Gameweek 2 – NASL Top 3

Justin “Bieber” Braun scored 2 goals during the 3-3 draw against Puero Rico FC. Credit: Matt Schlotzhauer/NASL

Ten goals were scored during an exciting gameweek 2 in the NASL. Three players stood out from the rest this week, and all three have connections to Indy XI. Soc Takes presents its top 3 of gameweek 2:

1. Justin Braun – If not for a controversial offside goal, Justin “Bieber” Braun could have scored his first hattrick in an Indy XI shirt. The 6’2″ footballer used his frame to score an excellently placed header past Trevor Spangelberg in the 1st half. Seated in The East End (also known as best end) of The Mike, it was easy to see his movement to find space for the header. Last season, Braun’s movement outside the box was pivotal to allowing Zayed space inside the box.

Steinberger excelled in a 1-0 win against FC Edmonton during gameweek 2. Credit: NASL

If Braun is to finally takeover the mantle of #9 from Zayed, he will need to consistently exhibit this movement and awareness inside the box. Braun’s second goal in the game was a powerful left-foot strike which equalized the game for Indy XI.

2. Zach Steinberger – While Jacksonville’s win over FC Edmonton should truly be considered a feat of team organization, Steinberger deserves credit for his individual play. Even though the official formation shows him playing from the right, Steinberger played where he is most effective – through the middle. Steinberger completed 40/46 passes, created 2 chances, won 2/2 tackles, had 4 ball recoveries and 2 interceptions. Steinberger was also successful at tracking the run of marauding Edmonton left back, Netan Sansara.

At 24 years of age, Steinberger has the potential to become a very effective central midfielder, although he has played in multiple other positions – striker, behind the striker, right midfield, winger, etc. Having now signed a permanent contract with Armada, this will be a pivotal season for him, and he has to nail down a position for himself.

3. Dylan Mares – One of the better tactical formations this author has seen was the 4-3-3 played by Carlo Ancelotti during his time at Real Madrid. A pivotal piece of that formation was Angel Di Maria – played as the left-most midfielder of a midfield three. Dylan Mares’ current play and emerging role reminds me of ADM. Based on his play for Indy XI last season and Miami FC in preseason/early NASL games, Mares is the best player in the league.

In Miami’s fluid counter-attacking system, Mares’ vision, acceleration and distribution conjugate perfectly. Mares completed 42/49 passes – many of which were in the final 3rd of play. Mares also completed 4 tackles and an interception. Crucially, Mares also scored the opener for Miami, in what was one of the most convincing wins I have seen against mighty NY Cosmos. Miami FC are the real deal – and Mares is a catalyst for their upcoming success.

Dylan Mares in action last year. Matt Schlotzhauer/NASL

(It should be noted that Don Smart is bae.)

Did we miss someone? Tell us your favorite players of the week. You can reach us on twitter @SocTakes and find Nipun at @NipunChopra7.