Outside90’s Daniel Fraiz-Martinez returns to dissect all of the action from an action-packed Matchday 10 of Major League Soccer.
Orlando salvage a draw, but remain winless at home
Friday night saw a courageous late fight-back from Orlando City, to earn an unexpected point versus the high flying New England Revolution.
Adrian Heath’s beleaguered expansion side rallied back from a two goal deficit with barely a quarter of an hour to go, to both claim their first goal(s) at home since their MLS opening day draw against New York City FC, and also an unlikely point considering the context of the match and quality of their opponent.
The Rev’s, having capitalised on defensive errors (most notably the second goal coming from a huge error in judgement by young Portuguese right back Rafael Ramos) had seemed in control. But a well taken goal by rookie Cyle Larin (Ramos somewhat atoning for his earlier mistake with an inviting assist) and a 90th minute equaliser by French defender Aurélien Collin, left Orlando (perhaps) the marginally more satisfied of the two sides on the final whistle.
As was to be expected, Orlando City have struggled somewhat in the early running. Experiencing the altogether not uncommon growing pains of most expansion sides when arriving in MLS. And while a spate of serious injuries to key players have far from abated these concerns, the Central Florida based side continue to play exciting football.
Equally positive for the league has been Orlando’s ability to continue to attract capacity crowds at their home field, despite an unspectacular start. Meaning overall, there is still much to be positive for Ricky Kaka and his teammates as the campaign progresses.
Best of The West: Whitecaps run riot, while Valeri & Diaz rule the roost.
Over in the Western conference the presumed status quo was maintained with the Vancouver Whitecaps comfortably defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-0.
In truth, the result never looked in doubt as South American supremo’s Pedro Morales and Octavio Rivero, along with substitute Darren Mattocks underlined the difference in class. Though Philadelphia are left to wonder what might have been, had David Ousted not pulled off a contender for Save of the Season with the score still 0-0.
Over in Montreal, CONCACAF Champions League Runners up the Montreal Impact where left to rue the untimely (and conversely timely for the Timbers) return of Diego Valeri.
The Argentine maestro’s exquisite 70th minute strike was the winner in a hard fought 2-1 victory, highlighting both the undoubted quality mentioned on his return last week and his almost ubiquitous influence on the Portland Timbers overall play.
Unlike his countryman Valeri, Mauro Diaz cannot claim to be a one man band for his side FC Dallas. However, the diminutive playmaker’s impact on his sides 2-1 victory over MLS Cup champions the LA Galaxy.
Although Diaz did not get on the scoresheet, the Argentine was involved in both goals for a FC Dallas team that continue to ride high in both the Western Conference and the Supporters Shield race.
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Columbus make a statement in the East, as DC & Sporting KC cancel themselves out Over in the Eastern Conference
The Columbus Crew defeated the Seattle Sounders by the odd goal out of five in a 3-2 scoreline, as good an advertisement you are likely to see for the exciting attacking fare that MLS has progressed to in recent times.
Kei Kamara and Clint Dempsey both bagged a brace, with Federico Higuaín (the older brother of Napoli and Argentina forward Gonzalo) netting the other. Greg Berhalter no doubt hopes that the win will prove a statement of intent for his erratic Columbus Crew pupils.
Saturday night also saw DC United extend their unbeaten run to six games, with their 1-1 draw against Sporting Kansas City.
The point, enough to give DC sole possession of the top of Eastern Conference, was in truth a fair result in a largely tepid encounter. Dom Dwyer’s 45th minute equaliser cancelled out Jairo Arrieta’s opener, leaving Ben Olsen’s men to lament the absence of their talismanic forward Fabian Espindola.
The Dynamo spoil Toronto’s party to claim a surprise road victory
The first instalment of “Soccer Sunday” saw Toronto FC return to a revamped BMO Field after an arduous seven game away stand to begin their season. No doubt many of the fans where expecting a comfortable home victory, in the process of seeing their star off-season acquisitions of US international striker Jozy Altidore and former Juventus playmaker Sebastian Giovinco.
Unfortunately for the TFC fans, the Houston Dynamo had not read the script, edging the contest as 2-1 winners.
Owen Coyle’s men who have struggled of late, took the lead through Oscar Boniek Garcia, tucking home the rebound from his initial saved penalty attempt. Forward Will Bruin would finish off a blistering a run by strike partner Giles Barnes to double Houston’s advantage.
And although Jozy Altidore would pull one back to ensure a tense finish, the visitors would manage to hold on to claim a welcome three points, leaving Toronto fans with that altogether familiar disappointment that has characterised their time in MLS to date.
10 Man New York Red Bulls hold on for first ever New York Derby win
Soccer Sunday also paid host to the first ever intra-city rivalry between the New York Red Bulls and expansion side New York City FC.
A keenly contested affair, the New York Red Bulls overall quality and experience showed as they where able to defeat their rivals 2-1. Despite playing nearly an hour of the game with 10 men, after the Red Bulls’ homegrown centre-back Matt Miazga was sent-off for a second bookable offence.
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Having taken the lead with barely 4 minutes on the clock through last seasons Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips, Jesse Marsch’s side would add a second through Bradley Wright-Phillips, after some effective build up play from Lloyd Sam and Sacha Kljestan.
New York City would, however, pull a goal back through substitute Patrick Mullins, the result never really looked in doubt though thanks to a largely toothless performance from Jason Kreis’ side, now winless in eight matches.
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