Sporting Kansas City forward Willy Agada received MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi honors after scoring twice in the club's 4-1 victory over Minnesota United on Saturday at Children's Mercy Park. This is the Nigerian newcomer's third selection to the Team of the Week since debuting for Sporting KC on July 23.
On his 23rd birthday, Agada tallied his third MLS brace in just eight starts with Sporting. The forward led the team with four shot attempts, four big chances, three shots on target and four aerial duels.
Agada's first goal came right before halftime when defender Ben Sweat played a centering pass towards him in a dangerous area. Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair charged out and attempted to punch the ball away. This did not deter Agada as he bravely went in and headed the ball off the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line to increase Sporting's lead to three.
The forward continued to pester Minnesota's backline in the second half and bagged his brace in the 81st minute thanks to a tenacious effort from midfielder Erik Thommy and a beautiful ball from forward Daniel Salloi. Thommy won the ball back in the final third with a slide tackle that poked the loose ball to Salloi. After getting around the ball, Salloi took a touch and rolled a perfect pass into the path of Agada who touched the ball into the far corner with ease.
In just eight starts for Sporting KC, Agada has accumulated seven goals and two assists. His seven scores are tied for second most on the club with Salloi this season while his three braces pace the team.
Team of the Week (3-4-3): Andre Blake (PHI); Alistair Johnston (MTL), Alexander Callens (NYC), Julian Gressel (VAN); Facundo Torres (ORL), Riqui Puig (LA), Gaston Brugman (LA), Santiago Moreno (POR); Karol Swiderski (CLT), Brenner (CIN), William Agada (SKC)
Bench: Roman Celentano (CIN), Jakob Glesnes (PHI), Santiago Rodriguez (NYC), Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Jeremy Ebobisse (SJ), Carlos Vela (LAFC), Gonzalo Higuain (MIA)
Coach: Nick Cushing (NYC)
Sporting KC does not have a match this weekend – due to the FIFA International Break – but will return to Children's Mercy Park on Sunday, Oct. 2 for the club's 2022 home finale against the Seattle Sounders. Tickets for the team's annual Fan Appreciation match are available for purchase at SeatGeek.com and kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT.
