In this week’s recap of Minnesotans playing professionally outside of the state: Kallman faces her old club, Bunbury gets significant minutes, and Miller stays in the center.
The coaching change in San Jose appears to have benefited Jackson Yueill. Earning his second start of the year, the midfielder went the full 90 for the Earthquakes in Open Cup play. The rookie saw a lot of the ball during the game and did well to complete passes and maintain possession. Yueill also created a few good opportunities for his side including the game winning goal:
No space no problem for Danny Hoesen! 2-1!!!!!!#ForwardAsOne | #USOC2017 pic.twitter.com/SzSFfGy6rc
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) June 29, 2017
Days later newly named head coach Chris Leitch gave Yueill his first start of the regular season. The former MTA product put in another full 90 in a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy. The importance of the California Clasico did not seem to phase the former Bruin. In the third minute he nearly set up Chris Wondolowski, but the resulting shot was deflected out for a corner. Yueill continued to see a lot of the ball, but had some difficulty connecting his attacking passes.
The New England Revolution defeated DC United 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup. Teal Bunbury earned his second start of the tournament. The winger nearly put the Revs up early, but hit the far post. Bunbury continued to be active on both sides of the ball for a 75-minute shift, but was unable to get his name on the score sheet.
On the weekend, Bunbury made his 100th regular season appearance for the Revs. It was also his first start of the regular season. Once again he nearly helped New England get an early lead this time against the Philadelphia Union. After winning the ball off a defender Bunbury went on a 2v1 with Kei Kamara. Bunbury played Kamara into the box, but instead of returning the ball Kamara chose to shoot, only to have his attempt blocked by the onrushing keeper.
After being rested for the Open Cup game, Cody Cropper returned to his spot in goal. An early PK put the Revs in a bad spot and the Union continued to press. Cropper made three saves, but two impressive strikes made it a 3-0 final. It hasn’t been a great season for the former MK Dons keeper, but the Rev defense should be sharing in the blame.
It seems that Eric Miller will never see the flanks again. Twenty minutes into the Colorado Rapids’ Open Cup game against FC Dallas, Miller subbed in for injured center back Axel Sjöberg. It was a rough night for the Rapids who made all three of their subs by the start of the second half because of injuries then went on to lose 3-1.
Miller returned to the middle of the defense in a 3-1 win over the Houston Dynamo. The former full back continues to perform well in his new position. In his 90-minute shift he racked up four recoveries and four clearances.
Calum Mallace watched from the bench for the Montreal Impact’s 2-0 loss to Toronto FC in the final leg of Canadian Championship. However, he did get to stretch his legs a bit for the final two minutes in a 2-0 win against DC United.
The Washington Spirit came out on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline with the Boston Breakers. Kassey Kallman started at left back against her old club and stopped a few early attacks:
Check out this clutch clearance by Kassey Kallman! #BOSvWAS pic.twitter.com/m1qkje8edZ
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) July 1, 2017
The Spirit had a number of chances to take the lead, but a goal line clearance and the crossbar kept them scoreless. In the 81st minute Kallman came out as Washington pushed for an equalizer, but failed to find one. The loss moves the Spirit to the bottom of the NWSL table.
Tyler David came on in the 76th minute for Saint Louis FC in a 1-0 loss to New York Red Bulls II. Despite the brief appearance, David nearly set up Octavio Guzman for the tying goal, but the shot hit the post.
Cat Parkhill stayed on the bench as FC Kansas City lost to the Portland Thorns 3-0.
FiftyFive.One is now on Patreon. Do you like the independent coverage of soccer news from Minnesota and beyond that FiftyFive.One offers? Please consider becoming a patron.
Leave a Reply