Decision Day is achieved and the MLS Cup Playoffs are proper across the corner.
With a lot on the line on the final day of the normal season, big players need to provide you with large moments. And on Sunday, we noticed just that.
The awareness is understandably going to be on MLS Cup glory from here on out. But first, allow's take a look at the pinnacle five players from Decision Day.
A true agent of chaos, Damir Kreilach scored inside the final 15 mins of an MLS game for the fifth time this season on Sunday - handiest Adam Buksa has controlled extra (7). This strike in the ninety fifth minute become the most essential he's ever scored for RSL, sincerely, firing them into the Playoffs right at the rate of LA Galaxy while it all appeared performed and dusted. It became the simply praise for a first-rate character performance from Kreilach, who received a fit-excessive six aerial duels, and attempted the joint-maximum pictures (3) of any RSL player. He in no way allow the SKC backline rest and placed within the difficult yards for his crew. No defender will savor gambling towards Kreilach inside the Playoffs - the Croatian will not lie down till the final whistle blows.
The Rapids crowned the West and crushed LAFC, and Bob Bradley's time in fee of the Black and Gold seems to be at an quit. It was all occurring in Colorado on Sunday! Much of the drama was delivered courtesy of Jonathan Lewis, who scored two times interior fifty three mins to position the Rapids into a 3-zero lead, which they finally prolonged to 5-2. Lewis terrorized the LAFC defense for the duration of, trying three shots, finishing 3 dribbles, and growing one hazard. Bradley's facet honestly couldn't cope with him.
As he has done so normally this season, Chicharito placed the LA Galaxy on his back and dragged them forward on Decision Day. The Mexican become watched intently by means of the Minnesota center-backs, but nevertheless controlled to preserve the ball up brilliantly. Most importantly, he scored along with his best two serious appears at purpose all night time. The first-class instance of an instinctive goalscorer. Unfortunately, the relaxation of his teak didn't raise their stage with him and will handiest manipulate a 3-three draw with the Loons. Kreilach's overdue winner for RSL sent LA crashing out of Playoff contention. Had Chicharito been completely suit for the whole season, there's surely absolute confidence the Galaxy could be within the publish-season. That's a damning indictment on LA and a big credit score to Hernandez in same measure. But this was, at the least, a rattling great way to quit his person season.
Like Chicharito, Lucas Zelarayan has been a magician in a pretty terrible facet this season. The newly-capped Armenia global said good-bye to the 2021 campaign with a mesmeric aim as the Crew beat Chicago Fire 2-0 on Sunday, even though it become in the end futile of their tries to make the Playoffs. By the time the final whistle blew, Zelarayan had finished 5 dribbles, created 5 chances, and attempted 8 shots - all suit-highs. The Fire simply couldn't live with him. Caleb Porter truely need to determine out the portions round him to give Zelarayan the fulfillment he deserves.
Ola Kamara just slightly neglected out on the MLS Golden Boot, sitting stage on 19 dreams with Taty Castellanos however giving up the award because of having fewer assists. But it wasn't for the want of trying, with the Norwegian netting two times within the first half to fire DC United to a 3-1 win away at Toronto - like the Crew, it still wasn't sufficient to get DCU into the put up-season. On the ground, in the air, with the ball, and without it, Kamara turned into an apprehension on Sunday. After this overall performance - and the 2021 season as a whole - there can be a few defenders respiration a real sigh of alleviation at Kamara and DC missing out on the Playoffs.
Honorable mentions: Julian Gressel, Taty Castellanos, Brian Rodriguez, Kellyn Acosta, Sebastian Blanco, Yimmi Chara, Chris Wondolowski.
