Photo by Patricia Giobetti/ISIphotos.com
The Portland Timbers kicked off their second season in style, and right winger Kalif Alhassan had as much to do with that as anybody.
Alhassan had a goal and an assist in the Timbers' 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union Monday night to take home the season's first SBI MLS Player of the Week honors.
Alhassan, who created problems for new Union left back Porfirio Lopez most of the night, assisted on the game-winning goal, sending in a perfect cross for Designated Player Kris Boyd to head past Zac MacMath. He then iced the game with a deft chip from the right that snuck inside the far post. Regardless of whether he was looking to cross or score on the play, it likely would have led to a goal and a second assist even if it hadn't been on frame, as rookie centerback Andrew Jean-Baptiste was waiting unmarked by the far post for what would've been a simple header.
Alhassan edged out a group of candidates who stood out during Week 1, including Vancouver's Sebastien Le Toux, FC Dallas' Ricardo Villar and Houston's Andre Hainault.
What did you think of Alhassan's performance? Who was your player of the week?
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