In a news development that should surprise no one, Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell has earned MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week and Audi Player Index Performance of the Week honors in Week 13.
Russell ripped Seattle Sounders FC to shreds on Sunday at Children's Mercy Park, exploding for a hat-trick in a wild 3-2 victory. The Scottish international bagged a first-half brace before notching a 68th-minute winner, helping his side secure three precious points against the second-place Sounders.
With his scintillating display on Sunday, Russell has become the second player in team history to record multiple regular-season hat tricks for the club and the second player in MLS to do so since the start of the 2018 season. Eddie Johnson recorded two hat-tricks for the Kansas City Wizards in 2007, while Atlanta United FC's Josef Martinez has tallied three hat-tricks since the start of 2018.
The Audi Player Index reflected Russell's performance, as he earned a league-best 1,351 points in Week 13. In addition to scoring thrice, he completed 80 percent of his passes, won 67 percent of his tackles and made two interceptions.
Russell and Sporting will play for a second successive victory on Wednesday when they meet international soccer icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the third-place Galaxy (8-5-1, 25 points) at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the match are on sale at SeatGeek.com as Sporting celebrates Soccer For All, signifying that all fans are welcome to the club regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.
Wednesday's game will also air live on FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus, Sports Radio 810 WHB and ESPN Deportes KC 1480 AM.
