MLS Exports: Impressive showings in England, Germany, Mexico and Costa Rica

Greg Seltzer

Another month has passed, so we're back to catch you all up on the latest exploits of Major League Soccer products playing around the globe.

There were plenty of debuts with new clubs to go around in the aftermath of the winter transfer window, while Tyler Adams, Rogelio Funes Mori and Denis Castillo continued to shine.

England

DeAndre Yedlin, center, playing for Newcastle United against Huddersfield Town | Reuters


<strong>DeAndre Yedlin</strong><br> SEA: 2013-14	The Newcastle right back took part in just two of the club's four games since our last check, but they won both of them. Yedlin enjoyed one of his better outings of the season in a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town on February 23 before sitting out a victory against Burnley and a loss at West Ham United. He returned to the line-up for their 3-2 triumph over Everton on Saturday. Newcastle have now won five of eight to move six points clear of the relegation mire.

DeAndre Yedlin SEA: 2013-14

The Newcastle right back took part in just two of the club's four games since our last check, but they won both of them. Yedlin enjoyed one of his better outings of the season in a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town on February 23 before sitting out a victory against Burnley and a loss at West Ham United. He returned to the line-up for their 3-2 triumph over Everton on Saturday. Newcastle have now won five of eight to move six points clear of the relegation mire.


<strong>Tim Ream</strong><br> RBNY: 2010-11	The center back has worked the full 90 in each of Fulham's last four matches, but they lost each time to see their losing streak stretched to six games. Ream had a rough outing in their February 22 defeat at West Ham, but put in solid outings against Southampton, derby rivals Chelsea and Leicester City. The Cottagers, who stand 14 points from the safety zone with only eight matches left, appear headed on the express train back down to the Championship.

Tim Ream RBNY: 2010-11

The center back has worked the full 90 in each of Fulham's last four matches, but they lost each time to see their losing streak stretched to six games. Ream had a rough outing in their February 22 defeat at West Ham, but put in solid outings against Southampton, derby rivals Chelsea and Leicester City. The Cottagers, who stand 14 points from the safety zone with only eight matches left, appear headed on the express train back down to the Championship.


<strong>Emerson Hyndman</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	It's not just USMNT fans wondering when the young midfielder will get his chance with an injury-hit and scuffling Bournemouth side; the Premier League club's supporters are getting increasingly confused about this, as well. Hyndman has yet to dress for the first team since returning from a loan spell at Hibernian in January, but did go 90 minutes for the Cherries' Under-21 team in an essentially meaningless Premier League Cup loss to Liverpool on February 25. They've been drawn to visit Newcastle in the Round of 16 on Saturday.

Emerson Hyndman FC Dallas Academy

It's not just USMNT fans wondering when the young midfielder will get his chance with an injury-hit and scuffling Bournemouth side; the Premier League club's supporters are getting increasingly confused about this, as well. Hyndman has yet to dress for the first team since returning from a loan spell at Hibernian in January, but did go 90 minutes for the Cherries' Under-21 team in an essentially meaningless Premier League Cup loss to Liverpool on February 25. They've been drawn to visit Newcastle in the Round of 16 on Saturday.


<strong>Geoff Cameron</strong><br> HOU: 2008-12	Queens Park Rangers boss Steve McClaren stated on Monday that Cameron could return from an ankle injury for Wednesday's league tilt against visiting Rotherham. The club has struggled in his absence; since the American went down in mid-December, QPR are 4-8-3 in Championship play and were knocked out of the FA Cup by a 1-0 result at Watford on February 15. Meanwhile, Cameron says that he would prefer to spend the last year of his Stoke City contract back at Loftus Road next season. "If there's an opportunity of another loan, then I'd like to be at QPR again," he told reporters last week. "I have 100 percent enjoyed it there and enjoy playing for Steve McClaren."

Geoff Cameron HOU: 2008-12

Queens Park Rangers boss Steve McClaren stated on Monday that Cameron could return from an ankle injury for Wednesday's league tilt against visiting Rotherham. The club has struggled in his absence; since the American went down in mid-December, QPR are 4-8-3 in Championship play and were knocked out of the FA Cup by a 1-0 result at Watford on February 15. Meanwhile, Cameron says that he would prefer to spend the last year of his Stoke City contract back at Loftus Road next season. "If there's an opportunity of another loan, then I'd like to be at QPR again," he told reporters last week. "I have 100 percent enjoyed it there and enjoy playing for Steve McClaren."

