ASN: Pulisic wins one other trophy, Pefok & Aaronson stays scorching, Yanks star in Scotland

Monday primarily concluded the weekend and ASN’s Brian Sciaretta breaks down every thing he noticed along with his ideas and analysis- together with Pefok and Ramirez persevering with to attain, Pulisic including to his trophy assortment,  Aaronson heading to a different title, and way more. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
February 14, 2022
2:05 PM

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THE WEEKEND FOR AMERICANS ABROAD was most likely the perfect thus far in 2022 even when it nonetheless lacked many high performances from the perfect American gamers. Nonetheless, Christian Pulisic continued to interrupt floor for American gamers and different gamers who had been on the margins of the U.S. participant pool have continued to boost their video games.

In future weekends you need to see extra from gamers like Tim Weah, Gio Reyna, Chris Richards, Yunus Musah, Gianluca Busio, Josh Sargent, Sergino Dest, and others however that ought to come. A few of these gamers both missed out on this weekend, performed solely restricted minutes, or struggled throughout their time. However they need to all finally be okay.

For now, it’s a numbers sport. Increasingly more gamers are on the precipice of breaking by. Even for gamers who’re outdoors the highest leagues, it will increase America’s world footprint on the sport. Mixed with an ever-improving MLS – it’s all wholesome and a optimistic signal that the general American participant is best. It’s not merely a matter of getting just a few “stars” like Pulisic and the identical established order is behind them. As a substitute, you have got a rising tide that’s making the celebrities and the general American participant higher.

This weekend continued to indicate that.

Pulisic wins Membership World Cup

Christian Pulisic has damaged a whole lot of floor for American gamers on the membership degree. That was at a excessive degree final 12 months when he turned the primary American to win a UEFA Champions League remaining which he performed in.

On Saturday, Pulisic turned the primary American to play in and win the FIFA Membership World Cup when Chelsea defeated Palmeiras 2-1 after further time. Pulisic didn’t begin this sport however was subbed in following a thirty second minute Mason Mount when the sport was nonetheless scoreless.

Pulisic was not a part of both of the Chelsea objectives however he was energetic over his 89 minutes on the sphere. He was incessantly seeking to take gamers on along with his dribbling – to various levels of success. He was dispossessed thrice, and generally that killed Chelsea assaults. However he was harmful and mixed nicely with Lukaku shortly after approaching for a harmful probability.

Pulisic’s time with Chelsea hasn’t all the time been clean however he’s been a part of some particular moments and has needed to struggle for minutes in one of many hardest environments to take action.

This was one more reward alongside a tough path he has chosen.

Pefok stays scorching in Switzerland

Jordan Pefok is hitting his stride in a giant approach proper now. On Sunday, the Washington, D.C-born ahead scored one other objective (to associate with an help) in a 3-1 win over Basel. He now has seven objectives over his final 4 video games within the Swiss Tremendous League. He now has 14 objectives within the league to associate with 5 within the Champions League (together with qualifiers) for 19 in all competitions. He’s tied for the league with Arthur Cabral of Basel for the league lead in objectives. 

It’s been an important season for Pefok, 25, regardless of that Younger Boys will probably see their four-season reign because the Swiss Champions finish as they path Zurich by 10 factors.

Jordan Pefok is there to wash up his teammates flub and put Younger Boys up on Basel pic.twitter.com/TckoLAmVeo

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 13, 2022

For Pefok, the eye will now be what’s subsequent for him on the membership and the worldwide degree.

For the membership degree, Pefok prepared for a transfer again to a high league. He didn’t achieve Ligue 1 however maybe he’s prepared for one more shot. He’s maxed out in Swiss Tremendous League. He received a title. He’s performed within the Champions League by it. He’s in competition to win a scoring title. Now he’s approaching 26 and has just a few extra seasons  left in his prime.

On the worldwide degree, he has been off the previous few U.S. rosters however is constructing a robust case to return. It’s solely potential he received’t be as efficient for the U.S. nationwide crew as he’s with Younger Boys. The U.S. crew doesn’t get the ball deep contained in the opposing penalty field as Younger Boys do. The U.S. crew has struggled for a lot of the previous 12 months with set piece supply, and Pefok thrives on that. He wants service. He additionally is just not nice at maintain up play.

