MLS Exports: Promising autumn campaigns for Cameron, Bornstein, Omar, EPB

Greg Seltzer

Another international break is upon us, which makes it the perfect time to catch up with all of the Major League Soccer products playing around the globe.

The past four weeks have seen things looking up for former MLS defenders DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, Omar Gonzalez and Carlos Salcedo.

England


<strong>DeAndre Yedlin</strong><br> SEA: 2013-14	The US international has continued working every minute of every Newcastle league match since the last update, but that's not really news. The notable development has been a sudden form U-turn made by the Magpies. Yedlin and friends ended October by holding Southampton to a 0-0 away draw, and have begun November by logging the first two wins of the term over Watford and Bournemouth to vault out of the Premier League bottom three.

DeAndre Yedlin SEA: 2013-14

The US international has continued working every minute of every Newcastle league match since the last update, but that's not really news. The notable development has been a sudden form U-turn made by the Magpies. Yedlin and friends ended October by holding Southampton to a 0-0 away draw, and have begun November by logging the first two wins of the term over Watford and Bournemouth to vault out of the Premier League bottom three.


<strong>Tim Ream</strong><br> RBNY: 2010-11	The veteran center back has a new boss to impress after Claudio Ranieri was handed the Fulham reins on Wednesday. Ream started the Cottagers' last two league games of October (both multi-goal losses), publicly blasted his teammates for "a lack of fight" and then worked 69 minutes of their EFL Cup exit loss at Manchester City on the first of November. He's watched their last two games (both losses) from the bench. Ranieri has his work cut out, as his new side is propping up the EPL table through 12 games.

Tim Ream RBNY: 2010-11

The veteran center back has a new boss to impress after Claudio Ranieri was handed the Fulham reins on Wednesday. Ream started the Cottagers' last two league games of October (both multi-goal losses), publicly blasted his teammates for "a lack of fight" and then worked 69 minutes of their EFL Cup exit loss at Manchester City on the first of November. He's watched their last two games (both losses) from the bench. Ranieri has his work cut out, as his new side is propping up the EPL table through 12 games.

Geoff Cameron | USA Today Sports Images


<strong>Geoff Cameron</strong><br> HOU: 2008-12	It seems as though the American may just be QPR's lucky defensive midfield charm. So far this season, they're 7-1-1 when he plays that position for them and 1-4-3 when he doesn't. After Cameron helped the Loftus Road crew win three straight to close October before he sat out their Nov. 3 loss at Blackburn with a hamstring complaint. He was back on board the following week as Queens Park Rangers reached the top 10 of the Championship table with a 3-2 home derby win over Brentford.

Geoff Cameron HOU: 2008-12

It seems as though the American may just be QPR's lucky defensive midfield charm. So far this season, they're 7-1-1 when he plays that position for them and 1-4-3 when he doesn't. After Cameron helped the Loftus Road crew win three straight to close October before he sat out their Nov. 3 loss at Blackburn with a hamstring complaint. He was back on board the following week as Queens Park Rangers reached the top 10 of the Championship table with a 3-2 home derby win over Brentford.


<strong>Matthew Olosunde</strong><br> NY Red Bulls Academy	The Manchester United Under-23 defensive handyman is still working his way back from a knee injury. Olosunde hasn't taken a field since making his <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/united-states">US national team</a> debut against Bolivia back in May.

Germany

Chris Richards (center) with Bayern | USA Today Sports Images


<strong>Weston McKennie</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	With Schalke dealing with several injuries, it's been a bit of an odd month for the USMNT midfielder. McKennie actually started as a second forward in Schalke 2-0 Bundesliga loss at Werder Bremen on Oct. 20. After a cameo in their UEFA Champions League draw at Galatasaray four days later, he then shuttled to the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/glossary/number-10">No. 10</a> position for a scoreless draw with RB Leipzig the following week. On Halloween, McKennie came on as an injury replacement near the start of extra time as the Miners advanced to the DfB-Pokal third round with a penalty shootout win at FC Cologne. The youngster has come off the bench in all three of Schalke's November games to date, including a home return win over Gala that has them close to clinching a place in the Champions League sweet 16.

