Photo by Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
By MATT STYPULKOSKI
Fatai Alashe hasn’t taken long to make an impact for the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Michigan State product – who was taken No. 4 overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft – has appeared in three of the Earthquakes’ first four games, including two starts.
After a late cameo in the season opener, Alashe helped the Earthquakes pull out a 3-2 win in his first start, despite being reduced to 10 men against the reigning Supporters’ Shield-winning Seattle Sounders. One week later, he notched the first goal in the history of Avaya Stadium, scoring from a corner just five minutes into the new building’s christening.
As a result, Alashe was called up to the U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team for this past week and has also earned SBI’s MLS Rookie of the Month honors.
Alashe edged out Chicago Fire midfielder Matt Polster, Colorado Rapids defender Axel Sjoberg and New York City FC forward Khiry Shelton for this month’s award.
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What do you think of Alashe’s selection as SBI Rookie of the Month? What has made Alashe so effective as of late? Which rookies have impressed you most so far this season?
Share your thoughts below.
if he keeps progressing at the rate he’s shown so far, he could marshall our central midfield for many years to come. have been waiting for another player like this ever since Richard Mulrooney.
thought not related to MLS, it should be noted he then scored for the U23s. He’s having a great start to the season; lots of confidence.