2017 Week 7 Team of the Week

Apr. 18, 2017

GK: Joe Bendik, Orlando City SC

2x Team of the Week

Big Joe Bendik might have a case for most improved player at the end of the season. Bendik was always a good keeper but 2017 has been wonderful for him. Bendik was able to keep LA out of the back of the net for a majority of the game until a very late garbage time goal scored by Romain Alessandrini. Bendik made some unbelievable goal line stops to keep Orlando City in the

game and even give Larin a chance at the eventual game winner.

DEF: Matt Hedges, FC Dallas

3x Team of the Week

Mr. Matt Hedges has been arguably the best defender in MLS this season. The 2016 Defender of the Year is playing just like he did last season. He (and his fellow FC Dallas defenders) allowed only one goal to San Jose this week in what turned into a solid road point for Dallas. Maybe not being called into January camp gave Hedges a bit of an incentive to dominate defensively once again.

DEF: Kendall Waston, Vancouver Whitecaps

1x Team of the Week

Waston was by far the best defender of week 7. First, Waston assisted on one of two Vancouver goals and was able to show off his true talents as a soccer player. Next, he made some incredible blocks to quiet the likes of Dempsey, Lodiero, and Morris. Waston was in his best form against the Sounders showing both his offense and defensive prowess. If Vancouver wants to surprise some people this season the defense is going to need to be strong, which mean play like this from Waston every week.

DEF: Ronald Matarrita, New York City FC

2x Team of the Week

Matarrita has been a blessing for NYCFC since joining the club. His ability at the leftback position is dangerous for both opposing offenses and defenses. This week Matarrita was able to play some solid defense from leftback and hold a shutout for NYCFC against the Philadelphia Union. There isn’t much more to say about his defense, he played solid defense. Matarrita was also able to factor in on offense in this game. The speedy leftback pushed forward into the offensive attack and was able to assist on the goal scored by Jack Harrison.

DEF: Nick Lima, San Jose Earthquakes

3x Team of the Week

Nick Lima (my pick for Rookie of the Year) impressed once again, against probably the toughest team he will face this season. Lima help his own at rightback against the tough FCD wingers, with San Jose’s defense only allowing one goal. Though San Jose is lucky to come away with a point in this one, there was some impressive play all around and Lima shined brighter than many others out on that field.

MID: Will Johnson, Orlando City SC

2x Team of the Week

Will Johnson is just such a solid MLS player. Johnson plays a key role for the Timbers in 2015, they win MLS Cup. He plays a key role for TFC in 2016, they make it to MLS Cup. Now he’s playing unbelievably well for Orlando City and they look like one of the best teams in the East. Johnson had himself another great week against LA. He was able to score a few minutes into the game and then later assisted on the eventual game winner. Factoring in on both of your team’s goals is impressive and will always land you on my team of the week.

MID: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chicago Fire

2x Team of the Week

WHO CALLED IT! Bastian Schweinsteiger has been playing very well since he has joined the Chicago Fire. Though there is plenty of traveling and plenty of games left, I am very optimistic about Schweini. This week the Fire dominated the Revolution and Schweinsteiger was a factor on two of the team’s three goals. Bastian scored the opening goal of the game and then would later assist on a goal scored by Nemanja Nikolic. Have yourself a week Bastian!

MID: Federico Higuain, Columbus Crew SC

2x Team of the Week

Federico Higuain is an MLS legend in his own right. The guy has produced for Columbus since stepping onto the field for them in 2012. This week was no different. Higuain facilitated for the Crew in the middle of the field and was able to assist on both goals this week. Great passing from Higauin, to Hansen, and eventually to Ola Kamara gave the Crew their first goal. Higuain sent in a corner kick on the teams second goal that Meram was eventually able to flick in.

MID: Alex Muyl, New York Red Bulls

1x Team of the Week

Alex Muyl is a very underrated player for the Red Bulls. Muyl, who was pretty much an every day starter for NYRB last season has earned himself a bench role for the majority of 2017. However, Muyl was given a chance to start up top next to BWP in the team’s odd 4-2-2-2 formation this week. Muyl had himself a very good day scoring his first goal of the season and gelling well with the rest of the teams midfielders. I would like to see Muyl take over that spot next to BWP moving forward for the Red Bulls. He has looked the best in that position and his actions this past week proved that he is ready for it as well.

FOR: Fredy Montero, Vancouver Whitecaps

2x Team of the Week

One city in the United States really dislikes Fredy Montero this week, that city is Seattle. Montero looked like the Montero of old this week scoring a brace against his former MLS club. Both goals came off of a header from Montero and he looked like the best player out on the field, maybe besides Kendall Waston. Montero completely destroyed the make-shift Seattle backline and was able to earn himself a big rough of applause from the Vancouver faithful.

FOR: Nemanja Nikolic, Chicago Fire

2x Team of the Week

My final player this week is Chicago Fire forward, Nemanja Nikolic. I predicted a very good showing from Nikolic this season and his slow start worried me. But In his last two games Nikolic has scored three goals and I’m feeling much better about my prediction. Nikolic added a brace this week and scored two of the teams three goals. The newly acquired forward is maybe what the Fire needed for goal scoring moving forward.

Bench:

GK: David Ousted, Vancouver Whitecaps

1x Team of the Week

DEF: Alex Crognale, Columbus Crew SC

2x Team of the Week

DEF: Walker Zimmerman, FC Dallas

2x Team of the Week

MID: Justin Meram, Columbus Crew SC

4x Team of the Week

MID: Brooks Lennon, Real Salt Lake

1x Team of the Week

FOR: Cyle Larin, Orlando City SC