Toronto FC's Justin Morrow had a historic performance Saturday to rate as the leader of the Audi Player Index.
Morrow scored three goals, recording the second MLS hat trick by a defender and first since LA Galaxy's Jose Vazquez in 1997.
Morrow's eight MLS goals lead all defenders this season.
It was Toronto's first MLS hat trick by someone other than Sebastian Giovinco (who has five, including the playoffs). It was also the 14th hat trick in MLS this season, setting the league single-season record, which had been 13 in 1998.
The 4-2 win Saturday against the New York Red Bulls clinched the Supporters' Shield for Toronto, the first Canadian club to win the Shield. Toronto won the Canadian Cup earlier this season and now looks to be the first MLS team to win the domestic treble in one season (MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, domestic cup).