MLS Team of the Week

It was a low-scoring week in MLS, with two scoreless draws and a pair of 1-0 results and two more contests finishing 2-0. In fact, in eight matches, San Jose’s 2-1 win over Philadelphia was the high-scoring barnburner of the bunch.

But one man did manage to have a big offensive day. Chivas USA’s Justin Braun hit for two as the Goats took down hapless Kansas City. Both goals came off Wizards’ defensive turnovers. Yuk.

Notes on this week’s team … San Jose’s Jon Busch is determined to make it hard for longtime incumbent Joe Cannon to get his job back. (Toronto’s Stefan Frei was Johnny on the Spot in the BMO goal, too.) … New England’s Kevin Alston and Sainey Nyassi were quite a pair along the right for the Revs … The next time Will Johnson stops running will be his first … Similarly, Sebastien Le Toux is doing the running for two men … His Union teammate Fred nearly made my team, too, as Philly did everything to San Jose except get that important second goal … Fredy Montero, criticized earlier this year for flagging effort, did his part and then some in a 1-1 draw with Dallas … David Ferriera may be the most under-rated player in MLS right now. He’s been very good lately. … Arturo Alvarez made the original version of my team even though he had played just 16 minutes. He did hit a heck of a goal, striking on the counter with no help around him as San Jose stole three points from Philly against the run of play. But I quickly did that thing where I slapped my forehead and said, “Shoot, I forgot about Braun!” So, apologies to Alvarez, but he got bumped.

Goalkeper: Jon Busch (San Jose)

Defenders: Kevin Alston (New England), Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake), Nana Attakora (Toronto)

Midfielders: Clyde Simms (D.C. United), Sainey Nyassi (New England), Will Johnson (Real Salt Lake), David Ferreira (FC Dallas), Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia)

Forwards: Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Fredy Montero (Seattle)