Atlanta United's dominant 5-0 win over LAFC on Saturday is turning heads among league writers, who have named two ATL UTD players and head coach Tata Martino in the MLS Team of the Week.
Julian Gressel gets the nod in midfield after his man-of-the-match performance on the right wing. The reigning MLS Rookie of the Year scored the opening goal and added a beautiful assist for the second of the night. It's the second time in his first five matches that Gressel has been named in the Starting XI of the MLS Team of the Week, with one appearance on the bench to boot.
Joining him is captain Michael Parkhurst, who was a rock in the back line. He racked up an incredible defensive statlie with 5 interceptions, 2 tackles, 4 clearances and 8 recoveries without a single foul committed. And he was just as effective in possession, with an 81% pass accuracy and even adding an assist to his name as well, the fifth of his career. This is the second straight week Parkhurst has received this honor.
And Tata Martino was named Manager of the Week, masterminding one of the most impressive results of the weekend. With several regular starters still missing from the lineup, his strategy helped the team limit a potent LAFC attack to just one shot on target in the match, and his 3-5-2 formation continues to be as effective as any team in the league since its implementation.
Miguel Almirón was named to the bench for his creative spark in the middle of the field, plus his composure from the penalty spot where he scored two penalty kicks on the night.
The full MLS Team of the Week:
