Week 25 was one dominated by some of the most versatile midfielders in MLS as Rodney Wallace, Ignacio Piatti, and Kelyn Rowe put on sterling performances to lead their teams to victory on Saturday.
Two other versatile midfielders, perhaps two of the best in MLS history, also showed why they should still be considered two of the best in the league.
Landon Donovan has awoken over the past couple weeks after a bit of a midseason swoon, and this week was one of his best in his MLS career. The all-time great led the Galaxy to two blowout victories over D.C. United and Chivas USA by scoring a goal and collecting four assists over the two games.
Brad Davis currently sits in fifth place in the all-time assists rankings in MLS, and the Dynamo legend added two more to his tally on Friday night against Sporting Kansas City. Davis delivered two beautiful set pieces to set up two goals as the Dynamo got a huge win on the road.
Second-year player Alvas Powell also scored his first-ever MLS goal while helping contribute to his team's clean sheet in a vital Cascadia rivalry match against Vancouver.
Who else earned a spot on the latest Team of the Week? Read on to find out.
GK: Bill Hamid (D.C. United) – The 23-year-old had a huge save on Bradley Wright-Phillips in the first half that preserved the 0-0 scoreline. Hamid had a total of five saves as D.C. beat New York 2-0.
D: Alvas Powell (Portland Timbers) – Scored his first MLS goal against the Whitecaps while also contributing defensively as the Timbers beat their Cascadia rivals 3-0.
D: Bakary Soumare (Chicago Fire) – He was extremely sturdy in his defending and displayed some pinpoint passing to help Chicago build out from the back as the Fire beat FC Dallas 1-0.
D: Zach Scott (Seattle Sounders) – The accolades normally go to his partner along the backline, but Scott showed why he's still a key cog for Sigi Schmid as the Sounders beat the struggling Rapids 1-0.
D: Kofi Sarkodie (Houston Dynamo) – Consistently an outlet going forward, Sarkodie was also key in stifling the SKC attack.
M: Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact) – Showed why the Impact decided to sign him to a Designated Player contract, with two goals to lead the Impact over the Crew.
M: Rodney Wallace (Portland Timbers) – The Timbers have missed him this season, and he showed why on Saturday night. Wallace is as strong defending as he is going forward and his goal was the topper as Portland toppled Vancouver 3-0.
M: Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution) – The midfielder scored on a strike that's worthy of Goal of the Week consideration, and helped set up New England's third. He was another key component to the Revolution's midfield success as they beat Toronto FC 3-0.
M: Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo) – Just when it seemed like Houston might let a game slip away from them again, Davis came up with two timely set piece assists to grab the vital road win.
M: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy) –Two games, two amazing performances. Donovan showed yet again why he's the best player in MLS history.
F: Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy) – The 23-year-old's improving finishing abilities were on display in his first goal against Chivas USA. Might a call from Jurgen Klinsmann be in the offing?
Coach: Bruce Arena (LA Galaxy) – Waxed a strong D.C. United team on Wednesday night then had his team ready to do the same thing in the final SuperClasico.
Bench:Evan Bush (Montreal Impact), Liam Ridgewell (Portland Timbers), Sam Cronin (San Jose Earthquakes), Marcelo Sarvas (LA Galaxy), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution), Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers)
