United defender Steven Birnbaum, midfielder Russell Canouse and goalkeeper Bill Hamid all landed on the MLS Team of the Week for Week 28 following United's gritty 1-1 draw against NYCFC last Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Birnbaum made the starting XI while Hamid and Canouse were named to the bench.
The trio all stepped up in an immense way for a shorthanded United side that was missing several regulars. Through their efforts, the Black-and-Red were able to earn their first point in the Bronx since NYCFC entered the league in 2015.
Birnbaum potted his second goal of the season when he rose above New York goalkeeper Sean Johnson to head in a 40-yard free kick from Wayne Rooney.
Meanwhile, Hamid stood tall for the Black-and-Red, making a season-high eight saves in the match. Hamid's eight saves were the most in a single match for the homegrown goalkeeper since Aug. 8, 2015.
Canouse continued his run of excellent play at defensive midfield despite missing his regular partner, Júnior Moreno, who was away on international duty. Along with Chris Durkin, Canouse helped push the New York attack to the flanks and helped limit strong scoring chances.
It's the first time this season that Birnbaum has been named to the Team of the Week, while Hamid and Canouse are appearing for the second and third times this season respectively.
The rest of the team can bee seen below.
Team of the Week:Brian Wright (NE), David Villa (NYC), Jeremy Ebobisse (POR), Sebastian Blanco (POR), James Sands (NYC), Felipe Gutierrez (SKC), Seth Sinovic (SKC), Steve Birnbaum(DC), Jalil Anibaba (NE), Zarek Valentin (POR), Tim Melia (SKC)
Coach: Giovanni Savarese (POR)
Bench:Brad Knighton (NE), Bill Hamid (DC), Tim Howard (COL), Uri Rosell (ORL), Russell Canouse (DC), Diego Chara (POR), Diego Valeri (POR)
