MLS Week Four: Five lessons from this week...

New York Red Bulls are top of the Eastern Conference, Chicago Fire, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake all won and Dallas lost their perfect record against Seattle.

A lot can change in a week but Colorado Rapids still haven't scored an MLS goal this season.

Here are five things we learnt in MLS Week Four...

1)      US Soccer unites after tragic loss

We join with Cal in mourning the loss of soccer player Eloi Vasquez. (via @CalAthletics) pic.twitter.com/T7jn6tEIkF
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 31, 2015

The death of UC Berkeley freshman Eloi Vasquez has sent shockwaves through the US soccer family, who have come together to mourn his loss.

The missing 20-year-old died in an horrific car accident in the early hours of Saturday morning and his tragic death has seen an outpour of support from MLS Clubs, Colleges and soccer fans.

The freshman was considered a strong prospect at Berkeley. All our thoughts go out to Eloi’s family and friends.

Doyle has scored 14 goals for Ireland

2)      Colorado need a rapid solution

Colorado Rapids have gone 510 minutes without scoring, they have just sold last season’s top scorer Deshorn Brown and Kevin Doyle doesn’t arrive until July 1.

The Rapids are on a 17 match winless run and, given their current nightmares in front of goal, seem doomed to pass the all time MLS record of 19 matches without a win.

Doyle will be a great addition but it might be too late to save their season come July – Pablo Mastroeni needs to sign a striker now.

3)      FC Dallas steeled for Supporters’ Shield

When Kellyn Acosta received his marching orders after 18 minutes of Dallas’ match with Seattle Sounders, most people assumed the game would signal the end of their unbeaten start.

However, led by Zach Loyd, Dallas produced a remarkable defensive display to prevent the Sounders from having a single shot on target.

With Blas Perez returning from international duty, Oscar Pareja has a side capable of claiming Dallas’ second Supporters’ Shield.

4)      Shipp floats Chicago’s boat

Harry Shipp was leagues ahead of everyone else on the pitch, producing a sparkling man of the match display, as Chicago Fire claimed their first win of the season over Philadelphia Union.

The homegrown player racked up seven goals and six assists in his first MLS season and already has a goal and Sunday’s match-winning assist this time round.

In a wavy second half run Shipp breezed past Union’s defence in a manner reminiscent of Moses’ parting of the Red Sea – one to watch for fantasy league fans.

Adu won the MLS Cup at 15

5)      Much Adu about nothing?

He scored his first MLS goal aged 14, won his first MLS Cup with DC United aged 15, and was even touted as the next Pele.

Adu has just signed for Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura, quite the fall from grace for the man who once played alongside Rui Costa and Angel di Maria at Benfica.

At 25 his best years might still be ahead of him, but time and opportunities are starting to run out for Nike’s childhood superstar.

Images courtesy of Bongarts and Drew Hallowell, with thanks.