallace remained on the bench for the Montreal Impact’s 3-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo.
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