10/24 - Matchday 31

Toronto forward Theo Corbeanu

Theo Corbeanu is powering Toronto FC to a late charge towards the postseason. The Hamilton, Ontario native is in his second season with Toronto after joining the Reds on loan last year. It was a homecoming for Corbeanu, who developed in TFC's academy before making the move to Europe at just 16 years of age. He played in England, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain before returning to Canada and making his first MLS appearance.  He's been a dynamic addition on the wing for Toronto and has made them a more dangerous side this season: it's no coincidence that Toronto has started picking up more points since he got healthy following the World Cup break. A Romanian youth international, Corbeanu has been called up multiple times for the senior Canadian National Team, including earning an inclusion in this fall's extended camp.

Corbeanu brings a different dimension to Toronto's attack. He's a winger who thrives in 1v1 situations, always looking to take on his opponent. What makes him so dangerous is his comfort with both feet. Naturally left footed, he's a threat cutting in from the right flank. But it's his willingness and capability to get to the end line and deliver quality service into the box that makes him so hard to defend. Corbeanu's end product has improved this year; he's up to 3 goals and 5 assists in 17 appearances. He was instrumental in TFC's 7 point week that saw them get level with the play-in game teams on points. Corbeanu isn't only effective in the attacking third; he is a powerful dribbler who always provides an outlet for his side, and puts in a shift against the ball. His ability to relieve pressure and put the ball into dangerous areas has been crucial for a resurgent Toronto FC.

San Jose midfielder Beau Leroux

Beau Leroux has enjoyed an excellent sophomore season for the Earthquakes this season. The 2024 SuperDraft pick broke onto the scene last season, but lacked consistency. This campaign, he has leveled up and been a reliable piece for Bruce Arena's side. Leroux is one of the fundamental reasons that the Earthquakes have been able to transform this club from a perennial Wooden Spoon contender to a home playoff team. He is an excellent complement to Tsakiris and works well with any midfield partner. 

Technically, Leroux is a clean player. But he doesn't just pass it sideways and backwards: he is great at breaking lines and creating chances from deep. Don't let his soft touches fool you though: he also has a penchant for picking out the corners on long distance shots. This season, he has added to his box score, as the young American has 6 goals and 7 assists in all competitions. While slightly more attacking, Leroux also puts in a shift defensively. San Jose can still open themselves up when they are in possession, and Leroux has to cover a lot of ground to cover for his teammates. The versatile midfielder has also been deployed in several roles this season. He has operated as a left winger in a 3-4-3, a dual 8 in a 3-5-2, and a defensive midfielder in a 4-2-3-1. No matter where you play Leroux, the young American will find a way to shine. His 2-way excellence has been massive for a Quakes side that is looking to finish in the top 4 of the Western Conference for the first time since 2012.