While the return of Landon Donovan stole headlines, Giovani dos Santos was the LA Galaxy star that shined brightest throughout the week, leading the way with a massive haul of goals and assists. Elsewhere, a Western Conference contender made a statement, while Roger Espinoza dazzled with a long-range strike.
Here’s a look at the Best of MLS from Week 27:
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
With four goals and three assists in two games, there was little doubt over who would earn SBI MLS Player of the Week honors. Giovani dos Santos played like a true star throughout the week, leading the LA Galaxy to a vital four points in the Western Conference race. After firing a pair of goals in a 3-3 draw with Real Salt Lake midweek, dos Santos shined just as bright on Sunday afternoon. A pair of goals within 10 minutes helped push the Galaxy ahead before the Mexican star teed up Robbie Keane to put the game away, sealing three points and SBI MLS Player of the Week honors for the Mexican forward.
Dos Santos’ performances stood out in a major way, leading him past Tim Howard, Diego Fagundez, Jozy Altidore, Kaka and Joao Plata for Player of the Week honors.
TEAM OF THE WEEK
FC Dallas entered the weekend unbeaten on home turf, but a spectacular effort from the Colorado Rapids ended their run while further tightening the Western Conference race. Led by seven saves from Tim Howard, the Rapids defense buckled down to hold FC Dallas scoreless. On the other end, a solo effort from Dominique Badji proved just enough for the visitors, earning the Rapids a 1-0 win that pushes them within five points of FC Dallas with two games in hand.
The Rapids were not the only standout team, but they were the best, beating out the New England Revolution and LA Galaxy for this week’s recognition as SBI MLS Team of the Week.
ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Fabian Herbers recently becameĀ a regular in the Philadelphia Union’s starting XI, and the rookie forward made his mark on Saturday evening with an assist on his team’s lone goal. Played in by Alejandro Bedoya, Herbers flicked a pass towards Tranquillo Barnetta, who took several touches before firing a shot for the opening goal. Although the match would end in a 1-1 draw, Herbers’ work down the right side was vital as the Union earned a point against a tough Montreal Impact team.
Herbers did just enough to earn honors as SBI MLS Rookie of the Week, beating out Julian Buescher for this week’s honors.
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Roger Espinoza’s long-range missile was one of six goals in Sporting KC’s draw with the Houston Dynamo, but it was certainly the best of the week’s many finishes.
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