Ike Opara made up for lost time in Sunday’s season opener at Sporting Park.
After missing most of the 2014 campaign through injury, the centerback scored Sporting Kansas City’s only goal in the 50th minute of a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls. He also won a game-high 11 duels and limited opposing striker Bradley Wright-Phillips to just 24 touches and zero shots on goal.
Opara’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he earned Team of the Week recognition from MLSsoccer.com, Bleacher Report, Goal.com and NBC Pro Soccer Talk in his first league game since last March.
Benny Feilhaber, who assisted Opara’s goal with a pinpoint cross from the right wing, also landed a spot on NBC Pro Soccer Talk’s Team of the Week. The veteran led all players with five fouls won and showcased his versatility on the pitch—moving from deep-lying to attacking midfielder before joining Opara in central defense for 15 minutes late in the second half. He was also the only player in MLS Week 1 to create two big scoring chances.
In addition, Bleacher Report reserved a spot on its Team of the Week bench for Amadou Dia. The 21-year-old defender became the first rookie to start in a Sporting KC season opener since 2011 and recorded eight interceptions, second most among MLS players in Week 1.
