Sporting Kansas City’s 2-0 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday saw Diego Rubio and Gerso find the back of the net, but it was a pair of U.S. internationals who landed MLS Team of the Week honors for their comprehensive displays in a shutout effort.
Matt Besler and Graham Zusi were named among MLSsoccer.com’s best performers in Week 24 after leading their team to three points in the 100th straight MLS sellout at Children’s Mercy Park.
Zusi was the unquestioned man of the match, contributing valuably on both sides of the ball in a historic individual performance. The right back became the first MLS player during the Opta era (2010-present) to record at least two assists, five chances created, 90-percent passing accuracy and two clearances in the same game. A full look at Zusi’s stat log paints a fair picture of just how good he was on Saturday.
- 2 assists (game-high)
- 7 chances created (game-high)
- 49 of 50 passes completed (98%)
- 7 crosses (game-high)
- 8 recoveries (team-high)
- 3 clearances
- 2 tackles
Besler, meanwhile, led all players with 74 passes completed and won five duels to go along with six recoveries and two clearances. The center back anchored a backline that limited FC Dallas to two shots on goal, their second-fewest in a match this season. Besler’s center back partner, Ike Opara, notably earned a spot on the Team of the Week bench.
Tied for first place in the Western Conference, Sporting Kansas City (10-5-10, 40 points) returns to the pitch this Saturday when they visit rivals Houston Dynamo (10-8-7, 37 points) at 8 p.m. CT on FOX Sports Kansas City and FOX Sports Midwest Plus.
