Goalkeeper:
Portland’s Troy Perkins
Rationale, motive and intent: Seven saves in a scoreless draw at Houston was Perkins’ best work of the week, but more good work in a weekend win over Chicago was a fine encore for the Timber’s backstopper.
Back line:
Chivas USA’s Danny Califf
New York’s Markus Holgersson (pictured)
Portland’s Hanyer Mosquera
Rationale, motive and intent: Regarding Califf: Quite a debut for the former Philly man, who looks motivated in his effort to show Chivas USA that a Goat’s gain is a Union loss. Holgersson continues to gain the steadiness he lacked early, and in Saturday’s win at Montreal – the Red Bull’s fifth in a row – he had the added duty of breaking in newly arrived Heath Pearce as a central partner along New York’s back line.
Midfield:
Portland’s Diego Chara
New York’s Joel Lindpere
Colorado’s Martin Rivero
D.C. United’s Dwayne De Rosario
Rationale, motive and intent: Lindpere and Chara were workhorses in their matches, covering ground, shutting down the opposition danger men, interrupting passing lanes, that kind of stuff. Important stuff, for sure. Rivero’s steady work and creativity helped the Rapids’ rally from a 2-0 deficit to salvage a tie at home against Sporting Kansas City.
De Rosario keeps putting on shows, finding goals once in mid-week and then twice more in a weekend victory over Toronto. His versatility continues be a major asset, too, as manager Ben Olsen used “De Ro” at attacking midfield once and at forward once.
Forwards:
Seattle’s Fredy Montero
New England’s Saer Sene
Sporting Kansas City’s Teal Bunbury
Rationale, motive and intent: A little Montero magic was all it took for Seattle to earn a draw at Vancouver.
Bunbury has slipped beyond the U.S. national team conversations, lapped by the likes of Herculez Gomez, Chris Wondolowski and a couple of others. With two goals at Colorado on Saturday, he reminded everyone that he’s not exactly washed up at the old age of 22.