MLS All Stars: Week 17

Portland Timbers wrapped up MLS Rivalry Week with a resounding 4-1 victory over Seattle Sounders after New York Red Bulls made it two wins from two New York derbies.

Here’s who made our MLS team of the week...

Robles was in top form as Red Bulls won twice

Goalkeeper – Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)

Robles helped the Red Bulls end a run of four straight defeats in midweek, keeping a cleansheet as New York claimed a crucial 1-0 win against Real Salt Lake.

The goalkeeper was on hand again in their local derby with New York City making four saves to keep the Red Bulls lead and maintain the bragging rights in the Big Apple.

Right Back – Steve Birnbaum (DC United)

DC United will be delighted to have taken four points from their two road games in Week 17 – after scoring just once they have their defence to thank.

Birnbaum was immense as DC kept cleansheets against Chicago Fire and then in Toronto to stretch their lead in the Eastern Conference to 11 points.

Centre Back – Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls)

Two wins and only one goal conceded in 180 minutes would please any defender but Miazga has the added bonus of scoring the game-winning goal in the New York derby in Week 17.

Despite losing four on the bounce before this week, the Red Bulls are just one point off second place in the Eastern Conference and will continue to move up on the back of a resolute defence.

Centre Back – Bobby Boswell (DC United)

Boswell is the rock at the heart of DC’s defence which has conceded one goal or fewer in 17 of their 20 regular season fixtures in 2015 – it’s early but they surely can’t miss out on the play-offs now.

Only San Jose have conceded fewer goals in MLS this season than DC’s 17, and they have played four games fewer than the current Supporters’ Shield leaders.

Rogers scored his first goal in over four years

Left Back – Robbie Rogers (LA Galaxy)

The former Leeds United full back could do little to prevent San Jose Earthquakes’ comfortable win on Saturday but makes the team for his goal in Galaxy’s 5-0 rout over Philadelphia Union.

Rogers scored his first goal in over four years to make it 2-0 on the night and kick-off a weekend of celebrations for the LGBT community after gay marriage was declared legal by the Supreme Court.

Right Midfield – Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew)

MLS’ leading assist maker showed he wasn’t just a one trick pony as he added a goal to his two assists in Week 17.

Finlay is the first player to reach 10 assists for the season and with Kei Kamara heading the goalscoring chart, we should see Crew moving swiftly up a congested Eastern Conference.

Centre Midfield – Juninho (LA Galaxy)

Two games and two goals for Juninho in Week 17 – the midfielder is the key to this current Galaxy side, who have scored 11 in their last three matches.

Galaxy’s early season slump came as the midfield failed to pick decisive passes, Juninho provides the cutting edge and has the ability to keep the game moving swiftly turning defence to attack.

Left Midfield – Fabian Castillo (FC Dallas)

Following a blistering start to the season Castillo’s form dipped and FC Dallas’ results followed – Week 17 saw him return to top form and Dallas to winning ways.

Castillo was a constant menace for local rivals Houston Dynamo; his deflected shot opened the scoring before he found the bottom corner unassisted to seal a 2-0 win.

Striker – Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers)

After being selected to start for the first time in six matches, Adi repaid his manager in style by notching his third brace of the season as Portland hammered local rivals Seattle 4-1.

Wondolowski is San Jose's topscorer with nine goal in 2015

His two late goals included the matchwinner and helped the Timbers to their first regular season MLS victory over Seattle since 2013.

Striker – Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Wondo sparked San Jose’s comeback victory over MLS Cup holders LA Galaxy with a majestic right-foot volley that shot into the top corner in a flash.

Wondolowski is the perfect captain for the Earthquakes – so often he is the inspiration behind their best performances and he led from the front again as San Jose claimed a memorable victory.

Striker – Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

Keane was abnormally quiet against San Jose but he showed why is a class above most in MLS, producing a majestic performance, as Galaxy swept aside Philadelphia in midweek.

The Irishman produced two assists, including a wonderful one-two with Juninho and got on the scoresheet himself, grabbing his third of the season from the penalty spot.

Images courtesy of Jeff Zelevansky, Shaun Clark and Ronald Martinez, with thanks.