Justin Morrow recorded a hat-trick against the Red Bulls. (Photo courtesy of MLS)
NEW YORK – Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow just might want to add the Red Bulls to his Christmas card list.
Morrow, who recorded a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over New York Saturday, was voted the Major League Soccer player of the week by the North American Soccer Reporters Tuesday.
He recorded his first MLS hat-trick to help Toronto FC clinch the 2017 Supporters’ Shield with a 4-2 victory at BMO Field.
Morrow has posted his career-best with eight goals in a season. With 26 starts this season, the fullback has also fulfilled his defensive duties, helping keep 12 clean sheets. Morrow and company have led Toronto FC to clinch the best record in MLS and secure home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs (19-5-8, 65 points).
He opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when he picked up a loose ball inside the box and smashed it in to the back of the net to make it 1-0 for Toronto (Watch Goal). Just five minutes later, after a string a of short passes inside the box, the ball once again ended up at Morrow’s feet as he slotted easily it past goalkeeper Luis Robles to make it 2-0 Toronto in the 37th minute.
New York leveled the match in the second half before Toronto FC regained the lead. With the hosts leading 3-2 Toronto FC charged forward in the 91st minute. Jozy Altidore dribbled past defenders on the right flank and squared the ball in to the path of the sliding Morrow who poked it for the final score.
Toronto FC returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 15 to host the Montreal Impact at BMO Field (5 p.m. ET, TSN1/4/TVAS).
The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.
