9/5 - Matchday 23

Minnesota United FC defender Morris Duggan

Morris Duggan had been a standout for Minnesota United FC this season - and not just because of his height. The 6' 4'' Munich native came to the United States to play college soccer at Marshall, where he excelled and was drafted by Minnesota United. It took a couple years for Duggan to claim a permanent spot on the team sheet. The German had to find minutes for MNUFC II and on loan at Rhode Island in 2024, then logged a little over 2000 minutes for the first team across all competitions in 2025. In 2026, the Bavarian has come into his own. Duggan is formidable aerially; he is a constant threat on attacking set pieces, one of MNUFC's best weapons. In his own box, Duggan is a commanding presence, ranking in the 97th percentile for clearances in MLS.

For a player of his stature, Duggan is very athletic, which affords him versatility in the Loons' back 3 system. Put him in the middle and he will control his 18 yard box. Put him on the left and he is still capable of defending opponents in isolated scenarios. When in his preferred role at LCB, Duggan is comfortable stepping out of the back line with the ball to break the game open for his attackers. Whether he is on the left side or in the middle of the Minnesota United defense, Duggan has been indispensable this season, playing every single minute and even captaining the side during a match in Leagues Cup. Minnesota United's identity is their strong defense, and Morris Duggan is integral to their success this season.

St. Louis City SC midfielder Daniel Edelman

Daniel Edelman has excelled for St. Louis City SC in his first season for the club. He signed for the New York Red Bulls as a homegrown player in 2022 and spent 4 seasons in New York. Then, this offseason, he made the move to St. Louis. Since then, he has become one of the most important players in the team. His aggressive defending in midfield is essential to the way that St. Louis plays. Manager Yoann Damet has instituted a style of trying to establish control over midfield through methodical possession with the ball and high energy defense without it. No one encapsulates this style of play more than Daniel Edelman. The defensive midfielder covers every blade of grass: he wins the ball high up the field, stops counterattacks, and puts in key blocks and interceptions in his own box. His defensive prowess and work rate makes him one of the best midfielders against the ball not just in the Western Conference, but in the entire league.

However, he is more than just a pure destroyer. This season, his quality on the ball has steadily improved. In addition to his relentless pressure in midfield, Edelman is also composed on the ball. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, take a good first touch, and make smart decisions have all been important for the midfield dominance that St. Louis wishes to have. Perhaps where Edelman has most improved is his passing. Edelman's progressive passing has become a weapon in transition moments and he ranks third on the team in key passes. Edelman is also having a record season in terms of contributing to the attack. In 118 games for the New York Red Bulls, Edelman scored 3 goals and 2 assists. In just 24 games for St. Louis City SC, Edelman has tallied the exact same stats: 3 goals and 2 assists.

Daniel Edelman's two way dominance has been a huge part of why St. Louis has extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games across all competitions en route to challenging for a home playoff spot.