MLS Multiplex Team of the Week: Mauro Manotas Headlines Week 29

MLS Multiplex’s Team of the Week for Major League Soccer’s Week 29 was headlined by David Villa and Mauro Manotas after their outstanding performances.

After a great set of games in Week 29 of Major League Soccer action, Maruo Manotas and David Villa had the best performances of the week. The New York Red Bulls, NYCFC, and Toronto FC all clinched their spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs with their results this week. FC Dallas are still leading the way for the Supporters’ Shield this season as they are five points clear of their challengers.

New York City FC, DC United, the New York Red Bulls, the Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City, the Seattle Sounders, and the Columbus Crew all came away with victories this week. As the playoffs draw closer, a lot of these teams picked up valuable points for their postseason push.

The Chicago Fire, Orlando City SC, the Montreal Impact, the Portland Timbers, the San Jose Earthquakes, the Los Angeles Galaxy, and the New England Revolution all were defeated in Week 29. On the other hand, Toronto FC, the Philadelphia Union, the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and FC Dallas all drew and came away with one point in their matches.

Honorable Mentions:

Ola Kamara (Columbus Crew) – Two Goals

Patrick Mullins (DC United) – Two Goals

GK: Steve Clark (Columbus Crew)

Steve Clark helped his side get a much needed win as the Crew attempt to crawl out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference late in the season. Clark recorded five saves as he recorded his seventh clean sheet on the year. It was a great performance from Steve who continues to be one of MLS’s top goalkeepers.

DEF: Taylor Kemp (DC United)

DC United came away with a 4-1 win over OCSC and Kemp was an assist machine from the back. He recorded three assists in this match as he was an integral part of his team’s success. Having a hand in three of United’s four goals puts Kemp in the Team of the Week without question.

DEF: Kevin Ellis (Sporting KC)

In only his seventh start of the season, Ellis was huge in Sporting Kansas City’s victory over San Jose. On the defensive end, Kevin helped hold the Earthquakes to only one score in the match. But that wasn’t all, the center back had the game winner as he scored his first goal of the season in the 81′ minute.

DEF: Justin Morrow (Toronto FC)

Toronto FC may have only come away with a 1-1 draw against Philadelphia but Morrow played a key part in the game. Justin’s biggest moment of the match came in the 70′ minute when he scored his fourth goal of the season. The full-back’s score helped his team grab a point and clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs this year.

DEF: Chris Duvall (New York Red Bulls)

The New York Red Bulls had the chance to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a victory the Impact. Duvall was essential in the club’s 1-0 win as he held Didier Drogba and Montreal scoreless and he assisted on his team’s lone goal. Having a hand in the match winner that clinched a playoff spot is the main reason why he’s on the list.

MID: Erik Hurtado (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Hurtado and the Whitecaps showed some grit in their comeback performance against the Rapids. Erik recorded one goal and one assist on the match but he had the equalizer at the death for Vancouver. His somewhat lucky goal in stoppage time gave his team a point even though they were down to only 10 men for most of the second half.

MID: Shkelzen Gashi (Colorado Rapids)

Gashi had an incredible performance for Colorado as he scored from one of the best free kicks in MLS this season. He recorded a brace as he also scored a penalty kick from the spot. His two goal performance helped his team almost win the match. The Rapids will be disappointed with just a point but Shkelzen will be happy with his showing.

MID: Daniel Royer (New York Red Bulls)

As I stated earlier, the NYRB clinched a playoff spot with their 1-0 victory over Montreal. Royer was the man who scored the game’s lone goal and gave his team the win. Daniel’s breakthrough in the 60′ minute was the reason why New York are still in the running for the top spot in the East and even the Supporters’ Shield.

FW: Mauro Manotas (Houston Dynamo)

The Houston Dynamo may be at the basement of the West but they came out to play against the Timbers. Manotas led the way for them as he recorded a hat track and scored every one of his team’s goals in this one. As being the top scorer this week, there was no way that Mauro could have been left out.

FW: David Villa (New York City FC)

New York City FC put on a show against the Chicago Fire and David Villa had one of the best individual performances of the week. The Spain international scored two goals and had one assist in the match. His brace helped NYCFC win the game and clinch their first ever playoff spot in only their second season of MLS play.

Next: Major League Soccer: Winningest Franchises

FW: Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders)

The rookie forward had himself a day against the stalwart defense of the LA Galaxy. Morris recorded two spectacular goals that turned the tide of momentum in the match and saw Seattle come away with a massive three points as they attempt their playoff push. With his goals in this game, Jordan set the MLS record for most goals scored by an American born rookie. He currently has the second best scoring season of any rookie in league history.

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MLS Multiplex Team of the Week: Week 29

By Jerry Stephens | Sep 26, 2016