The Union allowed the fewest goals in Major League Soccer in 2020. It was a team effort, but a couple of new signings certainly did their part.
So it is fitting that the season ends with Jakob Glesnes and Jose Martinez in the MLS Team of the Week.
Jamiro Monteiro, who returned for a second season and became the club's creative hub, made the Team of the Week bench.
Glesnes, a towering, physical force who helped lead a fearless back line, asserted himself on the league once he hit top gear. In the final match of the season, he nearly scored, created the game-winner with a delicious touch-pass into the box, and made seven (!) clearances in the box.
Martinez returned to the lineup and dominated New England's midfield. Eleven recoveries and a spectacular assist don't capture the full measure of toughness Martinez brought to the game. In the opening exchanges, Gustavo Bou went in hard on young goalie Matt Freese, and just as he did to Gonzalo Higuain, Martinez stared down another team's high priced Designated Player and dared them to cross his territory.
These players and many more helped the Union to their best season in franchise history, and one that earned the club its first-ever trophy.
The Union return to action in the Audi MLS Cup playoffs November 20-24.
