9/12 - Matchday 25

FC Dallas defender Osaze Urhoghide

Osaze Urhoghide is one of the best defenders in the league. Born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents, Urhoghide grew up in England. Following short stints in England, Scotland, Belgium, and France, Urhoghide joined Dallas at the beginning of last season. He's looked at home in the Lone Star State since the moment he arrived.

Urhoghide is a physical, aggressive center back who relishes battling with opposition forwards. His 1v1 defending is elite; with his combination of strength and quickness, it's almost impossible to beat him in a duel. Urhoghide plays in the middle of Dallas' back 3. This maximizes his involvement in the game and allows him to lead the back line. It also affords him some freedom in his positioning; Urhoghide is able to to hunt and blow up opposing attacks while having cover behind him. Urhoghide is a key part of Eric Quill's system. His defensive prowess enables the wingbacks, who are attacking by nature, to play really advanced. More importantly, FC Dallas are a team that likes to play against the ball. Only DC averages less possession than Los Toros. Having a player like Osaze Urhoghide, who embraces each and every defensive action, is critical to their success.

Portland Timbers forward Ariel Lassiter

Since returning to the MLS in 2020, Lassister has played 5 different teams. He has never lasted longer than 2 seasons on a club since his 4 year stint on the Galaxy, where he played just 30 games for the club. Now, in his second year for the Portland Timbers, Lassiter is making a case that this should change.

The left footed Costa Rican is enjoying maybe his best MLS season. Under interim coach Jack Cassidy and new manager Martí Cifuentes, Lassiter has made the right wing position his own, leaving Antony as a supersub option. Lassiter enjoyed a good Leagues Cup campaign, scoring three goals in the group stage of the competition, and has been productive since the World Cup break, registering 4 goals and 2 assists across all competitions. But it's not just what the box score shows that is important. His dangerous left foot has provided more quality on the right wing, allowing for the right fullback to get more advanced when they have sustained possession. Lassiter also provides a good left-footed option on set pieces. Lassiter is the perfect complimentary option in the attack for players like Kristoffer Velde and David Da Costa, and he will be an important piece for this Timbers side as they look to make a postseason surge down the stretch.