Mayra Madrigal
MLS Week 21 saw some great performances collectively and individually in the 14 matches played between Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17.
And although there were many players who stood out, only 11 players have the honor of being in the MLS Week 21 team, thanks to the collaboration they had for their teams to achieve positive results, or being present on the scoreboard.
Here’s a look at the best team of Week 21 of the MLS.
MLS Week 21 Best XI
Goalkeeper: Alex Bono – Toronto FC
Alex Bono was unable to prevent Toronto FC from losing to Montreal, but at least he avoided a heavy defeat. The score ended 1-0, but the goalkeeper was outstanding with remarkable saves and for that reason he is part of the team of the Week 21 of the MLS.
Defense: Juan José Purata – Atlanta United
Mexico’s Juan José Purata made his MLS goal-scoring debut, scoring Atlanta United‘s 1-1 draw against Orlando City. However, in addition to his goal, the 24-year-old also performed well defensively.
Defense: Rafael Czichos – Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire got an important victory in Week 21 of MLS by a score of 1-0 against Seattle Sounders. The star of the match was defender Rafael Czichos, who not only played a key role in keeping the Windy City side scoreless, but also scored the winning goal.
Defense: Timothy Parker – Houston Dynamo
One of the best-performing defenders this weekend was Timothy Parker of the Houston Dynamo, in the 1-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. Although the Texan team conceded a goal, the defender managed to cut off several rival attacks.
Midfielder: Lucas Zelarayán – Columbus Crew
Lucas Zelarayán is having a great moment in this MLS season and has been on the scoreboard with goals or assists in the last three games. In MLS Week 21, he scored one goal, but also assisted another, in Columbus Crew’s 2-0 win over Cincinnati.
Midfielder: Emanuel Reynoso – Minnesota United
“Bebelo” Reynoso was the star of Minnesota United‘s 2-0 win over D.C. United, as he scored both goals in the match. In addition, one of those goals had an exquisite definition.
Midfielder: José Cifuentes – LAFC
Ecuadorian youngster, José Cifuentes, is having great performances with LAFC and this weekend he scored again for the second consecutive match. His goal closed the scoreboard in favor of Los Angeles 2-1.
Midfielder: Santiago Rodríguez – New York City FC
The Uruguayan midfielder, Santiago Rodríguez, participated for the second consecutive match with an assist. He was instrumental in New York City ‘s 1-0 win over the NY Red Bulls in the New York derby.
Forward: Jefferson Savarino – Real Salt Lake
Venezuelan striker Jefferson Savarino played a key role in Real Salt Lake ‘s 3-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. He had a hand in two of the three goals, scoring one and assisting one.
Forward: Gonzalo Higuaín – Inter of Miami
Argentine Gonzalo Higuaín is coming on as a second-half substitute and it has paid off. He scored again for the second consecutive match, but this time he helped Inter Miami to a 3-2 win over Charlotte FC.
Forward: Jonathan Lewis – Colorado Rapids
And another forward on the MLS Week 21 team is American Jonathan Lewis, who assisted both goals as Colorado Rapids beat LA Galaxy on Sunday.