Weston McKennie FC Dallas Academy

With Schalke dealing with several injuries, it's been a bit of an odd month for the USMNT midfielder. McKennie actually started as a second forward in Schalke 2-0 Bundesliga loss at Werder Bremen on Oct. 20. After a cameo in their UEFA Champions League draw at Galatasaray four days later, he then shuttled to the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/glossary/number-10">No. 10</a> position for a scoreless draw with RB Leipzig the following week. On Halloween, McKennie came on as an injury replacement near the start of extra time as the Miners advanced to the DfB-Pokal third round with a penalty shootout win at FC Cologne. The youngster has come off the bench in all three of Schalke's November games to date, including a home return win over Gala that has them close to clinching a place in the Champions League sweet 16.


<strong>Carlos Salcedo</strong><br> RSL: 2013-14	The Eintracht Frankfurt defender is back in training after recovering from an ankle ligament tear. Salcedo is aiming to end his two-and-a-half-month spell on the shelf when his streaking side gets back on the field at Augsburg on the 24th. The Eagles are unbeaten in 10 across all competitions, standing fourth in the Bundesliga and perfect atop Europa League Group H.


<strong>Chris Richards</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	The loan defender has now started 14 straight contests across all competitions in the heart of Bayern Munich U19's defense. After he returns from <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/14/us-u-20s-ready-defend-concacaf-crown-tournament-hits-crunchtime">US Under-20 duty</a>, Richards and his Bavarian mates must quickly ramp up for a rough stretch of games by hosting Eintracht Frankfurt on Nov. 24. Three days after that, they face a must win UEFA Youth League duel with Benfica.

Chris Richards FC Dallas Academy

The loan defender has now started 14 straight contests across all competitions in the heart of Bayern Munich U19's defense. After he returns from <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/14/us-u-20s-ready-defend-concacaf-crown-tournament-hits-crunchtime">US Under-20 duty</a>, Richards and his Bavarian mates must quickly ramp up for a rough stretch of games by hosting Eintracht Frankfurt on Nov. 24. Three days after that, they face a must win UEFA Youth League duel with Benfica.

Mexico

Omar Gonzalez | USA Today Sports Images


<strong>Omar Gonzalez</strong><br> LA: 2009-15	Things are certainly looking up for the former USMNT center back at Atlas. Gonzalez made it two goals in as many games by bagging the stoppage time 4-3 winner over Veracruz on Oct. 20, a result that has spawned the four-game unbeaten run that has lifted them out of the basement ahead of their season capper at Monterrey. Just prior to the international break, Gonzalez helped <em>Los Zorros</em> post consecutive shutouts for the first time since July.

Omar Gonzalez LA: 2009-15

Things are certainly looking up for the former USMNT center back at Atlas. Gonzalez made it two goals in as many games by bagging the stoppage time 4-3 winner over Veracruz on Oct. 20, a result that has spawned the four-game unbeaten run that has lifted them out of the basement ahead of their season capper at Monterrey. Just prior to the international break, Gonzalez helped Los Zorros post consecutive shutouts for the first time since July.


<strong>Rogelio Funes Mori</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	The last four weeks have been a bit rough for the Monterrey strike star, who has been limited to a lone 20-minute sub shift in Liga MX play over their last four games. Funes Mori sat their Oct. 21 win over Toluca due to a red-card suspension and has missed their last two league contests with a muscle ailment. Fortunately for <em>Los Rayados</em> (who have already clinched a Liguilla berth with one Apertura road game to go), the 2008 Sueño MLS winner has now resumed full training. The lone bright spot for Funes Mori since our last check came when his brace helped Monterrey to a Copa MX semifinal win at Pachuca.

Rogelio Funes Mori FC Dallas Academy

The last four weeks have been a bit rough for the Monterrey strike star, who has been limited to a lone 20-minute sub shift in Liga MX play over their last four games. Funes Mori sat their Oct. 21 win over Toluca due to a red-card suspension and has missed their last two league contests with a muscle ailment. Fortunately for Los Rayados (who have already clinched a Liguilla berth with one Apertura road game to go), the 2008 Sueño MLS winner has now resumed full training. The lone bright spot for Funes Mori since our last check came when his brace helped Monterrey to a Copa MX semifinal win at Pachuca.


