NY’s Richards Named MLS Player of the Week

NEW YORK – Dane Richards was the dagger in the heart of the Houston Dynamo this weekend as the New York Red Bulls upset the two-time defending MLS Cup-holders. The speedy Jamaican scored a goal, posted an assist, and created a penalty in the side’s 3-0 win.

For his efforts, he was voted Major League Soccer's Player of the Week.

The 24-year-old has rounded into form in the past two months. After a sporadic beginning of the season, which saw him fight through injuries and waver in the lineup, he hit the sweet spot just when New York needed a push toward the playoffs. He finished the regular season with three goals and six assists.

The Dynamo were expected to make quick work of the Red Bulls in the Western Conference semifinals. After a 1-1 draw in New York, the two teams returned to Houston for a Sunday matinee at Robertson Stadium, where the Dynamo had yet to lose a playoff game.

Houston, playing in front of 30,000 fans, dominated the play from the outset, but they couldn’t break through. And Richards, one of the fastest players in the league, scored against the run of play in the 25th minute. A long through ball from Sinisa Ubiparipovic was dummied by Juan Pablo Angel, and Richards ran onto it. He outpaced two defenders and buried a 13-yard shot.

Just before the half, Richards skirted around the defense and sent a snap-cross in that was handled by Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark. Angel finished the spotkick.

With less than 10 minutes to go, Richards slipped by the defense again, dribbling 60 yards and slotting a cross to John Wolyniec, who tapped in to ice the game.

Richards has eight caps for the Jamaican national team. Based on his current form, he could be called in for the Reggae Boyz’ massive World Cup qualifier with Canada on November 19.

The Red Bulls face Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference final this coming Saturday in Utah. The winner earns a spot in the MLS Cup final, on November 23 at the Home Depot Center outside Los Angeles.

-- Goal.com