Another game, another two goals for Clint Dempsey.
After scoring three times last weekend against Portland, Dempsey led his team to victory in Dallas, handing FCD their first loss of the season and, according to MLSsoccer.com's Matthew Doyle, putting his name in the hat for the early-season MVP race.
So it's no surprise that Dempsey is back on MLSsoccer.com's Team of the Week this time around, paired up top with LA Galaxy hero Robbie Keane, who struck for his third goal in four games this season in LA's 1-0 win over Vancouver.
The rest of the squad is highlighted by some of the league's biggest names in the midfield – Portland's Will Johnson, Columbus playmaker Federico Higuaín – and two New England Revolution defenders on the back line who helped shore up the Revs' huge 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo.
Who else earned a spot on the latest Team of the Week? Read on to find out.
GK: Jaime Penedo (LA Galaxy) – While the LA Galaxy did create several scoring chances, they also needed three big saves from Penedo to pick up the win. He continues to haunt the Whitecaps.
D: Mark Bloom (Toronto FC) – Had a solid game at right back for TFC, getting forward and delivering dangerous service into the area.
D: Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution) – For the second straight week Farrell makes an appearance here. Better and better with every game.
D: Bobby Boswell (D.C. United) – Was the architect of the lone goal in the game and anchored the D.C. backline effectively.
D: Kevin Alston (New England Revolution) – Scored the first goal of his MLS career and enjoyed solid defensive performance with some big tackles to go along with it.
M: Vincent Nogueira (Philadelphia Union) – Hit terrific cross-field switches all day and put excellent weight on chip to set up Andrew Wenger's goal.
M: Federico Higuaín (Columbus Crew) – All over the field for Columbus. Their inspiration, their drive. Finishes brilliant team goal to open scoring.
M: Will Johnson (Portland Timbers) – Was strong in Portland's midfield, as usual, and scored his first goal of 2014.
M: Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake) – Dominated the game and created an excellent setup for Kyle Beckerman's late goal, as Morales kept his line of vision across the goal but used peripheral vision to find the captain's run at top of the box.
F: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy) – Was a nuisance to the Vancouver Whitecaps’ backline from the opening whistle and scored the game-winning goal. He could’ve had more goals if not for some bad luck.
F: Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders) – Best player on the field by a country mile at Toyota Stadium. Was good even aside from the scoring plays, and hit the crossbar on another shot.
Coach: Sigi Schmid (Seattle Sounders) – FC Dallas had not dropped a point at home until the Sounders came to town. Schmid went back to his usual 4-4-2 formation, allowing Dempsey and Obafemi Martins to be dangerous together, and results followed.
Bench:Zac MacMath (Philadelphia Union), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution), Yannick Djalo (San Jose Earthquakes), Leandro Barrera (Chivas USA), Kyle Bekker (Toronto FC), Dillon Powers (Colorado Rapids), Quincy Amarikwa (Chicago Fire)
