2017 MLS Week 14 Team of the Week
GK: Joe Bendik, Orlando City SC
4x Team of the Week
In 2017 Bendik has been one of the top two keepers in MLS. Bendik showed his skill once again this week by recording two shutouts against D.C. United and the Chicago Fire. Against D.C. Bendik was able to record three saves and keep the win for Orlando City. Against the Fire, he only had eight other men in front of him (two red cards) and he was able to record six saves and get the tie. Bendik's skill and size has given him a shout for the Gold Cup, congrats to Joe!
DEF: Leonardo, Houston Dynamo
2x Team of the Week
Leonardo has seemed to have career resurgence in Houston. Starting at centerback for the Dynamo alongside AJ DeLaGarza has really helped him. Leonardo scored a goal this week against Real Salt Lake in their dominant win. In winning that game Leonardo scored and also played extremely well on defense. He only allowed one goal to Joao Plata and the stagnated RSL offense.
DEF: Ike Opara, Sporting Kansas City
2x Team of the Week
Ike Opara has been one of the best defenders in MLS this season, while out playing teammates like Matt Besler and Graham Zusi. Opara lead a backline that was able to shutout Christian Ramirez and Minnesota United FC. Opara also scored the game's first goal with a shot from distance that snuck past Bobby Shuttleworth. Opara played so well in this game and MLS head coaches WISH defenders can have games like this every week.
DEF: Kendall Waston, Vancouver Whitecaps
2x Team of the Week
Ike Opara had a very good week BUT Kendall Waston might have had an even better one. Waston and the Vancouver backline was able to hold the hot Atlanta team to one goal. Waston played out of his mind on defense and was able to be the brick wall he usually is. Finally, Waston had the best game on offense as well. Waston had himself a brace against Atlanta through the use of his head. Waston was easily defender of the week.
DEF: Saad Abdul-Salaam, Sporting Kansas City
1x Team of the Week
My final defender of the week is Saad Abdul-Salaam. This one may be a surprise but when you really look at his game, he had himself a game! I like to call Abdul-Salaam, SAS. SAS had himself a great week by helping Opara shutout Minnesota United FC. He played great on the sideline and slowed all the outside attacks of the Loons. SAS also was able to scored a goal this week which was his first in his MLS career. A big week from him is why SKC's defense is SOOOOO good, and the best in MLS.
MID: Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers
3x Team of the Week
Haven't seen Valeri on this list in a while, but he's back. Valeri was able to bounce Portland back and pick up a win against the San Jose Earthquakes. Valeri was able to tap in a shot by Fanendo Adi and put a second goal away late. Without Valeri this team doesn't run right and one again week 14 is a perfect example of that.
MID: Michael Barrios, FC Dallas
2x Team of the Week
Here is my first, but certainly not last FC Dallas player of week 14. Barrios looked like himself once again but recording a total of three assists this game. Barrios was able to assist on the game's first goal in the 8th minute, then again on Akindele's goal in the 43rd minute, and finally he assisted on Jesus Ferreira's 89th minute goal. A great passing week from the Dallas midfielder was a key to Dallas DOMINATING RSL.
MID: Alex, Houston Dynamo
4x Team of the Week
Alex has quietly been one of the best midfielders this season. There have always been bigger names (figuratively and literally) than Alex in MLS but Houston has needed him this year. Alex scored one goal this week against RSL and also assisted on a goal in Houston's thrashing. The midfielder is skilled with passing the ball and is thriving with top forward talent in front of him.
MID: Roland Lamah, FC Dallas
1x Team of the Week
Here is MLS Aces Player of the Week, Roland Lamah. Lamah has played in some of the world's best leagues and I was excited to see him come to MLS. Lamah showed his skill and he was able to scored a hat trick in 31 minutes.... 31 MINUTES! That shows his true class and skill. Lamah alongside Barrios will dominate the regular season.
FOR: Cubo Torres, Houston Dynamo
2x Team of the Week
Cubo should be the bounce back player of the year for what he has done in Houton this season. Cubo this week lead the Houston offense and was able to assist one a goal scored by Mauro Manotas and then seven minutes later score his own. Along with Manotas and Elis, Cubo and Houston had a very goos week offensively (against RSL more specifically).
FOR: Maxi Urruti, FC Dallas
4x Team of the Week
My final player this week is probably the second most impressive forward this season, Maxi Urruti. Urruti has turned into that reliable goal scorer that Dallas has desired. This week Urruti was able to score one goal and also assist on one of Lamah's three goals. Urruti had himself another great week and I expect to see him back here very soon.
Bench:
GK: Cody Cropper, New England Revolution
2x Team of the Week
DEF: Maxime Chanot, New York City FC
2x Team of the Week
DEF: Benjamin Anguoa, New England Revolution
1x Team of the Week
MID: Maxi Moralez, New York City FC
2x Team of the Week
MID: Carlos Gruezo, FC Dallas
1x Team of the Week
FOR: David Villa, New York City FC
4x Team of the Week
FOR: Juan Agudelo, New England Revolution
2x Team of the Week
