Photo by Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports

By MICHAEL WALLACE

Even with two other star World Cup champions on the pitch, David Villa still shined brightest.

Despite newly unveiled teammate Andrea Pirlo’s debut taking over the spotlight, Villa netted two important goals for New York City FC in their 5-3 win over Orlando City SC, taking the crown as SBI’s MLS Player of the Week.

Despite the massive scoreline, it took 45 minutes for Villa to start the fireworks, beating Sean St. Ledger with a great touch on an Angelino long ball just inside the box and finishing in the bottom left corner.

With the score tied at two, Pirlo began a play that would send Kwadwo Poku in between the midfield and defense before sliding the ball to Villa outside the box. With a heavy touch to his right and a powerful windup, Villa rocketed a shot that deflected off a defender and skipped past Tally Hall into the bottom right corner of the net.

Villa also led a three-on-one break down the field, laying off a perfect through pass to Poku who then set up Mix Diskerud for NYCFC’s fifth and final goal of the match.

With his two scores this week, Villa extended his goal tally to 12, sitting third in the league behind Kei Kamara (15) and Sebastian Giovinco (13). Villa beat out FC Dallas attacker Michael Barrios and the Columbus Crew’s Ethan Finlay for this week’s SBI Player of the Week honors.

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What did you make of Villa’s performance this week? Which player stood out to you this past weekend?

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