However soccer is situational and conditions through the course of video games modifications. If the U.S. crew is chasing a sport, several types of alternatives come up. Pefok might end the season pushing 25 objectives. There are many instances or conditions a crew might use a ahead able to pounce on a unfastened ball.

Aaronson leads Salzburg to win

On Friday, Austrian Bundesliga-leading Salzburg defeated Fast Vienna 2-1 when it trailed 1-0 on the half. The equalizing objective got here within the sixty fourth minute by way of Brenden Aaronson who hit an ideal low shot along with his first contact to the close to put up.

Aaronson, 21, is preparing for his first sport within the Champions League knockouts when Salzburg meet Bayern Munich.

Brenden Aaronson! Purpose! pic.twitter.com/5mrTus2sDl

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 11, 2022

He nearly absolutely received’t return to Salzburg subsequent 12 months, but it surely’s been an ideal touchdown spot for him in Europe. After successful the Supporters Defend with Philadelphia, Aaronson has gone on to win the Austrian Bundesliga and the Austrian Cup. This 12 months, he’ll win one other Austrian Bundesliga, and presumably one other cup. He’ll advance from his first Champions League group phases and style the knockouts.

Successful is a part of improvement and Aaronson is popping into fairly a participant whereas additionally a winner.

People shine in Scottish Cup

The extent in Scotland won’t be all that top in contrast with the remainder of Europe, however many People are making sturdy impacts in each the Premiership and the Scottish Cup, which was in-session this weekend for its Spherical of 16 video games.

This weekend within the Scottish Cup, three People received on the board with objectives whereas two American defenders helped Previous Agency groups advance.

Ian Harkes received the beginning for Dundee United in opposition to Partick Thistle and scored the one objective in a 1-0 win on a brutal discipline. Harkes continues to have a pleasant season for Dundee United and will pressure his approach into the switch window this summer time. His strike was excellent.

The successful objective Ian Harkes scored for Dundee United in opposition to Partick Thistle within the Scottish Cup was very nice – watch right here (begins at 1:25 of this video) pic.twitter.com/MU3alxzdTh

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 13, 2022

Christian Ramirez scored once more for Aberdeen and the Californian is having an important season. His objective put Aberdeen up 1-0 on Motherwell minutes after Motherwell thought it took a 1-0 lead by way of American ahead Joe Efford solely to have his objective known as again for offside.

Ramirez then made no mistake along with his end when he headed dwelling a cross. Minutes later, he almost scored once more by way of a formidable chip that went simply vast.

F***! ????

— Christian Ramirez (@Chris_Ramirez17) February 13, 2022

It’s disappointing for Ramirez who will certainly be within the plans for anybody who takes over. With the objective on Saturday he now has 10 objectives within the Premiership, 3 in Convention League, and a couple of within the Scottish Cup for 15 in all competitions.

Chris Muller began for Hibernian on Sunday and scored his first objective for the membership when his 87th minute objective capped a 3-1 win over lower-tier Abroath. It wasn’t a giant objective or a objective in opposition to a high quality opponent however this may give Mueller some confidence transferring ahead in Scotland. The primary one is all the time the toughest.

— Hibernian Soccer Membership (@HibernianFC) February 14, 2022

Scott Pittman earned the beginning within the midfield for Livingston in opposition to Hearts and performed 119 minutes. He was subbed out simply earlier than the top of additional time with the sport scorless. Minutes later it went to penalties and Hearts superior. Sebastian Soto was nonetheless not within the lineup for Hearts. 

James Sands began in central protection for Rangers in a cushty 3-0 win over Annan Athletic on Saturday. Sands made his first few appearances for Rangers in defensive midfield however this was his debut in central protection. He did nicely, though Rangers was not examined defensively. Sands shifted to central protection later within the sport. A win will solely assist his case for extra taking part in time, however with Rangers’ current acquisitions in January, taking part in time won’t be common for Sands.

Cameron Carter-Vickers dealt with every thing that got here his approach over 74 minutes for Celtic in a dominant 4-0 win over Raith Rovers. Carter-Vickers, 24, has been terrific this season for Celtic and continues to be alive for a double as his crew is atop the Premiership and alive within the quarters of the Scottish Cup.

