Castrol Weekly Top 20: Klinsmann was on to something

Alan Gordon has had a fine season for the San Jose Earthquakes, yet his recent USMNT call-up for the epic victory in Mexico was still considered a surprise for many.

But US manager Jurgen Klinsmann was on to something.

In his first MLS match since that call-up, Gordon registered a brace — this time as a starter instead of his usual bench role — and reached double-digit goals for the first time in his professional career. And the No. 1 ranking in the Castrol Top 20. It was good enough to beat out Seattle hat-trick hero Fredy Montero (No. 2). Read all about the Castrol methodology here.

WATCH: Gordon's 1st vs. Colorado

Portland's Darlington Nagbe is another player in fine form, once again featuring on the list at No. 14. Meanwhile, former Klinsmann regular Juan Agudelo is proving he may be worthy of another look with a No. 8 finish, two spots above another Mexico City call-up, Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler (No. 10).

It was a good week to be a goalkeeper with six netminders in the Top 20, including two "Halls." Houston's Tally Hall clocked in at No. 7, while his namesake Freddy Hall of Toronto FC made it at No. 13.

Competition is fierce. Just look at the Crew's foreign contingent of DP Federico Higuaín and forward Jairo Arrieta. They were the talk of the MLS weekend and only squeaked into this week's list at No. 18 and No. 20.

Weekly Top 20 Performers - Week 25+ Powered by Castrol Index