After contributing big on defense to help Philadelphia Union secure their first regular season home win of the year against Minnesota United FC, Jack Elliott has been selected for Major League Soccer's latest Team of the Matchday.
Saturday's match was not only the team's first MLS victory at Subaru Park this year, but it also marked their first clean sheet of the season. Their 2-0 shutout can be attributed in part to Jack Elliott's stalwart defense at centerback, where he played the full 90 minutes.
He was a key contributor in one of the team's strongest defensive showings of the year, despite facing an uncharacteristic change at goalkeeper when MLS rookie Oliver Semmle replaced Andre Blake in net due to injury-related caution. He was also credited with the assist to Daniel Gazdag's 16th minute set-piece goal.
After the match in his postgame press conference, Head Coach Jim Curtin praised the 28-year-old's standout performance.
"Elliott was really solid again," Curtin said.
"Jack got his foot on like 15 balls today, that if he's a split second late, we're in big, big trouble and it's a breakaway for them. He made a lot of big plays, he's very cerebral back there, faster than people realize as well once he gets going with those long legs, and he did a great job for us."