Brooks tops People in Germany

Among the many many People in Germany, nobody had a greater weekend than John Brooks who each received and performed nicely. That wasn’t the case elsewhere all through the primary two tiers of the Bundesliga.

John Brooks began and performed all 90 for Wolfsburg in a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt (Timothy Chandler went as an unused substitute for Eintracht). His passing wasn’t nice on the day, however his protection was top-notch in nearly each single space – clearances, duels, tackles, and recoveries.

John Brooks: uncooked # for Wolfsburg in 2-0 win over Eintracht90 mins78 touches27/49 passing (57%)5/12 lengthy balls1 key pass8/10 floor duels won4/4 aerials won2/3 tackles11 recoveries3 interceptions3 blocked shots10 clearances1 yellow card

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 12, 2022

Wolfsburg is slowly getting their act collectively and is transferring away from the relegation zone. This win moved them 5 factors clear. Brooks can also be seeing a rise in his type which ought to put him again within the combine for the nationwide crew.  He had been seen as a controversial omission amongst followers, however Brooks was not taking part in nicely for a lot of the first half of the season (October by January). He’s taking part in nicely now.

Additionally, the extra Brooks and Wolfsburg transfer away from the relegation zone, the extra consolation the crew ought to should play Kevin Paredes who went as an unused sub for Wolfsburg for the second straight week. His Bundesliga debut awaits – however might be getting nearer.

Borussia Monchengladbach defeated Augsburg 3-2 on Saturday and it was a reunion of two gamers on the 2019 U.S. U-17 World Cup crew as Joe Scally was on the bench for M’Gladbach and Ricardo Pepi was on the bench for Augsburg. Pepi got here into the sport within the 63rd minute with Augsburg trailing 2-1. Gladbach scored a minute later to make it 3-1. Scally got here into the sport within the ninetieth minute and with one of many final kicks of the sport, Augsburg pulled one again however finally misplaced 3-2.

It was the identical story for Pepi who regarded energetic and made some good runs, however wasn’t notably harmful. He’ll proceed to play however beginning is perhaps a tricky ask because the crew has scored 5 objectives from its final two video games – and Pepi was not a part of any of them. Mixed along with his droop courting again to FC Dallas, it’s a powerful spot for a participant in a relegation battle. Ne desperately wants a objective only for the boldness.

Additionally within the Bundesliga, Hoffenheim defeated Arminia Bielefeld 2-0 with George Bello taking part in the ultimate  28 minutes within the loss (each objectives had been scored earlier than he got here on). Bello had some positives in his outing. He created a harmful probability proper after coming into the sport with a strong cross. Total he was 17/18 in his passing. Tactically, he’s nonetheless adjusting and he’s going to should be sharper along with his determination making. However he has the instruments to get it performed however he’s going to want to proceed to be taught in a relegation zone.

Pepi & Augsburg are within the relegation playoff place and are trailing Bello & Arminia Bielefeld on simply objective differential.

In the remainder of the Bundesliga motion, there was little to nothing to notice for People overseas. Tyler Adams returned from his hamstring damage however was an unused substitute for Leipzig in a 3-1 win over Koln. Gio Reyna didn’t costume for Borussia Dortmund in a 3-0 win over Union Berlin as he’s reportedly sick. Chris Richards continues to be injured for Hoffenheim and didn’t play within the win over Bello & Co. Julian Inexperienced performed the ultimate seven minutes for last-place Greuther Furth in a shock 2-1 win over Hertha BSC.

Within the 2.Bundesliga, Ryan Malone began in central protection for Hansa Rostock in a 2-1 loss to Werder Bremen. Malone, a former defender for Springfield Faculty of Division III, had an help on Rostock’s late objective to make it 2-1.

Busy weekend for Yanks in Italy

A number of People had been on the sphere in Italy this previous weekend – however there have been no wins.

Weston McKennie began and performed 90 minutes for Juventus in a 1-1 draw with Atalanta. Initially he was taking part in in a wider place in the fitting midfield and did nicely along with his service into the field. Within the second half, he pressed additional up the sphere with extra attacking duties. The sport ended 1-1 and McKennie total performed nicely and a 1-1 away attract Bergamo is just not a foul outcome.

