MLS Multiplex’s Team of the Week for Week 30 of Major League Soccer play is headlined by great performances from David Villa and Dax McCarty.
Veteran’s David Villa and Dax McCarty headline the MLS Multiplex Team of the Week for Week 30 of Major League Soccer play. There were a collection of outstanding performances coupled with some exciting games this week. As the playoff draw closer, multiple players are stepping up their play to help their clubs fight for a playoff spot.
New York City FC, the New York Red Bulls, the New England Revolution, D.C. United, the Columbus Crew, the Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, the San Jose Earthquakes, the Montreal Impact, and the Seattle Sounders all recorded wins this week. Each team walked away with a full three points after there were no draws in Week 30.
The Houston Dynamo, the Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, the Chicago Fire, the Portland Timbers, the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Orlando City SC, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all suffered defeats in their matches. Chicago, Orlando, and Vancouver have all been eliminated from playoff contention. The Rapids, FC Dallas, the Galaxy, NYCFC, NYRB, and TFC have all secured a playoff spot.
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GK: Evan Bush (Montreal Impact)
Evan Bush had one of the best goalkeeping performances that you’ll see all season. The man in the net for Montreal recorded a clean sheet against Kaka, Cyle Larin, and the Orlando City SC attack while also saving five shots and making tow punches. His outing was highlighted by the point-blank save that he made on Cyle Larin in the match.
DEF: R.J. Allen (New York City FC)
R.J. Allen has had an up-and-down season for NYCFC this year but he was outstanding in their match this week against the Dynamo. He was part of a back four that contained Houston to zero shots on target. The right back was great both going forward and defending. He held the opponents scoreless and helped his goalkeeper maintain a clean sheet.
DEF: Walker Zimmerman (FC Dallas)
The young 23-year old defender was the difference maker in FC Dallas’ game against the LA Galaxy. Zimmerman scored the match winning goal in the 39′ minute as his team held the 1-0 victory. Walker made three interceptions in the match and held the always dangerous Los Angeles’ attack to only one shot on goal.
DEF: Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew)
Harrison Afful scored only his second goal of the 2016 season in Columbus’ 3-0 win over the Chicago this week. He not only got on the score sheet, but he held the Fire scoreless as well. The performance was highlighted by his opening goal in the 8′ minute.
MID: Chris Pontius (Philadephia Union)
Philadelphia may not have gotten the win but Chris Pontius kept them in the match as they narrowly lost 3-2 to one of the best clubs in MLS this year. The 29-year old midfielder had a hand in each of the goals as he assists on the first and scored the second in the 55′ minute. The Union will need Pontius at the top of his game heading into the playoffs.
MID: Lamar Neagle (DC United)
Lamar Neagle is on a tear as late by scoring three goals and recording two assists in his last three games. He was the man of the match against Toronto this week as he scored the only two goals for his team in a 2-1 win over one of the best clubs in the East. He earned his first start since August 24th and made a statement with his performance.
MID: Dilly Duka (Columbus Crew)
Before Week 30, not many knew the name Dilly Duka. The midfielder for the Crew had a career best performance when he recorded his first goal and assist of the season in the team’s 3-0 win over Chicago. The surprising outing from Duka may get him selected in the Starting XI for Columbus’ next match.
MID: Dax McCarty (New York Red Bulls)
The veteran midfielder helped the NYRB to a 3-2 win over the Union. McCarty recorded one goal and two assists in the match and even scored the game winner in the 66′ minute. It was one of the best performances from Dax this season as his team still has hopes of securing the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
FW: Dominic Oduro (Montreal Impact)
Oduro didn’t have an amazing performance but he did get on the score sheet. His lone goal led Montreal to a 1-0 win over Orlando City and eliminated their opponents from playoff contention this season. It was only his sixth goal of the season but the striker made the most of his opportunity in this one.
FW: Kei Kamara (New England Revolution)
Kei Kamara has been a great addition to New England this season and exemplified that statement in this week’s match against Sporting KC. The striker recorded one goal and one assist in his team’s 3-1 win at home. He scored the first goal of the match in the 4′ minute and assisted on the last in the 83′ minute. It was a nice outing for one of MLS’ best forwards.
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FW: David Villa (New York City FC)
David Villa has been one of the best strikers in all the league this season and was the best during Week 30. His two goal performance led NYCFC to a 2-0 win over Houston and put them in the top spot of the East. The brace also has the Spain international tied with Bradley Wright-Philips for the Golden Boot race with 21 goals on the year.