What We Learned – MLS Matchday 27

What We Learned – MLS Matchday 27

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Outside90’s Daniel Fraiz-Martinez breaks down all the action to come out of the latest round of Major League Soocer.

Instant Impact – Drogba shows he could be the man to solve the Montreal problem

If Didier Drogba and the Montreal Impact would have scripted his first start in an MLS fixture, it probably would not have looked much different to the match played out at the Stade Saputo on Saturday night.

Truth be told, they may well have also chosen the same opposition, in the form of the notoriously calamitous Chicago Fire defence .

A breathtaking goal scoring festival played out to the delight of the neutrals at the very least. Drogba claimed an impressive hat-trick, inspiring his new side to a 4-3 victory.

Predictably, the difference in quality of DP’s was the key factor, with the Impact’s interim boss Mauro Biello no doubt keeping his fingers firmly crossed that he can keep the likes of Ignacio Piatti and (of course) Drogba fit for their remaining games in hand, the play-off chase looks set to heat up as the season comes to a close.

With Mauro Biello and company next to facing the all conquering LA Galaxy, just how instant Drogba’s impact will really be is set for a sterner test.

Seattle’s one-two punch comes to the rescue

After a dismal defensive display against the Portland Timbers, albeit happily concluded with a crucial victory, the Seattle Sounders’ one-two punch of the “Deuce and Oba show” returned in the knick of time, leading the side over a depleted Toronto FC.

A goal each by Obafemi Martins and the returning Clint Dempsey, sandwiched in-between a solitary Erik Zavaleta strike for Toronto, earned the Sounders to another crucial three points

However, an underlying cautionary note would still apply, as the manner of the victory against an opposition short of arguably eight regular starters hardly inspires confidence.

Though Sigi Schmid will be at least resting a little easier in the knowledge that the ‘show’ is back on tour!

The streak is broken, but San Jose still remain in control

Headed into what was on paper at least their easiest fixture of the last five, it would come as somewhat of a surprise that the inform San Jose Earthquakes would concede two late goals, on route to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against the Philadelphia Union.

Chris Wondolowski’s penalty was cancelled out by a brace from substitute Conor Casey in a game that brought San Jose firmly back to down to earth after a hugely impressive August.

The frustration is no doubt further compounded by the knowledge that even a draw would have brought the Earthquakes level with the Portland Timbers in the final play-off position in the Western Conference.

But despite all the doom and gloom post match talk, the unimpressive recent nature of both the Timbers’ and indeed the Sounders’ performances of late, suggest that the Earthquakes may well still be with a more than reasonable chance of reaching their post-season objective after all.

https://youtu.be/xU6Sq05sYhs

Homegrown Record Breakers lead the way for MLS

FC Dallas’s 3-0 defeat of a usually stubborn Columbus Crew was not just impressive, it was record breaking.

For the first time in MLS history, a side would field five homegrown players formed in an American academy, as Dallas showcased why their programme is seen as one of (if not the) best and brightest in the country.

Sceptics will say that this was in part influenced by necessity, due to International absences. However, at least two of the four man homegrown contingent midfield (the remaining graduate being the fast learning young American goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez) are guaranteed regulars.

With Kellyn Acosta and Victor Ulloa arguably among the best in the league in their respective roles, both are surely destined themselves for international recognition in the not too distant future.

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The match  itself somewhat paradoxically saw FC Dallas find the score sheet through three of their imports, in Atiba Harris, Colombian speedster Michael Barrios and Uruguayan frontman David Texeira, making the Columbus Crew pay for their wastefulness.

Indeed, had Federico Higuain missed a somewhat controversial penalty, or the Crew not failed to capitalise on their considerable possession throughout the contest, the glowing eulogies for the FC Dallas academy, and the notable feel good factor throughout US Soccer may well be dampened. But nonetheless, Oscar Pareja and company deserve applause all the same.

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