Sporting Kansas City entered last week's match against the Houston Dynamo needing at least a draw to remain in the hunt for the MLS Supporters' Shield. After 90 minutes, Peter Vermes' squad earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw behind a stellar effort from goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen. For his efforts, Nielsen was named MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week as well as SI.com Team of the Week.
The Sporting KC captain made four saves, including three in the game's first eight minutes. The shutout was Nielsen's 12th of the year, which has him tied with Portland Timbers Donovan Ricketts and Philadelphia Union's Zac MacMath atop the League's shutout chart.
According to MLSsoccer.com's Nicholas Rosano: [Nielsen] was a brick wall straight from the start in Sporting's 0-0 draw with Houston, making a series of impressive early saves and holding on to keep a clean sheet and help his team gain a vital road point.
In addition to Nielsen, Sporting KC defender Ike Opara was named to SI.com's Team of the Week. Opara, who started in place of USMNT defender Matt Besler, won six of eight duels and helped the club to their second consecutive shutout.
Opara, who is nominated for the Sporting KC Newcomer of the Year, presented by UMB (vote here) has three goals scored in 16 appearances this season.
