The Yanks are back at it in England, with life below the Premier League starting up league play. Zack Steffen faced off against Daryl Dike while Lynden Gooch notched his first assist for Sunderland who are back in the Championship.
Middlesbrough 1 – 1 West Bromwich Albion
Zack Steffen faced off against Daryl Dike in Championship life, with each team taking a share of the spoils.
Steffen was called in to action early in the game after West Brom winger Jed Wallace tried a shot from distance and nearly caught the American goalkeeper off his line. The shot stopper was forced into an acrobatic backwards diving save to push the looping effort up and onto the crossbar, nearly being embarrassed on his Championship debut.
Boro however would be the first to strike after a ruthless counter attack, which started with snatching possession in the midfield. A quick move down the left found the ball at Chuba Akpom’s feet, who promptly squared it to Isaiah Jones for the back post slot-in just ten minutes in to the game.
Boro had several more chances but it was West Brom who scored the next goal, equalizing in the 51st minute. Another stellar defensive tackle sprung a counter, this time for West Brom, and Jed Wallace squared the ball backwards to John Swift for a stellar equalizer.
Steffen was called into action twice at the death and came up clutch in both occasions, denying three different shots. The home crowd erupted as their new number one was the end of the game hero.
Steffen will face off against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday while West Brom play Wigan on Monday, August 8.
Watch the highlights here:
Cardiff 1 – 0 Norwich
Josh Sargent started his life in the Championship much like it went for most of the season before, getting minutes without the results.
To compound issues, Norwich center back captain Grant Hanley was ejected in the 85th minute for picking up a second yellow card.
The game’s only goal came in the 49th minute as Romaine Sawyers found the back of the net after a shot from distance snuck through four Norwich defenders before beating Tim Krul at the back post.
Sargent will be looking to get off the mark next Saturday against Wigan.
Watch the highlights here:
Sunderland 1 – 1 Coventry City
Lynden Gooch opened his Championship assist account just 12 minutes into Sunderland’s new life after winning promotion last season.
Gooch found himself one against one down the right flank, and his cross was clipped in towards the crowded penalty area. Jack Clarke rose the highest to nod home the opener.
The joy wasn’t to last as Viktor Gyokeres snatched the 84th minute equalizer with a belter from distance.
Next up is Bristol City on Saturday for Gooch and company.
Watch the highlights here:
Huddersfield Town 0 – 1 Burnley
Duane Holmes started for Huddersfield Town in their first game back from last season’s playoff heartbreak, a narrow 1-0 loss at home.
Ian Maatsen scored the games lone goal, a beautiful first time shot to the keepers far post. Burnley dominated the game and had most of the chances throughout.
Holmes will hope to make a bigger impact on Friday against Birmingham City.
Watch the highlights here:
Luton Town 0 – 0 Birmingham
Ethan Horvath went out on loan to Luton Town to find first team minutes, and find them he did as he made his home debut in between the sticks against Birmingham.
The game had it’s chances, but both goalkeepers were up to the challenge, each making fine saves.
Horvath’s biggest save came in the first half as a shot from the right hand side was strongly palmed away.
Up next for Horvath is a Saturday trip to Burnley.
Watch the highlights here:
Hull City 2 – 1 Bristol City
Vaughn Covil made his Championship debut for Hull City after making the jump from League Two to the big time.
While the American only played six minutes at the end of the game, Covil’s jump from Forest Green Rovers to Hull City is one to keep an eye on. For full game highlights, you can watch them below.
Up next for Hull is a trip to Preston North End on Saturday.
Watch the highlights here:
Notes:
Matthew Olosunde did not suit up for Preston North End in their goalless draw against Wigan.
Charlie Kelman did not make the squad for Leyton Orient who won 2-0 against Grimsby.
