Following two straight clean sheet performances and victories from Atlanta United, center back Michael Parkhurst was named to the MLS Team of the Week after his rock solid return to MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday night. The now Atlanta skipper was the Crew's Captain for three seasons and received a warm welcome by the home fans as the expansion side traveled to Columbus over the weekend.
In the 2-0 Atlanta triumph, Parkhurst led the back line to their fourth clean sheet of the season, constantly snuffing out attacks and in the end shutting out a Columbus side that had scored in 19 consecutive home matches.
The expansion club has only been together for six months now but the 33-year-old Captain has Atlanta in 5th place, above the playoff line over halfway through the season. Parkhurst's veteran experience is something the league newcomers will continue to turn to, especially if their first playoff appearance is in the cards for the near future.
See the full MLS Team of the Week below:
Bench: David Bingham, SJ; Jose Aja, ORL; Jack Harrison, NYC; Kevin Doyle, COL; Chris Wondolowski, SJ; Maximiliano Urruti, DAL
Coach: Oscar Pareja, DAL
NOTE: Team of the Week is voted on by the MLSsoccer.com editorial staff.