Following a massive five-save performance in United's 1-0 win over Columbus on Saturday, Steve Clark has been named to MLS' Team of the Week for Week 7.
On his 32nd birthday, Clark stepped in for his first start of the season, tallying five saves against the Crew in what was a largely defensive match after United were forced to play a man down following a Paul Arriola red card in the 52nd minute. With Columbus pushing hard for an equalizer and United with only 10 men, Clark came up huge numerous times throughout the second half for the Black-and-Red, denying multiple near-Columbus goals to preserve the lead.
In the 61st minute, Pedro Santos was in prime position to equalize for the visitors, as he flicked a header toward the near post from within the six-yard box. Clark reacted just in time, though, diving to his left to get a hand on the header before it crossed the line.
The goalkeeper came up big again minutes later when Gyasi Zardes had a chance for a close-range header of his own. The forward made good contact but Clark got just enough of a hand on the ball to keep it out of the back of the net.
Clark was a key component in United's resilience in Annapolis as the Black-and-Red picked up their first win and first shutout of the season. This is Clark's first Team of the Week honor with United.
See the full Week 7 MLS Team of the Week below.
F: Vela (LAFC), Quintero (MIN)
M: Martinez (HOU), Kljestan (ORL), Hayes (DAL), Moralez (NYC), Almiron (ATL)
D: Cole (LA), Chanot (NYC), Powell (POR)
GK: Clark (D.C.)
Coach: Patrick Vieira (NYC)
Bench: Bendik | ORL; Cannon | DAL; Price | COL; J. dos Santos | LA; C. Roldan | SEA; Kaku | RBNY; Wright-Phillips | RBNY
