Week 23 in Major League Soccer may not have matched the high-scoring output of its immediate predecessor, but it did deliver a good amount of impressive performances at each position on the field. 

Despite the drop in goal production across the league compared to the previous week, a pair of high-quality forwards were able to hit the back of the net on multiple occasions for their respective sides. 

The defending across the league improved too, as a wide range of players in the back four earned a good amount of praise, including a young duo from the New York Red Bulls, one of which features in our MLS Team of the Week.

Joining one of those defenders is the captain of the Red Bulls, as well as duos from Columbus, Vancouver and Sporting Kansas City. Our team is set up in a 4-4-2 formation with the selection of the attacking midfielders not limited to specific positions.

Continue reading to see who earned a spot in our latest MLS Team of the Week.

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New York City FC have signed some huge names this summer, but that doesn't stop crosstown rivals New York Red Bulls having a laugh at their expense.

Red Bulls fans held up a huge banner dedicated to the "City Retirement Home," featuring a picture of Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo hobbling around on walking sticks.

And they backed up the banner with a 2-0 win—with both Lampard and Pirlo starting for the visitors.

[Fox Soccer]

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HARRISON, N.J. — New York Red Bulls captain Dax McCarty admitted after his club's 2-0 win over New York City FC on Sunday night that he wasn't completely sure of what NYCFC would throw at his side in terms of big-name players.

When the starting lineup was released, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa were all called upon by NYCFC boss Jason Kreis to try to secure a win over their rival. But as the match progressed, the pricey triumvirate found little space against the young defenders and experienced midfielders in red and white.

After a frantic beginning to the match, the Red Bulls began to assert themselves with their trademark high pressure. The press used by the Red Bulls created little space for Pirlo to work with out of his defensive midfield position.

“We didn’t know how they were going to play. That was obviously a little bit of a guessing game. We figured that Lampard would start, but obviously when you have three players of that quality, you want to make sure you’re tight on them," McCarty said.

"We know Pirlo from watching video. When teams give him time and space to just spread the ball wherever he wants, it’s killer."

The midfield trio of McCarty, Felipe and Sacha Kljestan worked relentlessly to shut down the Italian, who displayed more frustration than individual brilliance over 90 minutes.

“That was the first time they played against the Red Bulls, but we were very prepared for this match. All of our players know what the Red Bulls are about, and we know how we can tactically get at them, which I think you saw in the first 25 minutes of the game," Kreis said.

NYCFC left its imprint on the match during the electric start in front of a sellout crowd at Red Bull Arena, but once the game found its pace, the hosts began to take over.

"Give them credit. They had some chances where we lost them and Lampard got through on one or two, and maybe if he’s a little sharper, he puts them away," McCarty said.

While the Red Bulls admitted they weren't perfect on the night, they did make sure they frustrated the midfield duo of Pirlo and Lampard as well as Villa up top.

"We wanted to make sure that [Lampard and Pirlo] didn’t have an easy day. Credit to Sacha, Dax and Felipe. With heavy legs, I think they took it as a personal challenge, playing against great players like that, to make sure they were going to be hard on them, and they were going to shut them down quickly," Red Bulls boss Jesse Marsch stated.

United States U20 international Matt Miazga, who has played Villa tough all season, allowed the Spaniard to put only one shot on target over 90 minutes.

The Red Bulls received a bit of a scare at the start of the second half as Lampard worked from a more advanced role, with Pirlo still directing traffic from the back. That alteration, combined with the switch of Thomas McNamara and Mix Diskerud on the wings, allowed NYCFC to have some success in the final third.

"In the middle of the second half, I thought [our] three guys were a little bit heavy, and that’s when Pirlo and Lampard got going a little bit. It was a frantic game. They were able to break us down and switch play at moments, but for the most part, the pace of the game was set by our players," Marsch said.

As Lampard continued to push further toward goal, Kreis brought on Kwadwo Poku to try to equalize the contest after Bradley Wright-Phillips netted the first goal of the match in the 21st minute.

"We took out [Andrew] Jacobson so there was somebody that was going to be holding deep. Frank wanted to be a little more involved in attack. Pirlo took that upon himself to balance out the midfield," Kreis said.

But as the push for an equalizer continued, frustration also began to sink in, especially on the face of the Italian midfield maestro, who may have been caught off guard by the physical nature of the match. 

