Player of the Matchday

Philadelphia Union's Ilsinho wins MLS Player of the Week for Week 18

Philadelphia Union midfielder Ilsinho, with an array of tricks in his toolbox, is a big reason the Philadelphia Union are the highest scoring team in MLS.


His impact was on full display on Saturday, as the Brazilian scored his first two MLS goals in the Union's 3-0 home rout over D.C. United. As a result of the performance, he was voted MLS Player of the Week for Week 18 by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR).


For the first goal, he earned a first-half penalty and took it himself to open his account, and then smashed a sizzling half-volley off a rebound in the box in the second half to put the game out of reach (video above).


Acquired by the Union prior to the season, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has started the last four league games, joining fellow newcomer Roland Alberg in jumpstarting Philly's attack after a mini-slump earlier in the season.


The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.