In the last weekend before the World Cup break, we saw two games produce some grand fireworks.
In Philadephia, the Union got off to a terrible start, going down 2-0 at PPL Park. Then in the second half, a three-goal outburst produced by Cristian Maidana and his teammates allowed the home side to grab the lead. It didn't last long however as Zac MacMath conceded a penalty allowing Pedro Morales to equalize the score.
In Chicago, there were five goals and two red cards in a wild one at Toyota Park. Obafemi Martins each scored two goals before being sent off for a straight red card. From there, Harry Shipp scored two golazos to lead his team back to a draw, but it was all for naught as Lamar Neagle had a classy finish to take the lead for good.
Who else earned a spot on the latest Team of the Week? Read on to find out.
GK: Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls) – Recorded 10 saves and saved the game for the Red Bulls, ensuring all three points in New England.
D: Nick Hagglund (Toronto FC) – Active on both sides of the ball, denying any chances while contributing four shots on the other end in Toronto's 1-0 win over San Jose.
D: Kevin Ellis (Sporting Kansas City) – The “veteran” center back on the night for Sporting played a clean, effective game, which was all the more impressive considering Houston’s man advantage for most of the game.
D: Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew) – Helped keep Fabián Espíndola and the D.C. attack off the scoreboard for the first time in 11 games, earning his team a draw.
D: Carlos Bocanegra (Chivas USA) – Organized his defense admirably, helping Chivas earn a point in the SuperClasico.
M: Lamar Neagle (Seattle Sounders) – Played a solid game all around while producing the game-winner over the Fire in Chicago.
M: Harry Shipp (Chicago Fire) – The rookie stepped up again with a very good performance, notching two well-taken goals. He was not able to secure points for his team, though.
M: Cristian Maidana (Philadelphia Union) – Had a hand in all three of the Union's goals in their comeback but the Union were not able to hold the lead in the end.
M: Fabián Castillo (FC Dallas) – Produced one of the best individual efforts all season to nick the game-winner over Colorado.
F: Erik Hurtado (Vancouver Whitecaps) – Scored one goal and assisted on another after shaking a Union defender.
F: Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers) – His MLS career is off to a flying start, scoring four goals and assisting on two more in just 226 minutes. Scored two of those goals in the Timbers 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.
Coach: Caleb Porter (Portland Timbers) - After taking the lead, Porter organized his team to counterattack the on rushing RSL side. His team captured their first victory ever at Rio Tinto.
Bench:Steve Clark (Columbus Crew), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Collen Warner (Toronto FC), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers), Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew), Conor Casey (Philadelphia Union), Deshorn Brown (Colorado Rapids)