MLS Exports: Impressive showings in England, Germany, Mexico and Costa Rica - https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/Miazga_3.jpg

Matt Miazga, right, has helped Reading escape the League Championship relegation zone| Reuters


<strong>Matt Miazga</strong><br> NY: 2013-15	What a difference a few months make. Before he arrived on loan to Reading, they were 5-15-8. Since he joined the Royals club, they've gone 3-2-4 (allowing multiple goals in a game just three times) to climb three points clear of the Championship trap door. After repeatedly being hung out to dry in a rough 4-0 home defeat to title contenders Sheffield United on February 16, Miazga put on dominant displays in a draw against Rotherham and a victory at Ipswich Town. This past weekend against Wigan, he was among the guilty on the opening goal leak, but the Royals clawed back to win 3-2. On Tuesday night, the team disappointed, suffering a 3-0 home loss to table-toppers Leeds United.

Matt Miazga NY: 2013-15

What a difference a few months make. Before he arrived on loan to Reading, they were 5-15-8. Since he joined the Royals club, they've gone 3-2-4 (allowing multiple goals in a game just three times) to climb three points clear of the Championship trap door. After repeatedly being hung out to dry in a rough 4-0 home defeat to title contenders Sheffield United on February 16, Miazga put on dominant displays in a draw against Rotherham and a victory at Ipswich Town. This past weekend against Wigan, he was among the guilty on the opening goal leak, but the Royals clawed back to win 3-2. On Tuesday night, the team disappointed, suffering a 3-0 home loss to table-toppers Leeds United.


<strong>Matthew Olosunde</strong><br> New York Red Bulls Academy	<p>Finally recovered from a nag of a knee injury, the Manchester United Under-23 defender has gradually been working his way back into the mix in recent weeks. Olosunde returned with 18 minutes off the bench at right back in a 3-1 loss at Stoke City on February 18. On the first of March, he came on for 24 minutes of a 2-1 home defeat against Norwich City. Last Friday, the youngster matched that workload in helping the junior Red Devils rally late for a 1-1 draw at Sunderland that snapped a five-game losing skid.</p>

Matthew Olosunde New York Red Bulls Academy

Finally recovered from a nag of a knee injury, the Manchester United Under-23 defender has gradually been working his way back into the mix in recent weeks. Olosunde returned with 18 minutes off the bench at right back in a 3-1 loss at Stoke City on February 18. On the first of March, he came on for 24 minutes of a 2-1 home defeat against Norwich City. Last Friday, the youngster matched that workload in helping the junior Red Devils rally late for a 1-1 draw at Sunderland that snapped a five-game losing skid.

Germany

Weston McKennie continues to be productive despite Schalke's recent struggles | Reuters


<strong>Weston McKennie</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	Even with Schalke struggling mightily in league play, his job description constantly changing and the odd injury/suspension, McKennie has simply continued plodding along solidly. He ably covered right back (his sixth position of the season) in a scoreless draw with Freiburg on February 16 and then slid up to right midfield (his seventh) for a fairly impressive 3-2 loss against Champions League Round of 16 opening leg guests Manchester City a few days later. After missing two games with a hamstring knock, McKennie returned to central midfield at Werder Bremen to notch his fourth assist in his last seven Bundesliga outings in a 4-2 loss. His Miners are now winless in seven league games and sit just four points above the danger line. On Tuesday, they were unceremoniously dumped from the Champions League by a 7-0 second leg thrashing at Man City. On a more promising note, they will host a DfB-Pokal quarterfinal with Bremen on April 3.

Weston McKennie FC Dallas Academy

Even with Schalke struggling mightily in league play, his job description constantly changing and the odd injury/suspension, McKennie has simply continued plodding along solidly. He ably covered right back (his sixth position of the season) in a scoreless draw with Freiburg on February 16 and then slid up to right midfield (his seventh) for a fairly impressive 3-2 loss against Champions League Round of 16 opening leg guests Manchester City a few days later. After missing two games with a hamstring knock, McKennie returned to central midfield at Werder Bremen to notch his fourth assist in his last seven Bundesliga outings in a 4-2 loss. His Miners are now winless in seven league games and sit just four points above the danger line. On Tuesday, they were unceremoniously dumped from the Champions League by a 7-0 second leg thrashing at Man City. On a more promising note, they will host a DfB-Pokal quarterfinal with Bremen on April 3.


