The 20th week of play in Major League Soccer saw seven games played across five days, and in most of those matchups, offense reigned supreme.

Only one team, Colorado, recorded a clean sheet in a week that averaged four goals per game.

Thanks to the attacking breakout, our MLS Team of the Week is set up in a 4-3-1-2 to cram as many attack-minded players into the best 11 as possible.

Continue reading on to see which players were named to the list of the week's best performers.

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One of the major talking points from this past weekend in MLS surrounds the referees. In Sporting Kansas City's 2-1 win over Toronto FC on Saturday, referee Ted Unkel was the center of attention for the wrong reasons.

His indiscriminate use of yellow cards, combined with poor foul calls, are just two of his blatant errors. This is the latest example of why commissioner Don Garber has to work on improving the officiating in the league.

Refereeing is one of the most difficult jobs. A decision has to be made on the spot without any help from replays. Also, Unkel is inexperienced in MLS. He took charge of just three games during the 2013 season, per the official PRO website. He's officiated four this season.

Unkel hasn't been the only referee that's been guilty of making incorrect calls or being too card happy. There have been 5,221 fouls called in 190 games in both MLS and the US Open Cup, per the PRO website. That's an average of 27.48 per match. There's also been 621 yellow cards issued (3.27 per game) and 57 reds (0.3 per match).

MLS has significantly higher foul numbers per team than the Premier League, per Whoscored.com. In the 2013-14 season, 1,167 yellow cards were brandished. The average is around 58 per team over 38 matches. The red card count was about 2.65 per club compared to 2.8 in Major League Soccer.

The amount of fouls isn't only the issue.  The needless bookings and sending-offs are ruining the flow of games and slow down the pace dramatically. Referees are too quick to pull out a card in order to stamp their authority, but more often than not, it's the wrong decision.

Players dive, no yellow is drawn. Studs come up, red isn't shown. A player is hauled down when he's in all alone against the goalkeeper, and the defender isn't sent off. The FIFA rulebook defining the laws of the game is readily available to everyone online, so it's incomprehensible why so many officials make poor calls.

Portland Timbers head coach Caleb Porter has been reprimanded for criticizing officials this season, and he isn't the only one. If MLS puts so much effort into their disciplinary committee and punishing coaches for their harsh criticisms of referees, the league can do the same by improving the officials.

Toronto's Michael Bradley claims that better officiating has to be priority number one for MLS, as mentioned in his post-game interview following the SKC match.

If big names in the league are calling for this to happen, Garber must listen and follow through. Poor officiating is giving MLS a bad reputation and that has to change soon, or else the quality of play won't improve and other top players won't want to be involved in this league.

There are some talented, experienced referees, like Mark Geiger, who took charge in the 2014 FIFA World Cup this summer and did a great job. MLS should use more of its' resources and invest in instructors from Europe, and there would certainly be a noticeable improvement in officiating. A move like this would lead to more referees like Geiger.

The level of officiating will never be perfect, but it can be much better. If this initiative is taken, MLS will benefit greatly.

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Michael Bradley didn't mince words when speaking out against the officiating in Toronto FC's 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.

The American midfielder was extremely critical of the referees and implored the Major League Soccer home office in New York City to do something to remedy what he feels is a systemic problem throughout the league, per The Associated Press, via ESPN FC:     

It's by no means an excuse, it was the same for both teams, but the referee was absolutely awful. The people at the MLS office in New York, when they talk about wanting to improve the league, the first thing that needs to be improved is the refereeing, bottom line.

That shouldn't come across as sour grapes because that's just the reality. And it was bad for both teams and I'm sure they're sitting in their locker room saying the same thing to themselves, but they've got three points with them and that certainly makes it a little easier to swallow.

TFC picked up five yellow cards in the defeat, including four in the first half. Sporting KC had three of their own, including two for Matt Besler, who was sent off in the 75th minute. According to WhoScored.com, the two teams combined to commit 37 fouls, with Toronto having a much higher cards-per-foul percentage (29 percent) to Sporting (10 percent).

Bradley's biggest bone of contention was likely Ted Unkel's decision to play on in the 23rd minute after Aurelien Collin—the last Sporting KC defender—brought down Gilberto. Both Kurtis Larson of the Toronto Sun and Dan Riccio of Sportsnet 590 The Fan argued that Collin should've been sent off:

Toronto FC manager Ryan Nelsen didn't let Unkel off the hook, either.

