Facing off against the reigning MLS Cup champions, San Jose Earthquakes defender Kip Colvey was given a major test in his first MLS start. He passed it with flying colors.
Colvey nearly helped the Earthquakes maintain a shutout while also adding a secondary assist to help his side earn a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers. While helping his team earn three points, Colvey also earned honors as SBI MLS Rookie of the Week.
Stationed on the left-hand side, Colvey completed 82 percent of his passes, with the most important coming on his ball to Anibal Godoy that helped set up Chris Wondolowski’s opener. Defensively, the third round draft pick kept Lucas Melano largely in check while also adding three interceptions and three clearances.
Colvey beat out Chicago Fire teammates Jonathan Campbell and Brandon Vincent, Toronto FC midfielder Tsubasa Endoh and Philadelphia defender Keegan Rosenberry for this week’s honors.
What did you think of Colvey’s performance? Which rookie impressed you in Week 2?
Share your thoughts below.
Everybody in SJ is thrilled with Colvey. His vision, composure and distribution are first rate. The steal of the draft…complete sleeper. He came on in the first game due to an injury to Francis and looked very solid. He’s playing LB right now, but he’s a natural righty and played RB at Cal Poly. His 1 v1 defending is generally good and will only get better with playing time. I have very high expectations for Colvey…high soccer IQ, pace,..excellent passing…looks like he has the goods to play high level ball. As a side note, he has dual US/Kiwi citizenship…He was born in Hawaii. I only bring this up because no stone shall go unturned when it comes to the nats LB dilemma. Let’s see how he holds up against MLS attackers over the season. If he can hold his own defensively, which I think he can, he’ll have a very bright future. The dude “gets it”.
Really happy with this pick. Kip is playing like a kid with many years of int’l experience- oh yeah, he does have years of int’l experience! Not sure how, nobody else was aware of him after a 4 year starter college experience, but I’ll take it.
Smart player, good work rate. Could be a bit stronger in shoulder to shoulder situations, but he’s quick and his passing out of the back has been very good.