Sometimes it’s the little things that count.
Michael Barrios earned a spot on the Week 16 MLS Team of the Week bench after his performance in Colorado’s 1-0 win at Austin FC on Saturday. The Colombian was crucial in setting up Andre Shinyashiki’s winning goal despite not being credited with an assist. After Los Verdes’ goalkeeper, Brad Stuver, bobbled the initial save, a falling Shinyashiki followed up and poked the rebound through his legs.
The goal came after a 15-pass sequence that Auston Trusty started by dispossessing his man and dribbling 40 yards into the final third. And then there was Shinyashiki being a “fox in the box,” as he put it.
“Mikey is incredible. His ability to beat guys going forward and what he does is remarkable. He’s a player that we can count on week in and week out. He’s also a great guy in the locker room, one of my closest friends,” Shinyashiki said postgame. “I’m just happy to have him here.”
Barrios was tireless on the night, hounding Stuver and Austin defenders for the full 90 minutes. He completed over 77 percent of his passes, completed five dribbles and won over 80 percent of his duels to help the Rapids earn their MLS-leading seventh clean sheet of the season.
Barrios has started all 15 games this season, playing at least 60 minutes in all but one – Colorado’s 2-0 win at Cincinnati on June 19 in which he set up Diego Rubio’s winning goal. He has four goals and four assists in his first season in Burgundy.
This is his second Team of the Week selection. The 5-foot-4 Barranquilla native was a Week 5 Best XI choice after his two-assist performance against Houston.
The full Week 16 MLS Team of the Week is as follows:
F – Cristian Dajome (VAN), Gonzalo Higuain (MIA), Thiago Andrade (NYC)
M – Nani (ORL), Carles Gil (NE), Emanuel Reynoso (MIN), Paxton Pomykal (DAL)
D – Kai Wagner (PHI), Robert Castellanos (NSH), Julian Araujo (LA)
GK – JT Marcinkowski (SJ)
Coach – Luchi Gonzalez (DAL)
Bench – Bill Hamid (DC), Nkosi Tafari (DAL), Rayan Raveloson (LA), Keaton Parks (NYC), Silvester van der Water (ORL), Michael Barrios (COL), Adam Buksa (NE)
The Team of the Week presented by Audi is voted on by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.
