Toronto FC’s Pablo Piatti, Richie Laryea named to Week 19 MLS Team of the Week

TORONTO, Canada—Another match day, another pair of Toronto FC players in Major League Soccer’s Team of the Week as Pablo Piatti and Richie Laryea were named to the latest edition of the league’s standout performers following Sunday night’s dramatic 1-0 win over Atlanta United.

Both Piatti and Laryea played pivotal roles in The Reds’ 89th-minute breakthrough. First, Laryea created the opportunity down the right-hand flank—the position coach Greg Vanney believes is the versatile Canadian international’s best position—finding himself in a 1v1 position, driving at his defender before putting in a seeking cross.

While it was deflected, on the other end of the somewhat fortuitous bounce was the ever-lively Piatti, who managed to adjust his body while running away from goal, easing a delicate header into the far corner to give the Reds the late lead. The finish was class, but more importantly, it was clutch from the Argentine.

The game-winner was Piatti’s fourth goal of the year and Laryea’s fourth assist. The Reds just wrapped up a stretch of five games in 16 days, coming away with 13 out of a possible 15 points. The win against Atlanta extended their unbeaten streak to nine games and sit atop the league table with 41 points.

As mentioned, Toronto FC have been a constant presence in the league’s Team of the Week. Piatti and Laryea’s inclusion, who were both already honoured this season, marks the 17th and 18th time that a Red has found their name among the week’s top performers.

Ifunanyachi Achara (Week 2), Ayo Akinola (MiB Week 1, 2); Alejandro Pozuelo (MiB - Week 1, Week 2); Richie Laryea (MiB Week 2); Alejandro Pozuelo & Pablo Piatti (Week 6); Alejandro Pozuelo (Week 7); Alex Bono (Week 13); Richie Laryea (Week 14); Alejandro Pozuelo (Week 15); Ayo Akinola & Alex Bono (Week 16); Eriq Zavaleta & Patrick Mullins (Week 17).

You can find the full Week 19 MLS Team of the Week below.