"[Pirlo's] not a typical defensive midfielder. He’s not a guy who’s going to battle, duel and go in for tackles. He wants space to play penetrating passes, play long balls and do all the things everyone loves to do on the field," McCarty said.

"When you put him in a tough game, then you really challenge him. I thought he got frustrated. He was still very good, but he still got frustrated and that was a credit to our midfield and our forwards," the Red Bulls captain continued.

When the final whistle blew on the last regular-season Hudson River derby of 2015, the Red Bulls were on top for the third consecutive time. Although beating a rival is nice, the Red Bulls have higher goals they want to achieve as the MLS season starts its run toward the playoffs.

“This is just another game that gets us one step closer to the playoffs, and we’re trying to catch [first-place] D.C.," McCarty said.

Joe Tansey covers MLS for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JTansey90.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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The Seattle Sounders' Chad Barrett got his team on the board in the opening minute of Sunday's game against the L.A. Galaxy, but the celebration was short-lived.

Barrett scored inside 50 seconds, thanks to a beautiful cross by Erik Friberg. However, during the celebration, he appeared to have pulled his right hamstring.

It wasn't really much of a "celebration," as he briefly ran around with his teammates. It was just bad luck.

Barrett was subbed out in the fourth minute.

[ESPN FC]

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There's no sense arguing about it anymore. Toronto FC's star forward Sebastian Giovinco is en route to a record-breaking MVP season.

Giovinco's hat trick lifted TFC to a 4-1 victory over Orlando City SC on Wednesday. Admittedly, Orlando center back Aurelien Collin was abysmal, but the Italian is the one who embarrassed him.

The forward collected the ball on the left flank, cut inside and ran towards Collin. The French defender then lunged into Giovinco with a two-footed tackle in the box. The ex-Juventus youth product won and converted the subsequent penalty.

A well-placed free kick and another brilliant individual strike in the second half led to Giovinco's next two goals.

Giovinco is now MLS' leading scorer, and he needs just three more assists to top the league in that category as well. He was also voted MLS Player of the Month for July, per the official TFC website.

In scoring his 16th goal in 2015, Giovinco set a record for the most goals in a single MLS season for TFC, per Laura Armstrong of the Toronto Star. Dwayne De Rosario owned the feat before Wednesday night.

He's also broken the record for most hat tricks in a season with two, per Daniel Squizzato of the official MLS website:

Giovinco has been involved in 26 of TFC's 36 goals this season. He's appeared in all 21 games for the team. There's no doubting how integral he is to the Reds' success.

The 28-year-old needs 12 goals in the final 13 games of the regular season to break the single season scoring record. Former D.C. United striker Roy Lassiter's 27 in 1996 still stands as the number to beat.

This writer discussed how Giovinco wasn't the league's best player back in June. There was no doubt that he was in tremendous form then, but he showed inconsistency throughout the season.

More than two months have passed since, with Toronto playing 10 games in that span. Giovinco has recorded 11 goals and four assists since June 6. He's been playing nonstop soccer for the last 13 months when counting Juventus' preseason that started in July 2014.

TFC also lost its two other designated players, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, to international duty for friendlies and the Gold Cup. Giovinco has carried his team and hasn't suffered a significant injury to this point, apart from his minor heel issue.

The heel injury seemed to affect Giovinco against the New England Revolution on August 1. He was slightly slower on the ball and wasn't as imposing as he was in previous matches. Head coach Greg Vanney took him out of the game at halftime.

However, Giovinco was clearly healthy enough to become the league's top goalscorer. His performances have been so impressive that Sportsnet's John Molinaro has labeled him as Toronto's best athlete.

There's also a debate about Giovinco being MLS' best player in league history. However, it's still too premature to include him to this conversation after 21 games.

Giovinco will have some competition for the MVP honors. Orlando City's Kaka has nine goals and four assists in 21 appearances. He's helped the expansion side compete for a postseason spot, and if it qualifies, the Brazilian will likely be considered for the award.

Sporting Kansas City's Benny Feilhaber is another potential candidate. He has been instrumental in SKC's excellent 2015 season with seven goals and is tied for second with 10 assists.

New York City FC's David Villa is also in the running with 13 goals (third-highest total in the league) for MLS' other expansion team.

