Midfielders Luciano Acosta and Russell Canouse have been named to MLS' Week 25 Team of the Week, and head coach Ben Olsen has been named the MLS Coach of the Week, following United's crucial 2-0 win over the New England Revolution at Audi Field on Sunday.
Acosta continued his recent hot streak by scoring his fourth goal in three matches to put the home side up 1-0 early. Paul Arriola beat his defender on the edge of the box then sent a ball across the face of the goal as Acosta made a run to the far post and hammered home the pass.
In his past five matches, Acosta has notched four goals and three assists, elevating his level of play to help push United on their winning streak. The Argentine leads the team in assists with 10 (his last assist came against Portland on Wednesday), and has created nine chances for the Black-and-Red in their last three matches alone.
This is Acosta's second-consecutive week being named to MLS' Team of the Week—the Argentine was also voted the Alcatel Player of the Week during Week 24.
Canouse has also played an imperative role in United's recent success. The Lancaster, Pennsylvania, native has been a force in the midfield, helping shore up the back line and pressing forward to add another wave to the attack. Canouse earned a 98% passing accuracy rate on 42 passes against Portland, in addition to winning five duels and three aerials, then recorded an 86% passing accuracy rate against New England along with three duels won. His steadying presence in the midfield helped United alleviate pressure and increase possession during their difficult three-match week.
This is Canouse's second Team of the Week honor since returning from injury—he was also named to MLS' Team of the Week following the July 28 win over Colorado.
The Black-and-Red's win over the Revs capped off a massive nine-point week for Ben Olsen's side. The head coach helped lead the squad to a 3-2 win over Orlando on Aug. 12, a 4-1 rout of the Portland Timbers on Aug. 15, and the 2-0 win for the first-ever clean sheet at Audi Field on Aug. 29. The perfect three-game homestand saw United rise from the bottom of the Eastern Conference, pushing the club toward the playoff line with added games in hand.
See the full MLS Team of the Week below.
F: Rubio (SKC), Savarino (RSL)
M: Acosta (D.C.), Rusnak (RSL), Aranguiz (DAL), Canouse (D.C.), Lodeiro (SEA)
D: Lovitz (MTL), Elliott (PHI), Marshall (SEA)
GK: Miller (LAFC)
Bench: Putna RSL | Waston VAN | Castillo COL | Bedoya PHI | Royer RBNY | Villalba ATL | Ramirez LAFC
Coach: Ben Olsen (D.C.)
