With Bill Hamid, the MLS leader in saves, training with the USMNT ahead of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup for most of the next month, a prime opportunity for Travis Worra arises, as the third-year goalkeeper will start between the posts for the Black-and-Red.
Despite backing up Hamid, Worra has still garnered plenty of Major League Soccer experience since signing with United in 2015. The Lancaster, Pa., native started 13 MLS games in 2016, allowing an average of 1.38 goals per game and logging 34 saves. Worra also regularly starts for United in the U.S. Open Cup, including the recent 4-1 victory over Christos F.C. and Wednesday night's defeat to the Revolution.
Worra had his breakout season in 2016, when he posted four clean sheets and led the league in shutouts for the first half of the season. The keeper's five saves and 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on May 13 earned him MLS Team of the Week honors, while his consistently-strong goaltending also earned him four MLS Save of the Week nominations.
Prior to 2016, Worra spent much of the 2015 season with United’s USL affiliate Richmond Kickers, where he made 28 saves and played 900 minutes. During his collegiate career at the University of New Hampshire, Worra earned a record of 25-22-10 and started 59 of 60 matches for the Wildcats.
Now, Worra has the opportunity to return to the starting lineup and take United into July's FIFA international break on the back of some positive results. With Montreal on deck for Saturday and a quick turnaround to Dallas on Tuesday, strong goalkeeping from Worra will be essential in helping the Black-and-Red pick up valuable points on the road.
