It's going to be a fight to the finish for the Supporters' Shield, as FC Dallas had a huge week in Week 33.
On Wednesday, they ran over the Vancouver Whitecaps on their way to a 2-0 victory at Toyota Stadium. Mauro Diaz was the star of the show, adding a goal and an assist to his season tally.
Three days later Oscar Pareja's team traveled to Salt Lake City to face a Real Salt Lake team that had seen their playoff chances slip away on Wednesday. It wasn't always pretty, but another Diaz assist, this time to David Texeira, was enough for the win.
The Dallas defense, led by Matt Hedges, collected two shutouts and they are now tied with the New York Red Bulls atop the Shield race heading into #DecisionDay.
GK: Evan Bush (Montreal Impact) – Made the needed saves as Montreal ensured their playoff spot with a win in New England.
D: Victor Cabrera (Montreal Impact) – Did his best Laurent Ciman impression in the absence of the Belgian, helping Montreal shut out the Revs.
D: Matt Hedges (FC Dallas) – It was two games and two clean sheets for Dallas this week, and the team captain was a big part of that.
D: Gaston Sauro (Columbus Crew SC) – Clean in possession and impressive defensively, Sauro was the key figure in Crew SC's win in Toronto.
D: Jorge Villafana (Portland Timbers) – Sueño's ability to get forward was apparent in both of the Timbers' wins this week, and he notched two assists on Sunday against the Galaxy.
M: Anibal Godoy (San Jose Earthquakes) –Not only grabbed the all-important winner for San Jose, the Panamanian also helped keep Sporting KC’s attack off balance all night.
M: Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas) –.Pulled all the string in Dallas' two wins this week, helping them capture a 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League berth.
M: Diego Chara (Portland Timbers) – Playing alone in the defensive midfield, Chara adjusted to his new position beautifully as the Timbers all but booked their place in the playoffs.
M: Mike Grella (New York Red Bulls) – Mostly invisible on Wednesday, Grella came out with a vengeance on Sunday, scoring the fastest goal in MLS history.
F: Cyle Larin (Orlando City SC) –Stepped up once again just when his team needed him, scoring a brace in Orlando City’s comeback win over NYCFC.
F: Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers) – Bullied the Galaxy backline on Sunday, as the Timbers got a huge 5-2 victory in LA.
Coach: Caleb Porter (Portland Timbers) – Made a tactical switch at the start of the week, playing with only one defensive midfielder, and it could not have worked out better for the third-year coach.
Bench: Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Damien Perrinelle (New York Red Bulls), Perry Kitchen (D.C. United), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Fabian Espindola (D.C. United), Carlos Rivas (Orlando City SC)
