Not one, but two Loons have flown into TOTM 7 after their impressive 2-1 road win over San Diego. Goalkeeper Drake Callender’s key interventions and Kyle Duncan’s contributions across the pitch left little doubt that these two were among Matchday 7’s best, and now, the proof is in the league announcement, which is a weird way to say pudding.
Duncan’s headed goal in the 15th minute not only leveled the score but also swung momentum back toward the visitors before the hosts could build on their early strike. His emergence as an attacking threat marks a real positive in the continued tactical evolution of his side, as the wingback pairing of he and Markanich could turn into one of the league’s most effective duos.
In the back, Callender finished with five saves on the night, punctuated by a handful of outstanding acrobatic efforts in second-half stoppage time to preserve the lead. He continues to show his skill between the posts, fitting into this lineup like a glove.
Both Callender and Duncan joined the Loons during the most recent transfer window, adding experience and skill to the squad in their respective positions. Callender joined from Charlotte, having gained most of his professional playing experience with Inter Miami from 2020 to 2025. Duncan’s more than 10-year-long professional career has seen him journey to Europe more than once, but the defender is a product of the Red Bull New York pipeline.
The past is the past, though, and both men are plying their trade in Black and Blue — and doing quite well, if I may say so. The Loons have done well to navigate a challenging start to the 2026 season, between a ton of travel and one tough opponent after another, and the efforts of both Callender and Duncan have been crucial to staying within touching distance of the leaders in what is proving to be a very congested Western Conference. As they head into an even busier stretch of the season, the rest of the team will be hoping these two can keep playing at a high level.
TOTM 7
F: Julian Hall (RBNY), Rafael Navarro (COL), Brian White (VAN)
M: Alhassan Yusuf (NE), Adri Mehmeti (RBNY), Patrick Yazbek (NSH), Jack Skahan (SJ)
D: Timo Baumgartl (STL), Maya Yoshida (LA), Kosi Thompson (COL)
GK: Drake Callender (MIN)
Coach: Matt Wells (COL)
Bench: Matt Freese (NYC), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (CHI), Japhet Sery Larsen (PHI), Kyle Duncan (MIN), Jesús Bueno (PHI), Josh Atencio (COL), Niko Tsakiris (SJ), Diego Rossi (CLB), Kevin Kelsy (POR)
