Sporting Kansas City’s 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire on Friday didn’t go unnoticed. Five players earned MLS Team of the Week honors from various publications as Peter Vermes’ side clinched a spot in the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs.
MLSsoccer.com’s best performers of Week 31 included goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum and winger Graham Zusi. Gruenebaum made six saves on the night, including a spectacular stop with his foot to preserve a one-goal lead in second half stoppage time. His 308-minute shutout streak is the longest active streak in MLS, 44 minutes short of the league’s longest this season.
Zusi, meanwhile, produced a breathtaking Goal of the Week nominee in the 80th minute, then sealed the victory with an assist to Dom Dwyer after 92 minutes. Sporting KC is now 17-0-2 when they receive a goal from Zusi, who is the only MLS player to notch at least five goals and at least seven assists in each of the last four seasons.
Goal.com’s Team of the Week featured Gruenebaum, Zusi and Kevin Ellis, who replaced the injured Aurelien Collin in central defense. The 23-year-old homegrown product helped Sporting KC secure a second straight shutout and assisted Zusi’s game-winning goal.
Bleacher Report gave nods to Gruenebaum, defender Matt Besler and midfielder Benny Feilhaber. Making his 149th regular season appearance, Besler racked up eight interceptions for the second straight match and added a game-high 10 clearances. Feilhaber contributed six interceptions, made a game-high four key passes and drew a 13th-minute penalty kick with a run inside the box.
Feilhaber and Zusi were also named to Sports Illustrated’s Best XI.
