MLS: Top 3 performances from midweek slate

HARRISON, NJ - JUNE 06: Brad Stuver #41 of New York City FC looks on during warmups before the fourth round match of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Red Bull Arena on June 6, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ - JUNE 06: Brad Stuver #41 of New York City FC looks on during warmups before the fourth round match of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Red Bull Arena on June 6, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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HARRISON, NJ – JUNE 06: Brad Stuver #41 of New York City FC gestures against the New York Red Bulls during the fourth round match of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Red Bull Arena on June 6, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ – JUNE 06: Brad Stuver #41 of New York City FC gestures against the New York Red Bulls during the fourth round match of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Red Bull Arena on June 6, 2018 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

1. Brad Stuver

The final performer of the night comes at the other end of the pitch. New York City FC’s Brad Stuver earned his first career shutout, keeping the dangerous Seattle Sounders at bay.

It was only Stuver’s seventh MLS start, despite having been around the league for almost six years. He spent four of those with Columbus Crew SC before making the move to the Bronx in 2018.

His first career shutout came against the Sounders on Wednesday night thanks to making four saves, including this vital one in the 32nd minute from a Nouhou Tolo effort.

The Sky Blues were then able to take control in the second half with goals from Maxi Moralez (his third in his last two games), Jesus Medina and Ebenezer Ofori. NYCFC move ahead of their city rivals, the Red Bulls, and into fifth place in the East, six points behind the Union and with four games in hand over the table-topping Philadelphia.

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With an improving attack and Stuver manning the posts, watch for NYCFC making a late run at the sharp end of the Eastern Conference.