Columbus Crew center back Giancarlo Gonazalez started the first two games of Costa Rica’s World Cup campaign, carrying the MLS flag as the Ticos beat Uruguay and Italy to secure themselves a spot in the knockout rounds.
Gonzalez was once again named to Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto’s starting lineup on Tuesday for the squad’s final game of Group D against England, which ended in a scoreless draw. Yawn. Unsurprising. Dull, particularly when there was a brand new MLSer starting alongside him: New York Red Bulls left back and World Cup debutant Roy Miller.
Do we have your attention now?
Then came the snark.
Miller, in fairness, finished off the 2013 MLS season strong, helping the Red Bulls win the Supporters’ Shield for their first major trophy in club history, and has looked good to start the season. You could very credibly argue that he's been the best left back in MLS for the past 12 months.
His 90-minute performance on Tuesday wasn’t quite up to that standard, but it was enough to help shut out an England team that featured Daniel Sturridge, Jack Wilshere and Frank Lampard.
In an otherwise forgettable draw for the English – the one point that they earned against Costa Rica still wasn’t enough to help them avoid the worst World Cup trip in their history – you can guarantee that Lampard, at least, will remember Miller after the Red Bulls defender stepped on him in the 47th minute to earn a foul.
And with the ex-Chelsea midfielder’s next stop rumored to be New York City FC, maybe, just maybe…
