It took some time for Ethan Horvath to crack the Club Brugge starting lineup, but it now appears the goalkeeper has claimed his role as No. 1 with a Champions League campaign looming.
Horvath started twice last week, leading Club Brugge to identical 2-1 wins of Oostende and Gent in the Belgian Championship Playoffs. The two wins booked the club’s spot in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round while earning Horvath honors as SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week.
Na #CluGnt gaven @SimonsTimmy, @VanakenHans, Ethan Horvath en Michel Preud'homme hun laatste reactie van het seizoen! pic.twitter.com/gSUOnMVaO9
— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) May 22, 2017
The goalkeeper joined Brugge in the winter, but awaited his opportunity as the club continued on with veteran Ludovic Butelle. After 15 games on the bench, Horvath has started each of the club’s last four matches, including the two wins that sealed a spot in Europe’s premier competition next season. While he was only forced into one stop against Oostende, Horvath stopped three shots against Gent, leading his team to a win in a match where Gent proved to be the aggressor.
With the wins, Horvath earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week recognition over Danny Williams, Bobby Wood, Shane O’Neill and Geoff Cameron.
What have you thought of Horvath’s recent performances? Which American stood out to you last week?
Share your thoughts below.