D.C. United midfielder Christian Gomez was selected as the Honda MLS Player of the Week by the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA) for the final week of the regular season which ended on October 17, 2004 (Week 29). The 29-year old Argentine who joined the team on August 14 scored twice in United's 3-2 victory over the MetroStars on Sunday afternoon at RFK Stadium, surpassing their Eastern Conference rivals for the second seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Gomez scored both goals within a six-minute stretch in the first half after the Metros had taken the lead. D.C. United were dangerous in their attacking third, and they were finally rewarded in the 21st minute with Gomez's second goal in as many weeks. Jaime Moreno dummied a through ball that the Ben Olsen ran onto behind the Metros back line, and his well-slotted cross found Gomez at the six-yard box. The Argentinean's clinical finish beat goalkeeper Jonnie Walker to his right to even the score.
Another breathtaking move from the United attack set Gomez loose for yet another textbook finish in the 29th minute. Moreno was able to send a curling chip to the top of the box that dropped right into the path of Gomez. United's midseason signing got there a split second before the onrushing Walker, who could only turn and watch as the delicate flick bounced over the goal line.
"I feel very comfortable with the team," said Gomez following the game. "My teammates have treated me very well since I arrived, and the front office staff has also helped me a lot - made me feel welcome - and that has really helped me feel like a part of this team."
New England Revolution teammates Steve Ralston and Clint Dempsey finished second and third in the voting. The Honda Major League Soccer Player of the Week was selected every week throughout the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from the Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA).
2004 PLAYER OF THE WEEK WINNERS
Week 1:
Jaime Moreno (D.C. United)
Week 2:
Pat Onstad (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 3:
Fabian Taylor (MetroStars)
Week 4:
Carlos Ruiz (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 5:
Henry Ring (Chicago Fire)
Week 6:
Jovan Kirovski (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 7:
Pat Onstad (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 8:
Alejandro Moreno (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 9:
Jovan Kirovski (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 10:
Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)
Week 11:
Jeff Cunningham (Columbus Crew)
Week 12:
Alecko Eskandarian (D.C. United)
Week 13:
Amado Guevara (MetroStars)
Week 14:
Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards)
Week 15:
Jeff Cassar (Dallas Burn)
Week 16:
Brian Ching (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 17:
Brad Davis (Dallas Burn)
Week 18:
Edson Buddle (Columbus Crew)
Week 19:
Brian Mullan (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 20:
Jaime Moreno (D.C. United)
Week 21:
Kyle Martino (Columbus Crew)
Week 22:
Ronnie O'Brien (Dallas Burn)
Week 23:
Ross Paule (Columbus Crew)
Week 24:
Alecko Eskandarian (D.C. United)
Week 25:
Edson Buddle (Columbus Crew)
Week 26:
Andy Herron (Chicago Fire)
Week 27:
Andy Herron (Chicago Fire)
Week 28:
Jovan Kirovski (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Week 29:
Christian Gomez (D.C. United)
