photo by Noah K. Murray/USA Today Sports

By AARON CRANFORD

If the New York Red Bulls wanted to assert themselves as serious contenders in not only the Eastern Conference but also the Supporters’ Shield race, it needed a dominant performance Sunday.

Bradley Wright-Phillips gave them just that.

The 30-year-old striker claimed an assist and two goals en route to a 3-0 win against current Eastern Conference leader D.C. United. And with his performance, he also was awarded the SBI MLS Player of the Week honors.

While Wright-Phillips was on the doorstep to score for most of the first half, his first contribution on the scoresheet came in the 33rd minute when he slipped Lloyd Sam a pass into the penalty box. Sam cooly finished to give Wright-Phillips the assist.

Nine minutes later, Mike Grella sent a pass from the right flank into the box, and Wright-Phillips volleyed it in with a powerful effort that left D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid motionless on his line.

Finally, in the 64th minute, Wright-Phillips caught D.C. United’s defensive line napping and found himself through on goal. He made no mistake on his chance, burying a shot past Hamid and into the far left corner of the net.

Wright-Phillips beat out San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas and Columbus Crew playmaker Fredrico Higuain for this week’s honors.

What do you think about Wright-Phillips’ dominant performance? Agree that he was the best MLS player during this round of action? Which other players stood out to you in Week 26?

Share your thoughts below.