Photo by Steve Dykes/USA TODAY Sports

By DAN KARELL

Diego Valeri is doing everything he can to keep the Portland Timbers’ playoff hopes alive.

The MVP candidate scored a pair of second-half goals and played a big role in his team’s first score as the Timbers defeated the San Jose Earthquakes, 3-0, on Wednesday. The performance was enough for Valeri to earn SBI MLS Player of the Week honors.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the first half, the Timbers extended their lead at home when Valeri finished nicely from the penalty spot. In the 74th minute, Valeri blasted home a rebound off Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch, after Busch saved a low shot from Rodney Wallace.

Valeri beat out Graham Zusi, Jairo Arrieta, and Fabian Castillo for this week’s honor.

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What did you think of Valeri’s performance? Which player stood out the most to you in MLS Week 31?

Share your thoughts below.