Jordan Morris wins MLS Player of the Week

For the second straight year, Jordan Morris has been crowned MLS Player of the Week for his efforts on opening weekend. Like last year, Morris scored two goals during his season debut. Unlike last year, he only needed 45 minutes to do it in leading the Sounders to a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday.

Morris beat out Minnesota United’s Kevin Molino for the award, claiming 34.9 percent of the weighted votes. Molino received 27.4 percent, with Carlos Vela in third at 11.8.

Morris was able to ride last year’s breakout performance in Week 1 to winning MLS Comeback Player of the Year in a season in which he had 10 goals and seven assists during 26 regular-season appearances. He added three more goals and an assist during the playoffs, which of course ended with the Sounders hoisting their second-ever MLS Cup.

One thing Morris hadn’t done previously, however, is perform at anything like this level off the bench. Despite only coming on at halftime, he immediately put his imprint on the game. By the time it was all said and done, Morris had scored two goals, had one assist disallowed through VAR, and set up a couple other quality chances.