As they say in plenty of other sports, sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. That old phrase rang true for MNUFC on Independence Day, as both of the goals in their 2-1 win over FC Dallas came courtesy of defenders Carlos Harvey and Anthony Markanich, earning them a pair of spots on TOTM 22. In an attack-heavy bunch this week, our boys proved that my intro sentence is more than just a fun way to open an article; it’s a great way to win matches, too.
This week’s inclusion on the Team of the Matchday is a first for Harvey, whose quality on the ball and ability to get forward from the back have set him apart since he joined MNUFC, making him a regular starter for our club and a key piece of his country’s national team as well. His 35th-minute header was the first MLS goal of his career, and is unlikely to be his last. While his goal came as a result of a well-worked set piece, his presence was felt in the attack during the run of play as well, firing off a few shots to test Dallas’ keeper, Maarten Paes. His defensive efforts helped to tie a bow on the three points, fully earning himself a spot among this week’s best players.
This is the second TOTM inclusion for breakout star Anthony Markanich, who brought his league goal tally up to four with his header in the second half. It was very similar to his goal from last week’s match against the Red Bulls, as he finished off a Michael Boxall long throw at the back post. The young wingback has shown an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, showing a positional awareness beyond his years and a desire to succeed that has benefitted his team immensely.
Two TOTM honors, two defenders, two goals. Good things come in twos, apparently. Speaking of twos, your Loons are back in action early this week, with a pair of unique matches today and tomorrow. First, our friendly against Holstein Kiel kicks off tonight at 7:00 p.m., followed by a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal showdown against the Chicago Fire tomorrow at 7:00. Whether our TOTM honorees play in one or both of these matchups, one thing is for sure: When they’re on the field, they’re difference makers. Well done, lads.
F: Joseph Paintsil (LA), Ezequiel Ponce (HOU), Lionel Messi (MIA)
M: Evander (CIN), Erik Thommy (SKC), Pep Biel (CLT), Hannes Wolf (NYC)
D: Carlos Harvey (MIN), Ethan Bartlow (HOU), Mitja Ilenič (NYC)
GK: John Pulskamp (SKC)
Coach: Ben Olsen (HOU)
Bench: Oscar Ustari (MIA), Ian Smith (POR), Anthony Markanich (MIN), Diogo Gonçalves (RSL), David Da Costa (POR), Onni Valakari (SD), Tadeo Allende (MIA), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Ramiro Enrique (ORL)
