Players of the MLS Matchday 11 - ranked
By Alex Windley
Week 11 of MLS brought the heat.
From a former MVP scoring against his ex-team to the Music City getting on its feet to support their talisman as he puts on a show for the ages, these five players made a real impact on their clubs on the field. As the summer inches closer and MLS continues to roll on, the quality of play will only progressively get better.
Here are the top five players from week eleven…
5. Brian White
Brian White has been quietly having a great season for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
During their recent 3-2 victory over Minnesota United, White scored two goals which powered his side to their third win of the season.
The 27-year-old made himself busy against Minnesota’s backline, ending the game with two goals on just 23 total touches.
With this performance, White is now up to four goals on the season and will look to continue that form heading into their next match-up this weekend against the Portland Timbers.
4. Enzo Copetti
Despite their poor start to the year, Charlotte FC has bounced back in a big way vs. NYCFC.
Argentine forward Enzo Copetti shined in the victory, netting twice, creating two chances, and completing 80% of his passes.
The win over NYCFC shows the momentum has been shifting for the Queen City as of late. Not only have they picked up seven points in their last four MLS games, but Copetti has grown into the team and started contributing like a Designated Player.
His performance against NYCFC illustrated that when they play with confidence, Copetti is capable of leading an attacking front line.
3. Cristian Espinoza
Cristian Espinoza has been on a roll for the San Jose Earthquakes.
His incredible displays on the field for the Quakes during their win against LAFC have turned heads around the league.
Espinoza was a crucial figure in the Earthquake attack that saw them hand the Black and Gold their first loss of the season.
The 28-year-old finished the match with two goals, three chances created, three total shots, and two passes into the final third.
As San Jose continues to play well and climb up the standing, Espinoza will be at the center of it all.
2. Hany Mukhtar
It’s Hany Mukhtar’s world, and the rest of MLS lives in it.
The 28-year-old once again showed his class as he put on a three-goal performance to lead Nashville SC to a 3-0 win over the Chicago Fire.
Once again, Mukhtar was at the center of it all, putting on a monstrous display on the field that saw him end the game with a whopping ten total shots, two chances created, six passes into the final third, and three goals.
Nashville has now won two of their last four games, with Mukhtar having a heavy influence in both wins.
1. Josef Martinez
Welcome to the 100 Club, Josef Martinez!
Against his old team, nonetheless, Martinez broke the MLS record for the fastest player in league history to reach 100 goals as he led Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over his ex-team, Atlanta United.
Though neither team played particularly well, Miami had a difference-maker on their bench.
Martinez came on in the 57th minute when the Herons were desperate for an offensive spark. The Venezuelan would then go on to score twice, leading the Black and Pink to their fourth win of the season.
Though there are still questions surrounding Miami’s coaching and tactics, Martinez’s performance against Atlanta showed that there are some positives to look forward to as Miami’s season progresses.