Team of the Matchday

Team of the Week presented by Audi: Mukhtar continues MVP case, Carranza dominates in Week 26

A masterclass performance from Nashville SC star Hany Mukhtar and another five-star showing from Philadelphia Union striker Julian Carranza were among Week 26’s highlights, headlining the MLS Team of the Week presented by Audi.

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Mukhtar had two goals and one assist in a 4-0 drubbing of FC Dallas, bringing him tied with Austin FC’s Sebastian Driussi for the MLS lead in combined goal contributions (25). Meanwhile, Carranza had a hat trick and assist in a 6-0 victory over D.C. United that continued the Argentine’s individual dominance against the Black-and-Red.

Up top, Carranza is joined by Sporting Kansas City’s William Agada and CF Montréal’s Romell Quioto. Agada had two goals and one assist in a 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers, continuing his transformative impact since joining SKC this summer. Quioto had two goals and one assist as well, powering Montréal to a 4-0 rout of the New England Revolution.

The midfield trio is rounded out by Minnesota United FC’s Emanuel Reynoso and Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Ryan Gauld. Reynoso’s penalty kick and chance-creating clinic paced a huge 2-1 win over Austin FC, while Gauld had two goals and an assist across a four-point week for Vancouver as they chase an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs spot.

New York Red Bulls left back John Tolkin had the game-winner in a 2-1 win at Atlanta United midweek, then continued his steady-as-you-like form in a 1-1 tie with FC Cincinnati. That latter matchup also produced a TotW spot for new Cincy center back Matt Miazga, whose hour-plus run-out included the opener in his second appearance in Orange & Blue – coming against his former (and hometown) team.

The right back spot goes to Tommy Thompson of the San Jose Earthquakes after he provided two assists in a 2-1 win over Supporters’ Shield-leading LAFC on his birthday. Damion Lowe earns the other center-back spot after the Inter Miami CF defender was dominant in a 2-1 win over Toronto FC and notched an assist.

Vancouver’s Thomas Hasal gets the nod at goalkeeper following a six-save week across two games – with several stunning stops included. Overseeing it all is Adrian Heath, as his Minnesota side beat Austin in statement-like fashion to move within striking distance of third in the Western Conference table.

Team of the Week (4-3-3, left to right): Thomas Hasal (VAN) – John Tolkin (RBNY), Matt Miazga (CIN), Damion Lowe (MIA), Tommy Thompson (SJ) – Hany Mukhtar (NSH), Emanuel Reynoso (MIN), Ryan Gauld (VAN) – William Agada (SKC), Julian Carranza (PHI), Romell Quioto (MTL)

Coach: Adrian Heath (MIN)

Bench: John Pulskamp (SKC), Domenico Criscito (TOR), Cesar Araujo (ORL), Santiago Rodriguez (NYC), Kwadwo Opoku (LAFC), Cucho Hernandez (CLB), Raul Ruidiaz (SEA)

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Audi Goals Drive Progress

MLS Academies have been identified as one of the most important resources for building on-field talent in North America. Through the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative, Audi has committed $1 million per season in an effort to advance academies league-wide, and to drive progress for the sport. For every goal scored in the regular season, Audi will contribute $500 into the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund to directly support each MLS Club Youth Academy.