NEW YORK – Beginning this season, the team of MLSsoccer.com editors, who cover every minute of all the MLS action, will bring you the "Team of the Week," recognizing the top 11 performers from the weekend that was.
The inaugural edition (3-4-3 formation) features an all-international forward line and an all-American back line:
GK – Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake): San Jose puts RSL under siege but Rimando salvages the 1-0 victory in the wind and rain with 10 saves.
DF – Danny Califf (Philadelphia): Not only did he have a goal but he made key defensive blocks. Marshaled his team to a big road win.
DF – Jeff Parke (Seattle): Although his team finished with two losses, Parke made play after play along the Sounders back line.
DF – Zach Loyd (FC Dallas): He's already played at left back for the US national team and showed he could do it for FC Dallas with an assist to boot.
MF – Juninho (LA Galaxy): The goals are less impressive than the fact that he knows exactly where to be. He’s only 22 and hitting his stride in MLS.
MF – Teemu Tainio (New York): His experience, composure and decision making have already made an impact on the midfield after just one game.
MF – Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake): It’s not just the goal. The captain helped will his team to a win under adverse conditions and circumstances.
MF – Davide Chiumiento (Vancouver): Sure, he played only 45 minutes, but he was the creative force for all of Vancouver's attacks, showing No. 10 skills.
FW – Eric Hassli (Vancouver): Where will the goals come from, they asked? They forgot about the Frenchman, who capitalized on a shaky TFC back line.
FW – Omar Bravo (Sporting Kansas City): His transition has appeared seamless. The Mexican showed DP-quality clinical finishing and knew exactly where to be.
FW – Omar Cummings (Colorado): The Jamaican has picked up where he left off, terrorizing Rodney Wallace and the Timbers back line.
Manager – Ben Olsen (D.C. United): The Charlie Davies situation was not an easy one to oversee. Despite being the youngest manager in MLS history, his team is showing early signs of good chemistry.
Honorable Mentions: Juan Agudelo (New York), Chris Birchall (LA Galaxy), Charlie Davies (D.C. United), Kevin Hartman (FC Dallas), Jeff Larentowicz (Colorado), Drew Moor (Colorado), Josh Saunders (LA Galaxy), Chris Schuler (Real Salt Lake), Jamie Smith (Colorado)