Venezia’s hopes of staying up in Serie A had been boosted on Saturday with a giant 2-1 away win over Torino. American Gianluca Busio began for Venezia whereas Tanner Tessmann was on the bench for Venezia. Venezia’s successful objective was scored within the first minute of the second half for a 2-1 lead. Busio was subbed out within the fifty fifth minute and Tessmann changed him.

Busio performed a defensive midfield place and labored laborious defensively, however accomplished simply 5/14 of his passes. Over his 35 minutes, Tessmann accomplished 6/10 of his passes. All of Venezia struggled within the passing and possession features and all the crew had simply 37% possession. They managed to earn the win by grit and will-power. It wasn’t fairly and nobody performed nicely, however these are the varieties of wins which might be usually wanted for survival.

In Serie B, Andrija Novakovich began for Frosinone in a 3-0 loss to Peruggia. The efficiency wasn’t all that dangerous as Frosinone had two objectives known as again and stays within the hunt for a promotional playoff spot.

In the meantime in Serie B, count on former Philadelphia Union homegrown Anthony Fontana to be introduced by Ascoli Calcio as a brand new signing.

Belgium: McKenzie and Reynolds begin

The weekend for People in Belgium was a bit muted as Kyle Duncan was nonetheless out injured for Oostende in its 3-0 loss to Mechelen and Sam Vines remained as an unused substitute for Royal Antwerp in a 1-0 win over RFC Searing. Chris Durkin was not within the lineup for St. Truiden in its massive 1-0 away win over league-leading Union SG.

United States nationwide crew defender Mark McKenzie began for Genk on Sunday in a 2-0 win over Normal Liege. The previous Philadelphia Union centerback received 6/8 of his floor duels and three/4 of his aerial duels. Together with his passing he linked with 5/9 of his lengthy balls and had 4 clearances within the cleansheet win. Genk moved into eighth place whereas Normal Liege continued a poor season, sitting in thirteenth.

Bryan Reynolds began for Kortrijk and performed pretty nicely however his crew dropped a horrible 2-1 loss to Beerschot – a crew that sits deep in final place. It was Kortrijk’s fourth straight loss. Reynolds had some good moments with the ball and moving into the assault, however the crew has been struggling since his arrival. For the previous FC Dallas proper again, simply taking part in is an effective factor.

Powerful Weekend for Yanks in Spain

The weekend overseas for People in Spain wasn’t one to recollect.

 Sergino Dest was again into the beginning lineup for Barcelona in opposition to Espanyol as a result of Dani Alves suspension. The sport was disappointing for Barcelona which wanted a stoppage time equalizer from Luuk de Jong to pressure a 2-2 draw with their metropolis neighbors.

Dest wasn’t very efficient getting ahead for a lot of the sport however he took on a distinct function within the remaining quarter-hour when he shifted to the left and Xavi shifted to a three-man backline formation. His function was extra defensive and he helped to maintain Espanyol from discovering a objective that will have sealed a win. He additionally was then in a position to get the ball into the assault from deep.

Dest didn’t do sufficient to pressure minutes as soon as Alves returns however for him that is about making the most of no matter alternative he will get now to enter preseason in a greater state of affairs or presumably attracting curiosity from one other Champions League crew for the summer time window.

Yunus Musah began for Valencia on Saturday away at Deportivo Alaves and had a tricky outing in a 2-1 loss to the relegation battling Alaves. Matt Miazga was an unused sub for Alaves. Particularly, his foul within the 76th minute conceded a penalty which Alaves transformed for the successful objective. It hasn’t been an excellent season for Musah, thus far, as minutes haven’t been common and when he does see the sphere, he’s been inconsistent.

On this sport, his protection wasn’t nice (even apart from conceding the penalty) and he solely had 35 touches over 90 minutes taking part in as an out of doors midfielder. He does make strong runs and dribbling was efficient at instances. However he’s not harmful in connecting along with his teammates to raise the offense of his whole crew.

In La Liga, Matthew Hoppe was an unused sub for Mallorca in a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao. He’s performed simply 105 minutes this season.