<strong>Tyler Adams</strong><br> NY: 2016-18	The Bundesliga rocket ship ride of Adams has continued undeterred over the last month. A day after turning 20 on February 15, the midfielder notched his first RB Leipzig assist by setting up Yussuf Poulsen's late insurance strike in a 3-1 victory at Stuttgart. He didn't start the next game against Hoffenheim, but was brought on at halftime and helped the home side engineer a 1-1 comeback draw. Following solid full shifts in the ensuing 1-0 win atFC Nürnberg and scoreless draw with Augsburg, <em>Die Roten Bullen</em> are unbeaten when the American plays (5-0-3, including a DfB-Pokal win). In fact, thus far, the third place Champions League chasers only leaked one goal in his 567 minutes of action. Adams, who is averaging 3.4 tackles per 90 minutes, was also a finalist for the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award in February.

Tyler Adams NY: 2016-18

The Bundesliga rocket ship ride of Adams has continued undeterred over the last month. A day after turning 20 on February 15, the midfielder notched his first RB Leipzig assist by setting up Yussuf Poulsen's late insurance strike in a 3-1 victory at Stuttgart. He didn't start the next game against Hoffenheim, but was brought on at halftime and helped the home side engineer a 1-1 comeback draw. Following solid full shifts in the ensuing 1-0 win atFC Nürnberg and scoreless draw with Augsburg, Die Roten Bullen are unbeaten when the American plays (5-0-3, including a DfB-Pokal win). In fact, thus far, the third place Champions League chasers only leaked one goal in his 567 minutes of action. Adams, who is averaging 3.4 tackles per 90 minutes, was also a finalist for the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award in February.


<strong>Alphonso Davies</strong><br> VAN: 2016-18	The learning curve has been much steeper for Davies, but the Bayern Munich winger is still making game day selections and earning short sub shifts. His only first team appearance over the last month came as a seven-minute cameo in their 5-1 rout of Borussia Moenchengladbach on March 2. It should be no surprise that he's watching more from the bench lately; Serge Gnabry is heating up, Franck Ribéry is back from injury and the Bavarians have won 12 of 13 to reclaim the top spot on goal differential. On Wednesday, they'll host a return leg against Liverpool with designs on reaching the Champions League quarters.

Alphonso Davies VAN: 2016-18

The learning curve has been much steeper for Davies, but the Bayern Munich winger is still making game day selections and earning short sub shifts. His only first team appearance over the last month came as a seven-minute cameo in their 5-1 rout of Borussia Moenchengladbach on March 2. It should be no surprise that he's watching more from the bench lately; Serge Gnabry is heating up, Franck Ribéry is back from injury and the Bavarians have won 12 of 13 to reclaim the top spot on goal differential. On Wednesday, they'll host a return leg against Liverpool with designs on reaching the Champions League quarters.


<strong>Khiry Shelton</strong><br> NYC: 2015-17<br> SKC: 2018	The new Paderborn striker returned from a knee injury to make his 2. Bundesliga debut on March 2, playing the final five minutes of a slim 1-0 home loss to St. Pauli. Shelton was back out of the selection, however, for last weekend's defeat at Erzgebirge Aue.


<strong>Kianz Froese</strong><br> VAN: 2014-17	The young Canada playmaker played all but four minutes in Fortuna Dusseldorf II's first three games out of the extended winter break. Sadly, his side dropped all three by a combined 11-0 tally to slip from ninth to 13th in Regionalliga West.


<strong>Chris Richards</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	After two games out of the lineup, the Bayern Munich Under-19 center back was back on the field for a 2-1 victory at FC Nürnberg on March 2 and kept that place for the ensuing 4-4 draw against Stuttgart.


<strong>Taylor Booth</strong><br> Real Salt Lake Academy	The 17-year-old midfielder recovered from an Achilles ailment to make his Bayern Munich U-19 debut in last weekend's wild 4-4 draw with Stuttgart. Booth joined Richards on the pitch, working the final 20 minutes.

