It was an absolute goal-fest in MLS in week 21, with several stunning efforts to entertain viewers league-wide.
While four teams won by an astounding 4-0 scoreline, the Vancouver Whitecaps were the lone team to do so on the road and managed to earn the win over Western Conference contenders FC Dallas. There were a multitude of beautiful goals to choose from, but one stood out above the rest in Atlanta.
Here’s who the SBI editorial staff chose as the best from the week of play in MLS.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sebastian Giovinco not only dominated in Toronto FC’s 4-0 win over Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC; he did so in beautiful fashion. An incredible long-range effort opened the scoring for TFC, and Giovinco promptly followed that up with a ridiculous free kick and a very pretty assist to Raheem Edwards. All the while, Giovinco reached the 50 goal mark in his MLS career. Take a bow.
Daniel Royer, Kei Kamara, and Fredy Montero also recorded doubles for their teams and earned honorable mentions.
TEAM OF THE WEEK
The Vancouver Whitecaps came down to Texas and left as big three point winners. The Whitecaps have surged into Western Conference playoff position and further cemented their place with a thrashing of FC Dallas on their own turf. Fredy Montero led the way for the Whitecaps with two goals, sealing an impressive 4-0 victory away from home.
Honorable mentions go to Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls for their respective 4-0 wins.
ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Nick Lima not only played shutout defense for the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday against the Colorado Rapids, but he contributed on the offensive end with a spectacular game winner. Lima’s beautiful effort from outside the box capped another standout week for the Rookie of the Year candidate, doing it all on the offensive and defensive ends en route to a 1-0 Quakes victory.
Abu Danladi earns honorable mention recognition after scoring a goal in Minnesota United’s 4-0 rout of D.C. United.
GOAL OF THE WEEK
The hardest category of all to judge this week came in the form of the most beautiful goal. With a half-dozen strong candidates from around the league, including the aforementioned Giovinco and Lima, one long-range strike came from a Southbound battle between Atlanta United and Orlando City. Kaka struck a beautiful ball into the back of the net to give the Lions the lead on the road, ultimately leading to a well-earned draw away from home.