The match days are coming thick and fast, and plenty of players across the league are rising to the occasion.
🥉Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)
Although Atlanta suffered defeat to the New England Revolution, it was no fault of the 22-year-old. Once again, the highly touted Argentine put on another MVP-worthy performance in New England’s own half.
An “As Advertised” display you would expect from the likely league record transfer export. Almada took it upon himself, as he often does/needs to push this team forward. Launching a barrage of shots (we’ll get to that), and finding teammates all over the pitch.
It’s no secret, Almada is the most talented individual in MLS right now. The other Argentine isn’t here yet. When Almada plays with the type of hunger he showed last night, defenses across the world should be worried.
🥈Đorđe Petrović (New England Revolution)
If it wasn’t for Petrović, Almada would likely have been higher on The Podium.
A man with European interest himself, the Serbian did his best Manuel Neuer impression, recording ten saves and completing 62% of his long balls.
With Atlanta pushing heavily pushing forward, the Revs keeper neutralized the Thiago Almada threat as the Argentine glided through the final third. Only at the death, three minutes into injury time, did Petrović finally concede, denying him and the team a clean sheet.
🥇Dániel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union)
A match that lacked no drama or action, Union Daniel Gazdag emerged from a pile of cards (and a bottle) to claim the top spot on this match day’s podium.
Gazdag made Geodis Park his home in a battle of teams currently seeded third and fourth in the Eastern Conference. Whether playing central or drifting out to his left, the Hungarian was comfortable and prepared to enact Jim Curtin’s patterns in transition.
Pinned back for stretches of the game, the Union waited to pounce, starting several counters to break down Nashville. While they only landed five shots on target, two of those would be courtesy of Gazdag from the penalty spot.
Praised for his penalty-taking, Gazdag buried both, securing a 2-0 road win and closing the gap between Philly and Nashville to one point.
Honorable Mentions: Dayne St. Clair (MIN), Miguel Trauco (SJ), Jack Elliot (PHI), José Cifuentes (LAFC) Xherdan Shaqiri (CHI), Pedro Vite (VAN), Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Ryan Gauld (VAN)