2017 MLS Week 3 Team of the Week
GK: Zack Steffen, Columbus Crew SC
1x Team of the Week
Steffen had his first good performance since joining the Columbus Crew. The 21 year old has a long career ahead of him especially for his combined ago and position. Steffen recorded a shutout against Patrick Mullins and D.C. United. Steffen recorded a total of 3 saves in this game and his natural athletic ability was shown in this game. He is young and he has shown he will make mistakes but at the bright age of 21 he has a long time to grow and develop.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
DEF: Greg Garza, Atlanta United FC
2x Team of the Week
Garza is dominating at leftback in MLS. Playing with a backline of such great players Garza has been thriving. His play is reminding me of what Joevin Jones has done for the Sounders since joining them. Garza was able to help keep a shutout against the revamped Chicago Fire and their attack. The 25 year old will continue to use his pace and great defensive ability to shutdown opponents. I am excited to see Garza go up against a top attacker like Ignacio Piatti or Sebastian Giovinco.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
DEF: Joevin Jones, Seattle Sounders
1x Team of the Week
Speaking of Joevin Jones... the leftback for the Sounders was once again a top player in a the match. Jones was fast, he pushed up the sideline, and was once again a fantastic passer. Jones was also a factor in the offense which was what made him useful in the Sounders 2016 run. Jones and the rest of the Sounders backline held the Red Bulls to 1 goal (scored by BWP). But on the offensive side of things, Jones was able to assist on Morris's 66th minute goal and he started Harry Shipp's 79th minute goal.
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
DEF: Dave Romney, LA Galaxy
1x Team of the Week
The Galaxy was down 1-0 for most of this match. Midfielder Romain Alessandrini was constantly running up and down the sideline putting balls into the box hoping for someone to get a shot on goal... Dave Romney did. Romeny was able to connect on a Alessandrini cross and rocketed one past Rimando to tie the game up at 1. Romney also played fantastic on defense as he stepped up for the missing Jelle Van Damme and held RSL to 1 goal that was score early on.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
DEF: Jonathan Spector, Orlando City SC
2x Team of the Week
Spector was one of the underrated defender signings in MLS this offseason. Spector started once again centerback and for his second straight game impressed once again. Spector and the Orlando backline only allowed 1 goal to the Union. He was a rock on the backline of the Lions and matched up well with Jose Aja. Spector will be key for Orlando's improved defense in 2017.
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
MID: Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers
2x Team of the Week
Diego Valeri has been the leader for this Portland Timbers team that has dominated through three weeks. Valeri is easily a top three player when he is completely healthy. He connects the play of Guzman, Adi, Nagbe, and Blanco so well. Without him the Timbers would be a good team but with him they are a dominant team with a dominant number 10. This week, Valeri was able to scored a brace with a PK coming in the 11th minute and his second in the 58th minute.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
MID: Romain Alessandrini, LA Galaxy
1x Team of the Week
I mentioned Alessandrini before and for the third straight game he was insanely impressive. Alessandrini was trying to get everyone involved in the offense and spark something all game long. He finally was able to connect a pass to Romney (as I mentioned earlier). Only a few minutes later he connected on another cross to midfielder Emmanuel Boateng. Boateng was able to the shot home and give Romain his second assist of the game. He is making this team much better than it actually should be.
Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
MID: David Guzman, Portland Timbers
1x Team of the Week
With players like Valeri, Nagbe, Adi, and Blanco, David Guzman might be the most important player on this roster. Guzman adds a true number 6 to this lineup and adds another defensive force to a week backline. If Guzman wasn't there then the lack of centerback talent would be abused. Also, congrats to Guzman on his first MLS goal that came in the 66th minute. Guzman also assisted on Fanendo Adi's 88th minute goal.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
MID: Yamil Asad, Atlanta United FC
1x Team of the Week
Asad only recorded an assist on the score sheet this week but his presence was much more on the field this week. Asad was there and able to hold up play for Atlanta. He is pacey, he is a great passer, and he showed off his true ability against the Fire. Asad's play improved the play of Miguel Almiron, Hector Villalba, and Julian Gressel in Atlanta's midfield. Excellent performance from Asad made him a great team player.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
FOR: Cyle Larin, Orlando City SC
2x Team of the Week
Cyle Larin will be sold during the Summer transfer window. I'm sorry Orlando City fans but this guy is GOOD! Larin started Orlando's scoring with a goal in the 39th minute and then finished his brace (and game winning goal) with a goal in the 73rd minute. The Canadian Messi is dominant and all he does is score. I am excited to see him play his games for the Lions until he is sold. The guy is great and it seems that scoring comes extremely easy to him.
Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports
FOR: Josef Martinez, Atlanta United FC
2x Team of the Week
WOW! This guy is fantastic. He reminds me of what Giovinco brought to the league two seasons ago and what Lodiero brought to MLS last season. After his hat trick last week, Martinez came back and was able to score a brace this week. Martinez was able to score in the 60th and 82nd minutes which allowed his to once again dominate. Watch out for this guy to score 25+ this season.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Bench:
GK: Alec Kann, Atlanta United FC
2x Team of the Week
DEF: Alex Crognale, Columbus Crew SC
1x Team of the Week
DEF: Graham Zusi, Sporting Kansas City
1x Team of the Week
MID: Benny Feilhaber, Sporting Kansas City
1x Team of the Week
MID: Miguel Almiron, Atlanta United FC
2x Team of the Week
FOR: Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC
1x Team of the Week
FOR: Maxi Urruti, FC Dallas
1x Team of the Week
