Team of the Week: MLS Week 16

We were back to a full complement of league action this weekend, so here are the 11 players we’ve selected as our latest MLS All-Stars.

Goalkeeper – David Ousted (Vancouver Whitecaps)

After saving two penalties in one match, how could we leave him out? Ousted became only the third keeper in MLS history to achieve the impressive feat.

Villafana was key at both ends for Timbers

He also made sure his side took home all three points with a brilliant stop to deny debutant Manolo Sanchez’s well struck effort in the dying minutes.

Right Back – Jorge Villafana (Portland Timbers)

Portland racked up another cleansheet as they made it four MLS wins on the spin and Villafana was vital at both ends in the win over Houston Dynamo.

The full back delivered a perfect free-kick for Maximiliano Urruti to head home before he was sent tumbling in the box and the resulting penalty confirmed the win. 

Centre Back – Shay Facey (New York City)

The on-loan Manchester City youngster has adapted to life in MLS very quickly and was the standout defender as Jason Kreis got his tactics spot on against Toronto.           

The NYCFC players got through an incredible amount of work and put in what can only be described as a ‘physical’ display, with Facey epitomising it more than anyone.

Centre Back – Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact)

The defender was flawless in denying an Orlando City frontline that were beginning to build up some momentum, as Montreal kept only their second clean sheet this season.

The lively Cyle Larin did cause the Impact backline some problems but Ciman was composed on the ball and aggressive in his defending – a superb display.

Left Back – Drew Moore (Colorado Rapids)

Ordinarily a centre back, the Colorado captain deputised at full back and took charge of a defence that restricted FC Dallas to very few chances.

Serna impressed on his return for Rapids

He has had limited game time this season but after an assured performance he may force his way back into the first team picture sooner rather than later.

Right Midfield – Dillon Serna (Colorado Rapids)

Goals have been hard to come by for the Rapids all season, hence why they have only won twice, and Serna was certainly their attacking spark this week.

Making his first start since the season opener, he was clearly looking to make an impression and after hitting a late equaliser he’ll hope for a run of games.

Centre Midfield – Baggio Husidic (LA Galaxy)

After a slow opening 20 minutes the MLS Cup holders dismantled a poor Philadelphia Union and it was Husidic that got them on their way.

He reacted first when Zardes’ shot came off the upright and created two goals for his teammates as he orchestrated the display, much like a certain Steven Gerrard enjoys to.

Centre Midfield – Chris Rolfe (D.C. United)

The ever-dependable Rolfe struck twice, as United returned to the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings, after Chris Tierney blocked his first chance on the line.

He would not be denied the equaliser a second time as he fired in a ferocious volley before completing the comeback, firing a penalty into the bottom corner.

Left Midfield – Matias Perez Garcia (San Jose Earthquakes)

The attacking midfielder was the catalyst for San Jose’s win at the home of the Seattle Sounders, setting up the first and scoring the second in the 2-0 victory.

His pinpoint pass found an unmarked Sanna Nyassi midway through the first half and he then danced through the Sounders’ backline before finding the top corner – excellent individual goal.

Zardes showed his undoubted potential again

Striker – Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)

The young forward was partnered with Robbie Keane for the first time since early April and it certainly made a difference as Galaxy ran riot against Philadelphia. 

Zardes was involved in everything good for LA and racked up two assists as well as grabbing his fourth of the season – a reminder of what a prospect he is. 

Striker – David Villa (New York City)

After an underwhelming start to life in MLS, the former Barcelona man has found his feet in recent weeks and has been pivotal in NYCFC’s resurgence.

He added two more goals to his tally as he calmly dispatched from the penalty spot, before being in the right place to turn home Mehdi Ballouchy’s centre.

Images courtesy of Richard Lam, Victor Decolongon and Shaun Clark, with thanks.