<strong>Rafael Baca</strong><br> SJ: 2011-14	The veteran defensive midfielder is suddenly finding it difficult to hold a lineup place for Cruz Azul, who only need a closing-day point at Morelia on Nov. 24 to ensure they finish the Apertura on the summit. He's come off the bench in two of their last three league games, and stayed on the bench as <em>La Máquina</em> celebrated their first title of any kind since 2013 with a 2-0 Copa MX final triumph against Monterrey two weeks ago. Despite this, Baca recently told Mexico's version of SportsCenter that he hopes the club's success will help him catch the eye of the next Mexico manager.

Rafael Baca SJ: 2011-14

The veteran defensive midfielder is suddenly finding it difficult to hold a lineup place for Cruz Azul, who only need a closing-day point at Morelia on Nov. 24 to ensure they finish the Apertura on the summit. He's come off the bench in two of their last three league games, and stayed on the bench as La Máquina celebrated their first title of any kind since 2013 with a 2-0 Copa MX final triumph against Monterrey two weeks ago. Despite this, Baca recently told Mexico's version of SportsCenter that he hopes the club's success will help him catch the eye of the next Mexico manager.


<strong>Lalo Fernandez</strong><br> RSL: 2012-17	Fernandez remains firmly stuck behind starting Tigres UANL netminder Nahuel Guzman. The Liga MX giants have all but clinched a Liguilla spot heading into the final game of the Apertura season at Chivas on Nov. 25.

Spain


<strong>Ballou Tabla</strong><br> MTL: 2017	The Barcelona B winger has come off the bench in three straight league matches since returning from October's international duty, averaging just under 20 minutes per shift. Tabla also played the full 90 in a 1-0 Copa Catalunya fourth round loss away to fourth-tier outfit Sant Andreu a week ago Wednesday.

France


<strong>Matt Miazga</strong><br> RBNY: 2013-15	The Nantes loan defender was shipped off to the reserves not long after a poor performance in their mid-October loss at Bordeaux.  Miazga, who last worked in Nantes II's 2-1 win over Vannes on Nov. 3, had made it clear that he intends to reclaim a Canaries starting spot. "My main focus is to give my all until the end of the season," <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/chelsea-loanee-miazga-eyes-long-term-premier-league-stay/6u2ohmr6swbm1oaftjveg4cbr" target="_blank">he told Goal this week</a>. "Obviously I need to earn my starting spot back through training and go from there."

Matt Miazga RBNY: 2013-15

The Nantes loan defender was shipped off to the reserves not long after a poor performance in their mid-October loss at Bordeaux.  Miazga, who last worked in Nantes II's 2-1 win over Vannes on Nov. 3, had made it clear that he intends to reclaim a Canaries starting spot. "My main focus is to give my all until the end of the season," <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/chelsea-loanee-miazga-eyes-long-term-premier-league-stay/6u2ohmr6swbm1oaftjveg4cbr" target="_blank">he told Goal this week</a>. "Obviously I need to earn my starting spot back through training and go from there."

Tim Weah with PSG | Reuters


<strong>Timothy Weah</strong><br> NY Red Bulls Academy	Though he hasn't so much as dressed for Paris Saint-Germain since mid-August, the USMNT winger is being kept with the first team by manager Thomas Tuchel. Weah hasn't played for the reserve side since scoring in consecutive games back in September. The youngster is simply waiting for his chance in a team that has run off 13 straight wins (with a +38 goal differential, no less) to start the Ligue 1 season. Meanwhile, PSG stand third in Champions League Group C ahead of an important visit from Liverpool on Nov. 28.

Timothy Weah NY Red Bulls Academy

Though he hasn't so much as dressed for Paris Saint-Germain since mid-August, the USMNT winger is being kept with the first team by manager Thomas Tuchel. Weah hasn't played for the reserve side since scoring in consecutive games back in September. The youngster is simply waiting for his chance in a team that has run off 13 straight wins (with a +38 goal differential, no less) to start the Ligue 1 season. Meanwhile, PSG stand third in Champions League Group C ahead of an important visit from Liverpool on Nov. 28. 

