Arizona Exports: Evans scores brace, Davis seeks Soccer Bowl, Hansen plays for Puerto Rico

Arizona Exports is a feature in which we track the progress of those from the state who are playing professional soccer. It is an evolving feature, as we continue to find more players who once kicked it in Arizona and are now kicking it on some of the largest stages in the game. If we’ve left anyone out (and we expect we have), please feel free to leave their name in the comments.

A brief note, all decisions as to who will be featured as an Arizonan will be made by AZKI and can be subject to debate.

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Story by Jon Arnold

MLS

Since the last time we talked, Alan Gordon assisted a goal in the U.S. national team’s win against Antigua & Barbuda. He hasn’t played since, being rested by San Jose in a 2-2 draw with LA in the lead up to the playoffs.

Luis Robles started in goal for New York in their scoreless draw with Sporting Kansas City. He made a number of good stops to keep the clean sheet, including saves in the 86th and 88th minutes. He joined NASN’s NYRB podcast, Seeing Red, in their most recent episode.

The rookie of the year buzz is again heating up around Nick DeLeon who had one of the best overall performances of the week scoring D.C. United’s opening goal in a 3-2 win against Columbus. It was good enough to win most people’s man of the match.

Brandon McDonald went the full 90 at center back and had an assist.

A double for Brad Evans helped send FC Dallas out of the playoffs. He scored one from the spot and another from the center of the box.

Andrew Weber was the reserve keeper in Seattle’s 3-1 CONCACAF Champions League win against Marathon. Evans was also an unused sub.

A full 90 for Nat Borchers in both Real Salt Lake’s scoreless draws with Seattle and Herediano. The first draw potentially sends RSL to a worse playoff position, the second eliminates them from the CCL.

Tony Cascio came on as a sub and had a shot in 21 minutes for Colorado against Chivas USA. The Rapids won, 2-0.

The Philadelphia Union’s season is over. Danny Cruz started and went 78 minutes in a 3-1 loss to Houston. He went 73 in a 2-1 loss to Kansas City.

Blair Gavin made his first start for the New England Revolution. He went 62 minutes as the Revs upset Chicago.

NASL

The Minnesota Stars won the first leg of the Soccer Bowl, 2-0. Litchfield Park native Justin Davis went the full 90 minutes for the Stars and had a shot in the win. Now they head to Tampa for the second leg.

Some of his teammates went to their supporters’ rec league championship after getting their support in their own.

The season is over for the rest of the AZ NASL crew: Esteban Bayona, Abe Thompson, Josh Hansen and Jamie Cunningham.

However, Hansen started and played 80 minutes for the Puerto Rican national team in a 2-1 Caribbean Cup loss to Martinique. They play Guadeloupe, who are hosting the group, Thursday night.

USL PRO

With the USL PRO season over, updates on Rob Valentino, Michael Zaher or Irving Garcia are scarce.

Elsewhere

After missing a pair of matches because of a small injury, Mix Diskerud went the full 90 for Rosenborg in a 2-0 win against Sandnes Ulf that has Rosenborg topping the Norwegian table. They’re in Europa League action Thursday.

Robbie Findley drew a couple fouls and took a shot in his start for Gillingham in a 2-1 loss to Torquay. Findley was subbed off in the 63rd minute.

No Ventura Alvarado sightings yet for Club América, but we continue to hear good reports on his progress.