Let’s check in to see who is stepping on The Podium after Matchday 9.
🥉 Diego Rubio (Colorado Rapids)
Rubio was pulling the strings all night for the Rapids in a 1-1 draw with St Louis. Playing as an attacking mid, the Chilean was a force on the ground, unleashing six key passes and creating multiple scoring opportunities.
Rubio was the catalyst behind a ravenous Colorado attack that produced 21 shots, including 13 on target. Rubio’s efforts were rewarded when he assisted Michael Barrios two minutes into stoppage time to secure a point.
🥈Mikael Uhre (Philadelphia Union)
Usually scoring a hat trick within an hour is good enough to claim top spot on our podium, but for today, Uhre will have to settle for silver.
The Danish striker was the beneficiary of a dominant midfield performance, with Dániel Gazdag, Jack McGlynn, Jose Martinez, and Alejandro Bedoya carving out consistent opportunities. His first two goals came off assists from Gazdag and Bedoya in the 20th and 43rd minutes, respectively. Finally, Uhre finished his hat trick with a close-range shot in the 56th minute. Who knows how many more he could have scored if not subbed out shortly after the hour mark.
Philly supporters will hope this is the kick-start the 28-year-old has needed.
🥇Roman Bürki (St. Louis City SC)
Colorado Rapids have had two matches with an xG above 2. 2.6 in a 1-1 draw with Austin on the back of a fantastic Brad Stuver performance, and 2.7 last night in another 1-1 draw because of a Roman Bürki masterclass.
Bürki has been among the many astute signings made by St. Louis and showed his worth in a 12-save performance, the most on the season. Bürki almost single-handedly secured St Louis three points before faltering in stoppage time.
The 32-year-old played his part defensively as well, clearing out several crosses and dangerous passes from an energized Colorado.
An absolutely spectacular performance gets Bürki the gold this week.
Honorable Mentions: Steve Clark (HOU), Alex Roldan (SEA), Daniel Steres (HOU), Riqui Puig (LA), Alvaro Barreal (CIN), Sergio Santos (CIN), Santi Rodriguez (NYF)