Netherlands


<strong>Erik Palmer-Brown</strong><br> SKC: 2013-17	The NAC Breda loan defender broke a strong of four Eredivisie games on the sideline by going the full 90 in a 2-1 victory over Heracles on November 3, the cellar dwellers' first win since mid-August. Palmer-Brown held his spot for this past weekend's 2-0 loss at Emmen. Next up for the the Yellow Army? A rampant Ajax side, which has hit for 21 goals during an ongoing five-game league winning run, comes to town on Nov. 24.

Erik Palmer-Brown SKC: 2013-17

The NAC Breda loan defender broke a strong of four Eredivisie games on the sideline by going the full 90 in a 2-1 victory over Heracles on November 3, the cellar dwellers' first win since mid-August. Palmer-Brown held his spot for this past weekend's 2-0 loss at Emmen. Next up for the the Yellow Army? A rampant Ajax side, which has hit for 21 goals during an ongoing five-game league winning run, comes to town on Nov. 24.

Portugal


<strong>Eryk Williamson</strong><br> POR: 2018	The on-loan midfielder has yet to dress for Santa Clara's first team, who sit mid-table through 10 Liga NOS rounds.

Belgium


<strong>Andy Najar</strong><br> DC: 2010-12	After missing Anderlecht's first two Belgian First Division A games of November with a hamstring knock, Najar returned last Thursday with a short sub shift in a 2-0 Europa League Group D loss at Fenerbahce that all but killed their chances of advancement with two games left. He followed that up by patrolling right back for 90 minutes in Sunday's 2-0 league win over Gent. The result pulled the fourth-place Mauves to within five points of the leaders Genk, who they'll host on Dec. 2.

Andy Najar DC: 2010-12

After missing Anderlecht's first two Belgian First Division A games of November with a hamstring knock, Najar returned last Thursday with a short sub shift in a 2-0 Europa League Group D loss at Fenerbahce that all but killed their chances of advancement with two games left. He followed that up by patrolling right back for 90 minutes in Sunday's 2-0 league win over Gent. The result pulled the fourth-place Mauves to within five points of the leaders Genk, who they'll host on Dec. 2.

Turkey


<strong>Cyle Larin</strong><br> ORL: 2015-17	According to widespread reports out of Turkey on Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/canada">Canada</a> striker has been transfer-listed by Besiktas boss Senol Gunes. Larin hasn't featured for the Black Eagles since a late cameo on October 21. A spate of Turkish tabloids linked him with an MLS return a couple weeks back, with some reports even claiming he'd been in contact with former side <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando">Orlando City</a>.

Cyle Larin ORL: 2015-17

According to widespread reports out of Turkey on Tuesday, the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/canada">Canada</a> striker has been transfer-listed by Besiktas boss Senol Gunes. Larin hasn't featured for the Black Eagles since a late cameo on October 21. A spate of Turkish tabloids linked him with an MLS return a couple weeks back, with some reports even claiming he'd been in contact with former side <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando">Orlando City</a>.


<strong>Eric Ayuk</strong><br> PHI: 2015-16	The left midfielder, who has gone the distance in eight consecutive games, helped Osmanlispor snap a three-game league goal and win drought in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Istanbulspor. The Ottomans stand 10th in the Turkish second division, three points out of the last promotion playoff slot. Ayuk was also on the field as the visitors fell out of the Turkish Cup with a 3-2 round-of-32 defeat at fourth-flight mites Nazilli Belediyespor on Oct. 31.

Eric Ayuk PHI: 2015-16

The left midfielder, who has gone the distance in eight consecutive games, helped Osmanlispor snap a three-game league goal and win drought in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Istanbulspor. The Ottomans stand 10th in the Turkish second division, three points out of the last promotion playoff slot. Ayuk was also on the field as the visitors fell out of the Turkish Cup with a 3-2 round-of-32 defeat at fourth-flight mites Nazilli Belediyespor on Oct. 31.

