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SBI MLS Best XI: Week Five

WillJohnson1 (PortlandTimbers)

By IVES GALARCEP

The Portland Timbers looked destined to suffer a defeat against the Colorado Rapids when they fell behind by two goals, but captain Will Johnson didn’t let it happen.

The former Real Salt Lake midfielder scored a pair of goals, including a quality header, to help Portland salvage a 2-2 draw. His efforts helped him earn a place on the SBI MLS Best XI for Week Five.

Johnson was one of several midfielders to enjoy outstanding showings last weekend. The Sporting KC tandem of Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi were arguably the best tandem of the weekend, while young RSL standout Luis Gil enjoyed the best weekend by a player younger than 21.

Thierry Henry came off the bench for the New York Red Bulls, but he made the most of his time on the field, delivering the game-winner against the Philadelphia Union to secure his place on the team.

Michael Gspurning couldn’t prevent the Seattle Sounders from suffering another loss, but he did his best to keep them in the game, making several outstanding saves to give Seattle a chance in the second half of their loss to Real Salt Lake.

Here are the rest of the picks for the SBI MLS Best XI for Week Five:

SBI MLS Best XI (Week Five)

———————Thierry Henry——————

David Ferreira——Luis Gil——–Graham Zusi

———–Will Johnson—-Benny Feilhaber——

Jorge Villafana———————-Chance Myers

———-Bobby Burling—-Matt Besler————

——————Michael Gspurning—————-

HONORABLE MENTION

Raul Fernandez, George John, Zach Loyd, Jermaine Taylor, Tony Beltran, Giles Barnes, Kyle Beckerman, Eric Avila, Patrice Bernier, Brad Davis, Dax McCarty.

 

 

Comments

  1. Congrats to Johnson, he deserves it. He did well in RSL land. Although I have to say Velasquez has been a decent replacement.

    Reply
  2. I have to admit I am surprised that none of the Dynamo were mentioned in the starting 11. They have been playing very well of late and when Cummings is finally healthy and will be on top, watch out. Barnes is doing a whale of a job but I think he would be better served as the attacking mid. Driver has been fantastic coming off the bench . This team is deep and I predict they will go far in the playoffs, possibly winning it all this time (jmo).

    Reply
  3. It must be awful for Ives when Houston is in the final every year. Clearly a team he doesnt much care for. Boniek, and Barnes both should be in XI.

    Reply
    • That’s pretty silly. He regularly includes Dynamo players in the lineup when they’re doing well. There are two in the honorable mentions, btw.

      They had a big win this week on paper, but the match was far from complete domination.

      Reply
  4. Luis Gil is going to have a monster year. The confidence boost from last year to this one is literally visible in the way he plays. One of my favorite MLS players to watch

    Reply
    • He’s underrated. I’m really glad the Timbers made him Captain. It really compliments his role on the field as the workhorse who cleans up everyone else’s mistakes and gets the ball back.

      Reply

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