PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Several of MLS’ stars shined over the weekend, but it was an up-and-coming forward that sealed SBI MLS Player of the Week honors. Mauro Manotas bagged a hat-trick for the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, leading the way in a 3-1 win over the Portland Timbers. After burying an early penalty kick, the forward fired a pair of second half finishes, sealing another Dynamo win as the club continues to make an impact on those above them in the table.

Manotas’ play was just enough to earn recognition ahead of David Villa, Khiry Shelton, Patrick Mullins, Jordan Morris and Ola Kamara.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

The Seattle Sounders dug themselves an early hole, but Sunday’s win helped keep the team’s hopes alive of escaping. The Sounders went into the StubHub Center and swarmed a tough LA Galaxy team, 4-2. It was a comprehensive win for the Sounders, who now sit just three points behind the rival Portland Timbers with two games in hand.

Saturday’s win earned the Sounders SBI MLS Team of the Week honors over the Houston Dynamo and D.C. United.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

With his team facing what was essentially a must-win clash, Jordan Morris showed the poise of a veteran to earn SBI MLS Rookie of the Week recognition. The Seattle Sounders star first broke a 1-1 deadlock with a 63rd minute finish before adding a second for good measure 10 minutes later. The forward’s contributions proved vital, keeping the Sounders alive as the postseason race heats up.

Morris was not the only rookie to shine over the weekend as Fabian Herbers notched an assist in the Philadelphia Union’s 1-1 draw with Toronto FC.

GOAL OF THE WEEK

Alejandro Bedoya’s audacious chip up and over Clint Irwin was far and away the best finish of the weekend.

Oh my goodness.@AleBedoya17 with the beautiful chip for @PhilaUnion. #TORvPHI https://t.co/zMsmey8tJE

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 24, 2016