MLS Multiplex
Fansided

June 24-26 MLS Weekend Recap: MLS Weekly Awards

By Elliot Reeder

CARSON, CA - MAY 14: Paul Arriola #7 of FC Dallas scores a goal as Julian Araujo #2 of Los Angeles Galaxy defends during the game at the Dignity Health Sports Park on May 14, 2022 in Carson, California. FC Dallas won 3-1. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - MAY 14: Paul Arriola #7 of FC Dallas scores a goal as Julian Araujo #2 of Los Angeles Galaxy defends during the game at the Dignity Health Sports Park on May 14, 2022 in Carson, California. FC Dallas won 3-1. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

Now it’s time for Player of the Week. This was an intense competition for this award this week, but here we go.

Player of the Week

Jaroslaw Niezgoda (Portland Timbers) – 2 goals, 78.6% passing, 4 shots, 3 shots on target, 1 key pass

It was a great time for Niezgoda to pick up his first brace in two years as Portland picked up a huge three points against one of the teams they’re trying to jump in their climb back towards the playoff race. Niezgoda was fantastic for the Timbers as he helped them knock off Colorado 3-0. With Portland closer to the bottom of the table in the West than the playoffs, this is exactly the kind of performance they needed and Niezgoda delivered. Niezoda’s two goals put the match away in the 54th and 62nd minute.

His goal in the 54th minute showed a great piece of ball control of a body touch after an incredible ball forward from the backline.

https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1540908210415992833?s=20&t=sEcsM10r77mbYBtgVnyPPQ

Portland had a lot of pride as a franchise, and they hope they can get more performances like this from the likes of Niezgoda in order to help them push towards the playoffs. They currently sit 11th in the West, but are also now just four points back off the playoff line.

Honorable Mention:

Hany Mukhtar

Mukhtar also had a brace over the weekend as he helped Nashville to a 3-1 win over DC United. He ended up with two goals on seven shots (four on goal). Mukhtar completed 69.2% of his passes and was fouled four times. His goals game in the 45+1st and 50th minutes to put Nashville up 2-0 and 3-0 respectively as they helped more or less put the dagger in the match.

When I say this was an insanely tough decision for me choosing between Niezgoda and Mukhtar, it was tight. What I ultimately used as the determining factor to give the edge to Niezgodo was that Portland beat a better team, simple as that. That was the difference in my books.

Home/MLS News