Orlando City skipper Luis Nani has been named the MLS (Major League Soccer) Player of the Week for Week 16 of the 2021 season following his performance during the win over Atlanta United.
Portuguese international Luis Nani scored a goal and also added an assist to lead his team to a 3-2 win over Atlanta United at home. His goal was the winner that secured the three points on offer for Orlando City.
Luis Nani has been one of the best players in the MLS this season. He has now scored three winning goals for Orlando City since the start of the season. His first two goals of the season came within four days of one another. Luis Nani scored his first goal in the 5-0 thumping win over San Jose Earthquake at home on June 22 before he sealed a comeback victory at the home of Inter Miami on June 25. Nani was responsible for the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Inter Miami.
Nani was the inspiration that Orlando City needed to beat Atlanta United in their week 16 encounter. He provided the assist for the equaliser scored by Kyle Smith two minutes from the half-time interval. The ex-Valencia and Manchester United star delivered the corner kick that was met by the header from Smith when Orlando City were trailing 1-0.
Portuguese national team player Nani scored the winning goal of the game on 87 minutes. He latched onto the cross from Silvester van der Water with a diving header for the goal that decided the five-goal thriller in favour of Orlando City.
His assist for the equaliser from Smith two minutes before the half-time interval ensured that Luis Nani moved ahead of teammate Chris Mueller and Brazilian football legend Kaka on the all-time list for the most assists in all competitions in the colours of Orlando City.