MLS Team of the Week

This week saw a pair of dominant performances by both Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC meaning both teams landed several players in this TotW. On top of that, DC United notched up shutouts against Atlanta United and the Revolution thus earning a couple of their players a spot on the team. The Crew would have had two shutouts of their own had it not been for the persistence of FC Dallas, and two of their defenders have made the team. Yet another appearance for both the Timber’s Diego Valeri and Dallas’ Michael Barrios rounds out the team.

GK – Bill Hamid (DC United)

With two shutouts over Atlanta United and New England Revolution, Bill Hamid made some stellar saves and helped DC United to its first three-win streak of the season. Despite DC United being near the bottom of the MLS, Bill Hamid is tied for eighth most saves in the MLS and has made the most saves in the MLS with 89.

DF – Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake)

Justen Glad played a big part in RSL only conceding one goal across both of this week’s games and will be looking to help RSL push into the playoffs. With a shutout over the Earthquakes last Wednesday, and only allowing the Rapids to score one goal, RSL’s defence performed extremely well, with Justen Glad highlighting this defence and earning himself a place on this Team of the Week.

DF – Kofi Opare (DC United)

Playing a big part in both of DC United’s shutouts, Kofi Opare provided an assist in the shutout over the Revolution highlighting both his offensive and defensive capabilities as he patrolled the wing. He will need to continue to play well in order for DC United to have any chance of a last-minute push for the playoffs.

DF – Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew SC)

Jonathan Mensah notched a superb headed goal in the Crew’s win over FC Dallas displaying his threat in the opponent’s box. Couple that with his excellent defensive work in the shutout of the Galaxy and you have a shoe-in for this week’s TotW.

DF – Josh Williams (Columbus Crew SC)

Josh Williams was another player who put in a solid effort in silencing the dynamic attackers of both the Galaxy and FC Dallas. If he can continue putting in performances like these, then the Crew will have it that much better in their playoff run.

MF – Albert Rusnak (Real Salt Lake)

Three assists and a goal across two games is a performance that I would consider strong enough to earn Player of the Week, let along make Team of the Week. A vital piece in RSL’s two dominating performances last week, Albert Rusnak will need to continue this form if RSL are to successfully make a playoff run.

MF –Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)

With a goal in each of the Timbers’ two games, Valeri is continuing to make an impact for a team that is pushing for a high seed in the playoffs. If he continues performing the way he is surely he’ll be in the running for player of the year. Portland will definitely need his services during their playoff run.

MF – Victor Vazquez (Toronto FC)

Providing a goal and two assists across both of Toronto’s games, Victor Vazquez is continuing to prove his effectiveness in the midfield behind Sebastian Giovinco. With service from the left, right, and middle, Vazquez is a valuable playmaker in the Toronto squad.

MF – Michael Barrios (FC Dallas)

Despite not being able to notch a win in either game that he played in, Michael Barrios’ performance in the Texas Derby alone is worthy of a Team of the Week appearance. Assisting two of Dallas’ three goals, Barrios put in a solid performance from the wing.

FW – Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC)

Putting up two more stellar performances, Sebastian Giovinco continues to prove the argument that he is one of the best players of the season, and possibly in MLS history. Two of his goals came from freekicks, one in each corner of the net, while his third goal came in the form of a volleyed goal from close-range.

FW – Luis Silva (Real Salt Lake)

Scoring three goals across both of RSL’s games this week, Luis Silva has shown why he too is an attacking threat in a league filled with so many. If he can manage to continue this fit of scoring, then RSL might have the oomph needed to edge into the playoffs and make a good run for the MLS Cup.