The MLS is well and truly underway this year, with season 16 just wrapping up this week, bringing us shocking results, intense matches, and great goals.
Players Who Made a Difference in MLS Matchday 16
There are a few key players who stood out this week to help propel their team to victory.
Delgado
One of the main standouts from this week was FC Dallas midfielder, Delgado. He was one of the team’s shining lights as they unfortunately let in three late goals to squander a 3-0 lead that would have seen them earn a much-needed three points in the MLS. However, Delgado was a maestro in the middle of the park, showing tactical awareness, smart decision-making, and quick counterattacks that led to chances and goals for his side.
Delgado was forced to play as both a number 8 and number 6 in the midfield, as he is typically a holding midfielder sitting right in front of the back line. In this game, he had to play a more dynamic role which ended up suiting him perfectly. We might see Delgado move into a #8 role as the season progresses, especially considering his pass completion rate stood above 90% in the entire match.
Diego Luna
Another player who stood out in the same game, FCD vs. Real Salt Lake, was Luna. Luna was the key player for RSL, as he scored in the 60th minute of the game to spur the comeback against FCD late into the second half. Luna not only scored goals, but he won the majority of his duels, drew two fouls from the opposition for crucial free kicks, and earned 56 touches on the pitch in 60 minutes played.
Kelsy
Looking at the Cincinnati game, we think that Kelsy truly stood out amongst all of the MLS. The incredible 4-3 comeback and high scoreline made this the MLS game of the week for us, as it had an intense crowd, game-saving stops, last-minute defending, and super-speed goals that kept us on the edge of our seats for the full 90 minutes.
Kelsy, the Venezuelan attacker, scored his third goal in his last five matches to push his team ahead and boost their confidence heading late into the game. Kelsy was able to not only score goals in the game but pair up well with Valenzuela in the attacking third to link up for more goal-scoring opportunities. Looking At his stats, Kelsy completed 18 out of 19 passes and won six out of 10 duels.
Also Read: What the Hell is Happening to David De Gea in 2024?
Owen Wolff
Another critical player who stood out for his team and helped them earn crucial points was Owen Wolff, the Austin FC midfielder who is back from injury – and looks like he didn’t’ miss a beat. Although his team only earned a draw on a tough away trip, the hard-fought point can prove to be key later in the season when every single point matters in terms of playoffs.
Wolff is a prolific passer and duel-winner, completing 88% of his passes, making six recoveries on the defensive end, and winning 5 out of 9 ground duels. He played the full 90 minutes and helped dictate the midfield by putting in challenges and distributing the ball accurately. Wolff has consistently been one of the top performers in the MLS this season.
Pedro
The final stand-out player for us during MLS Matchday 16 was Pedro of Charlotte FC, a stalwart center-back who has helped the team win or draw in their last five matches – and not concede any goals. That is almost unheard of in the MLS, showing just how tactically aware and stringent the back line is for Charlotte FC. Pedro has started in the back the past three games, completed 62 out of 71 passes this past Saturday, and won three out of three tackles.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
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