Ben Lundt producing a sprawling save and Rey Ortiz making his professional debut were the highlights for Orange and Blue players on loan this past weekend.
Here’s a look at how the duo played in Week 1 of the 2020 USL Championship regular season.
Ben Lundt
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Louisville City FC
Result: 1-0 win at North Carolina FC
In his first game since last June, Lundt earned a clean sheet and had one of the finest saves of his young professional career in Lou City’s season-opening win.
The German goalkeeper made an acrobatic stop in the 40th minute to deny North Carolina’s Robert Kristo from close range. Falling back into his own net, Lundt’s right hand scooped the ball away from from the goal, off the cross bar and back into play.
He finished the match with two saves and now has five shutouts in his first 13 matches with Louisville. He’ll play at Atlanta United 2 next Sunday.
Photo provided by the Charlotte Independence
Rey Ortiz
Position: Winger
Club: Charlotte Independence
Result: 2-1 win at Sporting KC II
Ortiz made his professional debut in the 63rd minute on Sunday night, helping the Independence start 2020 with three points.
The rookie winger completed seven passes with an 85.7% accuracy, in addition to winning two duels and two fouls.
Ortiz’s best moment came in the 88th minute when he provided a nice pass to Enzo Martinez, but Martinez’s shot was blocked.
Charlotte plays its home opener this coming Saturday when they host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
Photo provided by The Miami FC
Hassan Ndam
Position: Defender
Club: The Miami FC
Result: 4-1 loss at Saint Louis FC
Ndam wasn’t in the matchday squad for Miami’s inaugural USL Championship loss. Picked to win the Eastern Conference, Miami’s start to the new season is a forgetful one. It already trailed, 2-0, through 21 minutes after goals from two former FC Cincinnati players: Kyle Greig and Russell Cicerone.
Ndam could make his debut with the club in a rivalry match this Saturday, when The Miami FC host the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
