With two big wins for Atlanta United, there is no surprise that five of their players have made this week’s team of the week. Josef Martinez scored four goals across both games to be the standout player of the week. Toronto have had 3 players get into in the team whilst Sporting Kansas City, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Portland Timbers have all had one player make the team.
GK – Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City)
Despite ultimately giving up a goal and not maintaining a clean sheet, Tim Melia put in a performance of the season in my eyes. With several world-class saves in vital areas of the game, he put away any doubt in my mind that he should make the team.
DF – Steven Beitashour (Toronto FC)
With two assists in Toronto’s convincing victory over the Earthquakes, Steven Beitashour proved his value in creating valuable attacking opportunities. Couple that with his performance in containing and recycling possession on the wings and you have a player who will easily make the team of the week.
DF – Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (Atlanta United FC)
With his first goal of the season, and the first goal ever scored in Atlanta’s new stadium, Pirez set the Atlanta attack off for the races. A constant presence throughout the game at both ends of the pitch, Pirez proved why he has the capability to be a leading player in the MLS.
DF – Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps)
With excellent defensive work over both of Vancouver’s wins this week, Kendall Waston also managed to score the goal that put the Whitecaps ahead for the rest of the game, highlighting his capabilities at both ends of the pitch.
DF – Greg Garza (Atlanta United FC)
Greg Garza chalked up a goal and an assist over both of Atlanta’s big wins this week. When you have a defensive player capable of making contributions like that in the attack, you are able to play a more fluid, dynamic game. Greg Garza helps keep Atlanta’s play dynamic through both his offensive and defensive talents and thus earns his spot on the Team of the Week.
MF – Victor Vazquez (Toronto FC)
Vazquez managed a goal and an assist in Toronto’s convincing performance over the Earthquakes. With solid performances like this every week, it seems like a spot on the Team of the Week should be pre-booked for Vazquez and his collection of teammates at Toronto.
MF – Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United FC)
With two assists and countless more chances created, Almiron helped Atlanta move the ball in all areas of the pitch. Whether it was in recycling possession from deep or slotting a through-ball into the area, Almiron had a hand in it nearly every time. With the capability to perform as well as he does, he has the potential to be one of the best players in the MLS.
MF – Josef Martinez (Atlanta United FC)
Netting a goal in the win over Dallas, and a hat-trick in the win over the Revolution, Josef Martinez has agenda. Overtaking Hector Villalba as Atlanta’s top scorer this season, Martinez will need to continue this scoring form in order to aid Atlanta into a comfortable playoff position and into the MLS Cup.
MF – Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)
Easily one of the best players in the MLS, Diego Valeri has managed to score in his seventh straight game to tie the current MLS record. With that goal, he also managed to earn the win over NYCFC, proving that he is difference-maker in the Timbers squad. Whether it is in the heart of midfield or in the opposition penalty box, Valeri makes his mark.
FW – Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC)
Bagging a brace in the victory over the Earthquakes, Altidore has found his way back into proper scoring form having scored in the last three games. He is close to overtaking Sebastian Giovinco as Toronto’s top scorer, and it’ll be an easy task if he can manage a few more performances like this week’s.
FW – Hector Villalba (Atlanta United FC)
With a goal and two assists across Atlanta’s two wins, Villalba made his difference coming from a deep under-centre role. Roaming in-between the midfield and more advanced players, Villalba was crucial to Atlanta’s attack and will need to continue his efforts in order for Atlanta to continue their winning form.