Mexico


<strong>Omar Gonzalez</strong><br> LAG: 2009-15	The defender and loan employers Atlas got off to a nice start to the Clausura season, but it's all gone pear-shaped over the last month. Gonzalez has been one of the targets for criticism from the fans in recent weeks, but manager Angel Guillermo Hoyos quickly leapt to his defense in the press. Unfortunately, the boss was fired on Sunday after a 2-0 home failure left them with five straight losses in league play. To make matters worse, the goal-shy Foxes were also bounced from Copa MX by a 4-2 penalties defeat at Dorados on February 27.

Omar Gonzalez LAG: 2009-15

The defender and loan employers Atlas got off to a nice start to the Clausura season, but it's all gone pear-shaped over the last month. Gonzalez has been one of the targets for criticism from the fans in recent weeks, but manager Angel Guillermo Hoyos quickly leapt to his defense in the press. Unfortunately, the boss was fired on Sunday after a 2-0 home failure left them with five straight losses in league play. To make matters worse, the goal-shy Foxes were also bounced from Copa MX by a 4-2 penalties defeat at Dorados on February 27.

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<strong>Rogelio Funes Mori</strong><br> FC Dallas Academy	Putting a hot-and-cold Apertura campaign behind him, the Monterrey striker is back to business as usual in the Clausura. Funes Mori completed a brace by hitting the 77th minute decider in a 3-2 victory at Monarcas on February 20, set up the last insurance marker in a 2-0 success at Chivas on March 3 and rang the bell in a 1-1 share against Tigres last weekend. The veteran now has eight goals on the term, one off the league lead. On Thursday, he worked all 90 as the Rayados kicked off their Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal tie against Atlanta United with a 3-0 home win.

Rogelio Funes Mori FC Dallas Academy

Putting a hot-and-cold Apertura campaign behind him, the Monterrey striker is back to business as usual in the Clausura. Funes Mori completed a brace by hitting the 77th minute decider in a 3-2 victory at Monarcas on February 20, set up the last insurance marker in a 2-0 success at Chivas on March 3 and rang the bell in a 1-1 share against Tigres last weekend. The veteran now has eight goals on the term, one off the league lead. On Thursday, he worked all 90 as the Rayados kicked off their Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal tie against Atlanta United with a 3-0 home win.


<strong>Rafael Baca</strong><br> SJ: 2011-14	After going 62 minutes in a 1-0 home loss to Oaxaca that knocked Cruz Azul out of the Copa MX on February 20, Baca sat the team's final league match of the month. The defensive midfielder then came on for the final 23 minutes to help close out a 2-1 league defeat of Necaxa on March 3 before going the full route in a 2-0 triumph at Atlas this past weekend. <em>La Maquina</em> currently stand 10th, but are level on points with seventh place with seven games left before the Liguilla.

Rafael Baca SJ: 2011-14

After going 62 minutes in a 1-0 home loss to Oaxaca that knocked Cruz Azul out of the Copa MX on February 20, Baca sat the team's final league match of the month. The defensive midfielder then came on for the final 23 minutes to help close out a 2-1 league defeat of Necaxa on March 3 before going the full route in a 2-0 triumph at Atlas this past weekend. La Maquina currently stand 10th, but are level on points with seventh place with seven games left before the Liguilla.


<strong>Tony Alfaro</strong><br> SEA: 2016-18	The former Sounder defender made his Chivas bow by going all 90 in a 1-1 Copa MX draw at Cafetaleros on February 21, and then came on near time of their 2-1 Round of 16 victory over San Luis the following week. Alfaro has yet to dress for a league match, but could have another chance to prove himself with the new employers when they hit the road to tackle arch rivals Club America in Wednesday's cup quarterfinal.

Tony Alfaro SEA: 2016-18

The former Sounder defender made his Chivas bow by going all 90 in a 1-1 Copa MX draw at Cafetaleros on February 21, and then came on near time of their 2-1 Round of 16 victory over San Luis the following week. Alfaro has yet to dress for a league match, but could have another chance to prove himself with the new employers when they hit the road to tackle arch rivals Club America in Wednesday's cup quarterfinal.


