9/13 - Matchday 23

Player of the Matchday

Rafael Navarro

It was a home debut to remember for Rafael Navarro. The Brazilian notched a brace in his first appearance at Energizer Park as St. Louis City extended their unbeaten run to 15 league matches with a win over Minnesota United. Even playing in the left winger role of St. Louis' 3-4-3 system, Navarro showcased his hold up play, lethal instincts, industrious work rate, and link up play.

Photo via TSN

Young Player of the Matchday

Cavan Sullivan

Cavan Sullivan, ladies and gentleman. I'm running out of superlatives for this kid. Sullivan scored twice and recorded a secondary assist in Philadelphia's 5-0 rout over San Diego. He was the best player on the pitch and continues to show that he can be a driving force for the Philadelphia Union. Sulliavn now has 6 goals and 5 assists in MLS play. As a 16 year old. The sky's the limit for Sullivan.

Photo via The American Pitch

Goal of the Matchday

André Luiz

Welcome to Kansas City, André Luiz. The recently acquired DP winger showed everyone why his price tag was so steep with an absolute beauty. Picking up the ball in the corner of the 18 yard box, he winded up to shoot with his right, but cut the ball onto his favored left, his fake shot leaving an LAFC midfielder in the dust. Then, Luiz curled the ball to the top corner, ringing it off the crossbar and in for good measure.

Assist of the Matchday

Joaquín Pereyra

It may have been a rough outing for the Loons, but it started great with Chancalay's fifth minute goal. Pereyra picked up the ball deep in his half following a St. Louis turnover. He picked up his head, saw Chancalay making a run behind the hosts' backline, and measured an inch perfect through ball with his weaker right foot. It was a gorgeous pass that showed why Pereyra is one of MLS' best playmakers.

Statistic of the Matchday

1.4 Goals prevented

San Jose goalkeeper Angus Gunn ended Saturday's shutout victory over the Dynamo with 1.4 goals prevented. This means he faced 1.4 xGOT, or expected goals on target. xGOT measures only shots which are on target, and takes into account their placement as well as where the shot came from. It more accurately assesses the goalkeeper's chances to save a given shot on target. For Gunn, it shows that he did incredibly well to keep Houston off the board. The Scot has struggled since arriving San Jose, but he was outstanding on Saturday night.

Team of the Matchday

LW: Rafael Navarro

CF: Christian Ramírez

RW: Cavan Sullivan

LWB: Iván Angulo

CM: Danley Jean Jacques

CM: Ronald Donkor

RWB: Ender Echenique

LCB: Daniel Munie

CB: Ethan Kohler

RCB: Mikkel Desler

GK: Matt Freese

Team of the Matchday photos via MLSSoccer.com

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