For the second consecutive week, New York City FC has had a pair of players named to the Major League Soccer Team of the Week.
Forward David Villa and defender RJ Allen earned the honor for Week 16 following the Club's 2-0 victory over Toronto FC on June 20 at BMO Field. Villa and defender Jason Hernandez earned the accolade following the Club's 3-1 win over Montreal in Week 15.
Villa scored his first brace in MLS, bringing his team-leading tally to six goals. The New York City FC captain calmly scored on a penalty kick in the eighth minute and doubled his tally on the evening with a finish in the 58th minute. Mix Diskerud gained possession from Toronto FC defender Eriq Zavaleta just outside of the home penalty box. He fed a rushing Tommy McNamara down the right side. As he was falling down, McNamara crossed the ball to Mehdi Ballouchy to his left. Just as he did in against the Impact on June 13, Ballouchy unselfishly played the ball across to Villa, who fired it home for a two-goal advantage.
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Allen, who signed with the Club on May 2, had a match-high six tackles and added seven clearances.
Allen, fellow defenders Chris Wingert, Shay Facey and Hernandez and defensive midfielder Andrew Jacobson (six tackles) limited Toronto FC and Sebastian Giovinco to four shots on target in the shutout victory.
READ: Jason Kreis Praises Defensive Effort in Win at Toronto FC
Goalkeeper Josh Saunders, who had four key saves, was named to the MLS Team of the Week (Week 16) bench.
New York City FC bring their four-match unbeaten streak (three consecutive victories) back to Yankee Stadium for a match against the Red Bulls on Sunday. Kickoff is 5 p.m. EDT from the Bronx.
