Wondolowski, Nani and Vela headline MLS Best XI for Week 12

May 20, 2019 admin Transfers 0

Chris Wondolowski made history, while Carlos Vela continued to build on his own historic season to headline Goal’s MLS Best XI for Week 12.

Wondolowski’s four-goal masterpiece made him the MLS career goal-scoring leader, surpassing Landon Donovan and helping the San Jose Earthquakes rout the Chicago Fire.

Vela made his latest MLS Best XI after scoring in each of LAFCs two matches against FC Dallas. Vela has made 10 of 12 Best XI teams this season, and pushed his MLS-leading goal total to 14 with a penalty kick finish in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with FC Dallas.

Editors’ Picks

Tim Howard helped the Colorado Rapids post their first win of the season by turning in his best performance of the campaign, leading the Rapids over the LA Galaxy, who were without suspended star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Here is this week’s Goal MLS Best XI for Week 12:

Goalkeeper

Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard has had to endure a rough final pro season, but he turned back the clock on Sunday, recording six saves to help his Rapids post their first win of the season, a 1-0 road victory against the LA Galaxy.

There were several quality goalkeeping performances in Week 12, and honorable mention nods go to Bill Hamid for his 12-save effort in last Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Toronto FC, Jesse Gonzalez for his five-save match in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with LAFC, and Stefan Frei for six-save outing in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with the Philadelphia Union.

Defenders

The New York Red Bulls defense managed a 1-0 win over Atlanta United despite a first-half red card for Tim Parker and Aaron Long’s injury absence, and Amro Tarek was a big reason for the shutout. His work on Josef Martinez helped the Red Bulls snap Atlanta United‘s five-match winning streak.

Brett Kallman produced on both ends of the field for Minnesota United, helping the Loons post a shutout in their 1-0 win against the Columbus Crew, while also providing the assist on Ethan Finlay’s game-winning goal.

The Seattle Sounders earned four points in week 12, and Roman Torres was one of the few Sounders to play all 180 minutes. The Panamanian defender was instrumental in Seattle allowing just one goal in two matches, including Saturday’s 0-0 draw with the Philadelphia Union.

Honorable mentions among Week 12 defenders go to Houston’s Adam Lundkvist, Red Bulls right back Michael Murillo, and Colorado’s Keegan Rosenberry.

Midfielders

Carlos Vela continued his MVP-caliber season with goals in both of LAFC’s matches against FC Dallas, including the winner in last Thursday’s 2-0 victory at Banc of California Stadium.

Memo Rodriguez had a good showing in Houston’s 1-1 draw with Portland last Wednesday, but it was his performance off the bench in Saturday’s win against D.C. United. He stepped in for Alberth Elis and delivered a wondergoal.

Real Salt Lake‘s Sebastian Saucedo delivered his own wondergoal to help RSL roll past Toronto FC. The RSL academy product also assisted on a goal in his best performance of the season.

Orlando City‘s Nani provided another two goals to up his season total to seven goals, helping the Lions demolish FC Cincinnati, 5-1. Nani converted from close range and from the penalty spot to help Orlando City snap its three-match losing streak.

Among the midfielders earning honorable mentions this week are Red Bull winger Daniel Royer, Minnesota United’s Ethan Finlay, San Jose’s Cristian Espinoza and Shea Salinas and Real Salt Lake’s Damir Kreilach.

Forwards

Chris Wondolowski made history, and did it in dramatic fashion, scoring four goals, including the one that made him the MLS career goals leader, surpassing Landon Donovan to up his total to 148 strikes.

Tesho Akindele turned in a Man of the Match performance, scoring his first brace of the season in Orlando City’s 5-1 rout over FC Cincinnati.

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