In this two week recap of Minnesotans playing professionally outside of the state: Minutes remain hard to come by, but the opportunities are there.
Jackson Yueill earned his first minutes of the season in a 3-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City. The two sides traded first half goals, but SKC pulled ahead by two after the break. In the 74th minute the midfielder came in for Florian Jungwirth to aid in the attack. However, he was only able to play a small role in the Quakes’ final goal. While pushing forward, Yueill occupied Graham Zusi while Chris Wondolowski collected a long ball and slipped in far post.
The following week the Earthquakes hosted Landon Donovan and Club León. An early goal from Donovan became the eventual game winner. Yueill, once again, came off the bench in the second half for Jungwirth. There were a few near chances between Yueill and Tommy Thompson, but the Quakes couldn’t get back in the game.
After a bye week, the New England Revolution hosted NYCFC for a 2-2 draw. Teal Bunbury held his starting role for another week. It was more of a struggle for the forward this time around. His passing left something to be desired and he didn’t show up on the score sheet again, finishing with just one shot. There is also pressure from the bench. Juan Agudelo is next in line and while he also only took one shot during the game, he scored. Bunbury did better on the other side of the ball, racking up seven recoveries and aiding in New England’s aggressive high press.
Cody Cropper did not make the eighteen for the game. It appears that his earlier illness wasn’t the only thing keeping him at home. The former first choice keeper has dropped to the bottom of the depth chart. While Matt Turner continues to perform well, Cropper should have his sights on the number two role held by Brad Knighton.
Also with a fight on his hands is Eric Miller. The defender missed the game day roster for the Colorado Rapids home opener. The Rapids took a 2-0 lead over Sporting Kansas City, but defensive lapses pulled the two sides level by the final whistle. If these results continue, Miller could have an opening into the starting 11.
Atlanta United 2 made its USL debut in a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls 2. Atlanta went into halftime up 2-1 and added a third before the hour mark. In the 85th minute Andrew Kendall-Moullin of Faribault, MN entered the game for Atlanta. Last season the defender made two appearances for San Antonio FC.
Mukwelle Akale played 180 minutes in a pair of draws for Villarreal CF C. This marked the first time this season the forward played back-to-back full games. In the first, Villarreal finished 1-1 against Novelda CF. The second game ended 2-2 with CF Borriol. The two results leaves Villarreal undefeated in six games as the side chases promotion.
Callum Mallace and LAFC had two byes, but will be in action next weekend.
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