Players of the MLS Matchday 6 - ranked
By Alex Windley
Week six in Major League Soccer saw the top teams in the league separate themselves from the ones who were lacking.
As the season progresses, expect the performances on the pitch to get even better. Designated Players stepped up, a Golden Boot leader continued his red-hot form, and an ex-MLS Next Pro product showed that youth is indeed the future.
Here at the top five players from week six...
5. Cristian Espinoza
The San Jose Earthquakes are quietly having a good start to the season, with 10 points through six games. Their solid form is largely due to the attacking excellence of winger Cristian Espinoza.
During San Jose’s latest win vs. the Houston Dynamo, the Argentine showed his composure as he slotted in two penalties in the 7th and 65th minute of the match.
Though the Dynamo had a slight edge in possession (52-48), Espinoza's offensive determination saw him end the match with two goals, three shots, and four passes into the final third - giving the Earthquakes just enough to see out all three points.
4. Jordan Morris
Jordan Morris continues his campaign to win the MLS Golden Boot with a goal in Seattle’s 2-1 win over the struggling LA Galaxy.
Morris was his typical clinical self in front of goal in the 21st minute, where he smashed home a right-footed shot to the bottom corner from a phenomenal ball in from teammate and winger Leo Chu.
Though Morris only slotted in a single goal, his impact was felt all over the field. The US international ended the match with two chances created, six passes into the final third, and four recoveries.
3. Simon Becher
MLS Next Pro has some gems!
One of those gems was 23-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps forward Simon Becher, who spent 2022 playing with the club’s Next Pro team.
Becher had his breakout in Vancouver’s latest match, a 5-0 thumping of CF Montreal. During the game, Becher got on the scoresheet twice and assisted once.
Although Montreal may not be the strongest side in MLS at the moment, it was still incredibly impressive for Becher to put on a complete performance.
2. Hany Mukhtar
Hany Mukhtar is back to his MVP-level form as the German notched a goal and assist in Nashville’s 2-0 win against Orlando City.
While the men in gold have been struggling a bit in MLS play, losing two of their last games, they came back with fury as Mukhtar led them to three points vs. an Eastern Conference rival.
The 28-year-old ended the match with a chance created, one pass into the final third, one goal, and one assist.
This win sees Nashville jump to fifth place in the Eastern Conference, just three points from third on the table.
1. Aidan Morris
The Columbus Crew is not a team to be messed with, particularly if Aidan Morris continues to play at a high level.
The 21-year-old Florida native showed his quality as he knocked in two goals during the Crew's convincing 4-0 victory against Real Salt Lake.
Morris looked calm and was effective on both offense and defense.
He ended the match, completing 91% of his passes, one chance created, and a whopping ten recoveries - a very well-rounded performance from the young central midfielder.