Ethan Horvath made three saves on Tuesday to keep a clean sheet against Atletico Madrid. This was the U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper’s third appearance in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Horvath has started the last nine games for Club Brugge in all competitions, including the second half of UEFA Champions League group play. Horvath conceded zero goals in the three UCL appearances including clean sheets against Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid.
Horvath was forced to save three Atletico shots on Tuesday including a curled effort from Antoine Griezmann which he pushed over the crossbar.
Ethan Horvath keeps another #UCL clean sheet. 3 saves today, including this one on Antoine Griezmann. pic.twitter.com/cCo1Hwjncv
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) December 11, 2018
Club Brugge finished third place in a strong Group A behind Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid. The third-place finish results in Club Brugge entering the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa League scheduled to begin in February.
Horvath has made 20 European Cup (CL or EL) starts already at age 23. Tim Howard didn’t make his first until age 24.
I think kind of like Hamid, now that his club situation is more beneficial, he’s re-making his NT case. However I think he needs to be more physically dominant in the box and pick more balls clean instead of parrying.
Looks like we could have a strong competition for the USMNT Keeper going forwards. Horvath’s return to form and strong performances at the club level against Steffen’s performances with the National team should push them both.
It will be vital that both continue to get games but it’s looking like we’ll have good options at the keeper position.
It was disappointing to watch Pulisic’s non-aggressive performance during Dortmund’s game against Monaco today. It has given Dormund’s manager even more evidence that Jadon Sancho should be playing in front of Pulisic.
I eonder if it wasnt an immature response to playing with 9 guys that are clearly 2nd team. I imagine he is disappointed but he has to give better than what i saw yesterday, anf I am a huge CP22 fan
A little underwhelming but remember, he was the catalyst for the 2 goals. He didn’t get the assist, but he put the ball into the dangerous areas for the next player to get the assist.
Congrats to Ethan Horvath and Club Brugge for entering the knockout rounds of the UEFA Europa League! Keep up the good work!