"Collin should have been sent off. I mean an under-12 ref can pick that one," he said after the match. "That's pretty basic."

Jacob Peterson fired home the winner for Sporting Kansas City in the 80th minute to give them their fourth straight win and sixth in seven matches.

Toronto FC, on the other hand, have one win in their last seven. Perhaps some of that frustration led to Bradley's comments.

There's no question, though, that the officiating in MLS isn't the quality of what you'll find in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and others. The league is still growing, and that's reflected in the referees as well.

Of course, as long as referees are human, they won't be right 100 percent of the time, no matter the quality of the league.

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New York City FC unveiled former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard on Thursday as the newest addition to the Big Apple.

The England international signed a two-year designated player contract with NYCFC, per MLSSoccer.com. Lampard is the second big-name acquisition for the club after David Villa joined in June, per the team's official website.

Lampard is 36 years old, and the ageing player is no longer at the top of his game. However, this signing is still beneficial for everyone involved. For the England international, he remains a star as part of one of the fastest growing leagues in the world. 

He is also set to make around $150,000 a week, per Sports Illustrated, which would make him the highest-paid player in MLS. Lampard will also reside in one of the most vibrant cities on the planet, which probably enticed him to move across the pond.

NYCFC benefits in many ways as well. The profile of the club is raised significantly with the addition of Lampard. Even with a two-year contract, this will still grab the attention of the casual fan and could hook them on both the team and MLS.

If Lampard leaves at the end of his contract, other players might be drawn to NYCFC if the team is successful and is well managed. The two years that the midfielder spends in New York could pay dividends for many seasons to come.

MLS is also a beneficiary. The new TV deal with FOX, ESPN and Univision through 2022 will produce wider exposure and better ratings for the league. Lampard is a well-known name and the average fan could be inclined to watch more MLS because of his reputation.

Matchday revenue would also increase in any city that Lampard visits. Fans used to clamber for seats in order to watch David Beckham when he was playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and that is sure to happen again with Lampard.

The quality of play on the pitch has improved since Beckham arrived. It's been pointed out that the "Beckham Experiment" failed, but a lot has changed in seven years. This might be another step towards building a stronger MLS.

Players from Europe talk positively about their careers in MLS, and this is why they're interested in playing in the U.S. and Canada. Word of mouth is powerful and it's been a major catalyst for the league. The salaries are good and the standard of living high. The level of soccer is also challenging.

The only factor that can stop this move from succeeding is Lampard getting an injury. Even if he starts to dip in form, his critics will keep watching him to see if his slump continues. The neutrals will still pay attention because of the name of the player.

It doesn't matter if Lampard is 36, if he's slowed down or will only be around for a couple of seasons. This is a terrific addition for NYCFC and MLS, which should pay off down the road.

As for the player, he remains in the spotlight, lives in a spirited city and continues his career. This day could be notable as another leap ahead for soccer in North America.

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Frank Lampard joining New York City FC—which the club announced today—is a pretty big deal to the MLS.

But over on the West Coast the Seattle Sounders were doing their best to play it down, talking up the superhuman powers of U.S. men's national team star Clint Dempsey instead:

But can Frank Lampard conjure fire? pic.twitter.com/wViAooMFli

Can he? Can he conjure fire? Your move, Frank.

[Twitter]

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Frank Lampard has swapped the bright lights of London for the Big Apple in a summer transfer.

The England international has joined New York City FC after 13 years of success at Chelsea, the Major League Soccer club confirmed via Twitter. He will now take his place in the burgeoning MLS in the United States.

The 36-year-old will be joined at the Manchester City-owned franchise by former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona forward David Villa.

Lampard will find some familiar faces waiting for him in North America.

Here we take a look at some former Premier League players now plying their trade in the MLS. 

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Major League Soccer's Week 21 should be an exciting one for fans with eight games spread over six days of action. On Wednesday night, the San Jose Earthquakes drew first blood, beating up on the Chicago Fire 5-1.

The rest of MLS Week 21 action will be spread over a game on Thursday night, a game on Friday night, two matches each on Saturday and Sunday and culminating in a great Western Conference battle on Monday night.

Here are five of the key games and the battles to watch in each match.

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Tottenham won the second match of their pre-season tour of North America 3-2, with Andros Townsend scoring the winning goal in the 85th minute. 