However, if Giovinco can continue this form and guide TFC into the playoffs for the first time, he'll easily claim the Landon Donovan MVP Award.

Peter Galindo covers MLS and U.S. soccer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @GalindoPW.

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You have one of the most cultured players of recent times arrive in your league—the only sensible thing to do is make a doll of him that you can dress in different attire.

That's what the MLS has done for Andrea Pirlo, now of New York City Football Club. They've created the "Pirdoll."

You can put him in his new kit, his old Juventus shirt or even the Italy blue. And if he's got an important engagement, there's always the suit, or even his architect gear.

So what do you think: No Pirdoll, no party?

[MLS]

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Making a lasting impact at a club in just five months is a tough task for many, but Orlando City star Kaka has thrived in his playmaking role for the expansion side in Major League Soccer. 

In 21 matches for the Lions this season, Kaka has contributed nine goals and four assists to a club in contention for one of the six play-off positions in the Eastern Conference. 

“It’s not easy, but it’s been a challenge for us to put these 25 players together and create a team. I think our coach [Adrian Heath] is doing a very good job. I’m happy where the team is at. Hopefully at the end of the season we can at least celebrate [a berth in the] playoffs," the Brazilian told Bleacher Report recently.

One of the key shifts in the player's mindset since starting his first game in purple has helped him produce for the club and lead by example. The highest paid player in the league, per the MLS Players Union salary database, is using the pressure to succeed as a positive. 

“Everywhere that I’ve played, there’s been this type of pressure. Sao Paulo, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Brazil national team. I’m used to this situation," Kaka said.

"Now with more maturity and experience, I can convert this pressure into motivation. It’s not a negative thing now for me. It’s a positive thing, so I can work on that and take this as motivation for every game," he continued. 

The former FIFA World Player of the Year is not the only one putting in impressive performances week in and week out for Orlando City. Kaka specifically pointed out a few of his teammates have also started the season well in a recent interview at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York City. 

“Darwin Ceren is a very good player. He’s doing a very good job. Brek Shea. I didn’t know him before so I’ve had the opportunity to play with him and he’s very good. [Kevin] Molino, who is injured, but for sure he’s going to help us in the next few years," Kaka said. 

In his most memorable display of leadership yet, Kaka honored the injured Molino, who is out for the season with an ACL tear, by pulling on the winger's jersey after scoring a penalty in his side's 4-0 win over the LA Galaxy on May 17. 

As for the environment in Orlando, the fans are creating one of the best atmospheres in MLS by packing the Citrus Bowl for every home match. Orlando will move into a soccer-specific stadium in 2016. 

“It’s been amazing every time we play at Citrus Bowl in front of all the supporters. Every time in every moment in every situation. Our average now is 33,000 for games. This is great. It’s much more than anyone could’ve expected," Kaka said.

Although the Citrus Bowl doesn't rival the Bernabeu or San Siro in terms of its history with the beautiful game, Kaka was able to make one key comparison between the stadiums. 

“It’s similar in a way that the supporters support the team and stay with you. The Bernabeu has 80,000. Every game we have over 30,000 and we feel the motivation, and it’s the same because it’s pushing us to win," the Brazilian said. 

One of the unique parts of life in MLS is the wide range of traveling done by each club in a season. Unlike Europe, some of the cross-country trips could be over 3,000 miles, depending on where each side is located. Instead of dreading the trips like some new players to the league have in the past, Kaka is taking a different approach.

“I’m enjoying the travel because I’ve been in cities I’ve never been in before. I can see how this league is really growing in not just one part of the country but everywhere. It’s not a problem because we travel every 10 to 15 days. It’s not a big deal," he said. 

Another issue some older players coming over from Europe face is the artificial turf at some grounds in MLS. Thierry Henry famously refused to play on the surface during his time with the New York Red Bulls. Although the turf isn't ideal, Kaka just sees it as part of the game. 

“I don’t have any problem playing on turf. For sure, I prefer to play on the natural field. Our field is turf. In our new stadium, it will be natural. I have no problem to play on a turf field," the Brazilian explained. 

One oddity about MLS Kaka spoke volumes about was the parity throughout the standings. On any given day, the last-placed side in the league could spring an upset on a team such as Seattle, D.C. or LA. 

