It was a bounce-back week for the stars of New York City FC, but a rough week for MLS MVP frontrunner Sebastian Giovinco.

Andrea Pirlo and David Villa combined on the winning goal in NYCFC's 3-1 victory against D.C. United last Thursday, helping the expansion club earn a much-needed victory against the top team in the Eastern Conference. Pirlo provided a perfectly placed pass and Villa beat a pair of D.C. defenders for the finish, helping NYCFC halt a two-match losing skid.

It wasn't all good news for NYCFC though, as Frank Lampard continued to struggle with staying healthy. The English star was forced to the sidelines with a fresh injury sustained during a training session last week.

It was a much tougher weekend for Sebastian GIovinco. The Toronto FC star endured a frustrating evening in a 3-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls. Facing physical treatment and a lackluster effort from his supporting cast, Giovinco was unable to add to his 16 goals or 11 assists in 2015.

Obafemi Martinws was one of the stars of the weekend, scoring two goals in his first match in nearly two months to help the Seattle Sounders rout Kaka and Orlando City. The win snapped a five-match losing streak for the Sounders, who had lost eight of nine games before Sunday's win.

Steven Gerrard, LA Galaxy

Last game: FC Dallas 1-2 LA Galaxy

Key stats: 90 minutes, 29 of 38 passes completed, 3 tackles won

Notes: Didn't have his most influential match as he dealt with the Texas heat, but still did his part to help the Galaxy win the midfield battle against FC Dallas even if his passing wasn't at its sharpest.

Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC

Last game: New York Red Bulls 3-0 Toronto FC

Key stats: 90 minutes, 1 shot on goal, 4 fouls suffered

Notes: The Italian sensation had a rough night against the Red Bulls, who stifled Toronto FC's midfield and gave Giovinco physical treatment throughout the match.

Frank Lampard, NYCFC

Last game: NYCFC 3-1 D.C. United

Key stats: Did not play.

Notes: Sidelined by a new injury, Lampard is now contending with a quad strain that has him out yet again. It remains unclear when he will return to action.

Kaka, Orlando City

Last game: Seattle Sounders 4-0 Orlando City

Key stats: 70 minutes, 30 of 35 passes completed.

Notes: On a day when his Orlando City side was thoroughly dominated, Kaka was unable to make his mark on the match. Failed to create any chances on a day when his team spent more than half the match playing a man down.

Giovani dos Santos, LA Galaxy

Last game: FC Dallas 1-2 LA Galaxy

Key stats: 76 minutes, 1 assist, 18 of 19 passes completed

Notes: The Mexican national team star was excellent in his playmaking role, completing all but one pass and helping set up game-winning goal for the Galaxy on Saturday against FC Dallas.

David Villa, NYCFC

Last game: NYCFC 3-1 D.C. United

Key stats: 90 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist

Notes: The Spanish striker was instrumental in NYCFC's win against Eastern Conference-leading D.C. United, setting up a goal and racing onto an Andrea Pirlo pass to score his 14th goal of the season.

Robbie Keane, LA Galaxy

Last game: FC Dallas 1-2 LA Galaxy

Key stats: 90 minutes, 2 goals, 3 shots on goal

Notes: The Irish striker increased his season goal tally to 13 in just 16 matches, and also helped him reach the 100-match mark with his 66th career MLS goal.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls

Last game: NY Red Bulls 3-0 Toronto FC

Key stats: 10 minutes, 1 shot on goal, 3 of 4 passes completed

Notes: The English winger came off the bench late to preserve a lead and provided a spark, including an impressive side volley shot that forced a tough save.

Obafemi Martins, Seattle Sounders

Last game: Seattle Sounders 4-0 Orlando City

Key stats: 66 minutes, 2 goals, 4 shots on goal.

Notes: The Nigerian striker made a successful return from injury after two months on the sidelines. He terrorized Orlando City's shorthanded defense, scoring a pair of highlight-worthy goals.

Didier Drogba, Montreal Impact

Last game: Montreal Impact 1-1 NY Red Bulls

Key stats: Did not play

Notes: Drogba signed with the Impact last month and is set to make his debut in Montreal's Aug. 22 match against Philadelphia.