Within the Segunda, United States U-20 left again Jonathan Gomez began for Actual Sociedad B in a 3-2 loss to Ponferradina. It was a really blended sport for Gomez as he drew a penalty which allowed Sociedad to equalize within the 62nd minute. He additionally missed a giant probability with a left-footed shot from shut vary after which was partially at fault along with his marking on Ponferradina late winner. Total, his efficiency confirmed promise together with just a few moments the place he must be sharper. Ponferradina is in fifth whereas Actual Sociedad B is 10 factors deep within the relegation zone – so Sociedad punched above its weight to maintain this shut.

Additionally within the Segunda, Shaq Moore performed the ultimate 16 minutes for Tenerife in a 2-0 away win over last-place Alcorcon. Tenerife at the moment sits in third place and are clear contenders for promotion to La Liga.

Fulham duo high Yanks in England

Probably the most optimistic story of the weekend for People in England was within the Championship the place Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson each began and went the space in a 1-0 win over Hull Metropolis to stay six factors clear atop the Championship desk and coasting in direction of a promotion to the Premier League.

As has been the case all season, Ream and Robinson had been each so strong on the defensive facet. Then Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovi? added the one objective of the sport along with his astonishing thirty first league objective of the season. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how Robinson handles one other season within the Premier League. He appears to be like extra prepared and his profession is actually on an good trajectory.

In the meantime, Ream might return dwelling to play within the USA subsequent 12 months or he would possibly stick with Fulham – probably as a reserve central defender. However his legacy as an elite performer within the Championship is safe.

Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson each go 90 minutes for 1st place Fulham in 1-0 win over Hull Metropolis.- Ream: 65/80 passing, 9 clearances, 4/5 in floor duels received, 3/4 in aerials received, 4/7 lengthy balls- Robinson: 45/53 passing, 2/2 dribbles, 2 clearances, 2 interceptions#USMNT

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 12, 2022

One of many massive winners over the weekend for People overseas was Ethan Horvath and he didn’t even play for Nottingham Forest. First alternative goalkeeper Brice Samba was despatched off after conceding and equalizing penalty in a 2-2 draw with Stoke. Forest had already used up their subs when Samba was ejected so Horvath couldn’t enter, however he ought to be in line for a uncommon begin on Friday in opposition to second place Bournemouth.

Duane Holmes has had resurgent season for Huddersfield this 12 months and the crew is within the combine for the promotional playoff. Holmes performed the ultimate 24 minutes for Huddersfield in Saturday’s boring 0-0 draw with Sheffield United. It was not the outcome that the crew wants if it desires to qualify for the playoffs.  

Up within the Premier League, Josh Sargent began however didn’t actually do a lot of something for Norwich in a 4-0 loss to Manchester Metropolis. The outcome was anticipated as Manchester Metropolis is simply a lot better. What was noteworthy is that Zack Steffen wasn’t even within the matchday squad for Metropolis. For Sargent and Norwich, the schedule continues to be powerful and Liverpool is subsequent.

Marlon Fossey has had an important run the previous month at Bolton and he scored a pleasant objective in a 3-2 win over Oxford United. The celebration was even higher. Fossey was a gymnast in his youthful days.

Purpose celebration battle between Marlon Fossey vs Antonee Robinson is the true debate I need to see pic.twitter.com/GGSHDqE5MN

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 14, 2022

Elsewhere in League One, Lynden Gooch was not within the squad for skidding Sunderland in a 1-1 draw with Wimbledon. Charlie Kelman performed the ultimate 4 minutes for relegation battling Gillingham in a 1-1 away draw with Morecambe

Tough spell for Yanks in France

Lille defeated Montpellier 1-0 away on Saturday and two People made uneventful sub appearances: Tim Weah performed the ultimate 11 minutes for Lille and Nicholas Gioacchini performed the ultimate 9 for Montpellier. Neither made a lot of an impression.

Erik Palmer-Brown has been wonderful the previous month since he reclaimed the a beginning spot for the Ligue 1 crew. Sadly, he was on the unsuitable finish of a 5-1 loss to Brest the place he went the complete 90. Nobody on Troyes escaped blame in a horrible loss.

Konrad de la Fuente was not within the squad for Marseille in a 2-1 win over last-place Metz.