<strong>Lalo Fernandez</strong><br> RSL: 2012-17	The Tigres 'keeper has spent the entire Clausura campaign alternating back-up duties with youngster Miguel Ortega. As the Liga MX giants are level on points with city rivals León at the top of the table, that likely won't change any time soon.

Spain


<strong>Ballou Tabla</strong><br> MTL Academy	The Barcelona B prospect finally made his first La Liga 2 appearance for loan employers Albacete with a 12-minute shift in their 1-0 loss at Cadiz.

Netherlands


<strong>Erik Palmer-Brown</strong><br> SKC 2009-17	After watching seven straight Eredivisie matches from the bench, Palmer-Brown has gone the distance at center back in NAC Breda's last four games. Unfortunately, the cellar dwellers dropped three of those decisions to remain winless in eight. In the other game, the loan defender helped the Yellow Army post just their second clean sheet if the season in a scoreless draw against Groningen.

Belgium


<strong>Andy Najar</strong><br> DC: 2010-12	The Anderlecht right back left their February 17 win at Royal Antwerp with a hamstring injury. Najar missed the following three games, but has now resumed training. He probably won't be in the squad when the fifth place Mauves try to nail down a championship round berth in Sunday's regular season closer at Oostende, but the club are confident he'll be ready for the start of the medal playoff.

Turkey


<strong>Cyle Larin</strong><br> ORL: 2015-17	Since last month's update, Larin has watched four straight from the dugout as Besiktas extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a pair of wins sandwiched around two draws. The third place Black Eagles hold a Europa League slot and stand five points shy of the second Champions League berth as they prepare for Saturday's visit from relegation bait Göztepe.


<strong>Eric Ayuk</strong><br> PHI: 2015-16	The Osmanlispor winger closed February by scoring insurance tallies in consecutive victories over Karabükspor and second flight leaders Denizlispor, giving him a career-high five goals on the season. The following week, Ayuk and friends finally saw their 10-game win streak end with a 1-0 home loss against Gazisehir. They will start Saturday's home tilt with Hatayspor standing three points off the summit in third place.

Eric Ayuk PHI: 2015-16

The Osmanlispor winger closed February by scoring insurance tallies in consecutive victories over Karabükspor and second flight leaders Denizlispor, giving him a career-high five goals on the season. The following week, Ayuk and friends finally saw their 10-game win streak end with a 1-0 home loss against Gazisehir. They will start Saturday's home tilt with Hatayspor standing three points off the summit in third place.

South Korea


<strong>Sebastian Velasquez</strong><br> RSL: 2012-14<br> NYC: 2015	The fresh Suwon FC recruit worked 67 minutes on the right wing in their 1-0 opening day defeat at Bucheon FC on March 2, but was not in the 18 for this past weekend's home loss to Buson IPark.

China


<strong>Anatole Abang</strong><br> RSL: 2012-14<br> RBNY: 2015-16	On February 19, the Red Bulls forward made the jump to Chinese second flight side Nantong Zhiyun. Last Saturday, Abang scored on his debut for the club, but it was mere consolation in a 2-1 opening day loss at Shijiazhuang Ever Bright.

Costa Rica


<strong>Denis Castillo</strong><br> COL: 2016	The Perez Zeledon right back continued his improbable goal-scoring exploits by bagging his career-best fourth of the Clausura season in their 3-0 home victory over Limon on February 13. Castillo had played every minute of the campaign until being sent off with a second yellow near halftime of their March 3 draw with Cartagines, which forced him to sit out last weekend's 2-2 share at Grecia with a ban. His club, now unbeaten in nine, stand one point off the top spot in fourth heading into Saturday night's visit from third-place San Carlos.

Denis Castillo COL: 2016

The Perez Zeledon right back continued his improbable goal-scoring exploits by bagging his career-best fourth of the Clausura season in their 3-0 home victory over Limon on February 13. Castillo had played every minute of the campaign until being sent off with a second yellow near halftime of their March 3 draw with Cartagines, which forced him to sit out last weekend's 2-2 share at Grecia with a ban. His club, now unbeaten in nine, stand one point off the top spot in fourth heading into Saturday night's visit from third-place San Carlos.

