Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia has been named MLS Player of the Week for Week 31 in Major League Soccer. Melia has faced the Portland Timbers three times this season and did not give up goal.
Back on March 21st, Melia faced three shots on target and saved all three. On September 9th, he made seven saves and this past week he saved another six shots on target. His third shutout of the season against the Timbers was his eighth on the season.
Melia made a great one-handed save on Diego Valeri in the 27th minute of the match. Off a thrown in, Valeri headed the ball to Fanendo Adi who passed it back to him. Valeri took his shot from just inside the 18 yard box and Melia made a great, diving save to his left. You can watch the save right here.
In the 35th minute, he made a save against Darlington Nagbe. A long ball was played forward by Liam Ridgewell to Adi. Adi was able to settle and pass the ball back to an onrushing Nagbe at the top of the penalty box. Melia made a fantastic dive to his left and was able to control the rebound. Watch the save here.
In the 44th minute, after a not so good clearance by Melia, Rodney Wallace beat Kevin Ellis to the ball. Wallace played the ball to Valeri who collected it near midfield. After the ball was deflected away, Nagbe collected the ball and ran towards goal. Nagbe had his shot block in the box, but it feel to the feet of an onrushing Valeri. Diego fired a rocket towards Melia, but he was able to get low to the right and make the save. You can watch it right here.
With Sporting KC able to get three points against Portland, it kept them above the dreaded red line. They are four points clear of sixth place San Jose Earthquakes who they face next Friday, October 16th on the road.
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 media.