In Ligue 2, Amir Richardson began for Le Havre in a 4-2 loss at dwelling to Bastia. Le Havre had a fast 2-0 lead however then collapsed. As soon as Bastia took a 3-2 lead, Richardson was subbed off on the hour mark to attempt to reverse course. It didn’t work and Le Havre is now 4 factors out of the promotional playoffs. It’s been an important studying expertise for Richardson who’s a promising defensive midfielder however nonetheless must proceed to play to enhance.

LDLT sturdy, Ledezma harm in Holland

The weekend in Holland was highlighted however a robust efficiency from Luca de la Torre who rebounded from a tricky outing final weekend in a loss to Ajax. In a 1-0 win over Utrecht, de la Torre was one in all his crew’s greatest midfielders which saved him the strain on Utrecht. He was 34/38 along with his passing and he performed with aggression. It was an efficient efficiency in an essential win that strikes Heracles comfortably to midtable.

Within the second tier, Eerste Divisie Richards Ledezma earned the beginning for Jong PSV however was subbed out within the second half with an damage. Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink reported it was a  groin damage – which is optimistic in that it was not an damage to his knee. He lately returned from a ACL tear that saved him out almost a 12 months.

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 14, 2022

Additionally within the Eredivisie, Cole Bassett was an unused sub for the second straight week for third place Feyenoord in a 2-0 away win over RKC Waalwijk. These are all massive video games for Feyenoord who’re battling for an essential spot in Europe (trailing second place PSV by only a level) so it’s powerful to work Bassett into video games. His debut, nevertheless, does appear to be it’s only a matter of time. Any minutes he will get this season is a bonus. The preseason this summer time goes to be a giant second for him.

Cannon & Mendez begin in Portugal

Reggie Cannon began for Boavista which performed Portimonense to a 1-1 draw on the highway. Cannon continues to play on the fitting facet of a three-man backline.  On this sport, he needed to adust when one in all his defensive companions, Jackson Porozo, was despatched off within the 77th. Cannon had 64 touches on this one and was 4/7 in his long-ball distribution out of the again. He additionally had 4 clearances and two interceptions to protect the draw.

He’s flying underneath the radar in Portugal however he is studying at Boavista as he performs completely different roles and is compelled to pitch-in in unfamiliar methods to earn outcomes. Boavista sits midtable in twelfth.

In the meantime, Alex Mendez began for Vizela in a 1-0 loss at dwelling to Gil Vicente. Mendez struggled and was changed on the hour mark. One optimistic observe is that Mendez takes Vizela’s corners and set items – so that ought to hold him on the sphere. Vizela sits comfortably in midtable in eleventh place.

Elsewhere all through Europe

In Austria’s Bundesliga, Thomas Roberts performed the ultimate 26 minutes for Austria Klagenfurt in a 2-2 draw with LASK. He nonetheless awaits his first league begin, however his sub appearances have been getting longer. Austria Klagenfurt is surprisingly in fourth place after incomes promotion final season and the success of the crew mixed with Roberts being there on mortgage from Dallas has made it powerful to work into the beginning lineup. It has been an excellent studying expertise for the younger Texan.

In Turkey, it was a an uneventful weekend for the 2 remaining People within the Tremendous Lig. Tyler Boyd was subbed into the sport for Rizespor within the 83rd minute in opposition to Altay with the rating 0-0. He thought he it the successful objective three minutes later but it surely was dominated offside by VAR and the sport ended 0-0 and Rizespor is 4 factors deep within the relegation gap.

Haji Wright was an unused sub for Antalyaspor in a 3-0 win over Fatih Karagumruk.

Within the Greek Tremendous League, Caleb Stanko continues to start out for PAS Giannina and he went the space on Monday in a 2-0 win over Aris. That win moved the membership previous Panathinaikos and into fourth place.

In Hungary’s HB 1, Ferencvaros moved again into the highest of the desk with a 3-1 away win over Zalaegerszeg. Former Seattle Sounder Henry Wingo went the complete 90 for Ferencvaros at proper again.

In Argentina’s Copa de la Liga Skilled, Alan Sonora began and performed 56 minutes for Independiente in a 2-1 loss to Estudiantes de la Plata. Independiente continues to be adjusting after the departure of star No. 10 Alan Velasco to FC Dallas. Alan’s older brother, Joel Sonora (a member of the 2015 U.S. U-20 World Cup crew) was an unused substitute for Velez Sarsfield in a 2-0 win over Aldosivi.