The Chicago Fire's pair of goal-scorers from Wednesday night's 2-2 draw at Minnesota United were rewarded for their efforts on Thursday, each being named to Major League Soccer's Team of the Week for Week 23.
Forward Robert Berić scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season in the 17th minute, using his head to finish off a picture-perfect cross from Przemysław Frankowski. Berić's 11 goals are currently the second-highest total in the league, level with Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC) and Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders). LAFC's Diego Rossi leads the league with 14 goals heading into Decision Day on Sunday.
Homegrown defender Mauricio Pineda was also included in MLS' best XI for the week after scoring the Fire's second goal of the night in the 52nd minute. The goal highlighted a Heineken Man of the Match performance, and was Pineda's third of the season. The 23-year-old was included in the bench section for last week's MLS Team of the Week as well.
The duo will now look to parlay their strong performances into three points on Sunday against New York City FC (2:30 p.m. CT | WGN, ESPN+) and help the Fire secure their spot in the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Take a look at the full Week 23 MLS Team of the Week below:
