Two of the best Americans not on the WCQ squad face off in La Liga, and no PBP? Miazga's debut for Alaves as he started, and Musah on the bench hoping for his season debut with Valencia. Interestingly, both are wearing #4 (guess Musah gets a first team number this season). 2-0 for Valencia at half.
Miazga solid clearance of a cross after Lejeune got pantsed to create danger. Bad game for Lejeune from what I've seen.
Free kick from wide right finds Miazga, whose flicked header goes toward the far post. Good save by Mamardashvili of a nice Miazga attempt.
3-0 on a Guedes goal for Valencia. Long ball from the left back, Lejeune (again) muscled off of the ball by Gomez, who takes possession and slides an easy pass to Guedes who has way too much empty net to aim at for the keeper to have a chance. They're getting crushed, and it's the central defense, but it's the other guy, not Matt, having the nightmare.
My main takeaway is that Alaves evidently has a CB WORSE than Lejeune, so now I get how Miazga walked right into the starting lineup.
Miazga didn't look out of place, but Alaves will need to find something new to avoid a relegation battle. Meanwhile, Valencia look ready to have a better year than last year. Miazga and Musah spent some time bonding after the final whistle.
http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=4463174 Highlights of Valencia-Alaves ESPN match report says Musah subbed in at 85'
If anyone wants to watch and doesn't mind putting on an eye patch, it's here. Spoiler (Move your mouse to the spoiler area to reveal the content) Show Spoiler Hide Spoiler http://thecyclingentertainment.com/novo/events/18-laliga/?sport=soccer
BTW, IMO, Matt is looking the better of the two CBs. Their captain, Laguardia, has been left behind a few times already and got a yellow. PS: It's been all Alavés for 10 minutes. They're pressing hard, trying to get back one, and Matt helps coming from the back.
Ruben Garcia 'breaks' Matt and has a very dangerous shot that Sivera barely saves. --- Alavés sends all crosses and FKs straight to Herrera's (the Osasuna keeper) hands. It's frustrating to watch. --- Matt suffers of that common trouble for most of our CBs: he lacks agility, and can be dribbled through fairly easily. García noticed and is going at him. --- They lost 0-2.
Last play of the game Miazga sneaks into the attack, cross from 40 yards out finds him, Miazga heads it on frame but not very dangerously, and it ends 1-0 for Espanyol.