MLS Week 4 best players - ranked

Week 4 of the 2022 MLS season is in the books, which means it's once again time to rank our Players of the Week.

With so many clinical goalscorers and cat-like goalkeepers, a 'top five' doesn't feel like enough to do justice to the talent on show.

Nevertheless, that's the task at hand, so let's get started:

5. Zac MacMath (Real Salt Lake)

For all their success in MLS so far, Nashville aren't exactly known for free-flowing, attacking soccer. But they really took the game to RSL at the weekend, outshooting their hosts 16-10 and winning the xG battle 2.56-0.94.

That would have translated into a W on the scoreboard too, if not for the efforts of stand-in goalkeeper Zac MacMath. The 30-year-old made no fewer than seven saves, five of which were inside the box, including an absolutely phenomenal stop to deny Hany Mukhtar in the first half.

David Ochoa is going to have his work cut out regaining the No.1 spot when he returns to action.

4. Kacper Przybylko (Chicago Fire)

After three goalless outings, Kacper Przybylko truly announced himself to the Chicago faithful with a clinical brace to help the Fire beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

The Polish striker got the ball rolling with the opener on 30 minutes and finished the job in the 82nd. In between, he led the line brilliantly with 51 touches of the ball, a match-high six aerial duels won, and four attempted shots.

It really does look like a new dawn for the Chicago Fire.

3. Karol Swiderski (Charlotte FC)

So much history was made at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.

Charlotte FC recorded its first ever MLS win as they beat New England Revolution 3-1, thanks largely to the efforts of another Polish striker, Karol Swiderski.

The former PAOK man netted the first home goal in club history just six minutes into the tie, finishing ruthlessly from the edge of the box to leave Earl Edwards Jr with no chance. The Revs hit back with a penalty after the break, but they were level for just three minutes until Swiderski once again put Charlotte in the lead.

Goals aside, Swiderski did a bit of everything on Saturday, winning headers, connecting play, driving forward, and pressing when required. True Designated Player quality.

2. Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati)

From a DP striker to one that's been underrated and overlooked so many times over the years, Brandon Vazquez did a fine job in helping FC Cincinnati win their second straight game on Saturday. Yes, you read that correctly. Cincy have won two games in a row!

The former Atlanta United striker had already provided a slick assist for Ronald Matarrita's opener against Inter Miami before he even doubled the advantage on 24 minutes - Matarrita returning the favor as provider.

Gonzalo Higuain's penalty made for a tight game, but Vazquez sealed the deal, crashing the back post and heading home.

That's four goals and assist in Vazquez's last two appearances, helping him keep a Brazilian and club-record signing Brenner on the bench.

1. Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas)

Swiderski and Vazquez were both immense at the weekend, but none of them could match Jesus Ferreira.

After a relatively quiet opening three games filling the void left by Ricardo Pepi through the middle, the USMNT striker burst into life as FC Dallas crushed the Portland Timbers 4-1.

Ferreira only went and helped himself to a hat-trick in a firestorm 10-minute span in the first half, netting two with his right foot and one with his head. And if that wasn't good enough, he only went and set up Paul Arriola to put the game beyond doubt in the 77th minute.

With electric movement, instinctive finishing, and an endless work-rate, Ferreira played the false-nine role to perfection and will now look to use this as a platform for the rest of 2022.

Honorable mentions: Ismael Kone, Ryan Hollingshead, Ronald Matarrita, Ben Bender, Carlos Vela, Stefan Cleveland, Bakaye Dibassy, Thiago Almada, Alan Velasco.