It might usually be the spectacular plays that make the Saturday night highlight reels but it’s the hard work and solid defensive display this weekend against FC Dallas in a 1-1 draw that have earned Whitecaps FC defender Jordan Harvey a starting spot on this week’s MLS Team of the Week.
Harvey put in an irreproachable 90 minutes and finished the game with a team-high five interceptions.
The California native was also able to provide some offensive service during the game when he crossed the ball down the left wing to newly-minted father Brek Shea in the 12th minute. Shea was able to send the ball into the box, forcing Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez into an awkward save and conceding the corner kick.
But Harvey’s importance to the team really rose to the surface in the 79th minute.
Not long after Cristian Techera’s world-class free-kick goal tied the game at 1-1, Dallas came close to reclaiming the lead with midfielder Michael Barrios striking the ball from point-blank range, but Harvey neutralized the shot with a textbook sliding block to put out the fire.
Harvey’s key defensive play helped Carl Robinson’s squad earn an important point against a speedy FC Dallas team, and keeps the ‘Caps in the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
Whitecaps FC now prepare to hit the road against expansion side Minnesota United FC on June 24 at TCF Bank Stadium. Kickoff on TSN is at 5 p.m.
The MLS Team of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.
