Sporting Kansas City midfielder-turned-defender Ilie Sanchez was formally recognized today for his standout performance in a 1-1 home draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, receiving a nod to the MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi.
Ilie, who spent his first four seasons at Sporting as a holding midfielder, transitioned to center back in May and has played an instrumental role in the club's success throughout the summer. Saturday was no exception, as the 30-year-old Spaniard anchored a strong backline display that limited the Rapids to a single shot on target.
Ilie also completed 70 of 78 passes at a clip of 89.7% and posted game-highs with 10 duels won and four interceptions. He added 10 recoveries, three tackles and two clearances for good measure while also creating one scoring chance in attack.
Team of the Week (3-4-3, left to right):Ā Steve Clark (POR) ā Daniel Lovitz (NSH), Ilie Sanchez (SKC), Carlos Teran (CHI) ā Brian Rodriguez (LAFC), Jesus Ferreira (DAL), Lucas Zelarayan (CLB), Ryan Gauld (VAN) ā Adrien Hunou (MIN), Valentin Castellanos (NYC), Ricardo Pepi (DAL)
Coach:Ā Giovanni Savarese (POR)
Bench:Ā Nick Marsman (MIA), Djordje Mihailovic (MTL), Maxi Moralez (NYC), Yordy Reyna (DC), Dejan Joveljic (LA), Miguel Berry (CLB), Felipe Mora (POR)
Ilie and Sporting will now prepare for another marquee battle in the Western Conference as Manager Peter Vermesā side visits LAFC (6-9-6, 24 points) on Friday night at Banc of California Stadium. The contest will kick off at 9 p.m. CT with live coverage on Bally Sports Kansas City Plus, Bally Sports Midwest Plus, UniMas and TUDN as well as ESPN 94.5 FM and La Grande 1340 AM.
