Photo by ISIphotos.com
No, Connor Lade did not get on the scoresheet, nor was he directly involved with either of the New York Red Bulls' goals Friday night, but his contribution was definitely felt in the club's important 2-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo.
The versatile Lade, who got the start at right back, helped lock down in-form Houston forward Mac Kandji, played a vital role in the clean sheet and was his usual active self up and down the flank to earn SBI MLS Rookie of the Week honors.
Lade beat out a group of rookies that included D.C. United's Nick DeLeon, who scored the club's goal against Sporting Kansas City; Vancouver's Darren Mattocks, who was active and involved in the club's second goal against Real Salt Lake; Seattle's Andy Rose, who turned in another solid overall performance in central midfield for the Sounders against San Jose; and Chicago's Austin Berry, whose consistent play at centerback carried over into the Fire's 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
What did you think of Lade's performance? Which rookie do you think had the best Week 23 in MLS?
Share your thoughts below.