Costa Rica


<strong>Dennis Castillo</strong><br> COL: 2016	The defender and his Perez Zeledon teammates narrowly missed making the Apertura playoffs by a single point after drawing their final two regular-season games at home. Castillo did start their last seven games, helping the team close on an eight-game unbeaten streak.

Israel


<strong>Aaron Schoenfeld</strong><br> CLB: 2012-15	After appearing in just two of Maccabi Tel Aviv's first eight matches, Schoenfeld has featured off the bench in three straight. The unbeaten Ligat Ha'Al leaders have won five in a row to open up a seven-point tabletop lead. The Israeli league has reached its early winter break, so the club is off until they visit Maccabi Petah Tikva on Dec. 1.

Jonathan Bornstein | Action Images


<strong>Jonathan Bornstein</strong><br> CHV: 2006-11	Prior to last month's update, the veteran left back had watched five straight Maccabi Netanya matches from the dugout. Since then, Bornstein has played all 90 minutes in four straight, helping the club win three of four (including a 1-0 defeat of defending champs Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Oct. 27) to climb to seventh place.

Norway

Sam Adekugbe | USA Today Sports Images


<strong>Sam Adekugbe</strong><br> VAN: 2013-17	The Canada left back has now worked whistle-to-whistle in eight straight for Valerenga, including the four games since our last update. Regrettably, a 1-4-3 slump run has caused the Bohemians to fall out of the race for a Europa League place. Adekugbe & Co. have dropped to eighth ahead of their closing day home tilt with Ranheim.


<strong>Oyvind Alseth</strong><br> TOR: 2017	The Ranheim right back went the distance in a scoreless draw with Bodo/Glimt on Oct. 20, but managed just one minute of pitch time in their last three games of the Eliteserien season. In all, hometown boy Alseth has notched one assist while starting six of his 15 appearances for the surprise package side. In their first top-flight season since 1956, Ranheim stand sixth heading into the final game of the season, a visit to face Adekugbe and Vålerenga on Nov. 24.

Oyvind Alseth TOR: 2017

The Ranheim right back went the distance in a scoreless draw with Bodo/Glimt on Oct. 20, but managed just one minute of pitch time in their last three games of the Eliteserien season. In all, hometown boy Alseth has notched one assist while starting six of his 15 appearances for the surprise package side. In their first top-flight season since 1956, Ranheim stand sixth heading into the final game of the season, a visit to face Adekugbe and Vålerenga on Nov. 24.


<strong>Sean Okoli</strong><br> SEA: 2014<br> DC: 2015<br> NYC: 2017	The striker's run of 10 straight starts ended with second-flight FK Jerv's closing-day loss against Tromsdalen, which saw him on for the last 13 minutes of a 1-0 defeat. Moments before his side conceded the lone goal, Okoli saw his attempt from a free kick cleared off the line by a defender. Despite going winless in the last six games of the season, the club avoided the relegation playoff by two points. Okoli is due to run out of contract in December.

Sean Okoli SEA: 2014 DC: 2015 NYC: 2017

The striker's run of 10 straight starts ended with second-flight FK Jerv's closing-day loss against Tromsdalen, which saw him on for the last 13 minutes of a 1-0 defeat. Moments before his side conceded the lone goal, Okoli saw his attempt from a free kick cleared off the line by a defender. Despite going winless in the last six games of the season, the club avoided the relegation playoff by two points. Okoli is due to run out of contract in December.

Scotland


<strong>Emerson Hyndman</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	Last Friday, the US midfielder was finally sidelined by an ankle injury that has been nagging him for a few weeks as Hibernian fell 1-0 at Aberdeen. Hyndman had started four of five before the weekend, including a hard-fought 4-2 defeat at Celtic on Oct. 20. That loss kicked off their current four-game winless slide, which has dropped Hibs down to eighth in the table.


<strong>Andy Rose</strong><br> SEA: 2012-15	After remaining a spectator for two games, Rose got back in the SPL game by working the second half of Motherwell's harsh 7-1 lesson at the hands of Rangers on Sunday. The Fir Park crew are struggling down in ninth place.


