Stakes were high around the league on Decision Day this past weekend, and no one shined brighter on the big stage than Giles Barnes.
The Jamaican winger/striker was named the MLS Player of the Week on Tuesday after scoring a first-half brace to lead Whitecaps FC to their sixth Cascadia Cup.
- POST-MATCH: Barnes: 'It gives the fans something to look forward to'
With Portland Timbers fighting for their playoff lives, Barnes took over early and often.
The first-year 'Caps forward put the home side in the driver seat in the 13th minute with a strong finish on his first touch off a deflected cross from Fraser Aird.
How 'bout this @GilesBarnesReal finish? #VANvPOR#DecisionDayhttps://t.co/3BvXRGsNIk
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 23, 2016
In the 32nd minute, the Englishman struck once again, this time on a solo effort off a clean tackle, blasting one into the net despite being surrounded by five Portland defenders.
Two for @GilesBarnesReal. Two for @WhitecapsFC. #VANvPOR#DecisionDayhttps://t.co/s73d5v1aGg
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 23, 2016
Barnes finishes with six goals and three assists in the 2016 MLS regular season, which he split between Houston Dynamo and Whitecaps FC. The 28-year-old becomes the second Whitecaps FC player to receive the weekly league honour this season. Kekuta Manneh was recognized for his efforts in Week 11.
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.
