The New York Red Bulls moved into first place in the Eastern Conference this past weekend, and Lloyd Sam played a big role in making that happen.
Sam enjoyed arguably his best outing of the season last Saturday, coming off the bench to provide an assist and score the game-winner in the Red Bulls' 3-2 road victory over Sporting Kansas City. His strong performance saw him named the Player of the Week for Week 23, making him the third player to win the award as a substitute this season. (See how the North American Soccer Reporters voted here.)
The 28-year-old midfielder also becomes the second member of the Red Bulls to claim the honors this year. Tim Cahill was the first, doing so back in Week 9 with a two-goal performance that pushed New York past Toronto FC.
2013 MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Week 23: Lloyd Sam (New York Red Bulls)
Week 22: Álvaro Saborío (Real Salt Lake)
Week 21: Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)
Week 20: Camilo (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Week 19: Brad Knighton (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Week 18: Alan Gordon (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 17: Camilo (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Week 16: Kenny Miller (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Week 15: Olmes García (Real Salt Lake)
Week 14: Diego Fagundez (New England Revolution)
Week 13: Marco Di Vaio (Montreal Impact)
Week 12: Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders)
Week 11: Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo)
Week 10: Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Week 9: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls)
Week 8: Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union)
Week 7: Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo)
Week 6: Ryan Johnson (Portland Timbers)
Week 5: Will Johnson (Portland Timbers)
Week 4: Juan Agudelo (Chivas USA)
Week 3: Bill Hamid (D.C. United)
Week 2: Robert Earnshaw (Toronto FC)
Week 1: Mike Magee (LA Galaxy)