The Portland Timbers picked up an important three points Saturday with a gritty 1-0 win over Western Conference rival Real Salt Lake.
Going up early on a goal from Fanendo Adi, the Portland defense stayed strong throughout. Defender Vytas helped lock down the left side for the Timbers with four tackles on the night to got along with five interceptions and five clearances. The performance earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Week (Wk 27).
Back from U.S. national team duty, teammate Darlington Nagbe's dynamic presence in the midfield in the match was also recognized as he snagged a bench spot.
Check out the rest of the MLS Week 27 Team of the Week below:
GK: Tim Howard, COL: 0 goals conceded, 7 saves
D: Vytas, POR: 5 clearances, 5 interceptions, 4 tackles
D: Kendall Waston, VAN: 7 clearances, 4 interceptions
D: Jordan Stewart, SJ: 1 assist, 2 tackles, 2 interceptions
M: Boniek Garcia, HOU: 2 assists, 4 chances created, 79% passing accuracy
M: Kaká, ORL: 2 games played, 2 goals, 3 shots
M: Micheal Azira, COL: 6 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 clearances
M: Gershon Koffie, NE: 79% passing accuracy, 3 tackles, 8 ball recoveries
M: Diego Fagundez, NE: 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 chances created
F: Jozy Altidore, TOR: 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 shots
F: Giovani dos Santos, LA: 4 goals, 3 assists, 7 shots, 6 chances created
Bench: Bill Hamid, DC; Axel Sjoberg, COL; Jelle Van Damme, LA; Roger Espinoza, SKC; Darlington Nagbe, POR; Joao Plata, RSL; Juan Agudelo, NE