Starry nights: MLS Team of the Week – Round 7

Goalkeeper:

• Los Angeles Galaxy’s Josh Saunders

Rationale, motive and intent: Omar Cummings’ penalty kick left so much to be desired, but it still needed quality work to be saved, and Saunders was up for the job. He was also sure-handed as the Rapids’ kept up the pressure but couldn’t squeeze an equalizer past Los Angeles’ last line of defense.

Back line:

• San Jose’s Steven Beitashour
• Houston’s Bobby Boswell
• D.C. United’s Emiliano Dudar
• Chicago’s Gonzalo Segares

Rationale, motive and intent: Beitashour is a recurring name in this spot for 2012; he’s having a great season. (Same can be said for everyone along San Jose’s back line.) “Beta” had two assists in a big 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake. Geoff Cameron wasn’t at his best along Houston’s back line, but Boswell was Bobby on the Spot when it mattered as Houston just keeps finding the points on this extended road stretch. Chris Pontius’ hat trick may have overshadowed Dudar’s return to the RFK back line, but don’t underestimate how much he added to the result (because as bad as the New York defense was, this one still could have been one of those wild, 4-4 shootouts if United’s rear guard  wasn’t ready for the Red Bull’s stacked attack).

Midfield:

• Columbus’ Eddie Gaven
• Portland’s Diego Chara
• Philadelphia’s Michael Farfan

Rationale, motive and intent: Gaven, given more attacking’ freedom in a playmaker’s role for Columbus, sparkled in a 2-2 draw. Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall could probably heard Gaven’s lash from beyond the penalty area more than he saw it. Farfan has been playing well for Philly, and Saturday was no different. Freddy Adu got the fancy backheel goal, but watch the video below as Farfan creates the chance with some incredibly crafty and skillful dribbling inside the home team’s 18. Chara was good in possession against Sporting Kansas City, and that’s harder than it sounds against the Eastern leader’s high-pressure ways.

Forwards:

• D.C. United’s Chris Pontius
• San Jose’s Khari Stephenson
• Chicago’s Patrick Nyarko

Rationale, motive and intent: Pontius’ good work has been well-covered at PST; read all about it here and here. Stephenson’s contribution in the win over nine-man Real Salt Lake was a goal and an assist. As for Chicago’s 3-2 win over Toronto, either Nyarko or teammate Dominic Oduro could have been picked; they both were skillful in the counter attack against a TFC arrangement that was set up perfectly to be picked apart by it.

(Michael Farfan sets the table for Freddy Adu …):

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