MLS All-Stars: Week Six

After revealing our Worst XI MLS signings over the weekend, these 11 players made sure they were nowhere near that unwanted tag and produced some outstanding displays.

We saw resolute defending, midfield maestro displays and even rookies notching up their first goals – or not as the case may be.

Here is our team of the week….

Goalkeeper – Jaime Penedo (LA Galaxy)

After producing 10 saves in 90 minutes how could we leave Penedo out? It was almost Tim Howard versus Belgium levels of shot stopping at times.

Powell put in a dynamic display

He dominated the duel with Lamar Neagle, denying the striker four times on the way to recording one of the most impressive clean sheets in MLS history.

Right Back – Alvas Powell (Portland Timbers)

Although the Timbers suffered a 2-0 defeat, the full back’s energy and appetite to get forward offered a real outlet for the home side throughout.

He has been unlucky not to make our All-Stars in previous weeks but after his audacious flick in the opposition box we couldn’t leave him out again. 

Centre Back – Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew)

He was named franchise captain at the start of last season, then drafted into USMNT squad and was he was back to his best this week with two strong performances.

MLS top scorer Octavio Rivero gave him a tough night midweek, but Parkhurst followed that up with an impressive display as his side shut out New England Revolution.

Centre Back – Seb Hines (Orlando City)

The former Middlesbrough defender was a rock throughout and made several vital blocks to limit Portland’s attacking threat – even denying Fanendo Adi twice in the space of a minute.

The visitors came under intense pressure after the break, with Timbers coming wave after wave but Hines organised his backline to perfection and gave nothing away. 

Left Back – Robbie Rogers (LA Galaxy)

The 27-year-old made the move to full back last season and helped the Galaxy have the meanest defence in MLS, but has struggled to recapture that form so far this campaign.

Although he has Penedo to thank for the win, Rogers did more than most to help stem the tide of Seattle Sounders pressure and turn in the resolute performance they needed.

Right Midfield – Eric Ayuk (Philadelphia Union)

When your first professional goal, that helped your franchise claim their first win, is taken off you there’s not much consolation but making the All-Stars team is something at least.

Kitchen popped up with two goals

The 18-year-old joined from Rainbow FC Bamenda in Cameroon and was seen as one for the future, but his performances have seen him progress a little quicker than anticipated this season.

Centre Midfield – Perry Kitchen (D.C. United)

The midfielder popped up with both goals in his side’s goals 2-2 draw with Atlantic Cup rivals New York Red Bulls, showing off his somewhat unexpected attacking prowess.

First powering in Taylor Kemp’s corner with his header rattling the post on the way in, before meeting Chris Rolfe’s cross to fire in low and hard.

Centre Midfield – Dillon Powers (Colorado Rapids)

Powers was instrumental in helping Rapids record a long awaited win, scoring one and setting up another in the 4-0 rout of FC Dallas.

After searching out Dominique Badji with a pinpoint cross to open the scoring, Powers rolled Je-Vaughn Watson and unleashed a low drive inside the far post.

Left Midfield – Rob Lovejoy (Houston Dynamo)

Despite playing less than 45 minutes, Lovejoy’s performance made the difference for Dynamo with the second-half sub supplying an assist before rounding off the win.

He burst down the left wing to cut the ball back for Ricardo Clark to fire home, before the rookie opened his MLS account with a sumptuous curling effort into the top corner.

Striker – Dominique Badji (Colorado Rapids)

The man that ended his franchise’s 602 minute goal drought had to make it in, pouncing in just the second minute to help the Rapids seal the surprise victory.

The rookie forward was on hand to turn in Dillon Powers’ right wing cross from close range, giving Chris Seitz no chance in the Dallas net.

Larin opened his MLS goal scoring account

Striker – Cyle Larin (Orlando City)

Another rookie making an impression this weekend was No. 1 pick in January’s SuperDraft Cyle Larin, who marked his first start alongside Kaka with a goal.

The youngster made a smart run to the near post where he nonchalantly chested home Trinidad & Tobago international Kevin Molino’s cross to get his season up and running.

Images courtesy of Rich Lam and Alex Menendez, with thanks.