“That’s very good because it creates competition between the teams. Nobody can lay down. Nobody can just give up in the middle of the season because everyone can have a chance to be in the play-offs at the end," he said.

"I think that’s very good and for us as players it makes us ready for every game. You have to be ready for every game because you don’t know what’s going to happen. I think it’s a positive thing," Kaka continued. 

Although five months is a small sample size to judge the skill levels of certain opponents, the midfielder did go out of his way to praise a few stars he's already encountered on the MLS circuit. 

“There are some players [who have impressed me]. The midfielder of Columbus, No. 6 [Tony Tchani]. He’s a very good player. [Clint] Dempsey is very good, and [Bradley] Wright-Phillips is playing very good," Kaka said. 

While he may be one of the top figures in MLS at the moment, Kaka is only one of a handful of Brazilians to ever set foot on an MLS pitch. He believes that is about to change for not only Brazilian stars but those coming over from Europe in their prime like Sebastian Giovinco has already. 

“Yes I think so. Here it’s creating a market. China is a big market but China is more for the money. Here is the market for the professional career. Here is going to create a lot of opportunities for South Americans, North Americans and Europeans as well and play a career of five to 10 years. I think the future is going to be a great opportunity [for foreigners] to be here," Kaka said. 

As for the status of the Brazil national team, the 33-year-old, who has 89 caps for his country, remained optimistic about the Selecao despite their recent struggles:

“[The] Brazil national team right now is a transition moment. We just came from a very tough World Cup. After that, I think Dunga did a good job winning games. But there is a long way to the next World Cup so he can still work on that. Every game, every step I think Brazil is going to bring the confidence back."

One way the Selecao can bring confidence back to themselves and the proud footballing nation is to win the Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Not only will the men be looking for redemption but the Brazilian women will be looking to enhance their status in the sport after an early exit at the Women's World Cup this summer.

“The Olympics would be great for us. As an event for Brazilians, it will be a great event, but in soccer, there is much more meaning because Brazil’s never won the Olympic games. So it will be a great opportunity for us to get this gold medal. For the women, I think it’s a great opportunity as well. The United States and Japan are one step ahead of us, but the motivation for the women to play at home will be a big point for us," the scorer of 29 international goals said.

As for what the future holds, Kaka decided to keep the focus on his current situation in Orlando ahead of the play-off push. 

“I don’t know. I’m focusing in the moment now. I have this year and two more [in Orlando]," he concluded. 

Joe Tansey covers MLS for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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There were a record 40 goals scored in MLS this past weekend with 10 scored in one game alone.

D.C. United and Real Salt Lake battled in one of the highest-scoring matches in MLS history, and there was plenty more drama on Saturday.

The Vancouver Whitecaps handed the Seattle Sounders their seventh loss in their last eight games, and Orlando City SC also picked up a massive victory against the Columbus Crew.

With all of these results in mind, here are the latest MLS power rankings after Week 22.

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Everywhere you turned in Major League Soccer on Saturday and Sunday, goals were flying into the back of the net, except if you had to sit through Sunday's painfully awful scoreless match between San Jose and Portland. 

The players scoring the goals were some of the league's best as Cyle Larin, David Villa and Robbie Keane helped contribute to the highest scoring day in league history on Saturday. Thirty-nine of Week 22's 41 strikes were scored during the eight-game Saturday slate.

Thanks to the impressive output of the star forwards, the top four players in our latest MLS Player Rankings are forwards. Four midfielders, a defender and another forward round out the top 10. 

Our player rankings take into account form over the last four matches, with the player's most recent performance holding more stock than the other three.

Continue reading to see which 20 players were named to the MLS Player Rankings after Week 22. 

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EA Sports have announced that nine new stadiums will be featured in the upcoming FIFA 16 game, including the Seattle Sounders' CenturyLink Field and Marseille's newly revamped Stade Velodrome.

The new title will also welcome Norwich City, Watford and Bournemouth to the Premier League by including their home grounds in impressive detail.

However, the most interesting inclusion is that of English League Two side Portsmouth FC's Fratton Park, which was added to the game in honour of former FIFA Creative Director Simon Humber, who sadly died of cancer earlier this year.

Humber was a passionate Pompey fan, so as a tribute, FIFA 16 artists created a wreath of flowers beside one goal at the animated Fratton Park.

[EA Sports]

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