The resurgence of the Chicago Fire and Sporting Kansas City over the weekend have also become main themes in the latest edition of the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week for Week 13.
Sporting midfielders Graham Zusi and Luke Sassano, who have recently received more playing time in place of other Gold Cup absentees, did well enough in their two matches to earn a nod. Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire were also recognized for collecting four points from two road games with defender Yamith Cuesta and manager Frank Klopas joining the list of the week's best.
The forward line this week has a distinct French flavor with both New York's Thierry Henry and Vancouver's Eric Hassli living up to their Designated Player titles.
GK: Greg Sutton (New York Red Bulls) – He not only stopped Shalrie Joseph’s PK for New England, but he also made several spectacular saves. Could Canada have used him at the Gold Cup?
DF: Julius James (Columbus Crew) – May have been burned on Orr Barouch's play on the Fire's goal, but James was effective in clearing countless balls throughout the match.
DF: Drew Moor (Colorado Rapids) – Scored the game-winning goal for a win at JELD-WEN Field that placed an exclamation mark on another impact performance at center back.
DF: Yamith Cuesta (Chicago Fire) – The Fire have placed their faith in the Colombian central defender and he’s repaying them as a starter. One of the key figures in the Fire’s two shutouts last week.
MF: Mauro Rosales (Seattle Sounders) – The Argentine was all over the field against Vancouver, making plays on the ball and moving it around quickly. He brings back memories of the Crew’s Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
MF: Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) – Pizza Hut Park was the scene for Zusi’s official coming-out party. He scored two goals, got a helper and showed he has the tools to become a permanent fixture in the Sporting midfield.
MF: Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo) – Another three-assist game for the "left-footed David Beckham," even though only two counted. One Dynamo goal was called back because of a teammate’s foul on the play.
MF: Luke Sassano (Sporting Kansas City) – Missing Stéphane Auvray and Craig Rocastle has allowed Sporting manager Peter Vermes to discover another strong midfield option. Performed exceptionally in both SKC matches last week.
FW: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls) – The Frenchman had a hand in both NY goals vs. the Revs, including scoring the game-winner, and he created numerous opportunities for his teammates throughout the match.
FW: Eric Hassli (Vancouver Whitecaps) – Held the ball up effectively, got the midfielders into the attack and scored two goals. Not a bad match for the player who many are already crowning as the new Goal of the Year winner.
FW: Steven Lenhart (San Jose Earthquakes) – With Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski and Ryan Johnson away on Gold Cup duty, Lenhart did it all on his own against D.C. United last Saturday, showing bravery and good soccer instincts on his three goals at RFK Stadium.
Manager: Frank Klopas (Chicago Fire) – Two away games and more importantly, four points and two shutouts, including in another team's stadium opener. Good start for the newly minted head coach and his club's playoff hopes are now revived.
Honorable Mention: Orr Barouch (Chicago Fire), Danleigh Borman (Toronto FC), Bobby Boswell (Houston Dynamo), Blake Brettschneider (D.C. United), Alan Gordon (Toronto FC), Sébastien Le Toux (Philadelphia Union), Marcos Mondaini (Chivas USA), Patrick Nyarko (Chicago Fire), Scott Palguta (Colorado Rapids), Brad Ring (San Jose Earthquakes), Gonzalo Segares (Chicago Fire), Khari Stephenson (San Jose Earthquakes).