New York Red Bulls captain Dax McCarty has been named to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 13 for his performance against Seattle.
McCarty earned a spot for his work ethic in the holding midfield role – stopping more than a few counter attacks from Seattle. According to Opta, McCarty won all three of his tackles, had one interception, three clearances and recovered possession eight times, including seven in the defensive half.
He also remains key to the Red Bulls’ transition. More often than not, the captain is responsible for starting the passing out of the back. McCarty completed 60 of 71 passes in the contest (84.5%), and completed roughly the same number in the defensive and offensive halves of the field.
GK: Bill Hamid (D.C. United)– Continues to make this D.C. team an overachiever with excellent shot-stopping and command of his box. His performance on Wednesday night against the Timbers was outstanding.
D: Justin Morrow (Toronto FC) – The veteran has filled in well at right back, showing again on Saturday why he's one of the top fullbacks in the league, scoring a goal and shutting down any San Jose attack on the right side.
D: Kevin Ellis (Sporting Kansas City) – In addition to pitching in on Sporting’s clean sheet, the defender took advantage of set pieces to notch an assist and goal on the night.
D: Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy) - Another great week for the USMNT center back, helping LA earn a shutout at home on Wednesday and limiting the Revolution attack on Sunday.
M: Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) – Made a statement in this game, as he set up two goals off set pieces and scored one himself.
M: Dax McCarty (New York Red Bulls) – Really solid shift in the midfield. Killed off more than a few dangerous Sounders counter attacks and was as smooth as ever with his passing.
M: Gershon Koffie (Vancouver Whitecaps) – Marked his 100th MLS start on Saturday with a howitzer of a goal and an energetic box-to-box outing on both sides of the ball.
M: Marco Pappa (Seattle Sounders) – Followed his midweek game-winner with another fine performance against the Red Bulls, equalizing for Seattle in the second half and providing pinpoint set-piece service all match.
F: Kennedy Igboananike (Chicago Fire) – Scored his first MLS goal, set up Harry Shipp for the opener and worked both relentlessly and intelligently on and off the ball.
F: Krisztian Nemeth (Sporting Kansas City) – Was sharp against Dallas and made a few killer turns in the box while also scoring a goal and assisting on another. The Hungarian international looks to be settling into MLS very well indeed.
F: Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC) - The Atomic Ant is becoming one of, if not the, best playmakers in MLS. He finished Saturday's game with two assists but could have had more and a goal or two.
Coach:Peter Vermes (Sporting Kansas City) – Has his team firing on all cylinders despite the absence of many key players.
Bench:Tyler Deric (Houston Dynamo), Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution), Eriq Zavaleta (Toronto FC), Davy Arnaud (D.C. United), Ignacio Maganto (LA Galaxy), Harry Shipp (Chicago Fire), Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew SC)
McCarty and the Red Bulls are back in action on Friday night with a trip to Houston. Kickoff on Unimas is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. An English language broadcast is available through the SAP function. New York Red Bulls will also provide an English radio broadcast via www.newyorkredbulls.com
