CARSON, Calif. — Chivas USA striker Justin Braun will never be considered an artist. But there is a certain amount of artistry to the 23-year-old’s play.
This was on evidence on Friday night when Braun’s deft flick from a tight angle beat New England goalkeeper Matt Reis, giving give the Goats an early lead and sending them on their way to a solid 2-0 win over the Revolution. The goal was Braun’s ninth of the season.
His success this season has put Braunaldinho’s name into the US national team mix.
“I think he’s [he’s had good] performances in past games in some tough stretches,” Chivas coach Martin Vasquez said. “If he continues to do that and score goals, I think he’s going to be ready for the next level—the international level.”
Braun possesses one particular attribute that the US team has not seen much of with the retirement of Brian McBride and the recent decision not to call in Brian Ching: defensive tenacity.
“He’s nonstop,” Vasquez said. “He’s generous when it comes to chasing defenders.”
