2. HOMETOWN HERO: Saint Louis FC was feeling a different kind of pressure in the second half of its game against the New York Red Bulls II, having given up its early lead and almost seen its visitors earn a two-goal advantage when Vincent Bezecourt’s shot slammed off the right post in a strong start to the second half by the defending USL champions. But after getting back on level terms through Jose Angulo’s penalty kick with 16 minutes to go, STLFC Head Coach Preki played what proved to be his trump card on the night. Given 11 minutes to make an impact, St. Louis-area native Seth Rudolph needed only five to score an outstanding finish that gave the hosts a second consecutive 3-2 victory. One of few holdovers from last season’s squad, Rudolph’s first goal since last June against Tulsa pulled a remarkable win out of the fire for Saint Louis and kept the side undefeated in three games.

3. STUNNING STRIKES: Rudolph’s goal from Angulo’s assist was one of the top finishes of a weekend that saw a number of outstanding strikes. Arguably standing above them all, though, were the long-range efforts of San Antonio FC’s Kris Tyrpak and Orange County SC’s Victor Pineda. Tyrpak’s finish brought back memories – at least here – of Liam Brady’s iconic goal for Arsenal against Tottenham in 1978, with the left-footed curling shot into the right corner a thing of absolute beauty. Pineda’s, meanwhile, was about as sweetly a struck finish as you could hope to see. Both are clear contenders to be in the USL Goal of the Year contest at the end of 2017.

4. STAYING SOLID: Tyrpak’s goal for SAFC not only captured plaudits from around the league and elsewhere; it also earned an important point as San Antonio remained undefeated this season with a 1-1 draw against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to delight the crowd of 6,217 at Toyota Field. The Switchbacks looked a far different proposition than in their Week 1 performance, and were tough to break down all night with the back line appearing to have regained its structure. The visitors almost grabbed all three points, too, a low shot by Kevaughn Frater hitting the post in stoppage time, another sign that Head Coach Steve Trittschuh’s side is getting close to where he’d want it.