Round 2 of the MLS is Back Tournament provided a platform some of the league's young stars to shine. Leading the way, of course, is the four-goal man, 22-year-old LAFC forward Diego Rossi. The Uruguayan sensation became just the 13th player in MLS history to score at least four goals in a game in their derby demolition of the LA Galaxy.
Elsewhere, Toronto FC's 20-year-old forward, Ayo Akinola stole some plaudits of his own with a hat trick in a wild win over Montreal, which earned him a place alongside two other key contributors in that effort, Alejandro Pozuelo and Richie Laryea.
Up-and-comers Mauricio Pineda and Brenden Aaronson also impressed in Week 2 action, while the Columbus Crew had two veteran players selected after they sealed their status as tournament favorites by dominating the New York Red Bulls.
The players on the latest Team of the Week contributed 12 goals and a total of $12,000 which the Audi Goals Drive Progress program will contribute to MLS club academies, which have produced the likes of Akinola, Aaronson, and Pineda.
Team of the Week (3-4-3):Pedro Gallese (ORL) - Richie Laryea (TOR), Mauricio Pineda (CHI), Jonathan Mensah (CLB) - Alejandro Pozuelo (TOR), Darlington Nagbe (CLB), Brenden Aaronson (PHI), Chris Mueller (ORL) - Diego Rossi (LAFC), Jeremy Ebobisse (POR), Ayo Akinola (TOR)
Coach: Oscar Pareja (ORL)
Bench: Zac MacMath (RSL), Larrys Mabiala (POR), Aaron Herrera (RSL), Uri Rosell (ORL), Osvaldo Alonso (MIN), Lucas Zelarayan (CLB), Frankie Amaya (CIN)
Team of the Week presented by Audi is voted on by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.
During the MLS is Back Tournament – with every goal scored, Audi will contribute $1,000. During the MLS is Back Tournament Championship match, every goal scored is worth $5,000. In addition, Audi will contribute $10,000 to the MLS is Back Tournament Golden Boot winner's Academy club.
The Team of the Week presented by Audi is voted on by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.
