MLS Takeaways: Week 12
Photo by Howard Lao from The Oregonian
It was MLS Rivalry Week presented by Heineken this week!
And some of the games are, well, let’s just say not rivalries.
But hey, what can get in the way of some good corporate branding?
So let’s dive into the rivalries!
Chicago defeats St. Louis 1-0
Chicago fired Ezra Hendrickson (against better judgement, if you ask me) but they won two in a row over St. Louis with the new coach bounce.
Will it last? Probably not. That roster is bad.
Not to mention St. Louis went from “Wow, this team is legit” to “Wow, this team might actually be bad” at a wildly quick pace.
Also, is this a rivalry, MLS?
Is it?
Charlotte defeats Atlanta 3-1
This also, apparently, is a rivalry!
What it was without a doubt though, was a shellacking.
Charlotte absolutely took it to town on Atlanta, as the five stripes have fallen into a bit of a slump.
Charlotte’s terrible start, much like St. Louis’ fast one, seems miles behind them, now.
Columbus draws Orlando 2-2
It’s not often you applaud a goalkeeper when he allows 2 goals, but Pedro Galesse deserves it for Orlando.
Columbus took Orlando to task and, despite scoring twice, were unable to beat Galesse in the 2nd half which led to a 2 goal comeback for Orlando and a crucial away point.
DC United draws Nashville 1-1
Both teams had less than 1 xG.
If you ever see a stat line like that, believe me, you didn’t miss anything.
Miami defeats New England 2-1
It looks like Miami’s win over Atlanta sparked something for Phil Neville’s squad, because they followed it up with a win over the top dog in the East.
More importantly, they got another goal from Josef Martinez.
As he goes, Miami goes.
Montreal defeats Toronto 2-0
I am really, really surprised Toronto is still trying out the Bob Bradley experience.
It isn’t working, and a 2-0 loss to a bad Montreal team is really just the icing on the cake.
It’s time to quit trying.
New York Red Bulls defeat NYCFC 1-0
This one is a rivalry, and the new coach bounce is back at it again, with the Red Bulls taking the Hudson River Derby 1-0.
However, it wasn’t typical Red Bulls soccer.
Boring, defensive and both teams have 0.3 xG.
It was a snoozer, but it was the result the Red Bulls needed.
It doesn’t always have to be pretty.
FC Dallas defeats Austin 1-0
Austin, after securing a late point at Portland, hoped to use that as a jump start on their lifeless season so far.
They followed that up with a red card and late loss to rival Dallas.
Whoopsies!
Seattle defeats Houston 1-0
Garth Lagerwey, despite not being in Seattle anymore, built that organization to succeed immediately while also growing a strong youth system.
And when the Sounders, riddled with injuries on a tough road game to Houston had to rely on that youth, they came through with a win.
Paul Rothrock got the goal, while Cody Baker played well at left back, both of whom don’t have full first team contracts.
That’s something Atlanta can look forward to now that Garth is there.
Kansas City defeats Minnesota 3-0
What is that?
Is that a pulse in SKC?
It might just be. Those were two convincing wins over western conference playoff teams and there’s still 2/3 of a season left.
They might not be dead just yet…
Philadelphia defeats Colorado 2-1
Slowly but surely, the Union are finding their groove after a CCL run.
As for Colorado, they’re trying their hardest. But they don’t have enough talent.
It sucks. Robin Fraser is a great coach.
LAFC defeats Real Salt Lake 3-0
LAFC are good.
Really good. Stupid good, even.
Portland defeats Vancouver 3-1
Portland, the reigning Cascadia Cup champions, have now beaten Seattle and Vancouver by a combined score of 7-2.
It’s been a weird year, but they’re handily leading the Cascadia Cup.
So that ain’t bad.
LA Galaxy defeat San Jose 2-1
A job saving win for the Galaxy over the rival Earthquakes.
Even if it just buys Vanney and GM Chris Klein some time, it’s enough for now.
But they need to get the ball rolling, and quick.
