Players of the MLS Matchday 10 - ranked
By Alex Windley
As the Major League Soccer season begins to head into the summer months, many players have started to pick up their form and contribute meaningful minutes on the field with their clubs.
Matchday 10 saw a plethora of attacking displays that make MLS what it is: expansive and fun. The players on this list showed their class and ruthlessness in front of goal. For that, they deserved a spot on this ranking.
Here are the top five players from week ten…
5. Christian Benteke
DC United is in good form, and striker Christian Benteke is a big reason for it.
In their latest 3-0 thrashing of Charlotte FC, the 32-year-old was excellent at leading the attacking front line alongside his strike partner Taxi Fountas.
His hold-up play, intelligent offensive positioning, and sharpness in front of the goal saw DC pick up their fourth win of the season. Not only did Benteke play his heart out, but he also scored an MLS Goal of the Week contender with his wicked bicycle kick in the 75th minute.
Talk about a job well done.
4. Evander
Welcome to MLS, Evander!
Though many believed that his slow start to MLS life was due to his inability to adapt to the league, Evander shrugged off the critics on putting on a wonderful performance that powered the Portland Timbers past St. Louis City 2-1.
The Brazilian was the quintessential number ten for Portland as he dictated play and pulled strings from deep - even going as far as having several attempts on goal as well.
He ended the game with seven total shots, six passes into the final third, and a goal. This win gave Portland a boost in their hunt for a playoff spot, pushing them up to 8th in the Western Conference.
3. Facundo Torres
Facundo Torres put on a brilliant attacking display as Orlando City beat a Riqui Puig-less LA Galaxy 2-0.
The Uruguayan was the creative focal point in the Lion attack as he ended the game with three chances created, a goal, and nine passes into the final third.
His performance led the Lions to their third win in the last five games.
2. Leonardo Campana
Inter Miami have found the answer to their scoring issues with forward Leonardo Campana.
In what was a six-straight game losing streak, Phil Neville’s men had their back against the wall as they flew to Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field.
Though it wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing football, Miami persevered and it was Campana's two-goal performance that carried the Herons to their first victory since early March.
The Ecuador international was strong, phenomenal in the air, and possessed a soft first touch that one only sees in creative attacking midfielders.
Neville may be on the hot seat for Miami, but thanks to Campana, he lives to see another week.
1. Hany Mukhtar
Hany Mukhtar, once again, showed just how valuable he is to Nashville SC.
His Man of the Match performance against Atlanta United was one of the best of the weekend.
The 28-year-old was the metronome to the Nashville attack as he led his team to a 3-1 victory over an Eastern Conference. Not only was he influential in the final third, tallying up an assist and two created chances, but he was active on the defensive side as well, ending the game with six recoveries.
As the season goes on expect Nashville to become stronger, especially with Mukhtar leading the attack.