Israel


<strong>Aaron Schoenfeld</strong><br> CLB: 2012-15	The striker continues to find playing time hard to come by in a Maccabi Tel Aviv side that just finished the regular season without being beaten (20-0-6). They'll begin the Ligat Japanika championship round with a seemingly insurmountable 22-point edge over the second place team, and also have a State Cup semifinal at Bnei Yahuda set for April 3.


<strong>Jonathan Bornstein</strong><br> CHV: 2006-11	The Maccabi Netanya left back was given the regular season closing day off as his visiting side battled to a 2-2 derby draw at Hapoel Hadera. While that ended his string of nine straight 90-minute outings, the club remained unbeaten in 10 to finish third in the table ahead of the championship playoff. Bornstein and his teammates (including erstwhile San Jose attacker Jahmir Hyka) will start the last league lap by hosting Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Sunday.

Jonathan Bornstein CHV: 2006-11

The Maccabi Netanya left back was given the regular season closing day off as his visiting side battled to a 2-2 derby draw at Hapoel Hadera. While that ended his string of nine straight 90-minute outings, the club remained unbeaten in 10 to finish third in the table ahead of the championship playoff. Bornstein and his teammates (including erstwhile San Jose attacker Jahmir Hyka) will start the last league lap by hosting Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Sunday.


<strong>George Fochive</strong><br> POR: 2014-15	The veteran midfielder set up Hapoel Hadera's late consolation strike in a 3-1 Ligat Japanika loss at second place Maccabi Haifa on February 17. Fochive also worked all 90 minutes in their next two matches, before sitting out last weekend's home draw with Maccabi Netanya due to a yellow card suspension. Despite being winless in five league games, the surprise package narrowly hung on to reach the championship round playoff. Holding a slim chance to rally for a Europa League invite, they'll kick it off by visiting runaway leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv on Saturday. Fochive & co. also have April 3's State Cup semifinal at home to local rivals Maccabi Netanya to look forward to.

George Fochive POR: 2014-15

The veteran midfielder set up Hapoel Hadera's late consolation strike in a 3-1 Ligat Japanika loss at second place Maccabi Haifa on February 17. Fochive also worked all 90 minutes in their next two matches, before sitting out last weekend's home draw with Maccabi Netanya due to a yellow card suspension. Despite being winless in five league games, the surprise package narrowly hung on to reach the championship round playoff. Holding a slim chance to rally for a Europa League invite, they'll kick it off by visiting runaway leaders Maccabi Tel Aviv on Saturday. Fochive & co. also have April 3's State Cup semifinal at home to local rivals Maccabi Netanya to look forward to.

Norway


<strong>Sam Adekugbe</strong><br> VAN: 2013-17	The Canada left back has enjoyed a strong preseason as Valerenga preps for their March 30 season opener at home to Mjøndalen. Adekugbe scored a fine goal (assisted by former Columbus midfielder Mohammed Abu) in a 3-0 friendly over Nomme Kalju on February 19.


<strong>Oyvind Alseth</strong><br> TFC: 2017	Alseth and Ranheim are currently gearing up to kick off the new Eliteserien season with a March 31 visit from Tromsø.

Scotland

MLS Exports: Impressive showings in England, Germany, Mexico and Costa Rica - https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/Weah.jpg

Tim Weah has mostly played as a substitute for Celtic | Reuters


<strong>Timothy Weah</strong><br> NY Red Bulls Academy	The Celtic loan attacker put in a half-hour shift in their Europa League Round of 32 home leg loss to Valencia on February 14, but did not see the field as they fell to a 3-0 aggregate defeat in Spain the following week. In league play, Weah has come off the bench late in three of the Hoops' last four contests as the pacesetters ran their unbeaten streak to nine games.


<strong>Matt Polster</strong><br> CHI: 2015-18	The winter signing made the Rangers bench for the first time on February 16, but has yet to make his first team bow. Though the Light Blues are unbeaten in seven Scottish Premiership games, they remain eight points off of arch nemesis Celtic's title pace heading into Saturday's home tilt with Kilmarnock.


