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Hustler of the Week: Teal Bunbury, New England Revolution

Let the New England faithful standup, let Tom Brady change out of the Celtics jersey he's been rocking since he was a kid and let's hear about how Teal Bunbury "revolutionized" New England's offense. (Pun was too hard to resist).

Teal Bunbury scores the game-winning goal past John McCarthy on Sunday.
Teal Bunbury scores the game-winning goal past John McCarthy on Sunday.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

During the first half of New England at Philadelphia, the Union seemed to be dominating for long periods of time. It looked like they were going to continue to dominate the match in the second half until around the 61st minute.

What happened in the 61st minute?

Teal Bunbury was introduced; and he would transform the game from the moment he stepped on the grass at PPL Park.

The Revolution immediately began to impose themselves on Philadelphia and they got their reward in the 64th minute when Bunbury found himself in acres of space on the right flank. Bunbury was almost closed down, but wriggled himself away and cut into the penalty box.

He then picked his head up and found a darting Charlie Davies for the equalizing goal.

The cross that Bunbury played was inch-perfect and really put some impetus into New England's attack. And he wasn't done there.

The game was on edge for another 10 minutes as Philadelphia tried not to concede a second in front of its home crowd and the Revolution pushed to remain in the top three spots in the East.

Once again, Bunbury would provide the answer.

Now turned from provider to scorer, Bunbury sprinted from about 35 yards out, cut inside the right shoulder of his defender and smashed a low shot past John McCarthy for the game-winning goal.

New England then went into survival mode.

The Revs had to block two consecutive shots off the line -- the first block by Lee Nguyen and the second by debutant London Woodberry -- in the 78th minute.

From there New England was able to hold its lead and grind out an essential 2-1 road win.

Bunbury looked fantastic after coming on and must really be making Jay Heaps consider him for more time in the starting XI.

In recognition of superior play

As I said before, I hate giving repeat awards; but boy was Darlington Nagbe a cut above the rest on Sunday night.

During a physical, ugly game at Yankee Stadium, Nagbe was the lone performer who put in a complete performance. He was always leading the Timbers' attack, whether it be from the flanks or the center of the park.

His penetrating runs constantly broke down the NYCFC defense and -- if not for the wastefulness of his teammates -- Nagbe could have had two or three assists in the game. But one of Nagbe's best runs was the one that resulted in the game-winning goal.

He drove the ball up the middle of the field before being confronted by five NYCFC defenders. With nowhere to go, the ball was tackled away from him, but not before finding Gaston Fernandez, who found Dairon Asprilla for the game's only goal.

That goal would have never happened if not for Nagbe's determination and strength, and the pundits took notice.

Nagbe's name was constantly being called by Fox commentator Alexi Lalas all night. Typically when you're constantly being spoken about by one of the most recognizable figures in U.S. MNT history, it's a good thing.