2011 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Justin Meram opened his Columbus Crew account, scoring a late goal to lift the Crew to a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution in Reserve League action on Monday.
Meram pounced on a rebound inside the box off a Crew free kick and fired into a vacated net in the 88th minute to provide the offense and help the Columbus reserves improve their mark to 2-1-0.
Speedy fullback Shaun Francis made his season debut for the Crew, marking his return from a hamstring injury. He played the first half before making way for Meram. New Argentine signing Santiago Prim also debuted for the Crew, but he suffered ligament damage to his right ankle and the team awaits his diagnosis, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Of note for the Revolution reserves (0-2-0) is that 16-year-old Homegrown Player Diego Fagundez got another 90 minutes under his belt, and academy players Mitch Taintor, Forest Sisk and Cole Denormandie each played 90 minutes as well.
As for Monday's other reserve match:
SEATTLE SOUNDERS 3, CHIVAS USA 2
Mike Fucito, Lamar Neagle and Miguel Montano each scored goals, and the Sounders held off Chivas USA to improve to 2-0-0 in reserve play at the Starfire Sports Complex Monday night.
Chivas Academy product Chris Cortez scored twice, including a header in the 69th minute to pull the Goats (1-2-1) within 3-2, but Sounders keeper Terry Boss preserved the lead with some late saves.
Former New York Red Bulls midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic was a guest trialist for the Sounders and appeared as a second-half substitute.
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What do you make of the latest Reserve League results? Think Francis should start for the Crew's first team when fully fit? Think there's a place on Seattle's roster for Ubiparipovic?
Share your thoughts below.
Bad news for Prim! Was looking forward to seeing what he could do for the Crew. Hope he has a quick recovery!
Hellllooooo Jerry!
Hellllooooo Noonan!!!
+1
can we please get rid of noonan first?