MLS Takeaways: Week 4
Photo by Rich von Biberstein from Getty Images
As we all would have predicted before the week began, the only scoreless game of the weekend was between Seattle and LAFC.
So let’s dive into that game specifically.
Seattle draws LAFC 0-0
Every league needs a villain.
LAFC took that role head on once they joined the league.
Maybe it was the media coverage of them being a downtown LA team. Maybe it was that they won immediately.
Maybe it was Bob Bradley.
But Saturday showed them push home that villain nature in a big way, as they completely slowed the game down with cheap fouls and antics while the Sounders pushed forward.
And I don’t say this as a salty Sounders fan. I don’t blame LAFC at all.
It worked. It totally slowed the game down and took the Sounders out of it. You can’t fault them if it works.
They were tired after playing a CCL game last Thursday, so they weren’t on the backfoot because they were an “inferior opponent” or anything like that.
But the villain nature suits LAFC, and they play it up well.
Atlanta defeats Portland 5-1
Atlanta looks outstanding early in the season, and a big part of that is Thiago Almada.
The issue is, he is surely going to be sold to a European club come summer time. Can Atlanta find success when he’s gone? We’ll have to see.
As for Portland, they have started horribly slow, but according to Opta Stats they have started with less than 3 or less points after 4 games 7 times now.
In 5 of the 6, they’ve made the playoffs, and in 3 of those 5 seasons, they’ve made MLS Cup Final, winning in 2015.
It’s a slow start, but they’re fine.
Montreal defeats Philadelphia 3-2
I know, I know.
Philly was coming off of a mid week CCL game, which is always tough.
But they haven’t looked themselves so far this year, and Montreal isn’t a very good opponent.
I’m not panicking over the Union, but it’s something to look at.
New England defeats Nashville 1-0
A prickly match between two sides that ended up decided by a short side stunner from Gustavo Bou.
The Revs needed that.
Red Bulls defeats Columbus 2-1
Red Bulls were by far the better team all game long, so their winning goal in the last 10 minutes was much needed, as Columbus almost escaped with a point.
Leaving points on the table when you’ve been better through the game is a big no no.
NYCFC defeats DC United 3-2
Rooney ball is fun!
DC isn’t the best team in the world, so it doesn’t translate to wins right now, but it sure is fun!
Charlotte defeats Orlando 2-1
Speaking of teams who needed a win, nobody needed a win more than Charlotte.
Charlotte have started horribly this season, and a win in Orlando was certainly not one that I expected them to get.
But they got it, and they needed it.
Toronto defeats Miami 2-0
This was the first time we saw what Toronto was expected to be this season.
A talented team that can take it to any opponent they face.
Now to keep it going…
Chicago draws Cincinnati 3-3
Ezra Hendrickson deserves to keep his job.
It’s been three games, the Fire likely won’t make the playoffs, but I’m calling it now.
Hendrickson needs to stay, and Chicago need to give him proper backing to improve the squad.
He’s got what it takes to succeed.
FC Dallas defeats Sporting Kansas City 2-1
For the first time in 4 games, SKC scored a goal! Hooray!
They still lost, but it’s progress!
Minnesota defeats Colorado 2-1
For the first time in 4 games, Colorado scored a goal! Hooray!
They still lost, but it’s progress!
Houston defeats Austin 2-0
Austin does not look good.
They no longer have CCL to deal with, largely in part due a massive upset to a Haitian squad who couldn’t even get their whole squad to America due to visa issues, but even now they still just look really, really rough to start the year.
Josh Wolff has a good squad and has shown he can coach, but he’s got some work to do.
This is brutal.
St. Louis defeats San Jose 3-0
Last week, I questioned if St. Louis’ success was sustainable due to the fact that they had to keep coming back from early deficits.
They responded back with a dominating 3-0 win over San Jose.
STL are the first expansion team ever to win their first four games.
It’s been a dream start from a team that not many expected much of.
LA Galaxy draws Vancouver 1-1
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Vancouver lost points from a winning position.
It wasn’t a second half collapse this time and just a late goal before halftime, but it’s the third time in four weeks they’ve done that.
It’s gotta stop if the ‘Caps want a chance at the playoffs.
