Goalkeeper: Houston’s Tally Hall
Rationale, motive and intent: Dealt professionally with tricky, wet balls played into his area as the host Earthquakes pressed desperately toward the end.
Back line: Houston’s Andrew Hainault, Colorado’s Marvel Wynne, Montreal’s Matteo Ferrari, Sporting Kansas City’s Seth Sinovic.
Rationale, motive and intent: Stationed wide for Houston and, despite always looking more like a natural center back, Hainault did get up the field. And he controlled San Jose’s left side as the Dynamo posted its second consecutive shutout on the road. Early days for Ferrari, but he looked composed and in control in the Impact’s initial home match. Sinovic had his paw prints somewhere on all three SKC goals.
Midfield: Montreal’s Davy Arnaud, Los Angeles’ David Beckham, Real Salt Lake’s Ned Grabavoy, Portland’s Darlington Nagbe.
Rationale, motive and intent: Nagbe is the rare man who will make ProSoccerTalk’s team despite coming off the bench. He changed the game and helped Portland rescue the points. Beckham was afforded way too much midfield space and made life miserable on D.C. United’s beleaguered back line. Arnaud did much more than unlock a historic goal, although that might have been enough by itself.
Forwards: Seattle’s David Estrada, Los Angeles’ Robbie Keane
Rationale, motive and intent: Estrada nailed a hat trick in his 7th professional start. Keane probably can’t remember his 7th professional start, since it was way back with Wolves in the 1990s. Never mind that, though; he hit twice and arranged nicely for others.