In a race to the 2015 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, the Portland had a huge week in Week 33 to help their push.
On Wednesday, they ran over Real Salt Lake on their way to a 1-0 victory at Rio Tinto Stadium. Fanendo Adi converted a key penalty in the win.
Three days later Caleb Porter's team traveled to LA to face a Galaxy team at full strength. The Timbers exploded for five goals in the second half including a brace from Adi and a brilliant header from Diego Chara as Portland throttled the Galaxy 5-2 at the StubHub Center.
The Timbers defense was sparked by a dogged performance from Jorge Villafana who not only kept the RSL and Galaxy attacks in check, but also contributed two assists in in the win over LA.
The six point week rocketed the Timbers up to fourth place in the Western Conference with Villafana, Chara, Adi and Porter all earning MLS Team of the Week honors.
Read on to find out who else made the Team of the Week, presented by EA SPORTS FIFA 16, for Week 33:
GK: Evan Bush (Montreal Impact) – Made the needed saves as Montreal ensured their playoff spot with a win in New England.
D: Victor Cabrera (Montreal Impact) – Did his best Laurent Ciman impression in the absence of the Belgian, helping Montreal shut out the Revs.
D: Matt Hedges (FC Dallas) – It was two games and two clean sheets for Dallas this week, and the team captain was a big part of that.
D: Gaston Sauro (Columbus Crew SC) – Clean in possession and impressive defensively, Sauro was the key figure in Crew SC's win in Toronto.
D: Jorge Villafana (Portland Timbers) – Sueño's ability to get forward was apparent in both of the Timbers' wins this week, and he notched two assists on Sunday against the Galaxy.
M: Anibal Godoy (San Jose Earthquakes) –Not only grabbed the all-important winner for San Jose, the Panamanian also helped keep Sporting KC’s attack off balance all night.
M: Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas) –.Pulled all the string in Dallas' two wins this week, helping them capture a 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League berth.
M: Diego Chara (Portland Timbers) – Playing alone in the defensive midfield, Chara adjusted to his new position beautifully as the Timbers all but booked their place in the playoffs.
M: Mike Grella (New York Red Bulls) – Mostly invisible on Wednesday, Grella came out with a vengeance on Sunday, scoring the fastest goal in MLS history.
F: Cyle Larin (Orlando City SC) –Stepped up once again just when his team needed him, scoring a brace in Orlando City’s comeback win over NYCFC.
F: Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers) – Bullied the Galaxy backline on Sunday, as the Timbers got a huge 5-2 victory in LA.
Coach: Caleb Porter (Portland Timbers) – Made a tactical switch at the start of the week, playing with only one defensive midfielder, and it could not have worked out better for the third-year coach.
Bench:Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Damien Perrinelle (New York Red Bulls), Perry Kitchen (D.C. United), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Fabian Espindola (D.C. United), Carlos Rivas (Orlando City SC)
