10/24 - Matchday 31

Player of the Matchday

Petar Musa

In a giant 6 pointer at the top of the Western Conference, Petar Musa stepped up and delivered his team the victory. Musa put the hosts ahead with the most clinical of finishes into the bottom corner, then salted the game away with a converted penalty kick 5 minutes later. Musa also created the most chances in the game, showing his completeness as a striker. The attack flows through Musa, who continues to be the best center forward in MLS with 22 goals and 5 assists in just 27 matches. With performances like these, Musa is powering FC Dallas to a potential top seed in the playoffs.

Photo via FC Dallas

Young Player of the Matchday

Noah Cobb

Noah Cobb was immense on Saturday. Following a difficult run, Cobb and Colorado grabbed a much needed 3 points against the Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend. The Rapids were the far superior side thanks to a trademark defensive performance from the Burgundy & Blue. Cobb was the lynchpin in the back, making great interceptions, clearances, and always being in the right spot. Against a tough customer in Brian White, Cobb excelled, showing that he can play a physical game as well. The 21 year old center back was fantastic as the Rapids recorded yet another home shutout.

Photo via Burgundy Wave

Goal of the Matchday

Evander

There is no better player shooting from distance than Evander. The Brazilian magician showcased this once again with an unstoppable golazo from fully 25 yards out. Evander received a square ball from Bucha, took one touch forwards, and fired a bomb into the top corner. The technique with which he struck the ball on the half volley is dazzling. Evander's first touch didn't kill the ball dead on the floor, so it was slightly off the ground when Evander hit it. The shot was all laces, generating all kinds of power, and it had incredible topspin to get up and under the crossbar. Sean Johnson stood no chance in goal.

Assist of the Matchday

Luca de la Torre

Luca de la Torre made an impact off the bench for The Crown, delivering an unreal assist for Charlotte's second goal. He and Biel had crisscrossed, leaving de la Torre just outside the edge of the penalty area. Receiving the ball from the Spaniard, de la Torre took one touch to shift the ball to his left before whipping in a sumptuous in-swinging cross right to Idan Toklomati's right boot. The ball came in with pace and was put right in between the Portland center backs and their goalie, making it impossible for them to make a play on the ball. It was a perfectly struck cross that came in from a difficult angle with pace and precision.

Statistic of the Matchday

2.78 xG in Transition

New York Red Bulls created 2.78 xG in transition against Inter Miami. That's an enormous number - more than most teams generate in a game across all phases of play. Red Bulls have shifted their style of play in the fall to drop deeper against the ball and play a little more in transition. They were doing a great job of finding chances in this one, even if their conversion rate was lacking. It also shows how open Miami are when they lose the ball. Even without Messi, who adds nothing on defense, Miami's defense was virtually non existent. Numerous times Red Bulls players were able to stroll 50+ yards with the ball uncontested. It was truly one of the worst performances against the ball this year, and something Miami must address heading into the playoffs.

Team of the Matchday

LW: Myrto Uzuni

CF: Petar Musa

RW: Ariel Lassiter

CM: Evander

CM: Carles Gil

CM: Dylan Chambost

LB: Reed Baker-Whiting

LCB: Malte Amundsen

RCB: Noah Cobb

RB: Dylan Nealis

GK: Matt Turner

Team of the Matchday photos via MLSSoccer.com

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