Sporting Kansas City defender Kevin Ellis was named to MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Week on Monday, the second time the homegrown player has received such honors in the last month. The Kansas City native also won a spot on Bleacher Report’s Team of the Week after a comprehensive showing in Sporting KC's 1-0 victory at the Portland Timbers on Friday.
Ellis picked up his first career assist on Lawrence Olum’s game-winning goal and helped a resolute defense set single-game season-highs with 43 clearances and 24 tackles won. Entering the match, Portland led MLS with 19 home goals but was shut out at Providence Park for the first time this season.
The right back has started the last five MLS matches in central defense as Sporting KC continues to cope with injuries and international duty. Ellis earned MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week recognition for the first time in his career after Sporting KC beat the Houston Dynamo 2-0 on June 6.