<strong>David Norman Jr.</strong><br> VAN: 2018	The young midfielder made his first Queen of the South start in a 1-0 win at Dunfermline two days after our last update. Since then, he's made it five lineup nods in a row, working all 90 in two of those games. On Saturday, Norman Jr. and his sixth-place side will host Inverness.

Sweden


<strong>Romain Gall</strong><br> CLB: 2014-15	The winger worked 62 minutes as Malmo FF completed a successful 4-0-1 season-closing kick with Sunday's 2-0 win over Elfsborg, a result that allowed them to snatch the last Europa League berth on goal differential. Gall finished the Allsvenskan season tied for fifth on the scoring chart with 12 goals. He's not done working yet, however, as the Sky Blues still have some cup matters to tend to. They'll visit mites Lund for second-round Svenska Cupen action on the 22nd and take a Matchday 5 shot at the top spot in Europa League Group I by hosting current leaders Genk a week later.

Romain Gall CLB: 2014-15

The winger worked 62 minutes as Malmo FF completed a successful 4-0-1 season-closing kick with Sunday's 2-0 win over Elfsborg, a result that allowed them to snatch the last Europa League berth on goal differential. Gall finished the Allsvenskan season tied for fifth on the scoring chart with 12 goals. He's not done working yet, however, as the Sky Blues still have some cup matters to tend to. They'll visit mites Lund for second-round Svenska Cupen action on the 22nd and take a Matchday 5 shot at the top spot in Europa League Group I by hosting current leaders Genk a week later.


<strong>Kofi Sarkodie</strong><br> HOU: 2011-15<br> SJ: 2016-17	After five games out of the reckoning, the Trelleborgs right back started their last five matches of the season, which concluded on Sunday. Sadly, the club went 0-4-1 in that stretch, meaning their win drought in league play reached 20 games to seal relegation.

Switzerland


<strong>Kekuta Manneh</strong><br> VAN: 2013-17	The left winger made his first start since September in St. Gallen's win at FC Sion two rounds back. Manneh kept his place for this past weekend's home loss to runaway Swiss Super League leaders Young Boys. Heading into the international break, Manneh and St. Gallen stand fifth, just out of the last Europa League slot on goal differential.

Slovakia


<strong>Brian Iloski</strong><br> LA Galaxy Academy	A few days after our last update, the on-loan attacker helped Michalovce reach the Slovak Cup quarterfinals by setting up the both their second and the winner in a 4-2 victory over second-flight side Odeva Lipany. Iloski then made it three right wing starts in a row by getting a pair of lineup nods in league play, but he was pulled at halftime of a 6-0 defeat at table-toppers Slovan Bratislava and then stayed on the bench for Sunday's home win over Spartak Trnava.

Brian Iloski LA Galaxy Academy

A few days after our last update, the on-loan attacker helped Michalovce reach the Slovak Cup quarterfinals by setting up the both their second and the winner in a 4-2 victory over second-flight side Odeva Lipany. Iloski then made it three right wing starts in a row by getting a pair of lineup nods in league play, but he was pulled at halftime of a 6-0 defeat at table-toppers Slovan Bratislava and then stayed on the bench for Sunday's home win over Spartak Trnava.

Finland


<strong>Ben McKendry</strong><br> VAN: 2016-17	The TPS loan midfielder started their last four games of the Veikkausliiga campaign, bringing his season total to 29. Unfortunately, they dropped their last two regular-season matches to end up in the promotion/relegation playoff with second-flight KPV. After a scoreless away draw in the opener, the Turku side let a second-leg lead slip to settle for a 1-1 home share and were doomed to the drop by a lone away goal. McKendry is due to return to the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver">Whitecaps</a> at year's end.

Ben McKendry VAN: 2016-17

The TPS loan midfielder started their last four games of the Veikkausliiga campaign, bringing his season total to 29. Unfortunately, they dropped their last two regular-season matches to end up in the promotion/relegation playoff with second-flight KPV. After a scoreless away draw in the opener, the Turku side let a second-leg lead slip to settle for a 1-1 home share and were doomed to the drop by a lone away goal. McKendry is due to return to the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver">Whitecaps</a> at year's end.

Greg Seltzer