United midfielders Russell Canouse, Yamil Asad and goalkeeper Bill Hamid were named to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 33 of the regular season after the Black-and-Red's gutsy 1-0 victory over FC Dallas last Saturday.
Canouse's first career MLS goal was the game-winner on Saturday while Hamid made fives saves on the way to his third shutout of the season. Meanwhile, Asad drove the Black-and-Red attack on a night where Dallas' defense keyed in on Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta.
As the match neared its end, it looked as if Dallas would escape Audi Field with a point. The match took a turn for the Black-and-Red, though, when a free kick opportunity from Rooney bounced to an open Canouse in front of goal. Canouse's first strike rang off the crossbar but somehow the rebound found Steven Birnbaum, who redirected it back to Canouse who scored on the second opportunity header.
Canouse dedicated the goal to teammate Paul Arriola, who missed the match to be with his family following the death of his father. United wore black armbands in honor of Arriola's father and dedicated the win to Paul and his family.
“It was a special moment for me. Obviously, Paul wasn’t out on the field with me with the team today. He is back at home with his family. I said in my interview after the game ‘that goal was for him,' Canouse said. "It is sad but we all put out a performance today that pushed up into a playoff spot and we have to keep going with Paul or without Paul. We know he will come back and will be strong but we have to stay strong for him and keep working hard.”
Hamid meanwhile, stood tall in net and secured the victory with five saves on the night. Though Dallas was limited in quality opportunities thanks to the efforts of the Black-and-Red defense, Hamid was tested in the 76th minute when Dallas challenged on the counter attack.
Though Asad didn't show up on the scoresheet, the Argentinian midfielder was a constant threat on the attack and dazzled the crowd with some slick moves including too devastating nutmegs against Dallas defenders.
More importantly, the gritty win lifted United above the playoff line for the first time this season and put the Black-and-Red in prime position to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Canouse and Hamid have been named to the team of the week four times this season while Asad has been selected twice. The full Team of the Week for Week 33 can be seen below.
F: Penilla (NE), Vela (LAFC)
M: Asad (DC), Caldwell (NE), Canouse (DC), Ulloa (DAL), Bassett (COL)
D: Silva (LAFC), Mancienne (NE), Miller (MIN)
GK: Hamid (DC)
Bench: Grinwis (ORL), Hairston (COL), Zimmerman (LAFC), Fagundez (NE), Boli (COL), Manotas (HOU), Diomande (LAFC)
Coach: Bob Bradley (LAFC)