<strong>Ian Harkes</strong><br> DCU: 2017-18	The midfielder has quickly become a line-up fixture at Dundee United. Harkes has now gone the distance in seven straight games, including five in a row in the Championship. The Tangerines went 2-1-1 in league play since our last update to take hold of second place, which comes with a favorable promotion playoff berth. However, they also fell out of the Scottish Cup due to a heartbreaking last-minute quarterfinal defeat to visiting league rivals Inverness on March 3.

Ian Harkes DCU: 2017-18

The midfielder has quickly become a line-up fixture at Dundee United. Harkes has now gone the distance in seven straight games, including five in a row in the Championship. The Tangerines went 2-1-1 in league play since our last update to take hold of second place, which comes with a favorable promotion playoff berth. However, they also fell out of the Scottish Cup due to a heartbreaking last-minute quarterfinal defeat to visiting league rivals Inverness on March 3.


<strong>Ian McGrath</strong><br> Chicago Fire Academy	The 22-year-old midfielder has worked five short sub shifts in the six matches since he signed for Championship survivalists Queen of the South on transfer deadline day. McGrath could be in line for more playing time, what with the Doonhamers on a six-game losing slide that has them dangling over the drop zone ahead of their weekend tilt at Ayr United.

Sweden


<strong>Romain Gall</strong><br> CLB: 2014-15	The day after our last check-in, the winger made an eight-minute cameo in a tight 2-1 home loss to Europa League Round of 32 opening leg guests Chelsea. Gall played 18 minutes in the Stamford Bridge return as his side were ousted following a 3-0 loss. In between those matches, he bagged an 81st minute winner as Malmo opened Svenska Cupen group phase play with a 3-2 home win over Degefors. Gall also set up the opener in the Sky Blues' 2-0 Group C victory over Falkenberg on March 2, but a late February defeat at Oster kept them from reaching the quarterfinals. The 24-year-old and his teammates will now set sights on their April 1 Allsvenskan opener against visiting Hacken.

Romain Gall CLB: 2014-15

The day after our last check-in, the winger made an eight-minute cameo in a tight 2-1 home loss to Europa League Round of 32 opening leg guests Chelsea. Gall played 18 minutes in the Stamford Bridge return as his side were ousted following a 3-0 loss. In between those matches, he bagged an 81st minute winner as Malmo opened Svenska Cupen group phase play with a 3-2 home win over Degefors. Gall also set up the opener in the Sky Blues' 2-0 Group C victory over Falkenberg on March 2, but a late February defeat at Oster kept them from reaching the quarterfinals. The 24-year-old and his teammates will now set sights on their April 1 Allsvenskan opener against visiting Hacken.


<strong>Ben McKendry</strong><br> VAN: 2016-17	The young Canada midfielder made his debut for third division Nykoping in a tough 4-3 Svenska Cupen group stage loss at GAIS after holding a two-goal lead early in the second half. McKendry entered a tie game to work the final 28 minutes. Now eliminated from cup play, the club will focus on their April 7 league opener against visiting Gefle.


<strong>Coy Craft</strong><br> FCD: 2014-17	The forward has officially departed Nykoping after running out of contract.


<strong>Ian Garrett</strong><br> Chicago Fire Academy	One American leaves, another enters. Garrett, a 22-year-old attacker from Michigan, arrived to Nykoping on a free transfer from Finnish third-flighters Vaasa on February 19. He's yet to dress for the first team.

Slovakia


<strong>Brian Iloski</strong><br> LAG Academy	Iloski was returned from loan side Zemplin Michalovce to Legia Warsaw, who then allowed the young winger to go trial with the LA Galaxy in late February. He worked 45 minutes in the team's preseason win over Orange County, but failed to earn a deal.

Albania


<strong>Dilly Duka</strong><br> CLB: 2010-12, 2016-17<br> CHI: 2013-14<br> MTL: 2014-15<br> NY: 2017	After making sub appearances in his first two league games for Partizani Tirana, the veteran midfielder has now started two straight (a home win and away derby draw) for the top flight leaders.

Thailand


<strong>Chris Cortez</strong><br> CHV: 2011	A few days after our last update, the loan striker was loaned by Thai League 1 side Chonburi to second flight mites Ayutthaya United. Cortez debuted in a 6-0 league drubbing by rude guests Police Tero a week later. The promoted side stand next to bottom with a 1-4-0 record.