It’s a week to remember for Emilio Rentería.
The 27-year-old forward had two goals and an assist – including a brilliant half-volley – on his way to leading the Columbus Crew to two victories and earning Player of the Week honors for Week 12, as voted on by the North American Soccer Reporters (see who and how the media voted here).
The Venezuelan helped seal a 2-0 win on the road at Seattle, whom the Crew had not beaten in six previous meetings, and then muscled off Chicago’s Austin Berry before burying the game-winner of a 2-1 victory over Chicago on Saturday. It is the second Player of the Week award for Rentería, who took home the honor in Week 9 of 2010 for a goal in each of his team’s two road wins against New York and Kansas City
WATCH: Rentería finds the bottom corner
Rentería received nine of the 19 votes cast, with Real Salt Lake’s Álvaro Sabrorío receiving four for his two-goal performance against FC Dallas. Crew teammates Eddie Gaven and Andy Gruenebaum also received two votes each, giving the club 13 of the 19 votes cast.
2012 MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Week 12: Emilio Rentería (Columbus Crew)
Week 11: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United)
Week 10: Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution)
Week 9: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 8: Steven Lenhart (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 7: Chris Pontius (D.C. United)
Week 6: Dan Kennedy (Chivas USA)
Week 5: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Week 4: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Week 3: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Week 2: David Estrada (Seattle Sounders)
Week 1: Kalif Alhassan (Portland Timbers)
