Rivalry Week brought out all the firepower in week 14.
The match ups lived up to their expectations, with FC Cincinnati proving that Hell truly is real against the Columbus Crew, St. Louis CITY inflicting further misery on their fellow Midwestern side, Sporting KC, and the Philadelphia Union letting freedom ring in their win over the New England Revolution.
The players on this list stepped up their level and powered their teams to crucial victories against a hated opponent.
Here are the top five players from week fourteen...
5. Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke showed why DC United coach Wayne Rooney depends on him so much.
During DC's recent 3-0 victory against the LA Galaxy, the 32-year-old striker put on an outstanding performance, embarrassing the Galaxy backline with a goal and assist.
DC was able to win the matchup largely thanks to Benteke's impressive hold-up play, ability to read the game, and clinical finishing skills.
This victory sees the DC jump to sixth in the Eastern Conference.
4. Daniel Gazdag
The Philadelphia Union looked like their 2022 selves during their 3-0 route over the New England Revolution.
Spearheaded by midfielder Daniel Gazdag, the Hungarian ended the game with four total shots, two chances created, five passes into the final third, and two goals.
His incredible performance lifts the Union to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
3. Indiana Vassilev
Indiana Vassliev scored twice as St. Louis CITY put four past rivals Sporting KC.
Ever since Vassliev was acquired from Inter Miami, he has blended in perfectly with the culture and work ethic of St. Louis.
That hard-working attitude was put on display as Vassliev easily slotted in two goals to give his side the win.
The 22-year-old ended the match with two goals, one chance created, one penalty won, and three recoveries.
2. Hany Mukhtar
Hany Mukhtar continues to show why he’s one of the league’s most valuable players.
Nashville SC picked up their seventh win of the season thanks to Mukhtar’s performance against Charlotte FC.
The 28-year-old showed his potency in the final third, finishing the game with six shots on 48 touches, five recoveries, and one chance created.
Mukhtar now has eight goals on the season as the Music City side sits comfortably at second in the Eastern Conference.
1. Luciano Acosta
Luciano Acosta was the main man in attack for FC Cincinnati as they beat the Columbus Crew 3-2.
Acosta was his usual creative self in the final third despite the Crew dominating possession.
The 28-year-old ended the match with two goals, three chances created, and six passes into the final third.
In MLS, it’s important to have a player who can dictate the tempo of the game and be the engine the team needs in attack. For Cincinnati, Acosta is that player - pushing them to the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
This article was originally published on 90min as Players of the MLS Matchday 14 - ranked.