Real Salt Lake earned its second consecutive shutout on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC to remain unbeaten at 4-0-2. While forward Juan Manuel Martinez earned recognition for his goal with an AT&T Goal of the Week nomination, it was the defensive side that received the plaudits on the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week.
Goalkeeper Nick Rimando and defender Demar Phillips were recognized for their efforts as Rimando finished the night with four saves while Phillips was part a defense that withstood pressure from Vancouver’s attack through the first half, then took control of the match in the second half.
“We’re just working hard. Everyone is covering for each other. Every game just trying to get a little bit better,” Rimando said. “Today wasn’t our best game but we definitely worked hard. Made some special plays and kept a zero.”
Rimando and Phillips make six different RSL players to earn Team of the Week honors.
Joining Rimando and Phillips on Team of the Week are defenders Steven Beitashour (Toronto FC) and Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact); midfielders Justin Meram (Columbus Crew), Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact), Jermaine Jones (Colorado Rapids) and Andreas Ivanshchitz (Seattle Sounders FC); and forwards Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers) and Fabian Castillo (FC Dallas).
Martinez was named among the seven players on the bench.
For more on the Week 7 Team of the Week, click here.
Team of the Week
Week 1: Juan Manuel Martinez
Week 2: Sunday Stephen
Week 5: Aaron Maund, Joao Plata
Week 7: Nick Rimando, Demar Phillips
