Lalas Abubakar named MLS Team of the Week after 2-1 win at Austin

Lalas Abubakar was named in the MLS Team of the Week for matchday 20 after scoring in FC Dallas’ 2-1 victory away to Austin FC. The Ghanaian-American centre-back opened his account for the season as Dallas secured the road win.

Abubakar put Dallas ahead shortly before half-time at Q2 Stadium. He rose to meet a corner from Santiago Moreno and directed his header into the net, giving the visitors the lead before the interval.

The goal came during Abubakar’s third outing of the season, following a campaign in which regular playing time had been difficult to secure. His opportunity at Austin produced a decisive contribution in attack and helped Dallas leave with all three points.

His display was also recognised for its work in defence. Abubakar provided a strong presence at set pieces and helped restrict Austin’s attacking threat as Dallas held on for the 2-1 result. The performance earned him a place in the league’s selected XI for the round.

Abubakar is part of a Team of the Week defence that also includes Chicago Fire’s Andrew Gutman and Colorado Rapids defender Reggie Cannon. DC United goalkeeper Sean Johnson was chosen behind them.

The remaining selections include Nashville SC’s Elias Saad, Chicago Fire’s Djordje D’Avilla, Toronto FC midfielder Niklas Dorsch and Philadelphia Union teenager Cavan Sullivan. Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar, Simon Becher of St Louis City and Philadelphia’s Bruno Damiani complete the attacking positions. For Abubakar, the selection follows a goal that directly shaped Dallas’ away victory and marked his first strike of the season.