Castrol Weekly Top 20: Pajoy finally breaks through

The Philadelphia Union may not have grabbed three points against the Red Bulls last weekend, but they may have gained something more important in the long run: a forward who’s confident in front of net.

Colombian target man Lionard Pajoy – who’s been much-maligned by fans and press alike for his finishing woes this season – finally showed why Peter Nowak & Co. brought him to Chester, putting in a brace and doing yeoman’s work in Philly’s 3-2 loss to New York. It was good enough to earn him the No. 1 spot in the Castrol Index Weekly Top 20, and give Philly fans the hope that their season will be more than just a series of defensive actions.

San Jose’s workhorse Steven Lenhart claimed the No. 2 spot despite spurning a number of looks in the Earthquakes’ 1-1 draw with Chivas USA. The big man’s finishing touch may not have been there, but he constantly put himself into dangerous areas, combined well with both fellow frontrunner Chris Wondolowski and his midfielders and surely softened up the Rojiblancos defense for Alan Gordon, who got the game-tying goal with just minutes left.

Rounding out the top five were Houston fullback Andre Hainault, who assisted on Brad Davis’ game-winner in the opener at BBVA Compass Stadium; and then a pair of young goalkeepers in New York Ryan Meara and Seattle’s Bryan Meredith.

MLS Player of the Week Lee Nguyen, whose two goals and one assist led the Revolution to a 4-1 win over his former club, the Vancouver Whitecaps, finished the week in the No. 9 spot. By Castrol’s methodology, Nguyen’s second goal – a golazo from 22-yards out – does not provide him as many points as one scored from close range, as it’s assumed the goalkeeper (in this case veteran Joe Cannon) should have done better on the shot.

Fredy Montero, who was shut down by Real Salt Lake in Saturday’s 1-0 loss at CenturyLink Field, made an appearance at the No. 10 spot for his two-goal performance midweek against FC Dallas. The Colombian striker played just 45 minutes, which is the lowest total for any top-10 player in the Weekly Index at any point this season.

Weekly Top 20 Performers - Week 10 Powered by Castrol Index