Erik Lamela was the star for Spurs, scoring twice in the opening period.

Spurs lined up with a fluid line of three (Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Aaron Lennon) behind Roberto Soldado and were entertaining and efficient as they cruised to a 2-0 half-time lead.  

Mauricio Pochettino's system looks to be taking shape as Ben Davies slipped comfortably into the starting line-up. 

Spurs were a little ragged after 10 half-time changes, and Toronto drew level at 2-2 before Townsend's late winner. 

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When you picture a forward who scores goals at will, you usually see a flashy, electric player in your mind who on occasion delivers the over-the-top goal celebration.

Bradley Wright-Phillips is the complete opposite of that image, but he does not lack the killer instinct in front of goal, even at 5'8".

The New York Red Bulls forward has been on fire in 2014 with 17 goals in 19 games, 16 of those having been starts, which puts him 10 goals behind the current Major League Soccer single-season scoring record held by Chris Wondolowski and Roy Lassiter.

"I say this every time I get interviewed, I just try to get my shots on target. If they go in, they go in," Wright-Phillips told Bleacher Report after his team's July 16 game against the Philadelphia Union.

The 29-year-old Englishman has done just that with 17 of his 35 shots on target beating opposing keepers so far this season.

Wright-Phillips, who arrived at the club in July 2013, credits a certain mindset that all English forwards have, no matter how flashy their style may be in front of goal, for his success.

"I think growing up in England strikers are hungry to just get goals. We have a mean streak in us. We like to get goals. Every striker from England I know is the same; they're greedy and they want to get goals. It must be something to do with that."

That mentality would explain why Wright-Phillips is currently one of three English forwards in the top five of the scoring chart. Dom Dwyer, who is now famous for his selfie goal celebration, has bagged 14 goals for Sporting Kansas City, while Jermain Defoe has scored on 11 occasions this season for Toronto FC.

Another player whom fans of the English Premier League are familiar with, Robbie Keane of the LA Galaxy, is fifth on the chart with 10 goals.

Although he may be taking the Golden Boot race by its reins and running with it, Wright-Phillips is far from the most recognizable goalscorer on the Red Bulls thanks to a guy you may have heard of before, Thierry Henry.

It just so happens that Henry is the league leader in assists with 10, while Wright-Phillips is busy chasing down the league record for goals.

The play of the French legend, as well the efforts of players such as Tim Cahill, Lloyd Sam and Eric Alexander, have helped the 29-year-old settle in to his first full season in MLS with plenty of confidence.

"Every striker wants his midfielders to do well. If they play well, more than likely, I'll play well."

Currently, Wright-Phillips is on a run that has seen him score 16 goals in a 13-game span that includes two hat tricks.

During that run of games, Wright-Phillips has failed to score in just two games, as he has consistently put up a single goal in most of New York's matches.

The most enthralling match of that stretch saw him score his second hat trick of the season in a 5-4 loss at home to Chicago.

The game, which was end-to-end for most of the 90 minutes, saw the scoring start in the fourth minute and not end until the third goal from Wright-Phillips in the 78th minute from the spot.

Since that game at Red Bull Arena, Wright-Phillips has been more casual with his scoring, which is why some fans have kept him off the radar, especially with the flashy trio of Dwyer, Defoe and Erick Torres scoring week after week as well.

In the nine games following his second hat trick, Wright-Phillips has scored more than one goal just once. His brace against Houston on July 4 extended his season total against the Dynamo to five after his first hat trick of the season on April 23 that ignited his scorching form.

Thanks to his 17 tallies, Wright-Phillips will join Henry, Defoe, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and others in the MLS All-Star Game August 6 at Portland's Providence Park against Bayern Munich, a game that could also feature bright American prospect Julian Green.

While the Bayern back four may present a bigger challenge to Wright-Phillips than MLS defenses, there is no doubt that it will be alerted about the quiet forward, who is doing his job quite well up front at the moment.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All statistics obtained from MLSsoccer.com.

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For most of the season, the focus of the Major League Soccer Player Power Rankings has been on the players at the top, but it was two players in the middle of the pack from last week that made an impact on the list after Week 19. 

Robbie Keane and Benny Feilhaber were the two standout performers from the week's set of games, which led to major jumps for both players on a list that is becoming more difficult to break into by the week. 

Continue reading on to see which players were good enough to join Keane and Feilhaber in the MLS Player Power Rankings. 

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