NEW YORK – Many were asking what had happened to the player who earned MLS MVP honors last year. He was nowhere to be found thus far in the 2011 season without a single goal or assist.
At least until last Friday.
FC Dallas star David Ferreira showed up in a big way on national television as his club exacted some MLS Cup revenge against the Colorado Rapids in a 3-0 blanking of the defending champions. The Colombian had the final two goals to seal the result and earned Player of the Week award in the process as voted on by the North American Soccer Reporters.
His goal five minutes before halftime gave a dominant Dallas side the cushion they needed to see out the visitors at Pizza Hut Park. Ferreira ran onto a through-ball from compatriot Fabián Castillo and used a classy chip to loft the ball over charging goalkeeper Matt Pickens. If the goal was not spectacular enough, his celebration stood out as he sucked on a baby pacifier to celebrate his wife's pregnancy.
Just seconds after the break, Ferreira was once again in the right place at the right time, finishing off a cross from teammate Eric Avila with a tap-in at the far post to secure the final 3-0 score line.
The 31-year-old is already a quarter of the way to matching his 2010 total of eight goals, which earned him the MVP award along with his 13 assists.
HIGHLIGHTS: FC Dallas 3, Colorado Rapids 0
2011 MLS Player of the Week
Week 1:Omar Bravo (Sporting Kansas City)
Week 2: Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake)
Week 3: Camilo (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Week 4: David Ferreira (FC Dallas)
