Saturday’s NASL action saw quite a few MLS loanees in action, though none had a better evening than Kenney Walker.
The second-year LA Galaxy man was deployed in defensive midfield for the Carolina RailHawks, who were looking to end a four-game winless streak with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers visiting WakeMed Park in Cary, N.C.
Despite some impressive tackles on the night, Walker's game-changing moment came in the 63rd minute when he launched a cross into a crowded box. The Strikers scrambled and cleared, but only as far as the 18, where Brenier Ortiz waited and fired a left-footed shot home to give Carolina the lead.
The goal was the first of two given up by FC Dallas goalkeeper Richard Sanchez, who played well for the Strikers despite the loss. The second goal came by way of a Carolina penalty kick in the 80th minute when Sanchez guessed wrong on Brian Ackley’s attempt. With the 2-0 victory, Carolina climbed to a three-way tie for second place in the fall season behind the New York Cosmos.
FC Dallas' other on-loan Homegrown signing, Bradlee Baladez, made his second start for Fort Lauderdale, while Real Salt Lake's Enzo Martinez made an eight-minute cameo for Carolina.
Also in action on Saturday were two Montreal Impact midfielders on loan to Minnesota United. Calum Mallace earned yet another start while Sinisa Ubiparipovic came on in the 62nd minute as the two helped Minnesota to a 1-0 win over the San Antonio Scorpions that kept them in that three-way tie for second place.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Whitecaps striker Corey Hertzog is struggling to find traction for FC Edmonton. He and the Eddies were held scoreless in a 1-0 loss to spring-season champions Atlanta. The loss to the Silverbacks keeps Edmonton in seventh place and 10 points behind league-leading New York.
Here's the full rundown of MLSers on loan over the weekend:
Minnesota United FC 1, San Antonio Scorpions 0; Saturday, Sept. 28
M Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Minnesota (Montreal Impact) - Substitute, played 28 minutes
M Calum Mallace, Minnesota (Montreal Impact) - Started, played 90 minutes
Carolina RailHawks 2, Fort Lauderdale Strikers 0; Saturday, Sept. 28
M Enzo Martinez, Carolina (Real Salt Lake) - Substitute, played 8 minutes
M Kenney Walker, Carolina (LA Galaxy) - Started, played 90 minutes
F Bradlee Baladez, Ft. Lauderdale (FC Dallas) - Started, played 73 minutes
GK Richard Sanchez, Ft. Lauderdale (FC Dallas) - Started, played 90 minutes
Atlanta Silverbacks 1, FC Edmonton 0; Saturday, Sept. 28
F Corey Hertzog, Edmonton (Vancouver Whitecaps) - Started, played 90 minutes
