Don't look now, but FC Dallas are within five points of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Yes, the same Dallas team that was reaching new levels of futility two months ago are back in the playoff hunt after a 10-game stretch in which they've garnered 18 out of a possible 30 points. The biggest reason behind the turnaround? The return of the 2010 MLS MVP.
David Ferrieira – who returned to action on July 4 for the first time in 2012 – has led FC Dallas to three consecutive wins, including two road victories during Week 24, en route to being named Player of the Week, as voted on by the North American Soccer Reporters (see who and how the media voted here).
Last Wednesday, the Colombian playmaker set up both goals in FCD's 2-0 win at Vancouver, before stealing three points on the road at Real Salt Lake on Saturday with an assist and a game-winning goal in the match's dying moments.
It was FC Dallas' first Player of the Week award this campaign and it was nearly a clean sweep in the voting for Ferriera, who picked up 15 out of a possible 18 first-place votes. Also receiving first-place nods were New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Bill Gaudette, Montreal's Patrice Bernier and Dallas' Fabián Castillo – the beneficiary of two of Ferreira's three assists this week.
WATCH: Ferriera is Week 24's Top Performer
2012 MLS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Week 24: David Ferriera (FC Dallas)
Week23: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
Week22: Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders)
Week21: Jairo Arrieta (Columbus Crew)
Week20: Calen Carr (Houston Dynamo)
Week 19: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 18: Álvaro Saborío (Real Salt Lake)
Week 17: Danny Koevermans (Toronto FC)
Week 16: Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
Week 13-15: Patrice Bernier (Montreal Impact)
Week 12: Emilio Rentería (Columbus Crew)
Week 11: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United)
Week 10: Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution)
Week 9: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 8: Steven Lenhart (San Jose Earthquakes)
Week 7: Chris Pontius (D.C. United)
Week 6: Dan Kennedy (Chivas USA)
Week 5: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Week 4: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Week 3: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
Week 2: David Estrada (Seattle Sounders)
Week 1: Kalif Alhassan (Portland Timbers)
