Outside90’s Daniel Fraiz-Martinez breaks down all the action from a packed Matchday 21 of Major League Soccer.
Despite conceding three, Toronto FC prove they have surely turned the corner
It would be a somewhat paradoxical to say that a team who conceded three goals in an almost lacklustre first 47 minutes, would then be the more satisfied when the whistle blows at the end of their contest.
However, Toronto FC came from behind 3-3 to draw with Columbus Crew on Saturday night, as Greg Vanney and his side breathed a big sigh of relief to pick up a point.
The Toronto of old made a habit of capitulating in such games, without the courageous recovery seen in Saturday’s encounter.
Inspired by their designated superstar Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto’s efforts where perhaps more aptly embodied by a player who screams out journeyman rather than Galactico – Collen Waner. His grit and determination highlighting a resolve that had previously eluded his team, instead often cursed with late season disaster than success.
With a healthy points tally already on the board, and an even healthier points per game balance, whisper quietly but Toronto FC are a shoe in to finally make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
FC Dallas show they are ruthless and Timbers’ defensive worries continue
FC Dallas are on fire, having catapulted to the top of the Western Conference and Supporters Shield overall. Oscar Pareja’s dynamic side seem to be unstoppable at present, tearing apart the sides on route to a league high five wins in a row.
On Saturday night, despite having almost an equal share of possession and seven shots to three on target, they inflicted a clinical 4-1 over Portland Timbers.
While Dallas’ effectiveness should be applauded, their thrashing also highlights a worrying decline for Portland.
Five losses in their past six away games, conceding a whopping 17 and scoring just three is an abysmal patch of form.
The early season partnership between Liam Ridgewell and veteran Nat Borchers had proved the focal point of a revamped Timbers side.
But with the English Designated Player in particular suffering a crisis of confidence, their frailties have been exposed for all to see.
Caleb Porter and his charges have time to recover the situation and the attacking talent to bridge the gap on the likes of Dallas, however, they will need to tighten up at the back to have any chance.
NYCFC and Orlando SC are good for MLS
For the purists Soccer Sunday’s Expansion Class showdown was a defensive nightmare. For those with any kind of love of the beautiful game the 5-3 goal fest at Yankee Stadium was a game to remember.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkpOYGOTP4g
With quality players like David Villa, Kaká, Andrea Pirlo and Co dazzling the crowd, this was a depiction of how much the league has strengthened in recent times.
The marquee signings excite the imagination and both teams have reason to be optimistic for a successful season and beyond.
The MLS talent influx looks set to continue
Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Giovanni Dos Santos, Lucas Melano, Pirlo and most recently Didier Drogba head a star-studded list. You’d think MLS’ summer shopping spree would be all but over, but Monday morning saw the arrival of former England and Chelsea midfielder Shan Wright Phillips, who joined his brother at New York Red Bulls.
Surprisingly, Drogba chose Montreal Impact instead of the reported Chicago Fire, but his expected employers decided to draft in Brazilian forward Gilberto instead.
Overall the MLS continues to recruit in abundance, although some see the players as an unnecessary luxury designed to purely increase the casual spectator. Critics, however, believe the arrivals of are restricting the ability of sides to develop young US talent. This is further exacerbated by the US national teams recent failure at the Gold Cup, and it is fair to say that the debate will rage on for the foreseeable future.
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